8 May 2008
Late
last night the Associated Press (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/COLOMBIA_TAINTED_ARMY?SITE=TNKNN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) reported on the ruling of
a former Colombian Army Colonel who was accused of ordering a May 2006 massacre
of 10 elite anti-drug officials. He was convicted of the charges and sentenced
to 52 years in prison along with his second in command. 50 year sentences were
given to 13 of their subordinates also found to be perpetrators of the crime.
This
story is of great importance. Anytime individuals are brought to justice it is
a victory for rule of law. Not only for the individuals adversely effected, but
also for a society as a whole. One of Colombia’s greatest problems is
corruption and lack of rule of law in the government. This is an exemplary case
of how rule of law can be effectively carried out in that country. One branch
of government-the judicial-was able to enforce societal justice on individuals
in another branch of government-the military.
This
is important in a country where corruption seems to reign at all levels of
government and society. If those who commit atrocious crimes (especially
governmental or military leaders) can adequately be brought to justice in fair
trials, this should surely increase the faith of the populous in Colombia’s
legal system.
This
is one of the most positive breakthroughs that I have seen in months. It is a
story of corruption losing and rule of law winning. A much needed victory at
this time indeed.
Until
tomorrow,
-Pat
7 May 2008
Today’s
entry is somewhat of a follow up on the previous days, as I will continue the
discussion about Uribe. It is indeed an eye-opener that Uribe is still so
popular. After reading some articles yesterday, one from Reuters in particular
(http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN06493694),
I was continually stunned at Uribe’s approval from the populous in spite of
growing concerns regarding corruption and human rights violations.
The
Congress is in shambles and everyday it seems that corruption comes nearer to
Uribe. There is a spider web connecting leaders in high government positions to
the coca trade and the ‘demobilized’ AUC paramilitaries. One Uribe loyalist
used an analogy that posited the paramilitary problem as Colombia’s “national
surgery”, paramilitaries being a component that must be removed in this. It
will be a difficult task to conduct this surgery. It continues to be difficult,
especially as it seems corruption expands into all areas of the State including
the judicial, military, police, and legislative sectors.
While
Uribe’s approval ratings are high, it is my persuasion that if the corruption
problem is not addressed soon, then this problem, in conjunction with the human
rights issues attributed to his administration will take their toll. The result
will be that Uribe support will dwindle. I am left with a bit of pessimism
because how exactly do you fight corruption in a country when those given the
task to fight corruption are indeed corrupt?
My
pessimism does not mean that I think the situation I hopeless. Instead, my pessimism
is a reflection of the current trajectory, which I think to be a hopeless one.
Uribe has been successful in some areas and not so successful in others. It is
time that he shifts more focus to addressing human rights concerns and
corruption-the not so successful areas. Surely, a failure to do will eventually
result in a fundamental change in public opinion that will cause even greater
disillusionment than already exists.
Kind
Regards,
-Pat
6 May 2008
An
Associated Press report from 4 May cites a recent poll indicating that
President Uribe’s approval rating is at its highest ever-84%. It is actually
the highest approval rating of any president in Latin America. This seems a bit
strange at a time when political leaders and family members of Uribe have
recently been jailed for corruption and ties to the coca trade. Adding to this,
Uribe’s military has recently been accused of murdering union activists.
Why
is his ship sailing ahead at full speed at a time when it should be on the
rocks?
There
are a few answers to this question:
1)
The
economy is steadily growing;
2)
generally,
people in towns and cities are safer;
3)
and
Uribe has managed to deal a serious blow to FARC influence.
The
only logical conclusion I can come to, and it’s a rather simple one, is that
the people of Colombia are simply tired of the conflict and the many issues
that arise over it.
Uribe
has managed to quell many issues, even though he not always gone about doing so
in a way that is approved of by the international community-with the many human
rights violations under his leadership-he has managed to make the lives of
everyday Colombians more safe and their economic situations more secure. Uribe
is really the lesser of two evils. Even with his gross human rights violations
and ties to corruption on one side, the side of Uribe that has been able to
increase economic growth and security comes as a long sought after relief to
poverty and danger in that country.
Either
its Uribe with his prosperity that comes from/with the overstretch of hard
power, or it’s a weak leader like Pastrana who neither achieves peace nor
prosperity. The Colombians have voiced their opinions; only time will tell how
the pendulum may shift however as the situation in that country changes daily.
Here
is a link to the AP article if anyone is interested: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/COLOMBIA_TEFLON_PRESIDENT?SITE=AZTUC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Best,
-Pat
