Democracies in Latin America

Mario Vargas Llosa’s optimism for Latin America’s democracies is premature.

As long as the deep abyss exists between the few rich and the so many unbelievably poor, as long as hunger and disease kill the children, illiteracy blinds the minds of the underprivileged and the productive and fertile land remains in the hands of few; as long as Big Brothers watch over their shoulders, giving orders and weapons instead of effective helping hands and technical aid, and as long as banks are guided by avarice, democracy remains a dream, a pretty word for Latin America.

What good is a juicy roast before you if you have no teeth to it with?

JEANETTE JUAREZ IRIAS

Los Angeles