By Scott Franz
As far as my experience so far on
this trip, I've been most interested in the political ideologies and economic
viewpoints coming from the Salvadoran people. I´m fascinated by some of the
things that these people say.
The one experience that I wanted to share was one that happened on the last night in the town of El Junquillo. I was with Mario Moreno, and we were talking with a guy from the community named Antonio. At first glance, he seemed like the stereotypical campesino, but as we talked with him, it turned out to be the equivalent of a lecture session with an economics professor with a specialty in El Salvador´s interaction with the rest of the world.
His knowledge of the current events in the world was spot
on. He knew that the United States has relations with countries like Venezuela
solely because of the amount of oil that they provide for us. He knew that US
protectionism prevents Salvadoran goods from being exported to help a
struggling economy. He even asked us what we thought about government
subsidies.
Why are such hypocritical policies being implemented in the United States today? Specifically with economics, our country generally says that they want to promote free markets and open up interactions with countries that we previously haven´t. We complain when we see China continue to raise tariffs on other foreign goods, hurting the US economy. And yet as we say that, we extend protectionism to places like El Salvador to try and reap the benefits from them while they foot the bill.
By
doing this, we end up suppressing the progression of people like Antonio,
benefiting the people on top but hurting the people down low. I want the
country I live in to start actually being the example of freedom and equality
that it boasts, because I want to take pride in something that supports more
than just aristocrats and oligarchs.
Thats, only a start. Just wait for the rest of the trip when you get to meet the two different political parties. Politicis will take on a whole new meaning. You begin to realize and truly understand that the actions our government takes actually affect real people. And most of the time, we are left in the dark about how those policies affect people outside the U.S. Enjoy the rest of the trip Scott!
Amen.
One of the interesting impacts that the trip had on me is that I developed a completely different view on politics, like John said. I started noticing how everybody expects the politicians in the U.S. to only serve American citizens. What many people don't realize, I think, is that since the U.S. is a major economic power, there's an implied responsibility to serve others too since our economic choices affect people all over the world. So I started to get irritated when I noticed politicians talking only about conditions within this single country. Leadership in a globalized world cannot be contained by mere borders. I'm eager to see you change the way people think, Scott.
-Chepe
Scott,
Well put. This is America. For all of the patriotism and rhetoric, it is all about what is best for us. Unfortunately, what is in our best interest isn't necessarily (and most often in not) in the best interest of those who live on the perimeter like the campesinos in La Hacienda and El Junquillo. Often I wish we would just dump the rhetoric and call a spade a spade. We as a country just do what seems best for us at any given time. If that means overthrowing a dictator, we do it. If it means supporting another (equally ruthless) dictator, we do it. But it is all couched in terms of freedom, democracy, what's "right," etc.
Welcome to a love-hate relationship with your homeland. It has given me much. It has taken much from others.
I'll stop before my inner commie takes over!!!
Mr. G
Scotty,
Antonio sounds like your friend from Nicaragua. You're obviously learning much from the people you're meeting. I hope they'll continue to challenge you to move outside your comfort zone. Keep your mind and heart open. It seems like you'll be home in no time, but from what I've read from the trip alums who have blogged, this experience will remain with you for a long while. We love you!
Mom and Dad
I'm so shocked that you're interested in the economics and politics of the region (read with deep sarcasm). It sounds like you're having a tremendous experience! It's one thing to read about impacts of US economic policy in the "Economist"-- it's an entirely different thing to actually see the impacts. Hope the trip continues to go well!
Hey Scott!
Sorry I haven't posted, I forgot that the blogs existed until today but don't worry, I didn't forget about you. I bet and hope that you are having a wonderful time as well as learning as much as you can. Tell da boiz I said hi. I'm with Ms. Clarke and i am also shocked (sarcasm) that you would delve into that realm. US actions do have negative impacts that spillover else where and your knowledge of that from this trip goes beyond what we could learn in debate. Your realization of the contradictions in US policy is also very interesting and I hope to hear and learn of many new insights when you arrive back home so that I may be positively influenced by your wonderful experience. I miss you buddy.
From,
The Greek