The survivors - Blogabond

From what I'd heard I didn't think I'd be able to use the internet here in this small town in the mountains of western Guatemala, but it must have arrived just recently. Started another week of Spanish classes here yesterday, and last night at the Spanish school I attended a showing of a documentary on the war in this area during the 80's called "Todos_Santos: The Survivors." From the window of this internet cafe, I can see the church where according to the film the residents of the town were locked in while 5 of them were tortured and killed by the army.

During that period anyone who criticized the rich or the government was likely to be branded as a guerrilla supporter and terrorized or killed, often in the most horrific way possible to shock and intimidate the rest of the population. A lot like what has been happening in Colombia more recently.

Another disturbing aspect of the film was the enlistment of evangelicals in paramilitary militias to fight against guerrillas and anyone who was construed to be a sympathizer, including Catholics who were branded as sympathizers because of similarity between Catholic social teaching and the rhetoric of the guerrillas in regard to helping the poor. From the interviews in the film it appeared that many people may have converted to evangelicalism out of fear of further reprisals by the government. In the video clips of church services, I could see a lot of shouting and frenzied singing but not much evidence of humility or love for one's neighbor as oneself.

For fools speak foolishness
and make evil plans.
They practice ungodliness
and spread false teachings about the Lord.
They deprive the hungry of food
and give no water to the thirsty.

The smooth tricks of scoundrels are evil.
They plot crooked schemes.
They lie to convict the poor,
even when the cause of the poor is just.

Isaiah 32:6 & 7

written by

cjones on July 22, 2008 from Todos Santos Cuchumatan, Guatemala

from the travel blog: so-journ

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Buenos Notches!!!! That's good evening from Mom, Alyssa and Iris (who can't spell much less speak Spanish). We saw lots of your pics and what an awesome trip. Wish you were here enjoying the sun, surf, sand and some of your favorite women in the world! Love, hugs and kisses from OC, USA.

written by iris on July 29, 2008

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