Mykola Tomenko: One should display Temerity to advocate Unpopular Matters
On Monday, Mykola Tomenko, Deputy
Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met the participants of the
parliamentary internship "Assistant of the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of
Ukraine Committee 2009-2010" initiated by the Program of Assistance to the
Parliament of Ukraine.
M.Tomenko briefed on the peculiarities of work of the leaders of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, especially that of the Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. He stressed that humanitarian sector is one of his work areas. M.Tomenko stated that this work is closely connected with his personal credo: "To prove that Ukraine is not coincidental, this is the state and the nation, without which neither Europe nor the entire world could not be imagined."
The Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine informed the interns about the projects that had been recently launched in Ukraine with his support. These initiatives include educational work in pre-school establishments and schools that received audio and video recordings with the works of prominent Ukrainian writers; publication of new books by M.Tomenko on the history of Ukrainian literature and history of Ukrainian traditions. Promotion of ethnographic, regional and tourist gems of Ukraine in the world is no less important work. He mentioned the world contest "7 Natural Wonders of Ukraine" that recognized Askania Nova natural reserve as one of 77 natural wonders of the world. M.Tomenko also reminded of the project "7 Wonders of Ukraine: Castles, Citadels, Palaces" that has been recently launched.
M.Tomenko believes that this work is
of utter importance, when the economic rates are extremely low. "Presentation of similar projects makes the
country look more appealing", he added. Moreover, such work draws attention of
the local authorities to the objects in need of renovation, maintenance and
presentation.
The Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stressed that "any project can be quickly implemented, provided there is an unoccupied niche and a nice idea." Both systematization of the Ukrainian museums and their adequate presentation embody such projects.
Among the unpopular, but useful work areas he named adoption of several bills prohibiting advertising of alcoholic beverages and tobacco goods, and their consumption in public places. "These matters are unpopular; however, they concern the future of our children and state. One should display temerity to advocate unpopular matters, he stated. We have no other state, so we should take care of it."
M.Tomenko supposes that the politicians should refrain from thoughtless and anti-state resolutions. He calls for implementing economic and political reforms. "Refusal from implementing unpopular reforms is one of the drawbacks of both effective and former authorities", he stated. Furthermore, the public should be prepared for the unpopular decisions.
The Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine called on the interns to study well, use the knowledge acquired in the Committees of the Verkhovna Rada, and work for the benefit of the country.