[snip]
>Jim heartfield
Sure. Suggestion received. And? I wouldn't expect an establishment to do anything BUT seek to entrench it's authority at each conjuncture. That's what establishments do.
What seems significant to me is not just that at the present conjuncture "establishments will be establishments", but ALSO the opportunities presented at the same time -- and quite on the margins of the establishement's intentions, etc. -- for people stuggling for justice. Pointing out that swords have two edges is a necessary exercise, yes, but also pretty comfy. Now and again you just have to grab one, and slash away (while keeping our heads down on the rebound).
In North this may not seem so important. Here it is. Without a clear understanding of the past, the future is pretty bleak. And opportunites for speaking in reasonalbe terms of that past have just exploded open in the last month or so. One can utter "Pinochet" (or Videla, Banzer, etc.) and "murderer" in the same sentence, and meet with understanding, not disdain and the suggestion of being hopelessly anachronistic. Here, in Bolivia or Chile, this is political work of the utmost import. Up there too, I'd suggest. Imagine a time when you can say "Kisinger" and "mass murder" and meet with friendly nods and support in the "mainstream"! (As noted: 60% of Chileans feel Pinochet should be tried somewhere, somehow, a "fact" the "transition to democracy" in Chile effectively represed until, oh, a minute ago.)
That the Pinochet situation also provides opportunities for entrenching juridical neo-imperialism such as it is today should concern us. But let's also stay in touch with people fighting for justice on the ground.
Tom
Tom Kruse Casilla 5812 / Cochabamba, Bolivia Tel/Fax: (591-4) 248242 Email: tkruse at albatros.cnb.net