In Remembrance of Oscar Romero

30 years ago today, a goliath in the human right movement was murdered while giving mass to a local church in El Salvador . The archbishop of El Salvador Oscar Romero become one of the strongest voices against the violence occurring in El Salvador. When I say violence, I mean over 40,000 people were killed or disappeared by mostly the nations security forces dressed in civilian clothes that became know as death squads. For years Romero stood up in the face of a very real danger and proclaimed truth and peace. He was aware of the dangers around him as several friends had been assassinated. A day after Romero called on the military to obey God's call to peace and respect for human beings, they came after him. He was shot in the heart literally as was performing the Eucharist (communion). He really followed Gods call to bring heaven on earth and I think we should not only remember him today but also continue the work that he was doing.

It turned out that many of the death squads and military officials of not just El Salvador but most of Latin America had been trained in America. For almost 60 years over 60,000 Latin American soldiers have been trained to in brutal counterinsurgency tactics from intimidation murders to disappearances to torture. All violations of human rights to serve Americas interests in overseas. The main training facility is located in Fort Benning Georgia called the School of Americas. (now renamed WHISC Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooporation)

Every November there is a mass protest outside the gates of Fort Benning. I attended last year and would love to take part again this year. I met a lot beautiful souls standing in solidarity for all those who have died as a consequence of brutal American training. Please if you have the means to attend I highly recommend it. Here is the link to the group that organizes the protest: School of Americas Watch