Today is the 30th death anniversary of Chilean Leader Salvador Allende – who was overthrown and murdered by General Pinochet

Salvatore Allende was head of the minority government of Chile. He planned to usher “democratic socialism” in to the country – and redress the balance of wealth amongst the population. Part of his strategy was to nationalise MNC companies – who transferred most of the profits outside the country. Amongst these companies Coca Cola, and ITT (international telephone and telegraph)

It is said (refer Anthony Sampson : The Soverign State) ITT used the good offices of the CIA to plot a right wing coup that would overthrow Allende. The coup was supported by the CIA because they wanted a “dirty commie bastard” out, it as supported by ITT because it kept them in. The coup happened on 11th September 1973.

Salvatore Allende was murdered. His Government overthrown and his policies reversed.

And then the fun began. Hundreds of thousands of ordinary Chileans began disappearing. Some victims of torture – to return after decades. Some shot and burried in unmarked graves. Many hounded out of the country they called home.

There are mothers there still waiting for their sons and daughters to walk home throught the door. wives waiting for husband and children longing to see their parents. Are they alive no one knows.

Let’s also spend some time and think about the victims of this 9-11