A Lettre From Erika : 

Erika discovered our site and spontaneously proposed to create a support committee in California. There are many like her, and we hope you too may want to join us after you know more about Ingrid. This is a letter Erika writes to all of us

Dear Friends,

I first came to know about Ingrid and her campaign against corrupt Colombian politics when I heard an interview with her on "Fresh Air".  In a country controlled by drug cartels and corrupt government officials, she has spoken out against corruption. Her efforts have earned her and her family death threats. She travels with as many as a dozen body guards, and had to send her children out of the country. 

Betancourt grew up in Paris, the daughter of Colombia's ambassador to Unesco and Minister of Education. Her mother was a political activist and is well known for her efforts to help homeless children. Betancourt's book about her fight against corruption was a bestseller in France where it was first published. It's just been published in English under the title, Until Death Do Us Part: My Struggle to Reclaim Colombia. 

While reading the book, I learned of her capture. She and her best friend and running mate, Clara Rojas, were kidnapped on February 23, by guerrilla forces.  It was very strange to be getting to know her so well through her book, and then to be hit with the reality of the very real danger she is now facing. Ingrid is not the only Colombian representative who has been kidnapped. Many others, including reporters, attorneys and labor leaders, have been assassinated. 

Ingrid turned 40 on Christmas Day, 2001, and is running for President of Colombia. The Presidential election in on my 40th birthday.  I am amazed by her courage and her accomplishments, especially considering the political environment in Colombia.  She could have remained in France, living the good life, a life of luxury.  She instead chose to fight for her country and her people, at the expense of being with her family and possibly her life.  I have the utmost respect for Ingrid and for her mission to free the Colombian people of the cartel-driven government, constant civil war, and the poverty they have known for many generations.  My prayers are with Ingrid and Clara and their families.  They should not give up the fight, a noble fight for freedom and peace.  They are an inspiration to all of us.

I am asking you to please join me in supporting and fighting for the release of Colombian Presidential candidate, Ingrid Betancourt, who was kidnapped by FARC on February 23, 2002.  The only way to secure the safety of Ingrid and others is too make it known that the world cares about their fate. There are some very active groups in Europe and South America, but we (the U.S.) have been asked for special attention because, as is believed by many, when people from the United States add their voice, it means a lot. Please add yours to the petition and send this to as many people as possible.  Also, if any of you can help get Ingrid's story publicized, please let me know so that we can provide information and send copies to the relevant parties in Colombia.