Oppose Resolution

Northwest Herald
March 2, 2010

To the Editor:

The United States is confronted with a daunting number of challenges in our nation’s foreign relations, including dual wars, meeting energy needs, and preventing the growth of terrorist networks. In all these areas, we have an ally in Turkey.

In a bizarre move during such turbulent times, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, including Rep. Don Manzullo, is preparing to vote on March 4 on House Resolution 252, which will recognize as “genocide” tragic events that took place nearly 100 years ago in the defunct Ottoman Empire, despite holes in the historical argument.

This raises the question: why is the committee squandering its time on an issue that has no relevance to America’s foreign relations and interests? The answer is simple: Lobbying.

Despite much bravado about limiting the influence of special interests, money and manpower still control Washington’s agenda. The Armenian-American lobby spends an estimated $40 million annually on its agenda, which revolves around recognition of an Armenian genocide.

This issue, ultimately, should not be on the docket of Congress. It’s time to put an end to a dangerous game, but it will end only when Americans raise their voice and tell Rep. Manzullo to oppose this resolution.

By: Lincoln McCurdy

President, Turkish Coalition of America

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