berman@ihuxm.UUCP (10/28/83)
I went to Grenada last March for about a week. A beautiful,
peaceful country, with incredibly friendly people. It reminded
me of my Peace Corps days in Africa---lush forests, hills,
a very African people, beautiful coast and beaches.
I spoke extensively to all sorts of folks, including
American medical students, Cuban construction workers,
ansd Grenadan of many walks of life. I visited farms
and an agricultural co-operative, as well as the new
Airport under construction.
Now our President has turned that country into a bloodbath,
to the shame of every American of conscience.
I don't think it's really necessary to refute the blatent
lies the Reagan administration is dishing out these days,
but here's a few points to be aware of:
1) The airport --- entirely open to visitors, even while under
construction, which would hardly be the case if it was
a military project. The country needs tourism. Now to
get to Grenada you must first stop in Barbados, where
almost invariably you must spend the night. With the
airport the jets could go directly from New York
Miami, London. No wonder tourist conscious Barbados
Jamaica, Antigua, were jealous of the airport.
2) The students --- seemed to keep a low profile, but very
much at ease with the country. Their presence brings
highly desirable foreign exchange, plus the terrific
bonus of hundreds of medical personnel on an island
of only 100,000. The Bishop government, as well as
ANY government would want friendly relations with
the medical school.
3) The Cubans -- I met doctors, fishing experts and construction
workers, all friendly, and patient with my weak Spanish.
That many of them could handle a rifle is no surprise.
Civilian militias are probably a healthy complement
to professional armies.
4) Bishop --Very popular and genuinely loved by the overwhelming
majority of Grenadans. While I would not put it past the
CIA to have organized his ouster, my guess is that it probably
was a situation of factionalism and power hunger by certain
people in the governing New Jewel Movement and the Army.
I have no doubt that the new government would have soon faced
the wrath of the organized and proud Grenadan people.
5) Reagan -- What he has done is basically cowardly (taking on
an army of 800 soldiers -- gee whiz Ronnie, can you do it?),
and stupid, but above all shows contempt for the American
people. He clearly wants us to forget his blunders in
Lebanon and Central America. He needs a cheap "victory"
to get re-elected. The only question I have is are we,
the American people, going to fall for his cheap tricks?
I'm pretty confident we won't.
Andy Berman