Lasc To Oppose Renewed Aid To Contras
According to the mainstream press, the situation in Nicaragua has recently heated up due to the Sandinistas' expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Richard Melton, and the nationalization of a large sugar plantation. In reality, the U.S.-sponsored political and economic destabilization has for the last few years created a crisis situation in Nicaragua, making conditions ripe for a government collapse or a U.S. inspired military overthrow, much like that which occurred in Chile in 1973. The Reagan Administration is once again calling for military aid for the contras (who have begun murdering civilians again since the breakdown of the talks with Nicaraguan government). Significantly, strongman on the contras' military and political directorate is, as of late, former Somoza National Guardsman Enrique Bermudez. LASC will be working to galvanize popular support against this last-ditch contra aid effort by the Reagan Administration.
LASC's purpose is to support the legitimate aspirations of Latin American peoples to self-determination. LASC aims to increase awareness in the U.S. about contemporary realities in Latin America and the U.S. role in the region. Because current U.S. foreign policy perpetuates violence and injustice, LASC acts as a community of concerned citizens to pressure our government to change its military, political, and economic policies toward Latin America.
LASC sponsors educational events such as films, slide shows, and speakers. The outreach committee provides speakers for University and high school classes as well as for other groups interested in Latin American issues. If you would like somebody to speak, contact us at 665-8438. The LASC newsletter La Palabra (our Summer issue is hot off the press) reaches about 800 subscribers. It contains a summary of our activities and updates on the news from Latin America.
Our meetings throughout the summer alternate between education on Latin American issues and conducting regular LASC business. New people are always welcome. Information about weekly activities can be obtained by visiting or calling the LASC office. The office is staffed from 12 to 1 pm on weekdays, and messages can be left on the answering machine at all other times.
Latin American Solidarity Committee (LASC), 4120 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, Ml 48109, 665-8438.