Recognizing Inspiration...

             This fall marks two years of intense fear and violence that has become reality for many people worldwide.  September 11, 2001 and the aftermath of the terrible events of that day remain fresh in our minds and a significant part of many people’s lives around the world.  Prior to September 11, many people outside of the United States (including some within this country) were familiar with the fear and violence to which many U.S. Americans have since been exposed.  The suffering and exploitation which is reality for many people throughout the world make possible the reality of many U.S. Americans, which is comprised of ignorance, comfort and apathy. 

            The “War on Terrorism” has disrupted this false notion of reality as it restricts civil liberties and impedes our Constitutional Rights.  It is increasingly important at this time to recognize the realities of U.S. intervention abroad, through direct use of military force and the equally destructive economic intervention that appears in the form of the WTO, FTAA, IMF and World Bank, to name a few that are mentioned in this newsletter.  These multinational treaties and organizations impact our lives too, not just “the poor in faraway lands.”  Gradually they are sacrificing our individual rights and freedoms for the expansion of corporate control.  We must recognize that shift in power before it is too late and remember that it is the people who have the power.  And we do!

            Bolivians demonstrated the power of the people with their victory against the water privatization in Cochabamba in 2000.  The recent international mobilization to hold the Bush Administration accountable for its actions in Iraq is overwhelming proof of the power of the people.  This fall thousands of people will protest U.S. imperialism and corporate globalization at the WTO meetings in Cancun, the FTAA talks in Miami and the annual vigil and demonstration at Fort Benning, GA.  Millions of people across the globe are working in solidarity towards a just peace. 

            I am thrilled to join the CUSLAR team, working to affect positive change and to encourage cooperation between the local and global communities.        

- Meaghan Sheehan
CUSLAR Co-coordinator