Conference turris::womannotes-v1

737.0. "Write a letter to Gorbachev" by 38709::GOKHMAN (Boris the Bear) Wed Feb 24 1988 14:59

Greetings,

I have not been a contributor to this esteemed forum, although an occasional
reader. Some of you know me from the SOAPBOX, where I achieved a certain
notoriety in the last few months. Whatever one can say about the 'Boxers,
all too true, no doubt, they are a civic minded lot and respond 
enthusiastically to the noble undertakings. I received many replies to this one
and it occured to me that I might appeal to the members of this conference.
So, with the kind permission of your moderators, I am posting a copy of the
SOAPBOX note. If you would like to contribute to this effort, send me E-Mail.

				BtheB

            <<< BETHE::$DISK3:[NOTES$LIBRARY]SOAPBOX_1988.NOTE;5 >>>
                               -< Soapbox 1988 >-
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Note 184.0                  Boxers write to Gorbachev                 34 replies
BIGNUM::GOKHMAN "Boris the Bear"                     31 lines  22-FEB-1988 23:11
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Admit it, 'boxers, we all would love to have the ear of a Great Man, if
only for a fleeting moment. Here is your chance. 

I received a request on behalf of my close personal friend. He is in Russia,
a radio-engineer, and a Jew. Last year he married an American woman from
Boulder, Colorado. And, predictably, the Soviets wouldn't let him out. When
I received a letter from her, I thought: "whom shall I ask for help if not
the civic minded 'boxers?"

Wouldn't you like to write a nice letter to Gorba the Merciful, tell him
how you like the glasnost, the INF treaty, the peace and understanding, and
imply by the way, how all those would be enhanced if a certain husband were
allowed to live with his wife in Boulder, Co.

My friend has been doing odd jobs, like boiler room operator, for at least
5 years or so, that with Ph.D. in EE. But that's understood, that's the fate
of most refuseniks. I am not too optimistic about the efficasy of the letter
campaign, but those who follow these matters, maintain that showing the
Soviets that a person is known and cared for in the West, helps. The conjecture
is that the bureacrasy may decide that holding him back is not worth the 
negative publicity.

But what do you have to loose? Twenty minutes of your time taken away from 
vital 'box matters, and 44 cents postage. And it just might work. You would
help a good man, gain a lot of experience in the international diplomacy,
not to mention self-respect and membership in a Bear Fan Club.

So, send me your DEC mail stop, and I'll send you the materials.
Now is the time for all good men ... (and whatever).

				BtheB