Are there any causes for which you would give your life?
Peace? Justice?
I wonder - somewhere in the world, are U.S.-trained death squads still murdering people who try to serve the poorest of the poor, or give voice to the voiceless, or use centers of learning and intellectual debate - schools, universities - as ways of working toward social justice?
We should never forget sacrifices like these. It's so easy for us to sit here in our colleges and news rooms and talk and talk and criticize and talk some more. How many of us are courageous enough to act on and live by our convictions?
***
It was a small remembrance, but tonight in memory of the UCA martyrs (and to celebrate a belated National Pupusa Day, which was on November 13), we had pupusas for dinner. I've had El Salvador on the brain lately. It's always a blessing, this power food has - the way food can express, can connect us.
My filling:
1 small minced onion + 3 large garlic cloves + 1 lb. bison meat + half a bottle of Sofrito cooked together, plus some grated 6-Italian-cheese blend (mozzarella, asiago, fontina, provolone, parmesan & romano) to go on top of the meat when it goes in the pupusa
My (experiment with) dough:
3 c masa instantanea de maíz or masa harina (corn flour from the Spanish food aisle) + 1 c all-purpose flour + 2 1/2 c hot water
Mix together, then separate into 8 balls, flatten each into a disc, put filling in center, take edges over the top so it forms a little purse, seal, then smoosh down so the whole thing's flattened again; sauté in oiled pan 2 min. per side.
Served with tomato and chive salad and some peach salsa (I didn't have curtido, unfortunately). Husband and kids loved 'em.
For the record, it was not the US trained side alone that had death squads, as you, a native filipina, should know.
ReplyDeleteOne feels compelled to point out that death squads hardly need US training, and today, are far more likely to receive islamic training. One understands the desire to subject the more democratic, ethical partner to scrutiny. After all, it's safe, garners headlines and sympathy, while risking little more than jail time. See Israel vs. anyone...
Where are the voices against darkness on the other side? I do understand... After all, if one subjects the other, less ethical side to scrutiny, no-one is prepared to speak up for you after you've disappeared. Still, "Rage, rage, against the dying of the light", no matter how it is dying.