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Bogota, April 3, 2007
Amidst the crisis brought about by the 'narco-parapolitica,' (this refers to the recent allegations of links between the ruling political party in Colombia and the drug cartels and/or paramilitary groups), from which many national figures have been and continue to profit, the painful tragedy of the people of Chocó (province) has leapt to the national and international scene. Certainly unworthy is the death of so many boys and girls due to physical hunger and malnutrition, while the political class and the privileged of the system gorge themselves in the perverse and egotistical gluttony of their shady businesses, that which the North Americans call 'pork barrel' (politics).
Chocó gives evidence of the terrible reality of this country. In the words of Franz Fannon, they have come to be 'the condemned of the land.' They are survivors in 'the neglected land,' along with other ethnic peoples facing extinction, where social development doesn't even show it's face, because for them time stopped at the instant of immigration, perhaps because of them being descended from Africa, they are nationally stigmatized, filled with pain, death and a history of slavery. This sets them apart, even though it shouldn't, from being a part of the homeland, a word so often mentioned by this government in Ralito. 'Rebuild the Homeland.'
This abandonment conceals perhaps a hidden racism, beginning with the neighbouring provinces. Antioquia province is so strong with the President of the Republic at its head. (People say that the President is from that Province and so it receives a lot of economic benefit while he is in power).
This and other governments, the society in general and even St. Martin de Porres, Apostle to the native black people, have an immense social debt to the people of Choco, particularly to the boys and girls that have been dying of diseases in the most complete abandonment for generations.
In the euphoria following the publicized rapport by the Congress of the Spanish Language, and the doubtful reduction in the levels of poverty as presented by the organization DANE, which show that economic growth (clearly only for a few) is positive. This should perhaps motivate the government to promote a World Congress concerning hunger, malnutrition and child death?
Columbians are treated to a menu of corruption, unemployment, violation of human and social rights mixed with the real levels of poverty these make a poor diet.
Many are marginalized and excluded from the society, if we wish to see a transformed country, brotherly, with solidarity in peace we must change our way of seeing our neighbour.
Treat your neighbour as you yourself want to be treated, respect, dignity love and kindness.
As long as all this scandalous social inequality exists in Colombia, newly brought forward by the painful events such as those in Choco province and evidenced in the everyday death and displacement that millions of our countrymen have experienced. We still continue to suffer, the unending deprivations, without resolution.
The lack of work that dignifies life and the public and private corruption that for a long time has metastasized in the social body of the nation. Where all announcements are viewed as little more than propaganda. Where any achievements in security and economic growth which come from the government are viewed by so many as nothing more than a deceit.
Security is not comprised of more rifles, or military manpower, security is knowing that your loved ones will come home tonight and that there is food and shelter without threats or intimidation. The future demands that children can play and be happy without fear of hunger and privation.
A nation is not just highways, shops, businesses it is nothing without its people. The construction of Columbia belongs to us all no matter what political persuasion you have. Respect each others views even if you don’t agree, build bridges not bunkers.
What victory is gained by starving to death our children, without love we are nothing.
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