Forum: US and Our Southern Neighbors |
Back during the height of the Cold War, it was widely accepted that the U.S.
government actively intervened (both covertly and openly) in the internal affairs
of Central and South American countries. However with the more recent fall of
Communism (with the exception of Cuba) the need for such intervention would
now seem to be largely non-existent. But thanks to the "War on Drugs", regional
security concerns, and the tide of "illegal aliens"; the U.S. continues to flex
considerable political, economic, and military muscle to influence the course
of events in Latin America countries. Most U.S. citizens now seem unaware (or
unconcerned!?) of U.S. policy towards Latin America.
For example, there is a US Army School called the "School of the Americas" (Based
in Fort Benning, Georgia) which trains Latin American solders in sophisticated
combat, counter-insurgency, and counter-narcotics skills and tactics. Supporters
of this school claim that the graduates contribute to the security and stability
of Latin American countries. Critics claim that graduates have sometimes undermined
democracy in Latin countries through executions and military coups. In either
case, it appears that the U.S. government continues to support the U.S. training
of Latin American soldiers.
Our speaker for the July Forum is a critic of U.S. foreign policy towards Latin
America and, in particular, of the role of the School of the Americas in helping
to carry out this policy. Please join us for what should be a thought provoking
and perhaps controversial discussion. We hope to see you there!
The home for the Forum is the convenient Pyle Adult Recreation Center in Tempe.
The center is located at the SW corner of the intersection of Rural Road and
Southern. The Rural and Southern intersection is just two blocks North of the
Rural Road exit off the 60 Freeway and a couple miles South of the Scottsdale
Road exit off the 202 Freeway. The Pyle Adult Center building is just West of
the Tempe Library and is close to Southern. The location of the Post-Forum De-briefing
is only about three blocks away. Admission to the Forum is FREE. Questions?
Call Jerry Corbin at (602)-438-0958.