In the Name of My Father I Cannot Forgive (Page 2)

As you can appreciate, I have assigned great importance to your letter. My obligation to reject your invitation has served the purpose of letting you know some of my reflections that I have found over the years in the search for answers on such a difficult subject.

So I have asked my teachers if there is any way to seek forgiveness from a dead person. Thank God there is. And I am more than prepared to help the army receive the pardon of my parents should they wish to ask for it. According to the Halakha (Jewish Law), the offender must state his request for pardon in front of the grave of the offended person.

If you, in the army's name, wish to act in such a way, it will be my moral duty to accompany you and invite you to fraternally read the psalms of praise that we Jews recite in front of the graves of our loved ones.

/s/ Héctor Timerman

* * *

Buenos Aires, May 21, 2002
Argentine Army
Head of the Army High Command
Argentina

Distinguished Sir,

I read your reply to my invitation carefully and with sadness, and wish to reply to it privately to express my deepest feelings.

The Institutional Communications Course [to which you were invited to speak] has been offered by the army for a number of years to the heads of the press and public relations departments of every unit. This year fifteen colonels from all over the country have been requested to attend as well.

This is not a propaganda exercise but rather an educational one that is necessary so that in each regiment, each brigade, the army can fulfill the demands of citizens who "want to know what it is all about"--in other words, to improve and make public our way of life and our activities.

Journalists and communications and advertising professionals who have spoken at these events in the past are far from being obsequious collaborators with the army and ignoring or justifying illegal activities. I regret that you have decided not to join them.

I am sorry to hear that the invitation to speak at the course has reawakened the pain you hold in your heart, which does not allow conciliatory feelings.

The army has publicly acknowledged its responsibilities for the violent and sorrowful past that affected us all. For some time now I myself have tried to contribute sincerely and honestly to reconciliation among all Argentines.

Your father's painful case is one among many regrettable events of that past. The pain, the love, the experience, are not transferable, but believe me that I understand you, you and each family that mourns a loved one.

As the head of this institution, but especially as a human being, let me air a few ideas.

We Christians forgive unreservedly, no matter what the offense was, and independently of the sincerity of the penitent. I am convinced that forgiveness and truth are essential steps to a definite reconciliation. Our religions, which hold so many teachings in common, should allow ecumenical encounters at which we could shake hands.

I suggest that you meditate on the following words by Shakespeare, which I believe are from The Merchant of Venice: "The quality of mercy is not strained;/It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven/Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;/It blesseth him that gives and him that takes."

Again, at your service and with my profoundest respects,

/s/ Gen. Ricardo Brinzoni

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