November/December Issue, Part 1

November/December Issue online!

Voice for the Voiceless – SOA/WHINSEC Protests Abuses of Authority
by Greg Calhoun

Killing is not murder. This is the attitude expressed by the professionals who facilitated a tour of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), and who gave their justification that the United States is in no way complicit in the torture and murder committed by graduates of WHINSEC upon returning to their home countries. Semantics like this, along with evidence of tragic human rights abuse committed by Latin American soldiers trained at Fort Benning, empowered 58 UD students to travel to Georgia for the annual November protest to close the school.

WHINSEC, formerly named the School of the Americas (SOA), is a controversial training academy for Latin American police and military forces. The government identifies the academy’s mission as training rising leaders in the skills for governing democracy and providing ethical instruction toward just action. The government also defends the school by saying that no higher institution of learning can guarantee that its graduates will not commit crimes in the future. Yet, documented cases of human rights abuses by graduates abound, including the El Mozotes massacre of more than 800 people in El Salvador. The only living witness was advocate Rufina Amaya, whose life and hope was celebrated at this year’s protest after she passed away in March. UD is linked to these abuses as well, as our annual human rights award is named after the former Archbishop of El Salvador, Oscar Romero, whose life was ended tragically in 1980 by a Salvadoran death squad comprised of several SOA graduates. The murder of six Jesuit priests in El Salvador, along with their co-worker and her teenage daughter, on November 16, 1989 inspired Father Roy Bourgeois to start the protest group SOA Watch and gather activists at the gates of Fort Benning on the anniversary of the killing.

In 1990, fewer than 20 stood witness at the gates, but by 2006 the movement had grown to bring more than 20,000 protestors. Protestors used to cross onto Fort Benning property and plant white crosses with the names of victims of SOA graduates in a procession honoring the dead and creating a symbolic graveyard showing the public awareness of atrocities committed. But, as the protest had changed, so has the environment with new fencing installed and security forces operating with the mandate to strictly enforce trespassing laws. Two UD students, Brian DeRouen and Meagan Doty, crossed onto the base in 2004 and joined in with over 200 others who have been arrested and jailed for nonviolent protest of the school. Eleven arrests for crossing were made this year according to SOA Watch’s latest reports. The success of the movement since 1990 can be measured by the 5 countries – Bolivia, Costa Rica, Argentina, Uruguay, and Venezuela – who have pulled their troops from the program, and by the vote in June on removing funding from WHINSEC that came within six votes of passing. UD students, led by Liz Albanese and Mary Niebler, returned to contribute their time and prayer to continuing the positive momentum achieved by the cause’s progress.

After traveling through the night by van and bus, UD students were welcomed to the first day at the gates. Saturday can best be described as a program of education and musical celebration on the main stage, accompanied by a “marketplace of ideas” generated by the tables lining the protest space. Many activism groups show their support for peaceful protest and come to share their cause while participating in the weekend’s efforts to close the school and honor the dead. I was reminded of the inclusivity pillar of the Marianist charism, as groups from across the spectrum were represented and engaged in dialogue. In one afternoon, I aced a nuclear quiz by a group hoping to impeach Bush, learned about counter-recruitment efforts to educate poor young adults about the reality of committing to armed service, obtained two free issues of Sojourners magazine along with an invite to a Colombus, OH rally, and walked past Liberate Marijuana and Go Vegan tables to visit the group representing the familiar Marianist Volunteer Program. Some students expressed frustration at the proliferation of causes for being detrimental to the focus of the weekend, but they in turn recognized their right to do so and appreciated the opportunity to explore their own beliefs on a wide range of issues. In addition to the tables, inspirational speakers, and music, another important event on Saturday was the WHINSEC tour.

The public relations staff for the institution hosts a tour and information session for protesters interested in balancing their perspective by hearing the voice of those working on the other side of the fence. Brother Tom Pieper, the campus minister for Stuart Hall, was impressed with their professional approach. He found, however, that the argumentation of the panel of board members and instructors differed with his own on very basic values and principles. One of the board members argued that we have interpreted the commandment as “Thou Shall Not Kill” when in the original Hebrew text it means “Thou Shall not Murder.” In this line of reasoning, the school does train soldiers to kill in self-defense but is not responsible for the graduates who misuse their training for torture and murder. Another said that the SOA is closed and that WHINSEC has incorporated the values of democracy as well as classes on ethics, and should not be blamed for what happened in the past. Yet, WHINSEC is a direct descendant of the SOA, says Brother Tom, and continues to teach violence. “This is not consistent with teaching democracy, which does not flow from the barrel of a gun.” Brother Tom was disappointed that the Christian values of respect for others underlying democracy is disregarded by the school’s military approach. “Does this really teach democracy and freedom?” he questioned. The utilitarian argument that most of the school’s graduates produce the public goods of safety, security, and stability is not backed by accountability because the board members said they do not track graduates any more than any university would. Brother Tom thought it was hypocritical for the government to concentrate on tracking terrorism, but not keep tabs on graduates who have proven to be susceptible to committing terrorist acts after leaving the school. Despite their differences, he said that he was still glad he went to hear their side. Saturday ended with a campfire reflection that brought those who went on the tour together with the full group for a communal discussion. Reaffirmed in our efforts for justice, we shared in the warmth of the fire and looked forward to Sunday’s procession.

Sunday opened with a series for presentations from the main stage to build the solidarity for the day’s major activity: the mass funeral procession. After hearing social justice-oriented music and speeches by people ranging from victims, to leaders of the movement, and even presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich’s promise to close the school if elected, the group of artists led us in marching around the grounds of the protests. The names of victims were sung from the main stage, and the assembled protestors’ response was to lift our crosses while singing, “Presente.” This ceremony honors those who have perished and symbolizes our presence and solidarity with them. Each cross was solemnly placed in the fence in remembrance, and to show tangible evidence of the impact of the school in Latin America. Following the procession was a new tradition, a celebration of life through music and dance to send forth the gathered activists with energy to continue bearing witness and working for the end of abuses by SOA/WHINSEC graduates.

What can you do if you care about this issue? Learn more by researching the topic, talking with those who have been on the protest, or committing to join along with the 25,000 from this year’s protest to make next November’s even more powerful. Once you have seen both sides, if you have determined that the work to close the school is just, then I suggest you follow the advice of the wise Quaker Milton Mayer and “Speak truth to power”. Flood your representatives in Congress with evidence of U.S. complicity in human rights abuse. Speak loudly when you say that America’s liberty and prestige is compromised by turning a blind eye to torture and murder. Remind our officials that their power flows from us. If we stand united, they will listen. Truth is inherently dangerous to power. Jesus challenged authority by living his Gospel, and there are many martyrs who have followed his example of non-violence in confronting injustice. But we need not be martyrs to make a difference. We need to be heard; we need to spread the good news of hope that inspires others to act. Make your political officials open letter after letter and e-mail after e-mail saying “No Mas! No More!” The fence at Fort Benning is a physical symbol of resistance, and it is up to us to circumvent the barrier by using our influence as constituents to persuade the government that we will not allow our beloved country to support crimes against humanity. Always speak truth to those in power. It may take time, but we must not falter in our conviction. The powerful will listen if we demand to be heard.

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week: I came, I saw, I love.

by Becca Russo

This year’s Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week was held during the perfect season. Mid-November is usually the time of year when the wind becomes a little colder, the darkness of the night comes sooner, and we begin to get out our winter essentials: coats, mittens, scarves, you name it. We begin to yearn for the cozy comforts of winter, whether you prefer curling up in your favorite blanket with some cocoa or enjoying a heaping bowl of chicken noodle soup. Oftentimes, we associate winter with the good things – the holidays and fresh snow. The winter is also a time when the materialism of our culture is relentless, ushering consumers to the nearest shopping malls and grocery stores to buy the latest in holiday fineries.

This time of the year is experienced in a different way for the homeless population in Dayton and the rest of the world. While we look forward to the comforting soup and the fashionable scarves, they look for food to eat and opportunities to stay warm during the unforgiving winter season. The materialistic holiday blur does not affect these people like it does to the culture of acquisitive consumers. Around this time, it’s easy to forget about the people without homes. It’s easy to become swallowed up in social engagements and final projects. Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week asks for the UD community to take a moment away from all those things, and there isn’t a better time to do it. The Week consisted of several events, which were created by the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week committee, led by one of the Campus Ministry Graduate Assistants, Clare Strockbine.

Saturday: Empty Bowls; this event featured performances about homelessness and poverty, including "Two Women," about the disparity between residents of privileged countries like the United States and those in countries torn apart by war and lack of resources. Other performances included monologues about the mistreatment of war veterans, the urban homeless population, and undocumented immigrants. Mike Schultz, Charlie Schreier, and Brendan O'Grady played some mean guitar, as well. The main point of the event was to reflect on what it means to be homeless, and in doing so, each participant could have a simple bowl of soup and then decorate their bowl in remembrance of Empty Bowls and its impact on that person.

Monday: Speaker, Matthew; Matthew has been homeless on the streets of Boston for over ten years. He spoke with the UD community about the role of churches in the struggle of homeless people. Essentially, he (and many of those in the homeless community) feels that the church has completely closed and locked its doors to the people it claims to have responsibility for: the impoverished. Matthew shared stories, artwork, and had time for several questions. The talk was phenomenal – a real view into the life of someone we so often pass on the street, but never stop to listen to.

Tuesday: Hunger Banquet; when people entered McGinnis for the Hunger Banquet, they were given cards that indicated which economic status they were, poor, moderately poor, and rich. The participants were then invited to gather in their respective economic brackets and have a meal. The poor received very little, a bowl of water. The moderately poor participants received a bowl of rice and the rich were given a nice meal. The numbers were astounding; most of the people who attended the banquet were part of the most impoverished group, which was the overall message of the event: the affluence of the United States is experienced by a small percentage of the world.

Wednesday: Sleepout; several UD students slept outside in Humanities Plaza, in attempt to have solidarity with those who don't have warm beds to come home to. Though the students don't claim to understand how it feels to be homeless, they are able to relate to how one night outside in the cold might feel for someone without a home… it hailed that night.

Thursday: Candlelight Vigil; this event was held in conjunction with the Covenant House. A group of UD community members gathered in Humanities Plaza, reflecting and praying by candlelight, about those who are less fortunate. Testimonials, songs, and prayers were offered, and a general reflection about the week was valuable for all participants of the Vigil.

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week was strengthened by the members of its committee, as well as outstanding UD students, namely Jay Benze, a first year student. Benze, who had no affiliation with the group prior to the week, attended every event, performed in Empty Bowls, slept outside until 5am during the Sleepout – after all the other students had left due to hail –and helped with the tables taking donations all week in KU and Marianist. The Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week committee would also like to extend its gratitude to the UD community and all who contributed to the Week and its events. For more information on how to get involved in Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week next year, contact Clare Strockbine at strockbcm@notes.udayton.edu.

Alumni Update – Joe Weber

1. What are you up to these days?
I'm a volunteer through CRS, working in Zambia.

2. How did UD's emphasis on social action change you?
Opportunity and empowerment, these are the things that I gained from UD's emphasis on social action. I came to UD for graduate school. For years I had been thinking about justice issues, wanting to learn and experience more. When I first arrived at UD I was amazed at all of the things people were doing. I latched on to the Guatemala immersion program and lead the trip during both of my summers at UD. It was an excellent opportunity that doesn't exist at many other schools. And there are countless other opportunities for involvement in service clubs, trips to the SOA, and classes that reflect on justice issues. Different people can get involved in different ways.

Empowerment is the other great gift of UD. You can find support in trying new ideas, wrestling with a variety of issues. Interested in Latin America? You can find a mentor. Women's issues? There are people thinking about them. But, for the most part, these people are not interested in passing their social agenda on to you. Rather, they hope to expose you to challenging issues and help you to develop skills to think and to respond. Perhaps most importantly, UD gives students a safe place to question, struggle, and fail. If you read Dorothy Day, you'll find that social change is an excruciatingly slow process; often you don't see measurable progress. And that is a real struggle for many young people. Other times, passion that is not tempered with direction, patience, and an understanding of the problem can lead you to do more harm than good. But a great deal of wisdom can come from going off half-cocked. People like Nick Cardilino have an amazing gift of patience with students as they grow through frustration and mistakes on the way to becoming community leaders. At UD you have countless opportunities to learn outside of the classroom through experiences that are not as easy to find at universities with less emphasis on social action.

3. What experience at UD made you think "we truly made a difference in the community"?
More often than anything else, I found myself thinking what a difference the community had made on me. That's what keeps me thirsting for social involvement.

4. Who was your mentor(s) on campus? Who should students make an effort to get to know?
The great thing about UD is that mentors are everywhere. I'd say I learned as much from fellow students as anyone else. You also stand to learn a great deal from the lady's at the check out counter in the caf. They're great. I spent most of my time in the theology department, so my mentors included Dr. Sandra Yocum Mize, Dr. Dennis Doyle, and Dr. Bill Portier. They helped me bring social questions into dialog with my faith and academic research. For undergraduates, I'd point toward Dr. Kelly Johnson. She has a deep sense of and commitment to social concern.

5. What is next for you?
I'm hoping that a year in Africa sheds some light on that question, but there is a very good chance I'll be back in Dayton, working on a Phd.