The Meaning of My Son's Murder
-- Julie Freitas
In early March this year, three foreigners campaigning in Colombia against oil exploration
by Occidental Petroleum on the land of the U'wa were murdered by left-wing guerrillas (Link here for story). One of those
murdered was Terry Freitas, a long-time campaigner for the rights of the U'wa tribe. The
following letter by his mother was published in the Washington Post on May 22.
"In a report my son wrote, he said that the cycle of violence that threatens the U'wa's survival --the same cycle that consumed his life and the lives of his companions-- stems from the dramatic increase in militarization that accompanies oil development. He clearly understood that the U.S. military training and assistance to Colombia would bring more violence from all sides."
I have watched in disbelief as editorial commentators and some members of Congress have attempted to use the murder of my son, Terence Unity
Freitas, and of his two companions, Lahe'ena'e Gay and Ingrid
Washinawatok, to justify an increase in military aid to the Colombian
armed forces. I am equally appalled that the killing of my son by
left-wing guerrillas is being used to undermine the peace process in
Colombia, a process aimed at ending years of violence that has taken
thousands of lives, including now my son's. Amid my grief, I am further
distressed to see the ideals my son lived and died for -- nonviolence,
indigenous sovereignty and justice -- diminished by vocal pro-militarization politics in Washington.
I am specifically referring to Rep. Benjamin Gilman's (R-N.Y.) March 23
remarks reported in the Miami Herald following the murders and to Robert D. Novak's syndicated column "Terrorism Close to Home" [op-ed, April 17]. Rep. Gilman asked that the killings of Terence, La'he and Ingrid be taken as a "wake-up call to the United States" to end its support for the Colombian peace process by "refusing to deal with terrorists." The terrorists to which he refers are the Colombian Armed Revolutionary Forces (FARC), the long-standing Colombian guerrilla group responsible for these murders.
Mr. Novak reprimands members of the Clinton administration for continuing to support efforts for peace in Colombia in the wake of the killings. He repeats Rep. Gilman's claim that Colombia is "Balkanizing." Both men have requested increased militarization.
Let me be clear. I deplore the use of kidnappings and executions as
political, economic and military tools. I demand that those responsible in
this case be arrested, given a fair trial and, if proven guilty, sentenced
severely, with full respect for due process of law. However, I differ from
Rep. Gilman and Mr. Novak. I do not believe that violence is a legitimate
means to obtain justice and peace.
I strongly object to having my son's murder used to pressure the Clinton
administration to abandon support for peace initiatives in Colombia.
Employing his death as a means to continue perpetuating violence in
Colombia grossly contradicts everything my son believed in.
I urge the Clinton administration, our elected representatives and the
people of the United States to reflect on why my son was in Colombia. He and his companions traveled as guests of the U'wa's, a traditional
indigenous nation, to learn more about U'wa culture and spirituality. The
U'wa's lush ancestral land is coveted by both the Colombia state oil
concern, Ecopetrol, and the U.S. multinational Occidental Petroleum Corp.The U'wa face violence from all fronts. But they continue to sustain their land and their culture without taking up arms.
In a report my son wrote, he said that the cycle of violence that
threatens the U'wa's survival -- the same cycle that consumed his life and
the lives of his companions -- stems from the dramatic increase in
militarization that accompanies oil development. He clearly understood
that the U.S. military training and assistance to Colombia would bring
more violence from all sides.
If our congressional representatives hear any "wake-up call" following the
execution of my son, I urge it to be this: Remember your high standards of
justice and peace by refusing to further U.S. military aid to Colombia.
Doing the hard work of peace takes a lot more guts than empowering more men with guns.
JULIE FREITAS
North Hollywood, Calif.
Source: WASHINGTON POST Saturday, 22 May 1999
FOR PERSONAL, EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY. NOT TO BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE SOURCE.
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