We speak with actor, activist and TransAfrica chair Danny Glover about President Aristide’s claims that the U.S. forced him out of office as well as Rep. Barbara Lee who says she plans to raise the issue at a meeting of the House International Relations Committee tomorrow.

The Congressional Black Caucus vowed Monday to get to the bottom of allegations that the United States “kidnapped” and took Aristide to the Central African Republic by force.

Five members of the Congressional Black Caucus along with UN goodwill ambassador Danny Glover met with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to begin consultations on Haiti. Their visit was consumed with questions surrounding Aristide’s removal from Haiti on Sunday morning.

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), who chairs the Black Caucus, said the 43 members will not allow the issue to die. Cummings said, “As far as what has happened to president Aristide, we, members of Congress, will not stand around and watch a democracy being taken apart by our own country.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) said she planned to raise the issue at a meeting Wednesday of the House International Relations Committee.

• Danny Glover, actor, activist and chair of the TransAfrica board.
• Rep. Barbara Lee, Democrat from California and member of the Black Congressional Caucus.