“Causality”, (cause and effect) as a concept, seems to be something that a lot of people have a hard time comprehending with regards to history. Take for instance the reaction of some Americans last week to the President’s trip to the Summit of the Americas. Some thought that by sitting there for 50 minutes as Nicaraguan president, Daniel Ortega laid out his “history of Latin-America” in which he criticized the “Imperialistic” US, President Obama made himself seem weak. I think those people have a very selfish, if not limited, world view. This approach is not a healthy in dealing with the 21st century globe which is more interconnected that at anytime in history. The notion that the US is above reproach, tends to keep with the same arrogant attitudes that we have seen in the past that has left us with a diminished reputation. People like Ortega with their anti-American rhetoric don’t genuinely hate us for our freedom. They want to prosper along with us but they want us to be fair and to own up to some of the US’ more despicable acts in the past. It is true that the US backed the Contra rebels who fought against the democratically elected government in which Ortega sat. It is also true that the US supported Batista, the brutal Cuban dictator who was overthrown by Fidel Castro. It is also true that our corporations have exploited their citizens on many occasions. (http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/47/043.html) So, it is understandable that Latin America may still be harboring some ill feelings.
In order to move forward in South and Central America, we must convince the hemisphere that we will be partners and will not impose our will. We can put away old arguments. However, we first have to come to terms with them. Ignoring the past like some conservatives want to do even with our racial past, is not the way to move on.
