December 21, 2000

Activists under siege

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It’s telling that in Colombia, many human rights advocates have to look to bodyguards for protection.

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According to NEWS FOR CHANGE, a group of unidentified gunmen recently opened fire on Wilson Borja, wounding the prominent activist and peace organizer. Labor groups say that 96 peace activists have already been killed in Colombia this year. Supporters of peace like Borja are generally not in danger from the leftist guerillas, but rather from right-wing paramilitary groups that are increasingly active in the decades-old conflict. Between his support of unions and peace, Borja — like many other activists — has become a marked man.

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A full one-third of our annual fundraising comes in this month alone. That’s risky, because a strong December means our newsroom is on the beat and reporting at full strength—but a weak one means budget cuts and hard choices ahead.

With just 4 days left, we need a huge surge in reader support to get to our $400,000 year-end goal. Whether you've given before or this is your first time, your contribution right now matters. All gifts are 3X matched and tax-deductible.

Managing an independent, nonprofit newsroom is staggeringly hard. There’s no cushion in our budget—no backup revenue, no corporate safety net. We can’t afford to fall short, and we can’t rely on corporations or deep-pocketed interests to fund the fierce, investigative journalism Mother Jones exists to do. That’s why we need you right now. Please chip in to help close the gap.

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