I suppose the CWA started yesterday, but for me, the conference kicked off this morning. I always look forward to this event, organized by CU each spring. I see it as a nice gesture for a university that all too often cuts corners in its offerings of internationally-focused curricula and major programs.
The first panel discussion I attended was held in the Boulder High School auditorium and was filled, for the most part, with lethargic-looking teens, clutching their Spanish textbooks and squirming under the scrutinizing eye of their teachers, determined to keep the students in line for the duration of the panel.
The title of the presentation was Latin America: Political Forecast. But I found the discussion not to be a prediction for Latin America's political future, but more of an opportunity for scholars to express their pro-North American vision for the region.
First, Vicki Huddleston, former U.S. diplomat, told the crowd that despite the fact that Fidel Castro is still alive, he is no longer in control of Cuba's affairs, and his country is due for political change. Despite what we may read in the alternative press about Cuba's universal health care and education systems, we mustn't believe the country has a free or open system. Is that it? Huddleston's observations were hardly fresh or insightful. The one interesting thing she did say referred to the elevated, nearly mythical status that Che Guevara, and to a lesser extent, Fidel Castro, have assumed in the minds of young people. She cautioned the audience against revering Che or Fidel too much (just as any American government lackey would), but nevertheless acknowledged the importance of these two men in the hearts of millions of people throughout Latin America. Che and Fidel were and are David to the United States' Goliath, and if Fidel lives until January of 2009, he will have outlasted 10 American presidents.
Judith Morrison, of the Inter-American Foundation, spoke about Venezuela and Brazil. She says she is concerned, as anyone who values democratic process should be, about the political situation in Venezuela under Hugo Chavez. Chavez has greatly overstepped his constitutional boundaries by declaring himself able to rule by decree, Morrison said. She added that the declining condition of basic infrastructure in Venezuela is unacceptable given the country's oil revenue and high global fuel prices.
On the other hand, Morrison praised Brazil for that country's investment in research, development and infrastructure. Her comments, while much better informed to be sure, sounded a bit like the rhetoric we heard from President Bush on his recent visit to Latin America. Her criticism of Venezuela and praise for Brazil was the line toed by Bush when he met with regional leaders in March.
What Morrison and the other panel members failed to address are the sky-rocketing corn prices in Mexico, which have hit the poorest people the hardest. Is is really a good idea to use a staple food crop for fuel when poor people who depend on corn for sustenance can't afford to eat as a result? (Think Bush's conversations with Brazil's government about the production of corn for ethanol).
And in regard to Venezuela, I'm tired of all the blind Chavez-bashing that doesn't even consider the changes he has implemented to benefit the poorest of the Venezuelan people. I am not trying to defend Chavez in his quest for ultra-concentrated power, but I would like to point out that millions of Venezuelans have benefited from health care, education and other social programs Chavez has implemented as a part of his Bolivarian Revolution.
Judith Morrison did mention, and I fully agree with her, that the U.S. has neglected Latin America, and as a result, we are losing status and credibility among not only the region's leaders, but among the people as well. What happens in Latin America affects us in the United States and vice versa. We ignore the region to our peril, as we have seen in recent years with the sharp increase in the number of undocumented immigrants unsafely crossing the U.S. border in search of work. As one of the panelists stated, we must make Latin American countries economically viable, for that is the only way to help the Latin American people and ensure U.S. national security at our southern border.
