The volcanos that dot the landscape here in Nicaragua are not the only things with an explosive past. Learning about the history of this country and thier fight to free themselves from an opressive dictator has made me think a lot about what people can do when they have the drive to change the situation they are in. While the US played a major role in the turbulence this little country rode though, we might be able to learn a bit from their solidarity and valor, especially in the times we are in now. We were able to watch Barack Obama´s inauguration speech while we were in Puerto Rico and got the feeling that I´m sure most everyone did from it: it´s not going to be easy and we have to work together. Not just in our country, though, but in the entire world. The margin between classes needs to shrink, that is apparent. Jobs need to be made all over the world. So many other things, I would never want to be president. Problems don´t stop at our boarders, they just multiply, and I´m so glad we have people like Obama and his crew to work with other countries to solve them, not to make more.
I just finished reading this book by a woman who was a major part in the revolution here in Nicaragua, from an underground millitant to a person working to start up the new government. It´s unfortunate that their vision of a government to spread equality through Nicaragua never made it. The FSLN ( Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional) was driven out of power by the force the United States, led by Ronald Reagan and the CIA, after being falsely labeled communist (remember the Iran-Contra affair?). This was after the illiteracy rate went from roughly 80% to 20%, one of the first steps taken by the FSLN. Since 2007 they came back into power, so we will see. But I digress. My point was to quote the woman I was just talking about, Gioconda Belli, author of The Country Under My Skin.
"Our world, filled with possibilites, is and will be the results of the efforts offered up by us, its inhabitants. Just as life was a consequence of trial and error, the social organization that brings us the full realization of our potential as a species will issue from the ebb and flow of struggles we jointly undertake across the globe. The future is constantly shaped by the present, and that is why to be responsible in the present is the only way of taking serious responsibility for the future. What is important is not the fulfillment of one´s dreams, but the stubborn determination to continue dreaming."
Idealistic for me to write this, but its something to think about. We need to be determined to move forward, not just as a country, but as an entire world. We can look at Nicaragua and the people who fought, many giving their lives, to stop the injustices; to make their world a better place for everyone. It can be done. I´m glad we are finally on the right track.