American activist Lori Berenson surrenders to Peru police
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12 Comments
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MistWizard
Martyr. Lori never harmed anyone.
0
Pestronika
Riiight. She just supported one of the more violent terrorist organizations of the 80s and 90s.
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as_the_crow_flies
While personally I don't see why she should go free, unless the term she has served is the same as local Tupacs. She should get the same treatment as the rest. I don't think anyone doubts her involvement, Mist Wizard. Peru's government pulled up the stops with this "celebrity" trial to ensure judicial process was completely followed. She's got to have the same process as everyone else, and as a good revolutionary, I'm sure she insisted on that. Even if Mummy and Daddy have backed her.
Two weird things about this, though. First,her being arrested on US soil. Surely the US didn't allow that? Sounds like a serious breach of diplomatic protocol, however much they might want to wash their hands of her.
Second, what's with the baby? In prison? A bit careless of someone, isn't it? Maybe Peru allows conjugal visits, but you're not allowed to ask for that being a factor in getting early release or parole. Anyone know?
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robski86
How about "Peruvian" Police? Honestly Who writes like that
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Madverts
"She just supported one of the more violent terrorist organizations of the 80s and 90s."
Yeah, I find it comical to call the woman a martyr. But she's served her time, or enough anyway - they should send her back to the US.
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MistWizard
I think those of you attacking my post might be confused between the Shining Path and Tupac? And why Tupac should be called a terrorist org but not the government of Peru? U.S. support for that government is why. Tupac was less violent and corrupt than either Shining Path or the Peruvian government. The government Tupac opposed at the time Lori was involved was the government of none other than Alberto Fujimori. Fujimori REALLY DID get people hurt, DEAD even. He got 25 years for that. That old b-tard probably won't live to do his time.
Originally Lori was given a life sentence, that thanks to the corrupt system made by Fujimori himself. Recognizing that, her sentence has since been commuted to 20 years. My understanding is that her back has been pretty well ruined from hard labor at the freezing Yanamayo prison. You think Alberto will be so treated?
Peru had been nothing but one corrupt regime after the other. Its no surprise rebellion erupted. I don't like the actions of Tupac either, but you know what the difference is between a terrorist rebel and a freedom fighting guerilla is in history? The terrorist rebels lost, that's what! Back in El Salvador Lori also worked with a guerilla group. Their leader is now the VP! What do you think history is writting about them?
Lori is primarily guilty of being on the losing side. I am not saying she is innocent of the charges against her. But her punishment has been over-kill particularly in light of how Fujimori is being treated.
But heck, even the people of Peru can't seem to tell the differences and/or similarities between Shining Path, Tupac and Alberto Fujimori. They are practically making the murdering Fujimori a folk hero! Meanwhile, Tupac was the least violent of them, most honorable of them, least corrupt of them, and Lori hurt no one directly but gets all the grief! Its ridiculous! Lori is a martyr. Jesus Christ was also guilty you know.
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Madverts
"Lori" sounds like the figure "Sarah" is to the wing-nuts.
If you're willing to join a radical movement that "bombed banks and kidnapped and killed civilians in the 1980s and 1990s" then you deserve a sentence similar to bin-Laden's chef. If you can't take the time, and all that....
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MistWizard
Madverts, so what would be your solution to 40 crazy years of rotating murderous dictators in Peru? Passive resistance? It did not even work for Ghandi! And Lori is NO Ghandi though she might be closer than you. Of all the groups to join in Peru, I would have joined Tupac before all the others myself. People join groups to solve problems. Where were you? Obviously not gestating in a cocoon to transform yourself into a solution to Peru's problems!
Heck, I can even understand some of Fujimori's actions! But what Lori did was mild compared to anything Fujimori did. What she did can barely even be described as "actions"!
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Madverts
"Of all the groups to join in Peru, I would have joined Tupac before all the others myself. People join groups to solve problems. Where were you?"
Probably learning that blowing up banks, kidnapping and murdering people as a way of being a political mover and shaker isn't the right way to go about things.
You set a dangerous precedent.
If you are a member of a terrorist organization, as "Lori" was, then expect a long stretch behind bars when they catch you. I
0
Molenir
The difference is between support, and action. Lets give an example. A lot of people support Sea Shepard. An eco-terrorist group. They don't join them, they haven't gone on a ship and harassed whalers, but they actively support them. How should they be treated? Contrast this with Berenson. She never actually joined the group, just supported them. Should she really get 20 years in prison for this? This is not a just punishment. 15 years is too long for her crimes, or rather the lack of them. If she had actually participated in any actions, then I would say it would be just, but just supporting the group? No.
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MistWizard
First, thank you Molenir for a good and though provoking post. I did not even realize that she never actually joined Tupac even. That was my bad for writing that she had.
That is NOT what I asked you. I asked you what you WOULD do. Well? Come on. You got all the answers. Short of joining a group, what you do? Or, which group would you join?
Like hell I do. I am not holding up Tupac as a shining example of how to run an insurgency. I am holding them up as the best of three bad options. I can tell you right now, I have no personal political skill to generate a fourth option. I doubt Lori does either. But she stuck her neck out in the interest of fighting for a fair government while you and I did nothing.
In light of that, I might give her some time, but nowhere near 20 years and no hard time at Yanamayo. Thus, martyr.
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Madverts
Jeez mist, calm down.
" You got all the answers."
Nope.
"Short of joining a group, what you do? Or, which group would you join?"
I'll repeat one least time for the deaf and hard of hearing, no group that uses methods involving blowing up banks, kidnapping and murdering people.
There. Got it? Thanks.
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