From: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel)
Subject: Op-Ed letter on Indonesia
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: PACH
Date: Sun, 6 Sep 1992 21:43:03 GMT

/** reg.easttimor: 352.0 **/
** Topic: Letter on E. Timor **
** Written  6:28 am  Sep  6, 1992 by fbp in cdp:reg.easttimor **
The following is the final version of a letter published
September 3, 1992 in New York Newsday.  Similar letters can
always be written in response to any news item on Indonesia. (The
nonaligned movement summit or Suharto's likely visit to the U.S.
for the General Assembly are two events for timing letters.)
Remember to keep them short -- this one runs on a bit, even as
published -- and try to make them a little clever. 

John M. Miller


Run From Indonesia

On August 27, 1992, "Inside New York" described how Nike moved
its manufacturing and jobs to Indonesia. Nike's actions in
Indonesia do more than exploit the local work force at low wages.
They also serve to prop up one the world's worst human rights
violators.
     In 1975, Indonesia swallowed up its tiny neighbor East Timor
just as it was on the verge of independence.  An estimated
200,000 Timorese, nearly a third of the population, have died as
a result of bombings, starvation, torture and shootings. 
     Last November 12, more than 100 East Timorese in a funeral
procession were murdered by Indonesian soldiers,  using U.S.-
supplied M-16s.
     Indonesia's annexation of East Timor is illegal. The United
Nations  has condemned it However, unlike two years ago when Iraq
similarly swallowed its smaller neighbor, no sanctions were ever
imposed. The United States, refusing to formally recognize
Indonesia's aggression, continues to send arms and provide
military training to the Indonesian soldiers who have been so
efficient at killing unarmed civilians.
     This summer, the House of Representatives -- reflecting its
disgust at November 12 massacre -- unanimously decided to delete
funds for military training from the foreign aid appropriations
bill. Sen. Alfonse D'Amato sits on the Senate subcommittee that
will take up this measure, and he should take the lead on this
important human rights issue. Soon after the November 12
massacre, the senator joined 51 of his colleagues in signing a
letter calling on President Bush to "end the needless suffering
in East Timor and bring about true self-determination for the
territory."  
     Since then the Bush administration has done little. The
Congress can put real pressure on Indonesia by voting to end all
aid to this genocidal government. Or perhaps it should just vote
to supply Indonesian-made sneakers to East Timorese youth -- the
better to run from Indonesian-fired bullets.
                                                                           
                                                             John M. Miller
                                                                   Brooklyn

Editor's note: The writer is a member of the East Timor Action
Network.


***********************************************************
Internet:fbp@igc.org          *  John M. Miller
Bitnet:fbp%igc.org@stanford   *  PO Box 150753 
UUCP:uunet!pyramid!cdp!fbp    *  Brooklyn, NY 11215-0014 USA
PeaceNet/EcoNet:fbp           *  Phone/Fax: (718)788-6071
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** End of text from cdp:reg.easttimor **

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