Macedonia News - Chris M. Purdeff

As an American-Macedonian who has volunteered in the Republic of Macedonia with the United States Peace Corps, I would like to express my disappointment in the recent Resolution 92 SR0446 pass by the members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois.

In all honesty, I do not understand the logic of the Illinois Representatives in passing such legislature without first fully understanding the implications and historical background of Macedonia, and the impact that it may have on this nations' future. In stating this, I would like to ask:

1. What did the constituents of Illinois gain from Resolution 92 SR0446?

2. What did the members of the House gain in passing Resolution 92 SR0446?

3. What did the Honourable Governor gain in not vetoing Resolution 92 SR0446?

4. Should Resolution 92 SR0446 not be considered an invasion of International Law?

5. Should Resolution 92 SR0446 not be considered an invasion of the sovereignty of the Republic of Macedonia, which as a free and democratic nation chose the name Macedonia through a National Referendum? (Does the State of Illinois negate this democratic referendum by Macedonians?)

6. Does the Honourable Governor of Illinois and the members of the House understand that the Republic of Macedonia was practically destroyed economically by neighbouring Greece through an economic embargo because they insist that they, and only they, have sole right to the name Macedonia and its diverse culture?

7. Does the Honourable Governor and the members of the House of Illinois understand that, the Republic of Macedonia is currently in negotiations (and fighting for its life) with Greece over the name dispute?

8. Is the Governor of Illinois and the members of the House in Illinois claiming that through recently passed Resolution 92 SR0446 that they are taking a Non-Neutral Stance on the Macedonia-Greece Name issue?

In addition, I would like to also point out to the Honourable Governor that Illinois has a sizable Macedonian Population that does vote, regularly, and will take notice of Resolution 92 SR0446. In fact, I am most certain that their reaction to this resolution will not be positive.

As an American National with an ethnic Macedonian background, I do not intend to educate the Honourable Governor of Illinois and the members of Illinois House, by claiming outlandish historical "facts" (As the Modern Greeks do, and now, the State of Illinois).

I do, however, intend to present the Honourable Governor of Illinois with the truth. MACEDONIANS ARE NOT GREEK. They were never Greek, nor will they ever be Greek. Resolution 92 SR0446 is Unfounded, Unjust, and Un-American.

I implore the Honourable Governor to take interest in the "Macedonian Question," to read a bit about Macedonian history, and to sit down and talk to his Macedonian constituents in the greater Chicago area.

I am certain there is a lot to learn.

Sincerely,

Chris M. Purdef
RPCV - Macedonia

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