The Second Founding of Bolivia

[bemildred]

by Eduardo Galeano

Mr. Galeano is worth reading anytime he chooses to write.

On the 22nd of January of the year 2002, Evo was expelled from Paradise. In other words: Deputy Morales was ejected from the Parliament. On the 22nd of January of the year 2006, in the same hall of pomposity, Evo Morales was consecrated President of Bolivia. In other words: Bolivia begins to discover that it is a country of an indigenous majority.

At the time of the expulsion, an Indian deputy was rarer than a green dog. Four years later, many are the legislators who chew coca, a millennial custom which was prohibited in the sacred parliamentary space.

Long before the expulsion of Evo, his people, the indigenous, had already been expelled from the official nation. They were not children of Bolivia: they were merely its hands. Until a little more than half a century ago, the Indians could not vote or walk on the sidewalks of its cities.

With good reason, Evo said, in his first presidential address, that the Indians were not invited, in 1825, to the founding of Bolivia. That is also the history of all America, including the United States. Our nations were born all false. The independence of the American countries was from the beginning usurped by a very minor minority. All the first constitutions, without exception, left out women, the indigenous, Blacks, and the poor in general.

ZNet

[Judi Lynn]

1. Absolutely wonderful article. I had to save it, hope to share it, also.

It must be read completely. Thanks so much for posting it.

[peacetalksforall]

2. Insightful. Thanks. Viva the little people! nt.