ACTIVIST SPEAKS AGAINST U.S. POLICY IN COLOMBIA

A student activist against the use of harmful herbicides in the
fumigation of illegal crops throughout Colombia brought the issue to
New Britain High School Friday, with the message that students can
effect change.

In a time when the war on drugs takes a back seat to the war on
terrorism, 19-year-old Katherine Golub of Middletown shared her
experience as a witness to a health and environmental problem that
plagues Colombia. Golub spent the day speaking to students in
Patricia Mingles' classroom in hopes of increasing awareness and
mobilizing students to speak out against a United States policy that
supports and funds the use of a herbicide that Colombian health
officials lament is hazardous to the health of the indigenous
population.

During a two-week trip to Colombia in January, Golub interviewed,
photographed and witnessed people who have been affected by U.S.-
funded fumigation to eradicate drug crops such as coca and poppy, as
part of the Clinton Administration's Plan Colombia. The Colombian
military has taken charge of the matter using aerial fumigation. Plan
Colombia gave Colombia $1.3 billion in taxpayers revenue of which the
majority is focused on the military.

The experience has fueled the young activist to bring an awareness to
others about the effects of foreign policy.

"A primary purpose of U.S. military aid to Colombia is to protect
U.S. corporate interests at the experience of the people," Golub
said."Companies can make people in Colombia make our shoes and
clothes much cheaper than unionized workers in the U.S.The
fumigations were designed to kill the coca plant, which produces the
illegal drug that is sold in the U.S.Instead, food crops are being
destroyed, people are economically suffering leading to depend more
on the thriving plants of coca."

Golub's photos from her trip show a growing hatred for U.S. policy
that indirectly funds paramilitary regimes known for the
assassination of unionists, farmers and protesters opposed to the
fumigation.

"These policies are sowing the seeds for future problems," said
Mingles, a New Britain High teacher."A true sign of democracy is
being aware and responsible for what your country's doing in other
nations."

Students found Golub presentation stimulating as she encouraged them
to become involve in issues of social change.

"It's surprising to me all the things that the U.S. is involved
in.When you flip through the television you don't hear about these
things," said 16-year-old Emely Velez."It's interesting to hear
someone who is trying to make such a significant change in the
world.It's something that I hope to look into."

Golub suggested establishing a peace group, student news letter, but
before a movement begins, she advocates strongly one message.

"Get informed. And be heard.Look on the Internet because the issues
do not remain in the eyes of mainstream media," Golub said."I know
it's hard, being so young.I know it's hard to because you think
legislators won't listen to you, but you can make a difference."