Javier Sicilia is a Mexican poet whose 24-year-old son was abducted by members of the Mexican drug cartel this past March. In his son’s memory, Javier has since blames his death on the chaotic, violent drug cartels sweeping Mexico, as his son was not involved with any drug or gang-related violence. Javier and his “Caravan for Peace with Justice and Dignity” (which includes others who have lost friends or family members) is now leading a caravan across America to “publicly condemn American drug policies.”
According to the Tuscon Sentinel, “The group aims to raise awareness of how it says U.S. drug policy, particularly the war on drugs, has affected Mexico. The group will continue through New Mexico, Texas, and on through the South, Chicago, Cleveland, and New York, concluding next month in Washington, D.C.” Maribel Zardaine, Sicilia’s cousin, says Javier is not seeking political or financial gain from the movement, and that he is a peaceful pacifist; Javier encouraged voters to leave their ballots unmarked during last month’s Mexican election.
On the movement’s website, Javier says, “In order to protect the 23 million drug consumers in the United States, this nation initiated this war that has destroyed Colombia and which now in turn is destroying Mexico, Central America, and is also menacing to destroy in the medium term the United States itself.”
Gil Kerlikowske, the current leader of the US drug policy, has all-but-denounced the term “War on Drugs,” putting more emphasis on drug education, treatment and prevention. The U.S. and Mexico are coming together to reform drug laws, due in part to Javier’s tragedy that shed light on the violence in Mexico.
How do you feel about Javier’s caravan of peace?
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