Mailbag: Rohrabacher is a good man

I highly disfavor Michael Miller’s recent political hit-column on the character and reputation of Rep. Dana Rohrabacher. As a World War II veteran and longtime Orange County resident, I am deeply worried about the left-wing direction of our once-proud nation. I feel lucky to have a congressional representative of Rohrabacher’s character and stature in these troubled times.

On a number of occasions I have phoned his office to vent my concerns. Each time I have been promptly answered by people who are well-schooled and current in national and world affairs.

After a close look, I am convinced of his ethical correctness and of the frugality of his expenditures. He adheres both to the letter and spirit of the heavy responsibilities of his office.

William B. Anderson

Costa Mesa

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Please remember the Azerbaijani Genocide

March 31 is known as the Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis, referring to the tragic events that happened on March 31 to April 1, 1918. In one of the first comprehensive scholarly studies of the tragedy, Yale University Professor Firuz Kazemzadeh wrote: “This three-day massacre by Armenians is recorded in history as the ‘March Events’ and thousands of Muslims [Azeris], old people, women and children lost their lives” (“The Struggle for Transcaucasia, 1917-1921,” New York, 1951, p. 69).

The position of historians is that close to a million of Azeris, as well as Turks, Kurds, Jews and Georgians, were massacred.

Nevada’s governor issued a proclamation in 2009 and 2010 recognizing March 31 as the day of remembrance of the victims of the genocide. You can see it here: USAzeris.org/proclamations/NevadaProclamationMarch2009.jpg.

Texas State Rep. John Zerwas did the same in 2011.

I am asking you to join the Azerbaijani American community and the US Azeris Network (USAN) in commemorating the Azerbaijani Genocide by making a statement for the record in your committees, legislature or newspaper column, or by issuing a proclamation/citation.

Narmina Mamed

Irvine