From: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel)
Subject: Film Review: The Panama Deception
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: PACH
Distribution: na
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 23:39:12 GMT

/** reg.panama: 52.0 **/
** Topic: WPD:Film Review - Panama Deception **
** Written 11:56 am  Aug 14, 1992 by hrcoord in cdp:reg.panama **
From: Human Rights Coordinator <hrcoord>
Subject: WPD:Film Review - Panama Deception

/* Written 12:57 pm  Aug 12, 1992 by sbrackman in cdp:gen.newsletter */
Film Review The Panama Deception

        The memory of the George Bush's 1989 invasion of Panama
has dimmed.  After receiving rousing support from most Americans,
the afterglow of the conflict was ultimately overshadowed by
events one year later in the Persian Gulf.  But Director Barbara
Trent and the Empowerment Project have not forgotten.  Their new
documentary film, "The Panama Deception", takes a fresh look at
the American intervention and comes up with some startling
information and footage challenging commonly held beliefs about
the invasion and subsequent occupation by 26,000 soldiers of the
American military's Southern Command.
        Though the Department of Defense claimed that no more than
a few hundred civilians died in the attack, Trent interviews
eyewitnesses and local officials who put the figure in the
thousands.  Over 20,000 were left homeless and fourteen mass
graves have been identified.  The Panama Deception details a long
history of relations between the United States and Panama, citing
the friendship between General Noriega and American intelligence
operatives whom he assisted in resupplying the Nicaraguan contras
during the 1980's.
        The film shows how Noriega remained fiercely independent
on certain issues and refused to renegotiate the Carter/Torrijos
treaties which will give Panama control of the Canal zone after
the year 2000.  The U.S. invasion, explained by narrator Elizabeth
McGovern, could not be justified by what were said to be its
primary objectives: protecting the safety of American citizens,
apprehending Noriega as part of the 'War on Drugs' and restoring
democracy to Panama.  Instead, the war was an effort to stifle a
resurgence of Panamanian nationalism and an opportunity to bolster
George Bush's sagging popularity at home.  In addition, the
post-invasion government is far more willing to negotiate for the
extension of U.S. ownership of the Canal zone past the year 2000.
This will insure a long-term base in Panama for mounting military
strikes against future targets in South America.
        The Panama Deception  takes the mainstream media to task
for refusing to question justifications offered by Pentagon
spokespeople and permitting themselves to report only officially
sanctioned information that was often misleading and false.  After
viewing the film, it becomes clear that journalists were
cheerleaders of American policy instead of examining its merits
and objectives.  In clamoring to see the invasion as a restoration
of democracy, the media overlooked the slaughter and human rights
violations of American military forces.
        The film is being released nationwide by the Empowerment
Project, a California based non-profit video resource center that
produced the award winning film "Coverup: Behind the Iran-Contra
Affair".  For information about obtaining or viewing "The Panama
Deception", contact the Empowerment Project at 1653 18th Street,
Suite #3, Santa Monica, CA 90404 (Tel: 310-828-8807).
** End of text from cdp:reg.panama **
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