DEAR EDITOR:
Congratulations to the editors of World Sikh News on two courageous yet thoughtfully written editorials, (“A Dangerous Omen” Sept 2nd and “Sikh Youth Must Develop Political Platform,” Sept 23rd.
Wanton violence particularly in Western countries, can only help those who wish to see the Panth destroyed. They use an old principle, “If you wish to ruin someone, first destroy their reputation.”
Let us hope that the World Sikh News will continue to fearlessly expose all repressions, corruption or irresponsibility of leadership that affects the Panth. But, if this newspaper is to get the respect and attention that it should have in the international community, let its language and editorial style be restrained and unemotional such as we have seen in these editorials Such control and restraint befits a journal of this stature.
VIKRAM SINGH KHALSA MSS. SAN DIEGO, CA
DEAR EDITOR:
A few weeks ago there was a Report in your paper about a rally organized by some Sikhs in California for Mike Dukakis, the presidential nominee of the Democratic, While it is true that the democratic are perceived as the party that is “good” for minorities living in America, it does not take a political genius to realize that it is the Republican party that offers whatever little hope there is for getting America’s help for the Sikhs in Punjab.
In this context it is important to note that California is predicted to be a key “swing” state in the upcoming presidential elections. Also, California has a sizeable population of Sikhs. It is therefore important for the Sikhs in California to organize them and vote as a block for George Bush, the Republican ‘party’s nominee. For that, Sikh leaders (self-styled or otherwise!) in California must get people to vote Republican on November 8th, the election day. Gurdwaras, Sikh publications and social gatherings should be used to get the word out to the community. In areas of large concentration (e.g. Yuba City, Stockton etc.), the Gurdwara leadership should consider having wellpublicised registration drives at their gurudwar as on Sundavs.
Often times there is talk in the Sikh community of their leaders being interested only in occupying “chairs.” Well, here is a chance for some of them to prove to the Sikh masses that they are interested, and capable, of doing things of real value to the community.
Incidentally, this applies to other states (and cities) as well, although with somewhat diminished importance.
- Singh Boston, Massachussetts
Article extracted from this publication >> October 7, 1988
