We Could Learn A Thing Or Two From Our Supposed "Enemies"

hugochávez
Originally uploaded by Randuwa.

In a time when the United States is in a record breaking decline in prestiege and good will among the nations of the world, Hugo Chávez's government in Venezuela sets but one example of how a benevolent people seek to foster goodwill among the nations. This from "Envío," a monthly periodical of Central American political news and analysis.

"MIRACLE MISSION"

The Government of Venezuela announced on March 10 that it is bringing its "Miracle Mission" to Nicaragua. Over the next ten years, this initiative will provide free operations in both Venezuela and Cuba for cases of reversible blindness, particularly as a result of cataracts. Nicaragua has an estimated 30,000 blind people, 18,000 of whom have a reversible condition. The Venezuelan program aims to treat between 100 and 200 cases a month, chosen by the Naitonal Ophthalmology Center and prioritizing those least able to pay. While the cost of cataract operations in a private Nicaraguan clinic ranges between $800 and $1,200, those selected for the "miracle" will pay nothing: not only will the operation and follow-up treatment be free, but so will the travel and lodging for the patient, and even a companion, if necessary.

The initiative.... Hugo Chávez's government hopes will create bonds among Latin American countries that extend beyond mere trade. The "Miracle Mission" is already operating in 11 countries. Its overall goal is to return their sight to six million people by 2016.


At the same time the United States sent former UN Ambassador Jeanne Kirkpatrick to Nicaragua to pontificate on the up-coming presidential election, pointing Nicaraguans toward the candidate that favors US policies. A message of intimidation, not lost on the people of Nicaragua. This on the cusp of a very contentious legislative session in which every single law crafted by the Bush Administration to satisfy the requirements of CAFTA were passed by an ultimately limp rag congress. The results of which will only benefit the richest and most powerful agricultural interests in the country -- A country in which even the most specialized Doctor makes a mere $500 per month (one third of the salary that a comparably trained and experience physician could earn in Malawi, for instance!) And we wonder why they dislike our government......