The following article was written by my son. It's important to put a face on "terrorists" and understand their aspirations . . . This article was published in the St. Augustine Record:
The FARC in Colombia
The struggle in Colombia began in the late 1940s when a popular group stood up to the Colombian oligarchy and the corrupt military dictatorship that perpetuated the interests of Colombia’s ruling class.
After a cruel civil war, the rebels, together with dissident members of the Liberal and Communist parties, established their own independent republics deep in the south of the country where they established peaceful, communal, peasant-based settlements founded on socialist ideology.
It was only after 1964, when the US-Colombian military waged a devastating napalm attack against them that the survivors expanded their agenda into a nationwide Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP) to defend its communities, its schools, judicial system, health care, and agrarian economy.
In 1984, Colombian President Betancur initiated cease-fire negotiations based on recognition of the FARC as a legitimate political party, the Unión Patriótica. The political goal was to lead Colombia to a peaceful democratic juncture independent of neo-liberal and imperialist expansion. Peace accords were signed.
The Patriotic Union party espoused anti-corruption policies, harsh penalties against narco-traffickers, and progressive land and economic reforms. But, as they won more municipal and national elections, its members became targets of right-wing death squads and paramilitary organizations that incorporated counter-insurgency strategies. Since 1984, at least 5,000 Unión Patriótica members, including presidential candidates, mayors, and legislators, were murdered or disappeared. The consequence was the formation of a broad-based, national, clandestine movement, "Bolivarian Movement for a New Colombia." And yes, they held hostages as shields. The aggressors had satellite surveillance, drones, fighter aircraft, night vision, communications, napalm, etc.: they were poor farmers with barely a pair of shoes. Holding hostages was their only hope of survival.
When Colombian President Andrés Pastrana offered the insurgents a land deal in 1998, the FARC released several hundred hostages. But at the end of the day, the negotiations went nowhere: peace talks grew increasingly more frustrating and desperate FARC fighters carried out a series of brutal attacks.
President Uribe, President of Colombia since 2002, is one of the best friends and partners the U.S. has in South America. His hard line against the FARC is portrayed by Washington as a bulwark for democracy. After Afghanistan and Iraq, Colombia is the third largest recipient of U.S. counterinsurgency aid. Uribe has consistently set unacceptable peace terms and has ratcheted up offensive military actions. Colombia's insurgency war is now in its forty-third year, with no end in sight.
Rather than lump the FARC into that vague group of “terrorists,” I would suggest that we might be on a road to peace if we would recognize the FARC as a legitimate revolutionary group with a political agenda. Political conflict cannot be resolved by simply bombing and demonizing the other side. Dialogue is the only way to bring this movement into the democratic process.
Jo visited Venezual in January and February of this year. On his return he documented his imprssions of the Bolivarian Revolution and U.S. policy in the area in a comprehensive report that can be found here.
Showing posts with label Letters to the Editor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Letters to the Editor. Show all posts
Mar 10, 2008
Jan 13, 2008
St. Augustine Landfill
From: Peg McIntire
To: letters@staugustinerecord.com
Letter to the Editor:
The spirit of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.was alive and well at the recent meeting to protest a landfill on Riberia Street. Ed Slavin termed it "environmental racism". St. Paul's AME Church on King Street was "standing room only".
The issue has been covered in the press at previous meetings and on several occasions. But I found this last meeting more intense and more constructive. At least a dozen concerned St. Augustine citizens, not only the residents of Lincolnville, spoke out intelligently and passionately, demanding that the City of St Augustine "do the right thing"... cancel the planned project (presently at a standstill) It was exciting to see democracy at work. It was inspiring to close the evening singing "We Shall Overcome."
Peg McIntire
Member of PPJ (People for Peace & Justice)
Director of GFP (Grandparents for Peace)
Tel. 471 1986
To: letters@staugustinerecord.com
Letter to the Editor:
The spirit of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.was alive and well at the recent meeting to protest a landfill on Riberia Street. Ed Slavin termed it "environmental racism". St. Paul's AME Church on King Street was "standing room only".
The issue has been covered in the press at previous meetings and on several occasions. But I found this last meeting more intense and more constructive. At least a dozen concerned St. Augustine citizens, not only the residents of Lincolnville, spoke out intelligently and passionately, demanding that the City of St Augustine "do the right thing"... cancel the planned project (presently at a standstill) It was exciting to see democracy at work. It was inspiring to close the evening singing "We Shall Overcome."
Peg McIntire
Member of PPJ (People for Peace & Justice)
Director of GFP (Grandparents for Peace)
Tel. 471 1986
May 17, 2007
Water Sprinklers
Letter to the Editor:
The water sprinklers came on full force at 3 pm last Sunday, May 13th, disturbing the small group that had gathered at the Gazebo, in the Plaza de la Constitution, to celebrate Mother's Day. Sponsored by Grandparents for Peace, the attendees were reading poems, sharing stories about their mothers, and praying for Peace.
When the water was turned on, we were approached by two homeless men who said it was a deliberate ploy by the City of St. Augustine to drive the homeless out of the Plaza.
Isn't watering forbidden until 4 pm? If so, isn't this a bad example for the City to set for its residents? Isn't it a strange way to discourage the homeless? Isn't it too bad that tourists and others also get wet from afternoon sprinkling in St. Augustine's prominent Plaza?
Peg McIntire
Grandparents for Peace
Tel. 904 471 1986
The water sprinklers came on full force at 3 pm last Sunday, May 13th, disturbing the small group that had gathered at the Gazebo, in the Plaza de la Constitution, to celebrate Mother's Day. Sponsored by Grandparents for Peace, the attendees were reading poems, sharing stories about their mothers, and praying for Peace.
When the water was turned on, we were approached by two homeless men who said it was a deliberate ploy by the City of St. Augustine to drive the homeless out of the Plaza.
Isn't watering forbidden until 4 pm? If so, isn't this a bad example for the City to set for its residents? Isn't it a strange way to discourage the homeless? Isn't it too bad that tourists and others also get wet from afternoon sprinkling in St. Augustine's prominent Plaza?
Peg McIntire
Grandparents for Peace
Tel. 904 471 1986
Mar 18, 2007
I am alive today
Letter to the Editor:
I am alive today, thanks to nine generous men and or women, who gave me their blood, and to the wonderful care I received at Flagler Hospital and the Ponce de Leon Care Center, and the good wishes from oh, so many friends.
I am alive today and went straight off to join the enthusiastic demonstration at the Plaza de la Costituizione this morning. It was awesome, empowering.
End the War. Bring the Troops Home. Stop the Funding.
Great signs, the beautiful white peace dove, the dancing Fairy Queen, and the largest crowd we have ever had (after four long years of gathering on the 3rd Saturday of every month.) Thanks for continuous leadership from PPJ (People for Peace & Justice), Veterans of America, and Grandparents for Peace.
I am alive today and want more than ever to help change the course from violence to diplomacy, from injustice to safety, health, education, and happiness. It will only come to pass if we work together, stand tall, with a clear vision of our goals. Here are my thanks to all, and my pledge to try to make each day more meaningful.
Peg
I am alive today, thanks to nine generous men and or women, who gave me their blood, and to the wonderful care I received at Flagler Hospital and the Ponce de Leon Care Center, and the good wishes from oh, so many friends.
I am alive today and went straight off to join the enthusiastic demonstration at the Plaza de la Costituizione this morning. It was awesome, empowering.
End the War. Bring the Troops Home. Stop the Funding.
Great signs, the beautiful white peace dove, the dancing Fairy Queen, and the largest crowd we have ever had (after four long years of gathering on the 3rd Saturday of every month.) Thanks for continuous leadership from PPJ (People for Peace & Justice), Veterans of America, and Grandparents for Peace.
I am alive today and want more than ever to help change the course from violence to diplomacy, from injustice to safety, health, education, and happiness. It will only come to pass if we work together, stand tall, with a clear vision of our goals. Here are my thanks to all, and my pledge to try to make each day more meaningful.
Peg
Mar 17, 2007
Tax Day
Letter to the Editor:
April 17th.
Tax Day is here again. Some U.S. citizens will not pay the dreaded income tax because they are unemployed, or have earned too little, are homeless, or in jail. But a large majority of my fellow citizens will obediently mail their reports and appropriate tax payments.
Not everyone. A significant number of war tax resisters, including some Grandparents for Peace members, wanting a redirection of their tax dollars, will refuse to pay all or even a part of their tax bill..
I endorse Henry David Thoreau’s philosophy of Civil Disobedience, namely: “If a thousand people were not to pay their tax-bills this year, that would not be as violent and bloody a measure, as it would be to pay them and enable the state to commit violence and shed innocent blood.”
I think it is immoral (if not unconstitutional) that more than half of our tax dollars are used to pay for current and past wars. If instead this money were invested in peace initiatives and aid programs, we could truly build a better and more secure world.
The National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee was founded in 1982 as a coalition of local, regional and national groups supportive of war tax resistance. They have prepared a”Peace Tax Return” form: Part A is for persons paying their taxes who wish to register a protest with their payment. Part B is for persons who refuse to pay some or all as a protest against for war.
Were freedom of conscience truly honored, it would not be illegal to refuse to pay for war. I quote from the NWTRCC brochure. “You have the right to protest actions by the government with which you do not agree. Using this form ( the Peace Tax Return) is an exercise of your freedom of speech.” But be careful. Do not write any message on official forms, such as the l040 form..
Is it illegal to refuse to pay taxes? Again I quote from the NWTRCC brochure. “ The .Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes “freedom of conscience” as a human right. Many who refuse to pay war taxes believe our government should recognize a conscientious objector status for war tax refusers. However, under current tax laws in the U.S., there is no legal option to send tax dollars to an organization of one’s choice rather than to the IRS, to prevent taxes being used for war. The IRS has full power to enforce collection of taxes not paid to the government,. This is usually done through letters demanding payment, but can involve seizures, such as of funds from bank accounts or salaries.”
Protesting war taxes involves risks. The Thoreau quote reminds us why we take such risks. I strongly advise consulting with the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee, PO Box 150553, Brooklyn NY 11215,
1.800.269.7464, email nwtrcc@nwtrcc.org or research the NWTRCC.Aweb.
Peg McIntire, Grandparents for Peace, St. Augustine Tel 904 471 1986
April 17th.
Tax Day is here again. Some U.S. citizens will not pay the dreaded income tax because they are unemployed, or have earned too little, are homeless, or in jail. But a large majority of my fellow citizens will obediently mail their reports and appropriate tax payments.
Not everyone. A significant number of war tax resisters, including some Grandparents for Peace members, wanting a redirection of their tax dollars, will refuse to pay all or even a part of their tax bill..
I endorse Henry David Thoreau’s philosophy of Civil Disobedience, namely: “If a thousand people were not to pay their tax-bills this year, that would not be as violent and bloody a measure, as it would be to pay them and enable the state to commit violence and shed innocent blood.”
I think it is immoral (if not unconstitutional) that more than half of our tax dollars are used to pay for current and past wars. If instead this money were invested in peace initiatives and aid programs, we could truly build a better and more secure world.
The National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee was founded in 1982 as a coalition of local, regional and national groups supportive of war tax resistance. They have prepared a”Peace Tax Return” form: Part A is for persons paying their taxes who wish to register a protest with their payment. Part B is for persons who refuse to pay some or all as a protest against for war.
Were freedom of conscience truly honored, it would not be illegal to refuse to pay for war. I quote from the NWTRCC brochure. “You have the right to protest actions by the government with which you do not agree. Using this form ( the Peace Tax Return) is an exercise of your freedom of speech.” But be careful. Do not write any message on official forms, such as the l040 form..
Is it illegal to refuse to pay taxes? Again I quote from the NWTRCC brochure. “ The .Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes “freedom of conscience” as a human right. Many who refuse to pay war taxes believe our government should recognize a conscientious objector status for war tax refusers. However, under current tax laws in the U.S., there is no legal option to send tax dollars to an organization of one’s choice rather than to the IRS, to prevent taxes being used for war. The IRS has full power to enforce collection of taxes not paid to the government,. This is usually done through letters demanding payment, but can involve seizures, such as of funds from bank accounts or salaries.”
Protesting war taxes involves risks. The Thoreau quote reminds us why we take such risks. I strongly advise consulting with the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee, PO Box 150553, Brooklyn NY 11215,
1.800.269.7464, email nwtrcc@nwtrcc.org or research the NWTRCC.Aweb.
Peg McIntire, Grandparents for Peace, St. Augustine Tel 904 471 1986
Mar 15, 2007
End the war
Letter to the Editor:
I am alive today, thanks to nine generous men and or women, who gave me their blood, and to the wonderful care I received at Flagler Hospital and the Ponce de Leon Care Center, and the good wishes from oh, so many friends.
I am alive today and went straight off to join the enthusiastic demonstration at the Plaza de la Costituizione this morning. It was awesome, empowering.
End the War. Bring the Troops Home. Stop the Funding.
Great signs, the beautiful white peace dove, the dancing Fairy Queen, and the largest crowd we have ever had (after four long years of gathering on the 3rd Saturday of every month.) Thanks for continuous leadership from PPJ (People for Peace & Justice), Veterans of America, and Grandparents for Peace.
I am alive today and want more than ever to help change the course from violence to diplomacy, from injustice to safety, health, education, and happiness. It will only come to pass if we work together, stand tall, with a clear vision of our goals. Here are my thanks to all, and my pledge to try to make each day more meaningful.
Peg
I am alive today, thanks to nine generous men and or women, who gave me their blood, and to the wonderful care I received at Flagler Hospital and the Ponce de Leon Care Center, and the good wishes from oh, so many friends.
I am alive today and went straight off to join the enthusiastic demonstration at the Plaza de la Costituizione this morning. It was awesome, empowering.
End the War. Bring the Troops Home. Stop the Funding.
Great signs, the beautiful white peace dove, the dancing Fairy Queen, and the largest crowd we have ever had (after four long years of gathering on the 3rd Saturday of every month.) Thanks for continuous leadership from PPJ (People for Peace & Justice), Veterans of America, and Grandparents for Peace.
I am alive today and want more than ever to help change the course from violence to diplomacy, from injustice to safety, health, education, and happiness. It will only come to pass if we work together, stand tall, with a clear vision of our goals. Here are my thanks to all, and my pledge to try to make each day more meaningful.
Peg
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