Yesterday, I came across to a poster on Baghramyan Street, which was dedicated to our national hero, prominent military leader Andranik Ozanyan’s 149th anniversary. The portrait of the military leader was on the left side of the poster, and Sardarabat on the right side. People who are knowledgeable about the historic event may have the impression that Andranik had participated in the Battle of Sardarabat. However, it is known that he did not participate, moreover, he was in deep contradictions with the then actual leaders of Armenia. As to who was right and who was wrong, now it is not a matter of discussion. It is about how inadequately we perceive our not so distant past.
We do not objectively appreciate even our passed years, let’s say, what used to be 20, 30, and 40 years ago. The reasons are different. Some live with nostalgic memories of his youth, some fabricates the past for political purposes, some is just young and listens to the stories told by the older generation. But the elders, for example, can tell that Andranik had participated in the Battle of Sardarabat. Or, that during the Communists times, the shop windows were in abundance of goods.
My perception about the past is also subjective. And with my this subjective impression, in my entire conscious lifetime (about 40 years), 90% of Armenians is discontent with the life. Now, they can say that they were very contented during the Communists times. But it is not so. Yes, the engineer or teacher who used to receive 120 rubles were dying of starvation. But they could not see that clandestine manufacturers, storage men, secretary of the Regional Committee live a hundred times better. What, weren’t they complaining of injustice? They did, but in the kitchens. Otherwise, it was dangerous. What, didn’t many of them want to run away from the Soviet Armenia. They did. But, it actually was prohibited.
The discontent of 90 percent is maintained. But over 25 years, we can protest on the streets rather than in the kitchens. We can also run away. The first one is much preferable than the second one. But the complaint of 90 percent, resentment, profane, curses and so on, yet, it is not a “nation-wide movement”. Political movement begins when you, as a political force, say what you are going to do to eliminate the causes generating this discontent. It was not said in 1988, the notions of the “Karabakh” committee about the future were vague, whereas we, 100 thousands of people believing in them were inexperienced. After that, all political forces taken together, regardless of their “camp”, again do not say. Perhaps, the do not know. However, we have already gained some experience and demand more or less thoughtful and articulated wordings from them rather than just toast.
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So far, “good wishes” are sounded by both sides, and 90 percent keeps rightfully complaining. Nevertheless, it is a temporary phenomenon. 25 years is a moment for the history, and we’ll find our correct wording. Unless, of course, we are preserved as an independent state.
ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
