AMERICA'S WAR IN COLOMBIA
Presbyterian delegation returns from Colombia [4-2-03]
A special report from
Malissa Haslam, Santa Fe
A Witness for
Peace delegation sponsored by the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and
Witherspoon Society returned home this weekend from Colombia, South
America, where the group spent ten dramatic and emotion-filled days
hearing about and seeing first hand the devastating results of the US
Government's Plan Colombia (now called, we were told by US Embassy
diplomats, The Andean Regional Initiative).
During the delegation's final debriefing process, we
were asked to write an answer to the inevitable question we would all be
asked, "How was your trip?" My answer follows.
"So just how was your trip?" I am asked lovingly and
excitedly as I'm hugged by these beloved people who prayerfully supported
- though not always in agreement with the purpose - my going to this
war-torn country. Although they all know that I was not taking a
pleasurable vacation, they will not be prepared for my somber reflections,
sharing of difficult memories, nor for the sudden, powerful emotions that
overflow. "Mind-boggling," I say, or simply "Incredible."
Overwhelmed at what I've seen and heard these past two
weeks, I realize that I must sort through this kaleidoscope of feelings
for the sake of my own sanity and emotional health. Even now, being home
less than twenty-four hours, much of the experience already seems
ethereal. In the mass e-mail I'd sent just prior to departure, I'd asked
prayer not only for safety but specifically for the ability to understand
the situations as best I could, so that upon my return I would be able to
communicate honestly and clearly what I learned. And so amidst this wide
range of emotions, I begin to try to answer.
"Filled with amazement," I respond, "at the
courage, strength, and endurance of the human spirit shown by the
reintegrated guerillas as they willingly, under pseudonyms, shared their
stories. Heart-rending pain at the sight of children's naturally dark hair
turned much lighter because of severe malnutrition, as well as
bewilderment at the slight glimmer of hope reflected in the occasional
flowers planted in the cement-like soil at Kilometer Seven, one of the
displaced persons' encampments and the only home many of these children
have ever known. Astonishment, awe for those brave activists in the
social, labor union, and pastoral segments whose lives and those of their
families are regularly threatened because of their continued efforts in
demanding justice, decency, and equality. Envy at the Colombians' love of
country despite the corruption of its officials and the hardships imposed
through collaborations with the US. Anxious, unsettled at the huge
anti-war protest at the US Embassy in Bogota (in which we did not
participate but somewhat witnessed), yet, gladness. For to me this event
was symbolic: there are indeed millions of people around the world -
despite the fact that most US citizens are oblivious - who understand and
see clearly the US Government's ultimate goal of world domination.
Shame for my own country because I have seen the
glaring results of its policies towards Colombia and know these same kinds
of policies and practices are being carried out elsewhere many times over.
Anger for the lies we've been handed by our government officials.
Disbelief and sadness that the country I love and call my home, the
country I have until recent years unquestionably respected, has lost, over
many years - for no administration escapes responsibility - its moral soul
and has itself stooped to such low, inhumane levels of greed, hatefulness,
and horrific acts of oppression and terrorism. Stark realization that the
US has become what it's always said it hated and opposed. Dread and fear
that my country may soon become the object of horrendous violence, the
likes of which it has never experienced.
Yet, there is hope. Hope that the commitment and
compassion exemplified by the young adult International Team who so
competently led our delegation following the Witness for Peace principles
of nonviolence to which we all committed (as other untold numbers of
people have similarly done), may yet be the "subversive seeds" that bring
to fruition the belief that another world is indeed possible. Humbly
grateful, because as we were reminded by one delegate's morning
reflection, "God does not call me to be successful. God only calls me to
be faithful". . . in my efforts to inform and educate. I can trust God for
the results.
Malissa Haslam
Santa Fe, NM
April 2, 2003
Malissa Haslam is an elder
at First Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe, where she teaches the three and
four year olds. For many years she directed an early childhood program at
a Santa Fe preschool that stressed conflict resolution methods.
