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The Campaign for Peace and Life is issuing an urgent call for a National Day of Action for the Truth on June 19th.
On that day we urge you to take a public stand against US government secrecy and US government complicity with human rights abuse in Guatemala and elsewhere. Vigils, prayer services (see enclosure), protests in front of Federal Buildings, literature tables set up in front of Post Offices -- all of these will make a difference...and be sure to let the media know about your activity! In addition to the national day of action, the time is now to contact the media, your legislators, and the White House about: 1) the need for complete disclosure of government-held secrets on human rights abuses in Guatemala since 1954 and 2) the need for lasting human rightsbased reforms of the intelligence agencies, so that we can truly say iiNever Againl`, to our nation's historic complicity with repression. The Freedom of Information Act also needs to be strengthened. This law, now in its 30th year, requires government agencies to comply with citizens' requests for internal government documents, subject to a number of exemptions. The Act should be amended so that exemptions based on "national security" or "protection of sources and methods" cannot be used to conceal information related to human rights violations. In the coming weeks let's make clear that a repeat performance of Clinton's May 6th release, in which many, potentially crucial documents were withheld on "national security grounds", is simply not acceptable! Our national security is not well served when our government protects "sources" who are human rights violators. Use the enclosed Joint Statement about the May 6th document release to make clear to the press and opinion-makers the relative insignificance of what has been released to date. What can we do to support Dianna's and the Guatemalan people's quest for truth? 1. Focus pressure on the White House: Organize a call-in day at your church or synagogue. Call or fax the White House to ask that all information about "Alejandro", others involved in the 1989 abduction of Dianna Ortiz, and all information related to abuses in Guatemala since 1954 be declassified (tel: 202-456-1111, fax: 202-456-2461, e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov). Raise the same point in letters to the editor and those all important op-eds ttry to recruit your minister or rabbi to submit such an opinion piece to your local paper). A published op-ed or letter to the editor is worth a hundred calls to the Comment Une and will be taken note of by the White House. (Don't neglect getting your message into local church newspapers & other publications!) Also, bring pressure to bear by raising this issue in the context of President Clinton's general human rights record and his bid for reselection. On radio talk shows and in letters to the editor mention it is something you will be keeping in mind when you enter the voting booth in November. Besides the fall election, another good hook for your letter to the editor is the hot topic of ethics and Government. We can bring greater pressure to bear by linking the issue of the disclosure of records on Guatemala to the larger issue of good government. Let's remind the public of the dangers of an unaccountable, secret government that can use the excuse of "national security" to hide its actions. 2. Continue to pressure Congress: Call and write your Congressional representatives, contacting directly their legislative aide who handles intelligence or foreign affairs. If they signed the recent Lantos/Porter letter to President Clinton, which requested thorough declassification, thank them (in a public way, if possible, as in a letter to the editor) and request that they continue to monitor developments. (103 legislators, from both major parties, signed this letter--a significant achievement that would not have been possible without your pressure! Great work!) Including the enclosed Joint Statement about the May 6th State Department document release along with your personal letter will help educate them about the urgency of complete declassification of all documents related to abuses in Guatemala since 1954. Keeping in mind the current discussions about the post-Cold War role of the intelligence agencies, call in to a local radio station while your member of Congress is being interviewed. Put him/her on the spot about the intelligence agencies' record in Guatemala and Congress' failure to properly supervise them: Ask to know their position on strengthening Congressional oversight, imposing human rights-based restrictions on the intelligence agencies, and strengthening the Freedom of Information Act (so that victims of abuse like Dianna Ortiz can get complete information). (A list of specific recommendations on intelligence reform, as laid out by the Latin America Working Group, is available from us upon request.) Ask for their position on Rep. John Conyer's bill, the Intelligence Budget Accountability Act (HR 3392), which would mandate the public disclosure of appropriations for the intelligence agencies. Urge them to co-sponsor this important first step in improving accountability. Finally, whether they are Republicans, Democrats, or independents, make sure your Representative or Senators are forced to confront these issues when they are speaking at public events or forums. Let them know that you will be keeping their position in mind when you enter the voting booth in November. |