So says Tyler Bridges of the Miami Herald in his article "From Guerrillas to Politicians":
And Brazilian Congressman Fernando Gabeira was part of a group that kidnapped U.S. Ambassador Charles Elbrick in 1969 to protest U.S.-backed military rule. The group released Elbrick four days later in exchange for the freedom of 15 political prisoners, one of whom was Dirceu, who went on to become Lula's chief advisor before resigning last year amid a corruption scandal.
Gabeira has since repented for the kidnapping, but that wasn't good enough for the United States, which has denied his visa requests.
Did he do Hail Marys, wear sackcloth and ashes, make restitution to his victim, sacrifice a sheep? More specifics, please. Why didn't the Lord U.S. look down and forgive this man whose heart was so chastened and contrite?
When the Brazilians who kidnapped Swiss Ambassador Giovanni Enrica Bucher and German Ambassador Ehrenfried von Hollebennel become politicians, we'll see how those governments feel about issuing the former kidnappers visas.
Posted by floridacracker at January 22, 2006 08:37 PM