To Bear Witness: A Journey of Healing and Solidarity

Introduction

12 13 Introduction More than a quarter century ago I insisted on a last minute change in the title of one of my books. I did not want the planned Threads in a Tapestry, but rather, Threads for a Tapestry. I had to convince the publisher that the original title implied that a tapestry was already completed, while I still see, even today, the tapestry of my life as an ever evolving one. Now, as I collect these written strands from the past, I again offer them not as a final compilation but as part of an ongoing effort to use the platform offered to me as an international physician and humanitarian worker to bear witness, especially in our privileged nation, to the sufferings and inequities experienced by the downtrodden masses of the world. The plight of the poor, the rights of the oppressed, the anguish and chaos of epidemics, and complex humanitarian crises have been my chosen fields. I think part of this identity, and solidarity with the outcasts of society, stems from my own Irish immigrant background and from the almost overwhelming significance of family and love in my life. Most of these essays were originally published in journals and books that are now long out of print. Some of them are quite old - a few pieces written over forty years ago - but on rereading them I believe there is a remarkable relevance to current national debates. In fact, many consider the very essence of our national soul and could, I suggest, be read as prescient parables for the crises of the twenty first century. Other articles explore the influences of youth and family, university, and history. Many essays espoused, and bore witness to, provocative political Acknowledgements This volume was designed and formatted by my dear friend Massimo Vignelli. Mr. Robert Oppedisano, and the staff at Fordham University Press cooperated, with enthusiasm, throughout the production of this book. It was typed by Renee Cahill and edited with Beatriz Cifuentes. Mr. Bill Maher and a number of his colleagues in the book world graciously read the manuscript, and I am grateful for their thoughtful suggestions. The spirit of my wife Kate can be found throughout these pages, permeating this book as she did every fiber of my being from the time we were teenagers in love, through the decades of shared partnership when we tried, in words as well as deeds, to devote ourselves to a mutual search for human rights and justice. 14 positions that would - and did - bring predictable criticism and hostile reactions. They were all influenced by the remarkable woman to whom this book, and my life, are dedicated. It was she who encouraged my enthusiasms and commitments and then gave guidance on the journey, wherever it would lead us. She had very definite opinions on the inalienable rights of all other human beings; she was willing to listen to, and then quietly influence, the arguments at the very heart of foreign affairs and domestic health programs. Her understanding and unwavering support helped create the wonderful life we shared - a life of service and joy, of travel and discovery, a life where it almost seemed natural that revolutions were planned in our living room, where asylum seekers, dreamers, and failures were family realities, whenever friends from around the world sought our help. 14 positions that would - and did - bring predictable criticism and hostile reactions. They were all influenced by the remarkable woman to whom this book, and my life, are dedicated. It was she who encouraged my enthusiasms and commitments and then gave guidance on the journey, wherever it would lead us. She had very definite opinions on the inalienable rights of all other human beings; she was willing to listen to, and then quietly influence, the arguments at the very heart of foreign affairs and domestic health programs. Her understanding and unwavering support helped create the wonderful life we shared - a life of service and joy, of travel and discovery, a life where it almost seemed natural that revolutions were planned in our living room, where asylum seekers, dreamers, and failures were family realities, whenever friends from around the world sought our help. 17 Part One: Locations During the past 45 years I have undertaken medical and humanitarian missions, or lectured on these topics, in 65 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe; my...