Unbiased comments on the stance towards Colombian president

Two threads were initiated here by Colombian-Americans regarding Gore's decision not to attend the green forum where Alvaro Uribe would be present. One is pro-Uribe, the other one is anti-Uribe. I am also a Colombian-American, but I'm not in either extreme. I don't defend Uribe, I don't condemn him. I oppose his political positions and many of his actions, but I know that before Uribe Colombia had reached a point where there were few choices. There were more killings and kidnappings in Colombia than in any other country in the world. All of that changed dramatically with him in power. We are talking of large areas of the country where people can now circulate freely without fear. Not only rich people (like the anti-Uribes say), but also peasants and workers. That is why he was re-elected and why he enjoys 70% popularity rate in the country. Gore probably doesn't know the whole story. He knows the accusations from one Senator who I also respect, but who often distorts the truth for political gain. There is now an investigation in Colombia about Uribe's links to paramilitaries, and there is a surprising level of trust in the justice system in this matter. The fact that these things can be discussed now speaks well of what Uribe has accomplished. Gore doesn't know about all this. I respect his decision not to attend the forum, and he would still have my vote if he decided to run in '08, but he is misinformed with regards to Colombia. By confronting Uribe, he is also confronting the people of Colombia, who elected him as president. I understand Colombian-Americans not agreeing with his position on this issue, since many of us had to leave the country when the violence was unbearable. I did not vote for Uribe, but I understand all the other Colombian-Americans who did so.