20 are arrested in protest at military training school

COLUMBUS, Ga. - At least 20 people were arrested Sunday while protesting at a U.S.-run military school for Latin Americans, some graduates of which later committed civil rights abuses including murder, according to the protesters.

"We gather to revive the memory of those who have died at the hands of this combat school," said the Rev. Roy Bourgeois, a Catholic priest of the Maryknoll order. "How do you teach democracy behind the barrel of a gun? If they are so concerned about teaching democracy, then why not close this school and send these students to some of our fine universities."

I wonder about which fine universities he refers...? As there are so few truly Catholic ones, perhaps he is referring to secular institutions.

Some people seem to forget that, at times, democracy must be secured nad even taught with a gun...particular when faced with those who will do everything possible to thwart any attempts at establishing a representative form of government.

This 'school', of course, does train soldiers, police, and government officials. But I'm not certain that makes the school responsible for the actions of its 'graduates'.

Bourgeois is head of SOA Watch, which monitors the institution formerly known as The School of the Americas. The group has staged annual protests there since 1990.

Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon addressed the group Saturday, and Martin Sheen, who plays the president in NBC's "West Wing" TV series, delivered a fiery speech Sunday.

It must have been truly memorable...

Source