U.S. in Americas

I was pleased to read Jorge Castaneda’s July 26 commentary, “Atone for the Past as a Prelude to the Future for All of the Americas.” It is rare that mainstream media include any news or opinion that fully exhibits the horrific role of interference that the U.S. has played in the national determination of Latin American countries.

Currently, Andres Pastrana, elected president of Colombia, is attempting to negotiate an end to decades of violence between Marxist rebel groups, private counterrevolutionary forces and the Colombian government. It is my hope that the U.S. will “allow” Colombians to self-determine their own process of peace. If the U.S. “disapproves” of the outcome of Colombia’s negotiations, the predictable consequences would be an initial demonization of Colombia within the media (the war on drugs offers much ammunition), followed by bloody, overt military invasions and economic strangulation (so that we can save ourselves and the world).

JENNIFER BLUE

Torrance