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THE PRISM

December 1998
January 1999

Stories Columns

Close School of the Americas

by Cathy Markatos


W e Americans of the USA need to look carefully at how to relate to all Americans. Now the countries in Central America are suffering from natural disaster we especially need to look at ways to promote health and life there. The School of the Americas in Fort Benning, GA., has taught their military leaders who then have been part of the torture and assassinations of religious leaders, women, children, and old people in their own country-NOT the usual military targets of men in uniform. Sunday Nov. 22 over 80 people risked a potential jail term of six months and a fine for the misdemeanor crime of trespassing a second time on the military base as an act of civil disobedience against their being barred from reentering the property. 2319 people total crossed the line carrying coffins, crosses, and signs protesting those dead as a result of the actions of SOA graduates.

Over twice as many people vigiled at the gate and supported them with songs and faith statements including from Native American traditions. Those who crossed the line this year in non-violent disobedience were released without charges against them and everyone celebrated that and prepared for the next actions to complete the effort to close the SOA. This includes writing Congressional members to influence the vote (which is very close to closing the school) and converging in Washington May 1-4 for lobbying the members in small groups on this subject.

Surely in this country where we have some degree of democracy we can look for the best ways to spend money that we choose to spend relating to our neighbors. From those who know through first hand experience, sending soldiers to the SOA is not productive but rather destructive. Instead, many recommend several other approaches. If we want good leadership, let's get scholarship help for students to go to universities throughout this country in many fields from health to education to engineering, etc.

In Central America and the Caribbean as many as 75% are living in extreme poverty. Their basic needs can be better met by groups whose primary goals include sustainable development and health care. The International Red Cross,UNICEF, churches, and NGO's (non-governmental organizations) such as the sister city efforts are among those through whom we can give help to these neighbors. We are fortunate in this central part of North Carolina to have active groups of Witness for Peace and CITCA (Carolina Interfaith Taskforce on Central America) who are working with the new Carelief, a coalition coming together to provide disaster relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch.

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