Letter to the editor
Coke brings benefits for Colombia, UCLA
The accusations made by the Coke Free Campus coalition are fueled by misinformation (“Inform yourselves, boycott Coca-Cola,” May 30).
Justice in a case demands viewing all evidence in order to solicit probable cause. Colombia has been engaged in civil war for more than 40 years. Entangled in the conflict is every Colombian citizen, each of whom is affected by war.
The blatant disregard of fact by those demanding the removal of Coke is insulting to economic progress, international investigating agencies, the state of Colombia, and witnesses to these killings, as international and domestic investigations have established Coke’s innocence.
As a result of operating in this false paradigm, the coalition has placed unrealistic demands on parties who are not designed to govern or ensure peace, but are there to invest and compete financially.
This investment and competition provides employment, opportunity, a tax base and several beneficial services to the community. Coca-Cola benefits Colombians by offering employment – instead of recruitment, dependence on drug cartels or ploys of war.
Colombia will be the most adversely affected by this divestment campaign, though UCLA will also be impacted. Because of the benefits UCLA students derive from the company’s contract, Coke is not simply a vending machine option.
Without it, Associated Students UCLA would lose revenue and corporate sponsorships. Coke’s investment translates into student jobs and programming funds for students.
The future of Colombia is dependent on attracting foreign investment to stabilize its economy and provide employment. This boycott will not only hurt Colombia and student lives at UCLA, but will also establish a precedent that could potentially hurt impoverished developing nations desperate for investment.
Ryan Smeets and Faith Christiansen, Former USAC Financial Supports commissioner and former chairwoman of Bruin Republicans.
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