El salvador Quote by Howard Zinn
““Washington guns killed American nuns!’” The last slogan was a reference to the execution in the fall of 1980 of four American nuns by Salvadoran soldiers. Thousands of people in El Salvador were being murdered each year by “death squads” sponsored by a government armed by the United States, and the American public was beginning to pay attention to events in this tiny Central American country.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A People's History of the United States, 1980
The quote highlights U.S. involvement in Salvadoran death squads, emphasizing the moral responsibility of America for foreign atrocities.
In simple terms: U.S. helped fund violent groups in El Salvador.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront complicity.
Themes
history
politics
human rights
Mood
critical
somber
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- activism
- education
- policy advocacy
- journalism
Key Concepts
imperialism
state violence
media
Questions to Reflect On
- What role should citizens play in foreign policy?
- How can history inform current interventions?
A Different Perspective
Complex geopolitical factors limit simple blame.
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