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To the Family of President Slobodan
Milosevic: When I heard the news that Slobodan
Milosevic had died I did not want to believe it. I did not want to believe that
evil had triumphed over good, or that the evil that had been done to this brave
and beautiful man could have finally killed him. When I heard it again on
the news, my heart sank and I was deeply sad. His spirit and brilliant mind were
indomitable, but his body was destroyed by the conditions of his arrest and
the willful decision by the Hague Tribunal to let him die in prison
rather than receive the medical treatment they knew he needed. And
why proceed with a trial in which he had already proven his innocence? So
in the end this is how the Hague Tribunal has made its mark on history - with
the negligent homicide of Slobodan Milosevic. Slobodan Milosevic was not easy to
destroy; Slobodan Milosevic was killed three times. The first time was when they
destroyed the country he loved and lived for - My father was also killed by
negligence and so I know the bitterness one feels after such an event. But
you can take solace in the fact that Slobo died a martyr's death. He fought to
defend his country, his nation, and a progressive socialist vision of humanity
against the onslaught of a militarist and imperialist alliance of puppets and
puppeteers. He was killed not because he was a nationalist, but precisely
because he believed in multinationalist unity and justice and a
just economic order inimical to the interests of multinational corporations
and their financial and political institutions. He is the most famous and most
courageous Serb of our time. And in light of the evidence presented at his
trial, history will have to acquit him of all of the monstrous allegations
made against him which the ICTY would not do even though they knew he was
not guilty as charged. Finally, as you know, I had the
privilege of meeting President Milosevic several times. He had great
intelligence, warmth, sense of humor and wit, wisdom, kindness and charm
that I will never forget as long as I live. He was so strong and energetic
despite his illness. The prison nurses came frequently during my
visits and reported the news - 240 over 80 or worse. How did he
survive it so long? He was amazing in every way. And then there was his smile
and his penetrating stare which gave you detailed messages with a single look.
As I said before, he lived and died
for us and for a better world. I know you are proud of him. I feel the same way.
And one day I hope the whole world will feel this way too. If there is a better
future, it will. Barry Lituchy, |
