the other september 11th

First let me say I join all my fellow citizens in mourning the losses caused by the attacks on my country seven years ago today--and all the losses that have occurred since too.

Living in Latin America, however, I have learned that this date has a whole other significance which I was completely ignorant of until a few months ago. Remembering that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere", I would like to share with you a little about the other September 11th, one that is remember far to the south and all over Latin America. And remembered quite differently than perhaps US history teaches us.

It was 1973. A failed coup had already been attempted once on the President of Chile at that time, Salvador Allende. Soon afterward the national assembly condemned President Allende's alleged unconstitutional activity. Allende was a socialist and suspected communist sympathizer. With an eye on potential Russian interference in the hemisphere, the US backed the opposition to Allende's unity government, and on September 11th, he was removed by military coup, setting up Augusto Pinochet's reign of terror. Pinochet set up a military dictatorship that would last until 1990.

Chili's story is similar to Nicaragua's. Both bear the scars of US interventions that led to violent dictatorships lasting multiple decades. Dictatorships that killed off their opposition, destroyed national resources, stole from the people, and even imprisoned artists. One Chilean artist killed in the aftermath of Pinochet's takeover was Victor Jara, a beloved writer and poet who had been active in Allende's campaign. Jara was murdered 5 days after the coup. He was just 38.

Perhaps it is irreverent and even un-patriotic to point out the failures of US foreign policy on so solemn an occasion as today. However, I have always believed that love for one's country should not make one blind to its faults. I believe my country can be much better than it has been in its relationship not only with Latin America, but with the entire world--and it is out of a great love and hope for the United States' capacity to rise from the ashes (as it did in the weeks following 9/11) and make good on its promise that I share this story from the heart of Central America tonight.

Peace.