May 14: Basic Rights
I read in the Sunday paper about the ultra-nationalistic political movement in Serbia portending a new regime in the tradition of Milosevic.
I just returned from Serbia where I gave a talk about my novel Zapatista set in the 1994 Mayan revolution in Southern Mexico. A human rights organization made up mostly of university students requested permission to translate the book because of its example of repressed people struggling for basic rights.
I saw first-hand the efforts of these idealistic activists to address issues of refugee camps created by past wars and other problems suffered by Serbian citizens. Fundamental needs are once again put on hold so political power brokers can fight for position rather than the needs of the citizens.
It is sad when nationalism, religion and race are used as excuses to commit atrocities rather than motivate good works.
Blake Bailey
Tyler
Tyler
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