Published: May 15, 2001
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-82.pdf
About This Issue
Iskra No. 82 captures one of the most emotionally charged editorials from Valentina Krčmar, written in the wake of President Stjepan Mesić’s controversial outburst at the 10th-anniversary celebration of Croatia’s 4th Guard Brigade in Split. It reflects a community wrestling with disillusionment, leadership fatigue, and the search for dignity amid political turbulence. Alongside this sharp political reflection, the issue features community updates from Canada, economic reports, and health guidance — embodying Iskra’s signature balance of conscience, culture, and care.
Editorial: “The President’s Burden”
Valentina opens with a fiery critique of President Mesić’s behaviour during the Split commemoration
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. She recounts the event — where the president, taunted by hecklers, lost his temper and retorted with insults — and uses it as a moral case study in leadership failure.
“It is not easy to be president of Croatia, but whoever chooses that path must bear both honour and insult with composure.”
She argues that Mesić’s response dishonoured the presidential office and, by extension, the dignity of the Croatian people:
“A president must be calm, patient, and aware that every careless word stains not only his name but the reputation of the nation itself.”
Valentina admits writing the piece with “great sadness,” emphasizing that her criticism comes from love for her homeland rather than partisanship:
“Croatia is greater than you, than me, than any one of us.”
Her conclusion is unflinching — that a leader who cannot uphold the dignity of the office should “pass the position to one who can.”
Motrišta: “The Long Shadow of Bleiburg”
Valentina’s Motrišta column returns to the recurring silence surrounding Bleiburg commemorations. She laments that, even by May 12, 2001 — Mother’s Day, there was “not a single word or image” in public media about the tragedy.
“Everything written about Bleiburg — about our countless dead still lying unburied — remains dead letters on paper.”
She appeals to Croatian organizations and the diaspora to record survivors’ testimonies “before it is too late,” suggesting that this work belongs not just in writing but also on film.
Her tone shifts tenderly as she addresses mothers — especially those who lost children in war — offering both sorrow and solace:
“For mothers who gave their sons for the homeland — may your day be filled with proud, if painful, memories.”
National Highlights: “Croatia Between Progress and Disillusionment”
The issue compiles key national updates:
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Economic Outlook: Finance Minister Mato Crkvenac reports modest recovery and a 4% projected GDP growth, though unemployment remains high
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Tourism Scandal: Minister Pave Rušković is criticized for undervaluing skier Janica Kostelić’s promotional potential for Croatia, a misstep that “jeopardized one of the few sectors that could bring foreign revenue.”
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Judicial Consensus: The rare unanimous appointment of Ivica Crnić as Supreme Court President sparks hope that “consensus is still possible among Croats.”
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Foreign Investment: Italian investors plan a major tourist complex on Krk, bringing 45 billion lira and 140 new jobs.
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Bosnia & Herzegovina: The Croatian Bishops’ Conference condemns the international community’s interference in judicial processes, defending the principle of sovereignty and fair trial.
Column: “From Toronto — The Voice of the Diaspora”
Letters and reflections from readers echo themes of identity, free speech, and moral courage.
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Biserka Milinković writes about the ethical responsibility of journalists to tell truth even when it has consequences, comparing corporate censorship in North America to moral cowardice in politics.
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Domagoj Šola, Croatian Consul General in Chicago, pens a rebuttal to The Chicago Tribune for misrepresenting Croatia’s linguistic independence, calling it “the survival of culture against centuries of erasure.”
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Ivica Puhalo reflects on perseverance and humility, reminding readers:
“Even champions miss shots — what matters is to keep playing.”
Community News: “Faith and Celebration in Canada”
The issue brims with community spirit:
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Hamilton Banquet: Parishioners of St. Cross Church hosted a charity dinner supporting Bishop Mile Bogović and war-damaged parishes in Lika and Senj.
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Oakville and Norval: Members of the Queen of Peace Croatian Centre organized a successful fundraiser for their new church, celebrating unity and volunteerism.
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Toronto: The Croatian Martyrs Parish marked its 50th anniversary, with Archbishop Josip Bozanić officiating and extending blessings to the diaspora.
“In these halls of faith and laughter, our homeland breathes again — across the ocean.”
Health Column: “Diet Therapy for Ulcers” by Dr. Darko Desaty
Dr. Desaty provides an in-depth medical guide to managing stomach and duodenal ulcers through modern diet and medication. He warns against outdated remedies like excessive milk consumption and recommends smaller, balanced meals while avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
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He concludes with the newest discovery — that Helicobacter pylori bacteria cause 95% of duodenal and 75% of stomach ulcers — and outlines the successful “triple therapy” of two antibiotics plus an acid-reducer.
Humor and Humanity
A touch of levity rounds out the issue, with witty columns titled “Dozvol'te” and short jokes on politics and everyday life — including one about Milošević proposing “reconciliation” by being buried in Ljubljana.
“Happiness is living in socialism — misfortune is when it actually happens to you.”
Closing Reflection
Valentina ends on a note of quiet conviction:
“It is painful to watch the unworthy behaviour of a president. Yet that, too, is our life. We must still believe that dignity and faith will prevail.”
