TOXIC WASTE AND THE OPPRESSED

I saw a very good film on PBS last night called March Point.
It was basically a documentary on Anacortes oil refineries and their effect on the Swinomish Indian Reservation and the Native Americans who live there. It was also the story of the growing awareness of three Native American teens.

By doing research, and interviewing elders, the teens learned about their history and discovered that the tribal traditions of crabbing and clamming have been jeopardized by years of corporate dumping of chemical waste.

The similarities between the treatment of Native Americans and the situation of Rroma in Europe are unavoidable.

For example, the UN administration in Kosovo set up camps for the Rroma after the war. These camps were built on the remains of the largest lead mine in Europe. The barracks were built with lead painted boards.

Many Rroma have died as a result of lead poisoning. There have been many spontaneous abortions and miscarriages due to lead poisoning.

According to medical experts who have visited the camps, EVERY CHILD CONCEIVED THERE WILL BE BORN WITH IRREVERSIBLE BRAIN DAMAGE.

The Rroma have nowhere to go should they try to leave the camps.

The weapons of oppression remain the same.