Socialist Action (US)

The monthly paper of Socialist Action, San Francisco, 1983–2010

U.S. war on Nicaragua

Socialist Action, Vol. 4, No. 8, August 1986 · scan p. 13 · about 392 words

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Socialist Acton, 3435 Army St. Rm. 308, San Francisco, Ca 12 SOCIALIST ACTION AUGUST 1986 Name Address City Tel.

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(continued from page 1: “[The Black freedom movement in South Africa is…]”) several others. The CIA is estimated to be supplying $400 million a year to the contras "off the record" through some "creative bookkeeping." Congress also voted to grant $300 million to Costa Rica, Honduras, and El Salvador through the government's Agency for International Development (AID).

In addition, it is estimated that $100 million has already been spent financing military exercises in Honduras involving over 40,000 U.S. troops in mock invasions of Nicaragua. The United States maintains an extensive military network inside Honduras of nine airfields, two radar stations, roads, tank traps, fuel-storage areas, airintelligence installations, and facilities for the rotating corps of 1200 U.S. troops.

Hysteria and slanders

So, the financial commitment of the government to overthrowing the Sandinista government is enormous. But military actions are not enough. The U.S. government has fueled a propaganda war to undermine the popular image and broad support for the goals of the Nicaraguan Revolution.

Whereas The New State Unior previously urged Reagan to go slow in granting more contra aid, recently its lead editorial screamed about "The Sandinista Road to Stalinism." As the U.S. war machine gears up, other "liberals" will undoubtedly oppose Nicaraguan defense efforts.

President Daniel Ortega called the U.S. House-approved contra aid vote a virtual declaration of war against Nicaragua. In response to the increased destabilization campaign, the Nicaraguan government moved to restrain some of the most vocal pro-contra organizers in the country. La Prensa newspaper was closed down, Father Bismarck Carballo was denied re-entry, and Bishop Pablo Antonio Vega was expelled from the country.

On July 15, 1986, La Voz De Nicaragua reported that Bishop Vega had openly embraced contra leaders, urging them to act "with decision and bravery." The New York Times noted that Vega met with contra chief Adolfo Calero and later quoted Vega as saying that if Nicaragua is invaded it would have been provoked "by the invasion the other side [Soviet Union and Cuba] is carrying out."

Similarly, Father Carballo reportedly campaigned openly for contra aid during his 12 months for only $6.00 Enclosed contributiol Lip Organizatic In RONNIE! RONNIE!

SONNIE!

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U.S. OUT OF CENTRAL AMERICA! No TO APARTHEID! No NUKES! "JOBS NOT WAR!*

← Contents of Vol. 4, No. 8, August 1986

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