'We Are Doomed': Devastation From Storms Fuels Migration in Honduras

[SharonAnn]

2. They are also fleeing an extremely corrupt government that we have supported.

I lived in Honduras for a year in 1981, living in a “middle class” environment while I was working for a multi-national company. My life was comfortable but my eyes were really opened during my stay. Example: On a proposal to the telephone company, I was told to add 10% to the bid price. First time I ever had that happen! It was explained to me later that was the “commission” to the government officials.
As I traveled between the Capitol (Tegucigalpa) and the port/industrial city of San Pedro Sula, I saw the living standards of the general populations. Regions without electricity (including in the cities) with no electricity, no potable water, no sewage management, completely inadequate roads and bridges, completely inadequate medical facilities, very few schools ( usually only private ones), and no opportunity. A few companies that had close ties to the government and which controlled everything. And even educated people who were desperate for jobs.
It caused me to rethink everything I thought I knew about capitalism since it only existed there if it was tied to a corrupt government. I realized that I had a lot to learn.

I learned even more later as I struggled to learn about more than 100 years of U.S. involvement had turned out so badly for their people.