One Half of The Story of Nicolas Carranza as told by himself.

Carranza takes the stand this morning in defense of himself. He is examined by Bob Fargarson. Finally, after all this time I get to hear Carranza speak. Carranza spent a great portion of his El Salvador life in the military and graduated at the top of his class. One of his first visits to the United States was going to an artillery training camp in Ft. Sill, OK in 1958. This was an opportunity that was given to officers from Latin America. He spent time teaching in various capacities at the School of Arms and Services in El Salvador. He fought in the 100 Hours War on the Honduran border in late 60’s/early 70’s. He traveled to Mexico to continue training as a foreign officer. In the late 70’s he was appointed to a General Manager post at ANTEL, the government run telecommunications company that regulates phone, television, and radio throughout the country. He kept referring to it as something in the vain of Bell South. I think it might have been more like all the Bells and the FCC combined. This is sort of an interesting move for a career military man. The plaintiff’s contend this is so the current administration could have it hands on the main communications control center for the country. The defendant’s maintain that a successful leader is needed in a variety of agencies throughout the country to help produce results elsewhere. Further, Carranza states that he’ll accept posts or take missions where ever they (his superiors) send him.

Carranza explains the Chain of Command. A graphic that everyone in the courtroom has become painfully familiar with since most of the people on the stand have had something to say about it. Finally, Carranza who actually lived it explains it to everyone. The power flows from the head to the end. The president is the commander, the minister of defense is next in line, and finally, the vice minister of defense (Carranza’s rank) follows. This is followed by a multitude of branches including the Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, National Police, and the Treasury Police. According to most reports, the later three were all particularly menacing to the civilian population. Next up is the infamous Article 26 of the Military Code Book describing (among other things) how inferior officers report to superior officers and what functions under-secretaries serve. Followed by Article 186 of the Military Code describing how inferiors are supposed to follow orders by superiors.

I left at lunch to go to work and tomorrow (Friday 11-11) is federal holiday. The trial resumes on Monday and should be wrapped up by the end of the week. More later…