I am pleased to report that the preliminary meeting on behalf of cmrde Olaechea was held on 7/6/03 in Providence. There were 21 people in attendance, several of whom were unfamiliar with the work of this particular political prisoner, but who know only too well the vagaries of the Peruvian justice system and its almost ant-like devotion to the wishes of whomever happens to wield power in Washington, D.C.
There was some discussion of the relative merits of "Shining Path", as well as those of its numerous detractors and supporters. There was general agreement that the Peruvian government represents the very worst of those who follow the path of capitalist development in Latin America, regardless of the nature of this or that group which stands opposed to it. Nearly everyone present applauded the principled stand taken by Comrade Olaechea, but several voiced doubts as to the wisdom of placing oneself voluntarily at the disposal of a such a regime as that which currently occupies power in Lima.
Following these preliminaries, it was agreed to 1) wholeheartedly support Comrade Olaechea in his defense against the Toledo lackey regime including Comrade Olaechea's stand vis a vis the Peruvian Revolution; 2) to commence a letter-writing campaign on his behalf in the local and regional press; 3) to organize in the very near future a "demonstration of concern" at the Peruvian consulate in Boston; 4) to endeavor to contact as many among those opposed to political repression and tyranny as possible in order to garner additional support for this campaign; and 5) to establish contact with Comrade Olaechea's family for the purpose of providing material aid, both in order to meet immediate needs and for the purpose of aiding his defense.
It was furthermore decided that Louis Godena should act as corresponding secretary in an ad hoc capacity for the group and that Sharon DeValle shoulder the chairperson duties for the time being.
Louis Godena, Acting Secretary
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-- Michael Pugliese