Serving in the Armenian Military

Many people in Glendale are self-declared experts... on everything. They can explain to you the complex politics of third world countries, make accurate economic forecasts without a single degree in economics... heck, (as we've seen) they can even explain the causes and consequences of social dynamics in various communities.

But above all, Glendalians believe that they are charged with the duty of differentiating between "good" and "bad" and maintaining the balance of equality for everyone (not just Glendalians).

Carol Weling is a constant "upholder of Democracy" and often plays the role of Themis (the goddess of justice).

Recently, a Glendale man (publisher of Zhamanak newspaper and apparently known for his open criticism of the Armenian government) was prosecuted in Armenia for evading the Armenian draft (by falisfying documents re: his marital status).

As a disclaimer I will note that I am a liberal and against any drafts, particularly in the U.S. But, this isn't the U.S. Many foreign countries have a mandatory drafts and I don't really want to get into the draft debate because there are plenty of arguments for and against. (And I'm not writing this in defense of the guy. Perhaps he deserves the punishment he got - perhaps the gov't went easy on him. The point isn't this guy - the point is the ridiculous conclusions Ms. Weling draws..)

In commenting on this situation and the controversy surrounding it, Weling bolding states, "This 30-year-old man has a problem."

How presumptious of her! I do not know the character of this man. For all I know he might be a thief, a cheat - maybe just an all around asshole! Or not. Leaving Armenia and dodging a draft might not be the most NOBLE thing to do but it certaintly doesn't permit anyone to jump to such conclusions.

She later goes on to say, "This country is at war. We expect those who are called to serve, such as our National Guard, and to do so honorably. We do not expect our residents to falsify documents and make misrepresentations so they could evade their duty under the laws of this country. Why, then, do certain members of our community think it is A-OK to evade the laws of another country and to violate their sovereignty?"

Actually, according to the leadership, this country is not at war - not officially at least. Instead we are "peace keeping" or "rebuilding" or something benign like that. (Look, blowing people's heads off is just a part of our efforts to "keep the peace!") But, there is a more important flaw in her argument - people are not drafted to serve in the National Guard. Nor are they drafted into any branch of our military. Period. Don't make inaccurate comparisons.

She goes on to say, "I was amazed at the response of Councilman Ara Najarian, an attorney who is sworn to uphold laws, even suggesting that this community become engaged in such disrespect for the laws of Armenia by writing a letter eluding to the fact that Babajanyan is an 'upstanding resident of Glendale.'" Her reasoning is that, "Why, then, do certain members of our community think it is A-OK to evade the laws of another country and to violate their sovereignty? Glendale should not be asked to disrespect the laws and sovereignty of Armenia." (and then adds, "Shame on Najarian; he needs a refresher course in ethics.")

Oh yes, I forgot! We never try to influence policy in Armenia with letters, threats or general "pressure." And of course, we respect the sovereignty of EVERY country. We are America - we'd never impose on others! (I wonder if Weling ever picks up a newspaper other than the Glendale News Press - maybe she needs a refresher course in politics and government!).


More fun things:
"Upstanding residents of Glendale are not draft dodgers." Next thing you know Weling will proclaim that President's don't dodge drafts either! Is it legal to be so naive at

"I can only conclude that Najarian is proposing that Glendale become a safe house for draft dodgers." Perhaps Weling doesn't realize that AMERICA is a safehouse for draft dogers - and outsed leaders. Why shouldn't we extend that "protection" to everyone?

"Why would anyone believe that breaking such a vital national law, designed to protect the safety of your country, would only generate a 'fine and then you be free'?" Perhaps I am being a bit cynical here but... perhaps Weling has never visited Armenia (or any other post-soviet/foreign country) where FINES are ALWAYS permissible - as are bribes!

Of course, Weling, the obvious EXPERT in crime and just punishment concludes her rant with, "I have an additional recommendation. After he serves his time in prison, he should be made to serve his military obligation, as is required by Armenian law. Once that obligation is completed, then he should secure a job in Armenia and pay back the money that the government had to expend to house him for his sentence."

I think Weling is a GENIUS. I say, WHY STOP THERE? We should require EVERY criminal in the U.S.A. to pay back the debt they owe to us - our damn tax dollars go to fund their prison stays! Do you know that California has had an average of (something like) one new prison per 2 years and no new colleges for DECADES? Imagine how many more schools we could build if prisoners paid back their debt! Weling, I think thats the smartest thing you've said yet!