Although it could be a long and arduous task, Latin American governments must be assisted in rallying support for democratic freedoms. They must convince their leaders that they cannot afford to pay the price in allowing neighbors to subvert them. Emerging threats caused by lack of economic opportunity and weak rule of law alone are chronic failures threatening a hemisphere.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez responded to his own victory via a controversial recall referendum, by aggressively moving to eliminate the independence of the media and judiciary, criminalize the opposition, and establish control over the economy.
The presidential victory of Evo Morales in Bolivia is a significant development for Washington to digest. Morales, a unionist coca farmer and head of the “Movement Towards Socialism,” speaks highly of Cuba’s Fidel Castro, as does Chavez. Too, no one had to guess his loyalties and agenda as Morales demonstrated them clearly in Argentina last year at the Summit of the Americas. There he joined Chavez in anti-U.S. demonstrations, vowing to be “Washington’s nightmare.”
Many fear that Bolivia will become the next domino to fall to “radical populism.” A U.S. Defense Department news release in August 2005 reported a “senior defense official” telling reporters that “Cuban ideology, backed by Nicaraguan financing, is targeting nations like Bolivia” and others that are teetering between democracy and leftist governments.
Are we just being paranoid on these issues? I think not.
In fact, the question is if U.S. administration neglect of Latin America over the past four years has caused this erosion of previous democratic strongholds?
About 300 million of 365 million people in South America are now living under left-wing governments. A decade ago Latin America’s stronger democratic leaders could be counted on to rally against authoritarian movements with the help of the United States, using the vehicle of the Organization of American States.
What might be the reason for this shift to a leftist ideology whose leaders profess loyalty to the Communist dictatorship of Fidel Castro, and the teachings of Che Guevara?
Might we suggest “money” with the connotation of it being the root of all evil?
Venezuela has bought off a raft of governments with subsidized supplies of oil. As well, Chavez’s surging oil revenue is allowing Castro’s dictatorship to breath fresh air. Money that is also being used to sponsor anti-democratic, anti-U.S., and anti-free trade movements throughout Latin America according to near daily news reports.
Chavez’s reckless revolution is accelerating throughout Latin America, and those who are not part of the solution are essentially part of the problem. Leftist leaders who are fooling no one other than those who cannot recognize their subterfuge of “trade differences” and rhetoric of “Yankee imperialism.”
They are attempting to remake Latin America along radical-left and anti-U.S. lines, plain and simple.
Latin America’s future is hanging in the balance and up for grabs. So where will the remaining holdouts for democracy reach for help? Will the U.S. extend a hand as a concerned neighbor and partner? Or will the U.S. build walls to shut them out, battening down the hatches and playing ostrich?
Indifference would support leaders such as Chavez, who literally declared war against privately owned farms when he sent troops to occupy one of Venezuela’s largest cattle ranches. Chavez, whose rule continues to be turbulent, in fact shows total disregard for democratic processes with his “Bolivarian revolution.”
It has been said, in what one might describe as the blind leading the blind, that President George W. Bush should be less concerned about the influence in Latin America of Chavez, and “recognize instead that populist movements are homegrown phenomena.” The poor, the neglected, and the plight of indigenous populations are cited. But one must ask if oppression is a valuable crop to grow?
It is time for smarter diplomacy, with a principled focus on the continuity of democratic institutions and practices. Democratic governments in Latin America need aid from the United States and other free nations, with an emphasis on assisting their governments to become more responsive, more accountable, and better at delivering basic human services. Too, they must know that the United States and the international community are full and united partners in democracy, by providing resources to address chronic ills, problems and failures.
Human needs, good health and regional security in the Western Hemisphere, for our neighbors and ourselves, must be a paramount priority. Accordingly, the southern border of the United States must be a bridge representing a friend and partner’s helping hand, versus an alienation of affection.
Jerry Brewer is a columnist for MexiData.info. Readers may send him e-mail at Cjiaincusaaol.com.
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