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PERSPECTIVE

Restoring faith and security in the

Americas
Jan 15, 2006 12:00 am

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By Jerry Brewer, KRT Forum

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. and CEO of Criminal Justice International

Associates, Northern Virginia. E-mail at jbrewer@cjiausa.org. www.cjiausa.org