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Open Poetry #36
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Aenimal
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since 2002-11-18
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the ass-end of space

0 posted 2005-12-15 02:51 PM


"The precise pain, in the precise place, in the precise amount, for the desired effect." ~ Dan Mitrione

Uruguay '65
the children of Túpac arose

and the long arm of the lawless
stretched south
                       again.

mitrione unleashed,
the students were learned
the labourers were worked

and the tupamaros?

under the shadow of the eagle
they learned what terror was

until nobody wanted
to dance anymore

© Copyright 2005 raphael giuffrida - All Rights Reserved
Aenimal
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350
the ass-end of space
1 posted 2005-12-15 02:54 PM


Sickened by conditions in Uruguay, a series of student and labour uprisings took place and out of the growing discontent, the Tupamaros were born. The Tupamaros carried out a series of  robberies, taking from the upper class and distributing food and money to the poor of Montevideo.

In their most famous act, the Tupamaros raided a ritzy western nightclub spraypainting the slogan:
'O Bailan Todos, O No Baila Nadie' - 'Either everyone dances or no one dances.'

In response,  Dan Mitrione was sent by the US  to oversee the ironically named Office of Public Safety.  Under Mitrione's tutelage, illegal arrests, brutal force and unspeakable acts of torture became commonplace, escalating violence and aggression from both sides. Mitrione, whose name was synonomous with torture and brutality in south america, was buried a hero in the US. It is only through declassified documents and quotes from witnesses, that his reign of terror has recently come to light.

serenity blaze
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since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

2 posted 2005-12-15 03:02 PM


wickedly wonderfully awesome

and if I'm smiling here? It's not for lack of impact. I felt it. (whew)

It's just that I've a habit of thinking on the last thing I read while I clean, and I can think of nothing better than this to think of as I do.

thank you me likes, obviously

Hell, I'm saving the whole damned page.

Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

3 posted 2005-12-15 03:32 PM


Whoa Bello, this hit real hard...

so sad and I am sure there are many more like this.

Always a brilliant write from you



mxx

how i would love you, love you as no one ever did! Die and still, love you more. And still love you more..and more
~Neruda~

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa
4 posted 2005-12-15 03:51 PM


Masterfully created in raw earth and blood.  Your ending is both particularly apt and poetic.

- Owl

Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

5 posted 2005-12-15 03:52 PM


raw and powerful Raph.  excellent writing.
Martie
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since 1999-09-21
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California
6 posted 2005-12-15 04:03 PM


Raph....I see through your imagery and powerful poem something I didn't see before.  Thank you!  
Kaoru
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Member Elite
since 2003-06-07
Posts 3892
where the wild flowers grow
7 posted 2005-12-15 05:11 PM


Brilliance. How I've missed your writings.
littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
8 posted 2005-12-15 05:22 PM


and I am the one on fire . . . *rolling eyes*

That quote made me shiver.

I love that you gave some history because I would have gone searching.  
That was very cool.  And Raph?  I miss learning from you.  This was brainfood.  The kind I have been needing.

Thank you.  

You have the entire world up there in your head TG.  This is tight and amazing.

What is --->  the children of Túpac?


Aenimal
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350
the ass-end of space
9 posted 2005-12-15 09:33 PM


thanks everyone, sadly too many stories like this


*Sue, the Tupamaros took their name from Túpac Amaru II. Túpac Amaru was the last Incan leader of Peru. When his great-grandson's petitions and pleas for improved conditions and rights fell on deaf ears. He took up his great grandfathers name and as Túpac Amaru II, led an indigenous uprising against the Spaniard colonists. While the uprising failed, he became an icon for the oppressed and indians of South America.

Midnitesun
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Gaia
10 posted 2005-12-15 09:53 PM


~sigh~
sometimes our eagle imagery makes me ill,
for what the talons have ripped apart
and you? I adore the heartbeat you share
the keen mindset you bare

Raphie, thank you for this right write

littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
11 posted 2005-12-15 11:08 PM


Thank you for that, Raph.
Aenimal
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350
the ass-end of space
12 posted 2005-12-16 04:55 AM


kacy

gemjop
Member Elite
since 2002-11-18
Posts 2587
Pencilveinia, USA
13 posted 2005-12-21 01:14 AM


This is why we miss your writing, when you write about things that matter to other people and not just you. Not to mention the educating in a haunting and beautiful way. To the point. Because i know i for one learn from you.

Write more.


pandonov
Member
since 2003-10-03
Posts 478
b/w conscience and insolence
14 posted 2005-12-21 05:56 AM


i'd read it few times before dared to reply. great work. and how many U65 were and are...
icebox
Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 4383
in the shadows
15 posted 2005-12-21 09:46 AM


Excellent write.

Though Dan Mitrione did not invent torture, he was a realized Master.  However, the whole package of policies applied as "pacification by force" is a human thing that goes back before recorded history.

One day, given survival of the species, we will out grow it (yes, I think I took my optimism pill this morning).

Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
16 posted 2005-12-21 09:51 AM



Thanks for the jog, m'friend!

babygirlwlove
Senior Member
since 2004-10-10
Posts 1180
New York City
17 posted 2005-12-21 10:00 AM


~what a profound and historic write~

~feeling you~
~babygirL

**Intoxicant to the SouL**

Greeneyes
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Member Rara Avis
since 2000-09-09
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In Your Poetic Mind
18 posted 2005-12-21 12:45 PM



ice
Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404
Pennsylvania
19 posted 2005-12-21 01:54 PM



"1970..
... the United States (police) policy adviser was kidnapped by the Tupamaro revolutionaries and shot to death when the Uruguayan Government refused to save him by yielding up political prisoners.
(THE NEW YORK TIMES, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 1979)"

See also...

CIA operative involvement-Shah Of Iran's secret police (Savak) Torture techniques and methods taught.

My mouth has need for better words..

The poem is very well done, Raph

__________ice
   ><>

Aenimal
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-11-18
Posts 7350
the ass-end of space
20 posted 2005-12-22 01:59 AM


thanks everyone, no mitrione wasn't the first, nor will he be the last. we like to think that as western 'democratic' countries, our hands are clean of this sort of thing, now and then they are most certainly not
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