United Macedonia Diaspora

[indigen]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Warrior, i reckon you're right on the money...

There is also the possibility of Meto (UMD) towing the Mk gov line and, with MPO support, getting elected as an DPMNE MP for North America or, failing that and providing DPMNE wins the next election, some other appointment by them for services rendered, much like what happened with a couple of MAFA executive members.

Diaspora politics will be interesting in 2012 or before next election in Mk.

[Vangelovski]

In my view, the purpose of a good constitution is to limit the power of the government so that it cannot be exercised arbitrarily. Generally, a constitution outlines the structure of Government, establishes necessary institutions and specifies their duties and responsibilities. A constitution provides authority to the government to carry out its duties and meet its responsibilities as defined by the constitution.

Therefore, a government is limited by the constitution and can exercise it powers only as specifically provided for by that constitution. Further, a government should not (though it happens in practice) arbitrarily amend its constitution (the highest law in the land) without the express consent of the people – as its very authority is derived from the people – let alone in response to the demands of a foreign power.

Further, I’m yet to see a constitution that provides the government with a “right”. Rights are usually recognised in relation to individuals and usually defence of their liberty.

You stated that there is nothing in the constitution that forbids the government from negotiating. That is assuming that the government has unlimited power and authority and must be expressly ‘forbidden’ to exercise it in certain instances, otherwise it is free to exercise power as it sees fit. I would turn that upside down and say that in the western constitutional tradition, a government has limited powers in that it is not free to do as it pleases and can only exercise the powers expressly provided to it under its constitution.

Nowhere in the Macedonian Constitution do I see the Macedonian Government been provided a duty, responsibility or authority, let alone the “right”, to negotiate changes to the constitution with a foreign power. Such authority cannot be assumed and must be expressly provided by the people, which it has not.

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by indigen

There is also the possibility of Meto (UMD) towing the Mk gov line and, with MPO support, getting elected as an DPMNE MP for North America or, failing that and providing DPMNE wins the next election, some other appointment by them for services rendered, much like what happened with a couple of MAFA executive members.

Diaspora politics will be interesting in 2012 or before next election in Mk.

Good point 'indigen'...

i just don't believe that the UMD leadership is working with Macedonia's best interests in mind, somebody is pulling their strings...but who are they, who stands to get most benefit from the current UMD strategy?

Personally, the things i find most disturbing about UMD are...

Their 'previous' willingness to entertain name (and identity) change

A reluctance to issue strong statements condemning European and American inaction at NATO and the EU (Council of Europe)

The failure of UMD to condemn the Interim Accord and Framework Agreement

UMD seeking out working partnerships with the likes of MPO

A general failure to convey the true views of the diaspora

[Risto the Great]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

A general failure to convey the true views of the diaspora

This is really the crux isn't it.

And perhaps cultural elements do in fact distinguish Macedonians from Australia versus USA etc. I am not entirely convinced though as the commonality between all Macedonians in the Diaspora is the desire to set things right. I would like to think most people would see the Macedonian Cause as an attempt to define that desire. I think USA Macedonians would embrace the Cause without much convincing.

[Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Alpha

Well...Ivanov seems to think there is popular support in macedonia for your troops in afghanistan. Just hope they take part in non combatative role in that black hole of a country.

Do you think that its about 'western notions' like 'popular support'...is the Macedonian electorate more concerned about standards of living or troop deployments...?

I think because of a variety of reasons that Ivanov's decision (not that its his alone) doesn't play on the average Macedonians mind, the average Macedonian voter is a bit more concerned about his day to day existence, not so much about where the government is sending its troops.

To date, Macedonian troops have been lucky not to have suffered deaths on the battlefield, I like to think that its because of their training, their professionalism and their character but I'm realistic enough to understand that the 'hand of fate' also plays a big part of whether their excellent record remains and I wish them the very best that it continues.
What do you think will happen if things start turning to shit for our troops in Afghanistan, nothing drives home the message of futility than body bags at the airport, thats when it starts getting really personal and really emotional and thats when we will get the only true gauge of 'popular support'...

[Warrior]

Originally Posted by Rogi

Warrior, what does UMD have to do with the Macedonian Film Festival in Melbourne which is organised by the independent Macedonian Film Festival Inc. and how does sponsorship of the Macedonian Film Festival in Melbourne in any way relate to UMD? They are not related organisations.

You seem to have your wires crossed about the Macedonian organisations and groups in the Diaspora.

Not at all. The people that i was in contact for that event are UMD members and support their policies. Also UMD had an input of how that event should be organised. Those same people are also part of the VMRO orgnisation in Melbourne. Dont you think there is a connection??

[Rogi]

UMD had an input of how the event should be organised? I'm afraid you are mistaken.

And there's no connection between UMD and VMRO-DPMNE foreign committee any more than any Macedonian diaspora groups have a 'connection' (i.e. all activists know each other).

You really missed the mark, I saw your emails and why you pulled out from sponsoring the event and it was really disappointing, because UMD had nothing to do with the Film Festival in Melbourne.

[Rogi]

Cuba Libre in Ohrid is great

[Prolet]

Rogi, There is a Cuba Libre in SutoMore, are you sure its not the same one?

[blackcactus]

All I see are a lot of Macedonians on a merry go round