[Naomi Klein, journalist and writer from Canada]
In Skouries, Chalkidiki, it is not “two extremes” that are in conflict, as the Greek government would have it, it is two opposing worldviews. On one side there are forces that fight for the unfettered pursuit of profits and growth, sacrificing democracy, destabilizing life on earth and jeopardizing the future of all of our children. On the other side there are everyday people fighting for their right to live in harmony with their environment and to decide collectively on the issues that affect everyone.
The peaceful but determined resistance of the residents of Chalkidiki is not criminal — on the contrary, it is heroic, representing humanity’s best chance of avoiding catastrophe. The real vandals are not the ones in the streets; they are the ones sending bulldozers and clear-cutters into that magnificent forest.
On November 9th, along with thousands of people around the world, I urge the Greek government to stop the unjust prosecutions of anti-mining activists, and to abandon the flawed and disastrous logic that holds that the only solution to the economic crisis is to sacrifice the environment.
[Oscar Olivera Foronda, activista político en el movimiento «Guerreros y Guerreras del Agua», en contra de la privatización del agua en Cochabamba, Bolivia]
Desde Cochabamba, en Bolivia para Caldicia, en la amada Grecia.
A los hombres y mujeres, a los jóvenes, a los niños y niñas, a los ancianos y ancianas, es decir a la gente sencilla y trabajadora de Skouries, en Calcidica.
A todos aquellos y aquellas que desde cientos de años atrás han convivido en paz, en fraternidad, en igualdad, como valores fundamentales para construir cotidianamente la alegría y la esperanza, así como en una relación de armonía permanente con la Pachamama, nuestra Madre Tierra.
A todos ustedes, que somos nosotros y nosotras, aquí en Cochabamba-Bolivia, les decimos que no están solos ni solas, estamos juntos y juntas, porque la lucha por la vida, por nuestro territorio, por nuestra alegría, por nuestros sueños es la lucha de todos los pueblos, contra el capital, contra las multinacionales, contra los gobiernos vende-patrias, contra la soberbia, contra el despojo de lo común…Venceremos al miedo, con la confianza mutua, al terror con la lucha, a la mentira con la dignidad, a la muerte… con la vida.
Vanos Adelante hermanos y hermanas de Calcidia…porque su lucha es nuestra lucha
Oscar Olivera Foronda
Guerreros y Guerreras del Agua de Cochabamba-Bolivia,
Una tarde con mucho sol en este lado del Sur del mundo un día hermoso de Noviembre del 2013.
[Peter Bohmer, Professor of Political Economy at the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington]
We support the just struggle of the courageous people of Halkidiki and Greece against gold mining in that region. It is part of an effort against destructive mining that is growing and becoming global in scope. We strongly request the end of all repression against those involved in this struggle for democracy and environmental justice in Halkidiki, Thessaloniki and Greece. The ongoing organizing and efforts by the Greek people and social movements against austerity and financial and transnational capital and for economic justice are truly inspiring. We in Olympia, Washington, U.S.A. will be there in spirit in Thessaloniki on November 9, 2013 for the rally of protest, struggle and solidarity.
[Niki Ashton, Greek-Canadian congresswoman]
I was recently in Northern Greece where I had the chance to see up close what the people are struggling for. They are struggling for their land, for their water, for air and for our future. Their struggle is just. With solidarity from Canada,
Niki Ashton