When the US abandoned any pretense at pursuing democratic values, opting instead for an economy based solely on exporting violence and fraud, the window of opportunity for democratic reform in Latin America rapidly closed. As Upside Down World reports, the 2009 US-backed coup in Honduras has set in motion a replay of President Reagan’s murderous meddling in Central America, while Plan Colombia and the reintroduction of U.S. military bases in Chile and Argentina preclude even neoliberal independence in South America. As President Obama seeks to emulate and maybe even surpass the ruthlessness of his mentor President Reagan, democracies and democratic movements in the Western hemisphere are no more immune to U.S. military aggression and economic subversion than are Central Asia or the Middle East.
"In a media landscape made up of lies, flash, giant blind spots and corporatized sites of distraction, Intercontinental Cry is a trustworthy pathway to the truth where people who are committed to understanding Indigenous realities can gain insight and information to illuminate and activate their struggles."
Taiaiake Alfred
Professor of Indigenous Governance at UVIC and author of Wasáse
If we would amend our constitution backwards to require a two thirds vote by our congress, I believe it would put an end to wars that do not threaten the US, as well as a lot of meddling in others affairs, both at home and abroad.
Thanks, Russ. I’m sure others can add reform items to the list, but until we acquire the political power to enact these changes, it remains wishful thinking. Which is why I encourage Occupy assemblies and other organizers and activists to engage in educational functions where ideas about how to acquire that power are discussed and hopefully implemented.
Jay:
To follow up on acquiring power even political power: As you say somehow hopefully without suffering the African-American experiance of being murdered by the government and driven into powerlessnes when they tried to do so (http://blackagendareport.com/content/obama-elections-and-struggle-justice-peace-better-life-and-black-power).