English version: Oana Pellea's letter to the political class of Roumania

(Photo source) On Friday, the actress Oana Pellea wrote an exceptional open letter to the 'political class' of Romania, voicing her bitterness and rage at the treatment of the horses of Letea and the complete absence of political reaction despite hundreds and hundreds of calls from Romanians to stop the slaughtering. Her voice is echoed by Romanians living both within the country and beyond, along with non-Romanians besides. It has been published in the newspapers across Romania (see also comments here), covered by TV channels, the radio and has taken Facebook by storm.

In the end, as Oana says, this must be solved politically, for everything in Romania begins and ends with politics. For this reason, I am translating it into English (my apologies for not doing it the justice it deserves) and sharing it with you, for it concerns us all.

Here is the voice of Oana Pellea:

"This letter concerns the crimes committed against the horses of Letea.
Please do not say there are other more important issues in Romania.
All issues are equally important.
Today we are talking about crimes at LETEA!

What balanced, unemotional text could create the kind of impact needed to stop this crime? What text should be penned to provoke an end to these atrocities? A message, a letter, a prayer, a scream perhaps? Would any of these stop this mindless, absurd and frenzied cruelty?

For three days, thousands of people have written to all possible mediatic outposts: newspapers, TV, etc.. They have appealed for an end to the massacre at Letea, in which dozens of horses are to be slaughtered. And NOTHING! I address the political class in Romania ... for everything, unfortunately, is resolved first and foremost through political means. What have you done about this problem, gentlemen? I'm not interested in explanations ... Nothing can be argued in favour of murder.

Who runs this country? Who are the decision makers? I want to know. Tell me this: who is leading Romania? I do not know either. I wish to ask Romania's leaders, her politicians, her decision makers: is it beneath you to address the slaughtering of dogs or horses? Is it below your dignity to take notice when tens of thousands of citizens of this country are faced with such aggression and violence; are hurt, disappointed, resentful, unhappy with your indifference? I believe you MUST react!

Elections are approaching. If you don't love and respect life, why don't you at least react out of cynicism? Doesn't anyone want my vote? If you can't think good thoughts, think bad ones - but at least, think!

I'm sick and tired of my country being considered criminal, barbarian, backward, because you are not capable of running it. 

I'm sick and tired of feeling innocent blood on me because of your lack of concern and particularly, because of your complicity to such crimes.

My love for Romania is so great my heart aches. But I hate anyone who kills or is accomplice to murder.

An emotional message? No. It is tragic. It is tragic because the situation of the Letea horses is tragic. Do not say there are no solutions to resolve the problem. There is always a solution if the will is there to find one.

Tell those in Letea to stop the massacre, ladies and gentlemen of the political class of Romania. Actions speak louder than words. I ask this as a citizen of my country."

Oana Pellea

- Translation Roumanian-English: Sarah In Romania -

Comments

[Pam]

A letter from the heart,from this wonderfully compassionate lady, which is fervently echoed by thousands of decent people all around the world, and one which MUST be heeded by the politicians of Romania.
Politicians, decision-makers - do you BEGIN to realise the harm and damage you are doing to the reputation of Romania, and the shame and despair you are bringing on those good and decent citizens who, like Oana, are so opposed to the cruelty inflicted on your defenceless animals?
If only there were more like Oana!

[VERAICONE HEDI]

THANK YOU,WONDERFUL OANA PELLEA, YOU REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE

[Filomela Varisco]

Draga Oana,
Tu vorbesi din sufletele noastre cei ce suferim enorm pentru ceea ce se intimpla in aceasta tara cu animalele, ce fel de oameni daca putem sa-i numim oameni sant acstia care ne conduc tara, eu am ajuns sa-mi fie rusine cu originea mea si sa detest aceasta tara cumplit,. ce pacat, pentru ca eu ma simt fara patrie.
Doamne speram ca intr-o zi sa se intimple aceasta minune si sa se trezeasca sa se ridice cinva si sa se schimbe regimul, eu astept aceasta minune si mi-o doresch asa de mult, o schimbare radicala, o tara cu oamnei civilizati care reactioneaza civilizat si cu respect
Incerc sa nu imi pierd speranta

[aurab]

I am happy that "public" people like Ms. Oana Pelea could have the courage and be an example.
I am sure others will follow.

[sairj]

Thanks, Valentin. I only hope I have done Oana's letter justice. It's wonderful to see someone rise through the inertia and DO something public and courageous like this. Please share :o)