Write your Congressman to Support HR 1217

[SCDem]

I just sent my Congressman an email about this and hope all you will do the same. Theis an effort to close the School of the Americas. Below I have listed more information about the bill and then below that posted my letter - if by posting it it will encourage others to write to their Congressman.

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On March 10, 2005, Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) reintroduced legislation in the 109th Congress to suspend operations at the School of the Americas/ WHINSEC. HR 1217, "The Latin America Military Training Review Act of 2005," had 78 bi-partisan introductory co-sponsors -- thanks to YOUR determined efforts during our February Lobby Day and National Call-in Day! The bill currently has 125 bi-partisan co-sponsors, which are listed at the bottom of the page.

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Last night I attented York County's Monthly Democratic Forum. I heard from students and professionals passionate about the atrocities that have occurred from graduates of the School of the Americas. This is not the first time I have heard of such atrocities but it was the first time I was aware of the HR 1217 to end the School of the Americas.

I lived and worked in Honduras twelve years ago. At the time it was the safest of neighboring countries. I understand the need to foster democracy and democratic ideals in other parts of the world but I don't believe you can foster such pure democratic ideals in a non-democratic setting - the military.
I understand the awkward situation you are in as an influential Democratic Congressman and also being from a traditionally conservative state. I also know that you are facing Karl Rove backed opposition from Ralph (sidewalks are a form of socialism) Norman. But from the talk last night it sounded as if there also exists Republican support for this bill.

If we are concerned about supporting democratic ideals around the globe and wish to foster promising democracies then let us do that. Let us foster pan-American forums for college students or fledgling progressives. And let us not promote democracy through placing a gun to someone's head or threatening the members of one's family. I hope that you will sign on to HR 1217 as it unlike the School will encourage human rights, justice and democracy in Latin America.