‘Indifference’ is sentenced to death

“What in the world do actors have to do with the district attorney hunger strike?” This was the unfortunate comment that circulated the internet, as a response to the call of the support for the district attorneys’ movement by theaters and artists in general. According to Jorge Luis Borges, “The ones that say that art should not spread doctrines are commonly referred to doctrines contrary to theirs.”

A small group of district attorneys, at first underestimated, started their hunger strike back on April 7th, protesting corruption and poor management of legal judgments against political and social types.

This act is worthy of admiration: Gandhi, with a persistent attitude, used hunger strikes that so troubled the ruling British Empire. His actions eventually led the way to India’s independence.

Lately, many are asking themselves “What do pastors have to do with the protest?” Evelio Reyes’ involvement in the hunger strike has been questioned. Reyes, the well-known leader of the Evangelical Church of Abundant Life in Tegucigalpa, has made his involvement public, getting out of his church and very openly uniting others in the protest.

We think that Reyes has demonstrated sensitivity to this tremendous unfairness; he has offered his support to reach agreements through dialogue, so that people don’t have to hear anymore lies. Reyes is unfairly judged because of his wealth. For the record, the man was born into a wealthy family in
Lempira and is also a dentist. He has not made his money from his church, as many wrongly assume.

Most definitely, the church must participate in a movement that involves the improvement of both the social and political standing in this country. It is a shame to witness the crisis of the district attorneys; the people they confront
have yet to discuss the truly important subjects.

In the history of the Jewish people, we observe the work of the prophets, men that did not hide their faces or voices and pointed out the unfairness of their governors of their time. Jesus and John the Baptist always pointed out
hypocrites and the evil of priests and governors. If we go a little bit further we know that indifference was never a good option; indifference carried enormous consequences.

Let’s meditate on the words of German Protestant Pastor Martin Niemoeller, whose words are as relevant now as they were back in 1954:

“They first took away the
communists,

But I did not care

For I was not one of them.

After this they took away the
workers,

But I did not care

For I was not one of them.

Then they stopped the syndicate,

But I didn’t care

For I am not one of them.

After this they captured some
priests,

Still I did not care.

Now they are taking me

And now, it’s too late.”

Dear Honduras This Week
Staff:

Your coverage of the hunger strike, for a weekly newspaper, is excellent. I see that your writers/ reporters are getting back to covering not only tourism, but the news that affects the country, good
or bad.

This is a step in the right direction for the paper. While I always appreciate reading about brigades, tourism and musicians, it is great to see a better balance in your content.

“Health Matters” is a nice addition, but because the writer is a physical therapist, it is limited. I would like to see health-related articles about diet, medicine and different diagnostic tests.

Anyway,the paper has improved. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Fernando Mejia Cortez
Tegucigalpa
Via Internet

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