In FARC leader Alfonso Cano's
new year communique, the guerrilla sounded more like a politician than a terrorist, talking about military budgets, compensation for victims and land redistribution. Sr. Cano, you're right that all those are serious problems for Colombia - however, your terrorist organization has caused many of those problems!
Talk about
land redistribution, from the leader of a terrorist organization which has driven untold numbers of peasants from their homes?
How about criticism of
defense spending coming from the leader of a military organization, whose violence has forced the government to deprive schools, parks and hospitals of billions of dollars to throw at weapons (as has FARC benefactor Venezuelan Pres.
Hugo Chavez's weapons buying spree.)
Or, criticism of capitalism and environmental destruction from an organization which traffics cocaine, a major
cause of deforestation and pollution.
In his message, Cano both vowed to redouble the guerrillas' attacks during 2011 and to
'work for peace.'
Yet, the same day, the FARC attacked the small town of
San Vicente del Cagúan in southern Colombia, leaving dead three soldiers, five guerrillas and an
11-year-old girl who was walking nearby.
So much for the FARC's peace.
Contrast that with the Basque independence group ETA's
promise to cease violence.
By Mike Ceaser, of
Bogotá Bike Tours
A prominent part of Bogotá's New Year's tradition are these espigas, or ears of wheat, which are supposed to bring good luck in the new year. 
That Bogotá's mayor makes progress on problems like trash collection, traffic congestion, pollution, crime, poverty...and on and on. 
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