| REALISTIC PROMISES FOR THE NEW YEAR |
| Written by Maria Elena Salinas |
| Monday, December 31 2001 |
| |
| I used to look forward to making New Year's resolutions. I would write them on little cards and include all the steps I would take to reach my goal. When I noticed that my resolutions were not changing from year to year, I realized I was not keeping them. Of course, I always had a good excuse. Too much work, not enough time. I finally decided to change my strategy. Now, instead of saying I am going to learn how to cook, I say I'm going to look into cooking lessons. Instead of vowing to lose 10 pounds, I promise to start exercising. Instead of committing myself to finally writing my book, I plan to get past Chapter Two. That's a little more realistic.
Wouldn't it be great if some heads of state in this hemisphere were a little more realistic with the promises they make? Remember when George W. Bush vowed during a presidential debate that he was going to prevent "nation building"? As we all know, that is exactly what the United States is doing in Afghanistan. Of course, Bush was thrust into this crisis by circumstances beyond his control. But Bush is not alone. Several Latin American leaders have found themselves in a similar predicament.
Mexican president Vicente Fox promised during his campaign that he would create a million jobs. But in his first year in office, some 400,000 jobs were lost. He promised to end the armed conflict in the southern state of Chiapas in 15 minutes. A year later, the Zapatista rebels have not given up their weapons. He promised that the economy would grow at an annual rate of 7 percent. In reality, he'll be lucky if it even makes it to 1 percent.
In Peru, President Alejandro Toledo, who came to power after a corruption scandal forced Alberto Fujimori to flee the country, promised to increase salaries. A few months into his presidency, the only salaries that have significantly increased are his own and those of his political cronies. Toledo promised to give jobs back to people who lost them under the Fujimori regime and to create enough new jobs to reduce extreme poverty. During recent weeks, a wave of discontent has driven people to the streets to protest violently against Toledo's empty promises.
Colombian president Andres Pastrana promised that his peace plan would end the country's bloody internal conflict. He assured Colombians that negotiating with the enemy was the best way to reach this goal. Instead, the rebel groups have increased their assaults. This year alone there have been more than 3,000 kidnappings. Pastrana also promised political reforms that would finally put an end to government corruption. With less than nine months left in his term, he is not even close to fulfilling his promise.
In December of 1999, Venezuela suffered one of the worst natural disasters in its history. Torrential rains caused huge mudslides that wiped out entire communities in the state of Vargas. More than 30,000 people died, and at least 16,000 families were left homeless. President Hugo Chavez promised that within one year all those people would be living in new homes. Two years later, most are either roaming the streets or are still living in shelters.
Like Bush, who can blame the Sept. 11 attacks for breaking his "no-nation-building vow," these presidents can blame unforeseen events for going back on their word. Making specific commitments can win a politician a lot of support, but not being able to keep them can create backlash. Now that the new year is upon us, these heads of state might consider making realistic New Year's resolutions instead of empty promises.
As for me, I am signing up for cooking lessons, heading for the gym and starting Chapter Three of my new book. Time permitting, of course. |
