If we are to talk about U.S. relations with Latin America, what springs to mind? Is it overthrowing governments? Supporting dictators? Funding death squads? That was the past and a new day has dawned, at least according to this article published by The Diplomatic Courier: A Global Affairs Magazine:
The White House has said that U.S. policy in the Americas would henceforth be guided by a simple test: whether it improves the lives of those living in favelas and barrios. Ultimately, of course, the responsibility for improving the lives of their respective citizens falls to elected leaders of hemispheric governments themselves, but the United States and others in the developed world certainly can—and must—assist. […] U.S. taxpayers are making an important and lasting difference, even during difficult economic times at home. The programs already underway deserve attention for being more than quick fixes or temporary band-aids. Instead, they invest in creating the conditions necessary to restore growth. They work to eliminate corruption, improve healthcare and education, construct roads, train farmers, boost agricultural productivity, and help entrepreneurs thrive.
On this April 15th Tax Day, it’s very encouraging to see our tax money spent in such a worthwhile manner in support of U.S. foreign policy goals in Latin America.
