The following letter was forwarded to me from Cat Quinn after her presentation last Wednesday. The letter and attached article from ABC news present us with a cautionary tale of how good intentions can be abused.
Any thoughts on this issue? What, if anything, can be done? We're hungry for your comments.
>Daniel
In Latin America, there are deep suspicions that the U.S. Embassy recruits church missionaries, peace corps workers, and U.S. business people as spies on civilian organizations which the United States believes may threaten U.S. interests. Given the considerable number of U.S. government covert operations carried out worldwide by the CIA, this is not an irrational fear. Incidents like this one below in Bolivia remind Latin Americans that they should remain cautious of trusting U.S. citizens, even those of good will. For additional insight, check http://therealnews.com/web/index.php?thisdataswitch=0&thisid=964&thisview=item /index.php?thisdataswitch=0&thisid=964&thisview=item>. These U.S covert operations in Latin America disrespect civil society and undermine democratic institutions. These practices are counterproductive, and should end.
Gary L. Cozette, Program Director
Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN)
Article from ABC NEWS - Exclusive: Peace Corps, Fulbright Scholar Asked to 'Spy' on Cubans, Venezuelans.
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5 comments:
I found this article about the Peace Corps volunteers that were asked by a U.S. Embassy official to spy Cubans and Venezuelans very interesting, I had no idea that this could ever happen. I have never heard of this happening before, so when Cat Quinn said something about this in class I wanted to learn more about this and how it could happen. I can't imagine how much this has taken place and the corps members have not put two and two together or if they have, not question it morally. But I would think that the majority (if not all) of corp members would feel disgusted and furious if they knew they were a part of such a scheme. This is a great example of good intentions gone bad, but it is not as if their intentions are bad, but rather someone that is in a position of power is reshaping the good intentions into destructive ones. I still have hope for programs like the Peace Corps, but it is going to take people getting the word out to bring attention to those who are shifting good intentions to bad. (I am not ruling out the good intentions that are really bad intentions, because we all know they exist, but rather the intentions that could remain wonderful for both parties yet are turned into destructive intentions by a different party). Also, I find it interesting that this could even take place, in the sense that, why aren’t more volunteers aware of themselves? I think this is very crucial as a volunteer, just being aware of yourself and you impact on those you are helping. Does any one know any more examples, like this article, that you’ve heard from friends, the news, etc.?
It doesn't surprise me one bit that the U.S. government would utilize these people as spies. The U.S. government successfully used Anthropologist in the beginning of the 20th century as spies all over the world. That poses a very difficult obstacle for people trying to do good and to learn about other people. We come from a country (meaning a government) who only has its own self-interest in mind. How do you get other people to believe that an American could come into your home with more than his own self-interest?
becky and daniel - thank you very much for your participation.
I hope your other comrads join you soon.
hdogg special delivering
When Becky asked the question, why aren’t more volunteers aware of themselves? I was thinking the same thing. I feel that when people from the U.S. are involved in this type of situation they kind of rely on more experienced figures, like the government. Maybe people go with good intentions but not much more than that. When that person is in a place trying to help as much as they can without the proper knowledge, they are probably more susceptible to accept the act of a bad intention unknowingly than a person that is aware of the concept. One can hope that after this incident people will open their eyes to what is really going on and realize what they need to do to fulfill their goal of good intentions. Now, we have put a bigger burden on ourselves by losing the trust of this country and most likely all of the other countries who have heard the news. This makes it more difficult for those with real good intentions to be able to make a difference. However, there will always be obstacles, which could in fact lead to better things. If we can regain the trust of those people or just talk with them about the situation, maybe that will be a way for them to open up and share their ideas to us, leading to the best good intention.
to respond to your comment angela, i have to say, "always be skeptical." that's different from saying "don't trust anyone." from my experience, trust is not something that should be assumed, but something that is built over time.
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