The Difference between Hostage and Family reunifications in Colombia and the US

TobyBoy says on Jul 3, 2008, 12:11:

Your comment could not be more timely or important sir. As a matter of fact, this underscores some of the fundamentals differences why I am leaving the US to settle permanently in Colombia, after having lived in many countries, over many years, and researched my final-home choices for over five years. My runner-up destination had been the South-West of France (somewhere near Pau, Biarritz, St. Jean de Luz …not far from San Sebastian). But when I returned to Colombia (after a long absence) to see how wonderfully it had continued to bloom (despite the bad press), the final decision was at last an easy one to make. It is so sad to see the contrast of how promptly Ingird & other Colombian hostages were ALLOWED to freely recount their experiences to their families and the world, while we saw the American ex-hostages taken immediately out-of-sight (by US authorities), NOT even allowed to speak to their families until being subjected to the “obligatory –debriefing “ which the State Department (of the US) says it has to make. Bravo Colombia!

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viajero123 says on Jul 3, 2008, 12:23:

Yeah, I really find that debriefing stupid. In Colombia the fact that they would not let them see their families and the press right away would be seen as inhuman, but also as the government hiding something.
I love this side of the Colombian interpersonal relations. I miss it so much!!!

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ColombianoGringo says on Jul 3, 2008, 12:35:

I suppose the US military likes to "debrief" their defense contractors before letting them speak to the press. I'm sure the US wants to not only find out what they know about farc, but probably wants to remind them about what they can and can't talk about.

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gamm2 says on Jul 3, 2008, 13:08:

I guess they are detailing the reintegration process right now on CNN. Hahah perfect illustration of the differences in thinking.

They are in stage 2 right now. "The process is designed to protect the family members and their reunees..."

They were escorted to the reunions and then back to the hospital.... phase 2 is 2-4 days!! Imagine Ingrid being involved in that!!

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TobyBoy says on Jul 3, 2008, 13:55:

You may not realize it, but you are actually being very patronizing to Colombia. Do you not think that Colombian government and Colombian medical institutions have had plenty of experience dealing with battle-trauma by now?
The fact is that the Colombian government had MUCH, but MUCH more legal liabilities to be concerned about, yet, the government of Alavro Uribe was prudent enough, and sensitive enough, to take the risk and allow their 11 SOLDIERS to speak freely to the world during a press conference on the same day! The most remarkable thing, was hearing ALL of those soldiers, without any major debriefing, so elegantly articulate their gratitude to their Chief of State, and to the people of Colombia, as they passionately explained their unwavering patriotism throughout their ordeal.

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gamm2 says on Jul 3, 2008, 14:23:

As someone who grew up in the US, I must admit that I was somewhat surprised that we are allowed to see so much in the Colombian media. Those proof of life videos, the letter that Ingrid sent, Clara Rojas meeting with her son for the first time since her release, Ingrid meeting with her children. I really liked seeing it because I find it all very interesting, but I am very surprised that we are able to see it right away. I remember thinking with Clara Rojas that they would have to do lots of medical stuff and they should be careful because of the trauma and all that. Haha I didn't even think about that with Ingrid until I saw the process the Americans were going through.

I can honestly see the positives and negatives of both sides on this one... It really illustrates the different cultural perspectives.

I wonder if the process would be the same if it was just a regular American tourist that was kidnapped...and not government contract workers. I think it would still be similar.

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TobyBoy says on Jul 3, 2008, 14:28:

I am an American, and I am not twisting your words, I understand what your perspective is. However, we as Americans have a historical penchant of beign patronizing to other countries (particularly Colombia), and that is why I prefaced my entry by saying “You may not realize it, but...� I really meant no meant no harm to your analysis, but I needed to point out that your wording made it sound patrinizing, because whether you can see that or not, that is how it comes off. Please try to understand that. Thanks.

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TobyBoy says on Jul 3, 2008, 15:55:

Thanks DocW! ..take care my friend!

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briarblue says on Jul 3, 2008, 17:30:

Aren't/weren't the 3 Americans military/intelligence agents in some form or manner? Also, I do believe I read that all 3 were previously military prior to becoming "contractors".

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Sam Salmon says on Jul 3, 2008, 22:26:

The 3 were/are mercenaries-hired killers/thugs/goons and worse.

' a la orden!'

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chrispej says on Jul 4, 2008, 00:25:

Americans are scrutinized all over the world. Colombians are not. What was done for the gringos was for their protection.

"The 3 were/are mercenaries-hired killers/thugs/goons and worse."

Some people should not be allowed to procreate.

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sloopskipper says on Jul 4, 2008, 09:21:

Sam Salmon says on Jul 3, 2008, 22:26: flag

"The 3 were/are mercenaries-hired killers/thugs/goons and worse."

When I see a comment like that it is interesting to frame it with born/live/traveled where, but some prefer not to disclose that.

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aztec says on Jul 6, 2008, 09:26:

Yes conspicuously silent on his own background.

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