Advocates of human rights and policy reform in Colombia declared during a rally outside the UNM Bookstore Friday that the continued U.S. military presence in Colombia is harming, not helping, its citizens.
"Giving military aid to a country in a civil war is like throwing kerosene on a fire," said Francine Cronshaw, founder of the Colombia Solidarity Committee of New Mexico.
The committee meets with state Congressional leaders to discuss Colombian issues. The group also organizes educational events for the public and sponsors guest speakers from the country.
Juan Vallejo, a Colombian who now lives in the United States due to threats against his life, was the rally's guest speaker.
"I am asking the American people to oppose Plan Colombia," Vallejo said. "Lots of people are being assassinated for the defense of human rights."
According to the U.S. State Department, Plan Colombia is meant to address the most pressing Colombian political and social issues including promoting the peace process, combating narcotics, reviving the country's economy and supporting a democratic government.
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Plan Colombia, which was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 2000, dedicated $1.3 billion dollars in anti-drug aid to the South American country.
Also at the rally was Charles Catlett, UNM Public Events administrative assistant, who read his poem "Colombia for Colombians."
"Individuals have the personal power to make change," Catlett said. "Time to change the white nightmare of manifest destiny."
Many individuals at the rally held signs with slogans such as "Our polices have impact on
lives," and "Save water, piss on a Bush!"
Organizers of the rally encouraged those who attended to notify their government
representatives about their opinion regarding U.S. involvement in Colombia.
According to a committee news release, U.S.-supported paramilitaries are responsible for nearly 80 percent of the human rights abuses committed in Colombia.
About 100 people attended the rally.
