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.