This months cover by Aleksandar Ares, layout by K.K.W |
"When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred" (1)
As if matters were not already somewhat grim in Romania (the fight over the judiciary, press freedom: journalists under fire, the referendum against the president, and possibly having to borrow money from the IMF, etc) now the government has changed the mission, subordination and leadership of the RCI. Most alarming is the undemocratic process by which these changes were made. It forgoes the regular transparent and consultive process of legislating by the Parliament of such a change.
Traian Basescu (President of Romania) speaking at a rally in his support. Photo courtesy of wikipedia |
Through an emergency ordinance bill passed on June 13th 2012, the government now seeks to "preserve and perpetuate national identity." Apparently elements within the government did not like the current direction of the RCI, and clearly sees the power having control over it brings. The changes made via the bill are aimed at stemming what some feel are "...highly negative effects of some state of affairs that tend to affect, permanently, the sense of belonging to the Romanian nation of those who are already settled, temporarily, in other states". In protest over the changes the director & deputy director of the RCINY have both pledged to resign in mid-Nov 2012.
The Romanian cultural institute has 17 branches, including NYC, in various parts of the world. Their strategy or aim, to be open to the outside world, re-link the Romanian cultural market (cut off from the west)with the western world. Given the broad reach of 17 branches, its an immense outlet for whoever appoints its leaders and has major influence over them and or to dictate policy.
Corina Suteu (left- former director of the RCI), & Oana Radu (former deputy director of the RCI) |
While the institute under its president Horia Roman Patapievici has maintained an a-political agenda, many feel it will be the complete opposite given new leadership via the changes, backed by the government. Also, there is the very real danger of the governments actions being used as a precedent for further acts that by-pass normal political process.
Stefan Peca, former communication coordinator. Image courtesy of Mr Peca |
In the end, nothing lasts forever. And on that note, here's hoping that these dark days head will be no more then a brief interruption, that will soon pass thanks those who realize they have a duty to stand in active opposition, against a clear and present danger to contemporary Romanian culture.
If you would like to know more, go to:http://icrny.org/n169-Romanian_Cultural_Institute_changed.html, or:www.google.com/search?q=romanian+politics+2012&hl=en&gbv=2&gs_l=heirloom-hp.3.1.0l10.51544.66264.0.69078.19.14.1.4.4.0.325.1511.9j1j0j2.12.0...0.0...1c.1.rCNbmWKOtkg&oq=romanian+politics"Art is the reason, art is the way" (1) Niccolo Machiavelli. Stage One Pro 51cm Road Bike - Road & Touring Bikes (Google Affiliate Ad)Packleader Pro 51cm Road Bike - Road & Touring Bikes (Google Affiliate Ad)roxy Oregon Shoes (Blk) - Women's Shoes - 9.0 M (Google Affiliate Ad)
If you would like to know more, go to:http://icrny.org/n169-Romanian_Cultural_Institute_changed.html, or:www.google.com/search?q=romanian+politics+2012&hl=en&gbv=2&gs_l=heirloom-hp.3.1.0l10.51544.66264.0.69078.19.14.1.4.4.0.325.1511.9j1j0j2.12.0...0.0...1c.1.rCNbmWKOtkg&oq=romanian+politics"Art is the reason, art is the way" (1) Niccolo Machiavelli. Stage One Pro 51cm Road Bike - Road & Touring Bikes (Google Affiliate Ad)Packleader Pro 51cm Road Bike - Road & Touring Bikes (Google Affiliate Ad)roxy Oregon Shoes (Blk) - Women's Shoes - 9.0 M (Google Affiliate Ad)
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