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The Tragic Death of Ben Linder: An American Engineer's Sacrifice for Social Justice in Nicaragua

Daniel Knight

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Published in The Death Of Ben Linder: The Story Of A North American In Sandinista Nicaragua

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Ben Linder was a young American engineer who traveled to Nicaragua in 1983 to volunteer his skills to the Sandinista government. He was motivated by a deep belief in social justice and a desire to help the poor and disadvantaged. In 1987, Linder was killed by U.S.-backed Contras while working on a project to bring electricity to a remote village. His death sparked outrage and helped to galvanize support for the Nicaraguan Revolution.

Ben Linder's Early Life and Activism

Ben Linder was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1959. He grew up in a politically active family and was involved in social justice causes from a young age. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied engineering. While at Berkeley, Linder became involved in the anti-war movement and the solidarity movement with Nicaragua.

The Death of Ben Linder: The Story of a North American in Sandinista Nicaragua

by Joan Kruckewitt

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2498 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	400 pages

In 1983, Linder traveled to Nicaragua to volunteer his skills to the Sandinista government. He was assigned to work on a project to bring electricity to the remote village of San José de Bocay. The project was part of the Sandinistas' larger effort to improve the lives of the poor and disadvantaged in Nicaragua.

The Contra War and Linder's Death

The Contra war was a civil war in Nicaragua that lasted from 1981 to 1990. The Contras were a U.S.-backed rebel group that fought against the Sandinista government. The war was brutal and caused widespread suffering.

In 1987, Linder was working on the electrical project in San José de Bocay when he was ambushed by Contras. He was shot and killed. Linder's death sparked outrage and helped to galvanize support for the Nicaraguan Revolution.

The Legacy of Ben Linder

Ben Linder's death was a tragedy, but it also inspired many people to work for social justice. His legacy continues to inspire activists and volunteers around the world.

In 1989, the Ben Linder Memorial Foundation was founded to honor Linder's memory and to continue his work. The foundation provides financial support to projects that promote social justice and sustainable development in Nicaragua.

Ben Linder was a courageous and selfless individual who dedicated his life to helping others. His death was a reminder of the importance of social justice and the need to stand up to oppression. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world to work for a better future.

Ben Linder was a young American engineer who traveled to Nicaragua to volunteer his skills to the Sandinista government. He was killed in 1987 by U.S.-backed Contras while working on a project to bring electricity to a remote village. Linder's death sparked outrage and helped to galvanize support for the Nicaraguan Revolution. His legacy continues to inspire activists and volunteers around the world to work for social justice.

The Death of Ben Linder: The Story of a North American in Sandinista Nicaragua

by Joan Kruckewitt

4.2 out of 5