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| Activist Speaks Against U.S. Policy in Colombia |
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Posted by FoM on March 04, 2002 at 08:56:56 PT By Lisette Velasquez, , Staff Writer Source: Herald CT 
A student activist against the use of harmful herbicides in the fumigation of illegal crops throughout Colombia brought the issue to New Britain High School Friday, with the message that students can effect change. In a time when the war on drugs takes a back seat to the war on terrorism, 19-year-old Katherine Golub of Middletown shared her experience as a witness to a health and environmental problem that plagues Colombia. Golub spent the day speaking to students in Patricia Mingles' classroom in hopes of increasing awareness and mobilizing students to speak out against a United States policy that supports and funds the use of a herbicide that Colombian health officials lament is hazardous to the health of the indigenous population. During a two-week trip to Colombia in January, Golub interviewed, photographed and witnessed people who have been affected by U.S.-funded fumigation to eradicate drug crops such as coca and poppy, as part of the Clinton Administration's Plan Colombia. The Colombian military has taken charge of the matter using aerial fumigation. Plan Colombia gave Colombia $1.3 billion in taxpayers revenue of which the majority is focused on the military. The experience has fueled the young activist to bring an awareness to others about the effects of foreign policy. "A primary purpose of U.S. military aid to Colombia is to protect U.S. corporate interests at the experience of the people," Golub said." Companies can make people in Colombia make our shoes and clothes much cheaper than unionized workers in the U.S. The fumigations were designed to kill the coca plant, which produces the illegal drug that is sold in the U.S. Instead, food crops are being destroyed, people are economically suffering leading to depend more on the thriving plants of coca." Golub's photos from her trip show a growing hatred for U.S. policy that indirectly funds paramilitary regimes known for the assassination of unionists, farmers and protesters opposed to the fumigation. "These policies are sowing the seeds for future problems," said Mingles, a New Britain High teacher."A true sign of democracy is being aware and responsible for what your country's doing in other nations." Students found Golub presentation stimulating as she encouraged them to become involve in issues of social change. "It's surprising to me all the things that the U.S. is involved in. When you flip through the television you don't hear about these things," said 16-year-old Emely Velez." It's interesting to hear someone who is trying to make such a significant change in the world. It's something that I hope to look into." Golub suggested establishing a peace group, student news letter, but before a movement begins, she advocates strongly one message. "Get informed. And be heard. Look on the Internet because the issues do not remain in the eyes of mainstream media," Golub said."I know it's hard, being so young. I know it's hard to because you think legislators won't listen to you, but you can make a difference." Golub is hoping to reach more high school and college students. Source: Herald, The (CT) Related Articles & Web Site: Colombia Drug War News Hill Stance on Colombia Aid Shifts Plan Colombia: This Will Be Worse Than Vietnam Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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