with words we can kill; with words we can save

The title of this post is taken directlty from the words spoken by Paul Rusesabagina, the Rwandan hero I went to see at the Binghamton University Events Center Thursday evening. To my great excitement, Dr. DiCicco was willing to allow me to miss the Chaucer class in order to make it to the speech on time. For those of you whom have not yet seen the film 'Hotel Rwanda', I would say that you're missing out. Much of his speech reflected the film, which tells the story of Paul's experience as a hotel manager in Rwanda, during the time of the 1994 genocide between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes. He pointed out some of the inaccuracies of the film, although it sounded as though very few details were modified from the true account. He spoke of his experience as a father, husband and citizen who was willing to sacrifice everything he had in order to comply with the military and the rebels. He had to orchestrate a variety of negotiations in order to maintain food delivery as long as possible.

It's a provocative story in that you see the true desperation and hopelessness these people have felt for years, unable to comprehend why Americans and Europeans were so unwilling to step in and save these people from themselves. For the life of me, I cannot understand how this went on, given the fact that nearly a million people were killed in such a short time. Am I out of line to suggest that since there was no substantial gain for the U.S. (i.e. financial, oil) that there was no reason for us to get involved? Were these lives in some way not worth saving? Which brings me to my next question -- how much of this event has been incorporated into World History texts today? I remember being in ninth grade during 1996-97 and briefly hearing about this genocide via current events that were presented in class. But are high school students today being told of this? Do they learn that our country often does not help the people in this world from whom we have nothing to gain? I am sorry to be so spiteful right now, but I can't help it. I try not to get too political, especially in a forum such as this, but it is disheartening to think about all the things that could be done, and instead I read every day in the paper of the most recent victims in Iraq.

ANYWAY, at times it was difficult to understand Paul, so I noticed that I was not alone in leaning forward in an attempt to decipher his words. It was amazing to see this person who saved hundreds of people by housing them in a hotel that was rapidly losing resources standing right there on the gym floor at BU. Toward the end of his speech the floor was opened up to anyone wishing to ask questions. One woman wanted to know what we, as Americans, could do to help anyone in Africa, specifically the people in Darfur who are now living in conflict. In addition, she also wondered if people in some of these African countries even wanted us to visit. Paul's reponse was that any attempt we can make to help or visit is always greatly appreciated. (Of course, I was delighted to hear this!) Despite all that he has endured, he is not spiteful or angry. He appears to be a very pleasant man, grateful for the opportunity to share his story and to have been able to do all that he was capable of. What an inspiration!

Finally, on a side note I just want to ask if anyone happened to see Oprah last Friday, or has caught wind of the RED campaign founded by Bono (of U2) and Bobby Shriver. I haven't watched that show in years, but somehow I happened to catch a preview of it early Friday morning and knew that it was something worth taping. Basically, this campaign is designed to raise money for preventive and treatment HIV medications for people in Africa. I am not going to go on and on, but it really is worth checking out. http://redcampaign.org/ Several companies such as the gap, motorola, and apple are all involved, agreeing to donate a certain percentage of sales of their (RED) items to this organization. It's great!