Political Battles

Yesterday I was thrilled to be providing such exciting news and thanks to the Department of State, I'm back to posting less than exciting news.

Apparently, US Consul General John Lowell has requested a meeting with all Guatemalan parties in Congress in an attempt to strongarm them into not delaying the Ortega Law and the Hague until April, 2008, but to stick with their original January 1st deadline. Guatemala wants to postpone implementing the Hague until April 1, 2008 in order to better coincide with the US's likely ratification date. However, the U.S. Dept. of State would prefer that they stick with their original plan of implementing the Hague on January 1, 2008.

I really don't think I have enough time or space to try and express all my thoughts on this matter so, I'll try to compact them into as little space as possible.

I'M CONFUSED!

The U.S. Dept of State (DOS) has put out warnings, without telling us anything.

They have been "working" with Guatemala for months and months and months and lended their support (I think I'm stating this nicely) of the Oretga Law, which the Guatemalan Congress passed.

Now, when Guatemala states that they need more time and would like to implement their plan in an effort to align themselves with the U.S. implementation of the Hague, they're not pleased with that decision.

What is DOS trying to do here?

I think Kevin from Guatadopt has done an excellent job in expressing many of thoughts that I've had on the DOS involvement with Guatemalan adoption and I don't think he would mind if I shared this with all of you.

For many months it has been very clear to me that DOS wants Guatemala's adoption system shut down. They never come out and say it, but that has been the objective. For whatever reason, they lack the guts to just shut it down as they did with Cambodia. Instead, they have been taking this behind the scenes cowardly approach. They've issued ominous warnings, FAQs, and misleading statements. They have played games with the adoption advocacy organizations as a way to keep them at bay. And they used what I believe to be a huge red herring by bringing up a largely unfounded risk of in-process cases not being grandfathered.

Guatemala has approved the Ortega Law. To its credit, the Guatemalan Congress seems to realize that they need more time to institute the infrastructure. In addition, they realize that it is best for them not to have confusion regarding in-process, pipeline cases. Guatemala has just elected a new president who will take office early January. It only makes sense to give Alavaro Colom's administration a little bit of breathing room to get this law up and running.

But no, DOS is instead not respecting their right to figure this out for themselves. It isn't enough for DOS that they practically shoved the Ortega Law down the throats of the Guatemalan Congress. Is it a coincidence that Guatemala got a huge loan from the US approved the same day as they unexpectedly approved Ortega? Might John Lowell now come up with other incentives to get them not to delay Hague/Ortega?

Some have asked me why they are doing this. My simple answer is that they don't want pipeline cases once the US ratifies the Hague. They don't want the potential for 4-6 more months of people accepting referrals. This is why I say that they need to stop acting like covert agents and be open. Tell us what you want and what you are doing. If my theories are correct, then do what you need to do in the open. We all agree with the need for transparency in adoptions - that goes for DOS as well.

So DOS - enough already. I know that I have held back much of my criticism for too long. I've seen through your charade. In many meetings with adoption advocates, I called b.s. on your supposed open minded ideals. I know the pressure you put on the Guatemalan Congress. And now this. Well it is time for me to exercise my rights to free speech on this matter because quite frankly, this garbage is really pissing me off. To Condi Rice: from one Notre Dame alumni to another, please put the humanity and values I know you learned in South Bend to use on this matter. Look at the history of what happens when the US pushes Guatemala too much. The country has just held an amazing election that shows grassroots democracy is at work. Colom was elected by the people around the country, not the elite. It is an amazing time of hope for Guatemala and their Congress was doing the right thing here. Let Guatemala be and let it grow and flourish!

Everyone, let's get our government to be upfront, honest, and let Guatemala choose its own path. And let's remember that the key to ethical adoptions is busting the bad guys, not removing options for children!

If any of you are interested in getting involved, here is a letter you can use to send to your members of congress. I am also told that you can call 202 647 5291 to reach Condi Rice's office.

Sample letter:

Dear Senator/Congressman/Congresswoman _____,

I am a constituent writing to ask for your help. As you know, almost 4,000 American families [including mine/my sister's/a friend of mine/etc.] are in the process of adopting a child from Guatemala. The Guatemalan Congress is now deciding how best to bring its adoption system into compliance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.

It has been reported in Guatemalan newspapers that the Consul General to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, Mr. John Lowell, has been in contact with Guatemalan congressmen and political party leaders to lobby for a specific bill, the Ortega bill, that threatens to terminate or severely hinder in-process cases, putting the adoption cases of almost 4,000 Americans directly at risk. This, despite the fact that the Guatemalan Congress has indicated its clear intent to bring the Guatemalan adoption process in line with the requirements of the Hague treaty and the various options that are available to any country in developing a Hague-compliant procedure.

Mr. Lowell's actions, if as reported, are unconscionable. First, it is wholly improper for Mr. Lowell to interfere this way with the Guatemalan legislative process - Guatemala should be able to choose, without interference from Mr. Lowell or any other U.S. official, a process that involves both public and accredited private sector actors (like the one we will have in the U.S. when the U.S. implements the treaty next spring). Second, Mr. Lowell's actions are directly contrary to the best interests of the children in the adoption process and to the thousands of Americans who would be adversely affected by the passage of the Ortega bill.

I ask you to take all appropriate action available to you to prompt Mr. Lowell and all U.S. officials in Guatemala to refrain from interfering with the Guatemalan political process regarding intercountry adoption.

[your signature]