READING (Jorge Secada K.)
J orge Secada K.
Again, many of us face a difficult electoral deliberation, much more difficult this time than face five years ago. The decision is difficult because so much is at stake, because both options will cause rejection, and it is not easy to know which one is worse. I propose that we reflect together on our problem.
Let's start with some general considerations. Our dilemma arises because it is inevitable that one or other of the two evils. It is important to pause here a moment and ask, why is it inevitable? Clearly, some might say, as in the second round we have to choose to Keiko and what she represents, or what he Humala and promises. But that alone is not inevitable that one or another come to the palace. It is only because we accept our democratic political system and the rules established our constitution, we face this dilemma. This, as we shall see, is significant.
accept our democracy to the point that we consider this outcome inevitable, for us, disastrous. That is, we do not consider acceptable alternatives, for example, for plotting a coup there and call new elections. But what would in similar circumstances, they consider exceptional circumstances such as these for us, the two candidates from whom we choose? It is not an abstract or purely hypothetical question: we constantly hear that this or that force majeure or act of illegality from power was justified because those were different and exceptional circumstances. And we at least we we deliberate how to decide in this terrible dilemma which is the lesser evil, we know that the problem with that answer is just that when we started talking about special circumstances, and even more so if we get in power, we are choosing a path politically perverse. We are entitled to our beliefs and believe in what we believe, if we believe, with absolute firmness. But we have no right to impose it on anyone. Political life only supports one way of being, a just and morally only way possible: tolerance, conversation, and the most scrupulous respect for the laws and constitution. Almost always the story of extraordinary circumstances is merely a rationalization of the authoritarian and enlightened to do whatever they want.
Now, faced with two evils might be the right thing is to avoid choosing between them. There are elections in which right would vote blank. Could be that either alternative is so bad that no matter what comes out. Surely those who think this way in the present circumstances an option described as AIDS and the other as cancer. If those are our options as may be appropriate to let the dice decide. White vote is not kicking the board, as they say. Blank vote is also not vote for the winner. There is a major difference. If you vote for one of the two and he is elected, I was part of those who elected him, but blank vote, what I did was to let others choose. Blank vote says something, and these choices may say a lot. Not only matter what will happen, also matters how it happens. In terms of what they say the vote would be different you have 10% of white voters to be 40%. If any, with those white votes he would be saying to whoever is elected does not have our confidence. For those who believe in democracy, that difference is important. But I'm not sure that we are in a situation in which what we should do is vote blank. Although do not rule, I tend to think we are not face such a dilemma. I hope the next few weeks let me see more clearly if this is true or not.
Why vote for Keiko Fujimori? The answer I hear repeatedly is that she would continue the economic policies of the past two decades, which, while different circumstances, will not rule out corruption and authoritarianism that ruled his father, and although this is likely to forgive and time also to some other of its employees currently in prison, that would not make a greater impact. Let me be clear that these arguments do not convince me.
Many of us remember what was the economic disaster of the late 80's, and we know what is a story of economic stagnation, lack of real growth and organic, from a chronic inability to accumulate capital. We do not want that. I proudly c or mo in recent years, little by little, Peruvian products have been appearing in supermarkets in the U.S.. Now it is not surprising in any supermarket to buy overseas evaporated milk, instant chocolate cup, fish fillets, pickles Mediterranean roasted piquillo peppers, all top quality Peruvian products. The economy Peruvian exemplary grows and grows. Has cost at this point. We do not want to come some confusion in exchange for "model" or "economic system." The market economy, promoting the management of entrepreneurs, encouraging large capital investment and facilitating private generation of wealth and jobs, is the only way we know to create economic wealth, here and in China. And know perfectly well that the lack of administrative and fiscal irresponsibility end up wasting any effort, and may take years of hunger and suffering.
Two-thirds of voters have voted for candidates who have not spoken of changing economic model or system. And we see that Ollanta Humala has ended up calling to Brazil and Lula, that is, appealing to economic policies that are none other than the market economy. But there have been an almost total consensus that the main problem we face is poverty, misery and inequality that affects a third of Peruvians. This election has made it clear that the majority of Peruvians do not want to leave the growth and the market economy that has made possible, but neither wants to stop extreme needs too large sectors of the population.
So, for me the central theme in our discussion is not economic policy. More than two thirds of the incoming Congress is not willing to change economic policy and not allow the government did try. Garcia could not nationalize the banks in the late 80's, and Humala could at least do it now. Recall that Humala will have a clear minority in Congress, and that the minority shall be final if you attempt to fundamentally alter the economic or the democratic system. We will have to discuss how to attend to the most needy: yes, maintaining growth and employment generation, just more investment in health, education and security, or whether we should consider other redistributive policies. And that discussion will have to go through the Congress that we, plural and diverse. Like it or not, Congress is the place where the next government will have to talk and discuss and agree how to address the pressing needs of many Peruvians.
For me the central theme in our discussion is how to ensure that democratic exercise, how to defend our democracy. And why not vote for Fujimori. For years and campaigning for months she and her companions had the opportunity to clarify his position before the country on the legitimate exercise of power and democracy. Furthermore, had the peculiar obligation to do so because they are heirs or they were participants in a government elected for five years came and was eleven, and ruled lying, manipulating, corrupting and bribing. Instead of delimiting without hesitation, what they did and do is constantly invoke the special circumstances where we were and as they justified what they did. Faced with his past the only attitude possible is morally and politically the unqualified rejection. But "Fujimori" not only never apologized to the country by Vladimiro Montesinos have made it part of our history, they have repeatedly shown what they think, that democracy is tolerated if it works and decide whether it works or not them.
With Humala Congress will protect democracy, but I'm sure that Fujimori will serve rather to undermine and destroy what little confidence they have placed in our political institutions. The incoming Congress Humala curb any attempt to change the rules, subverting the market economy or limit political freedoms. But this same conference, with Fujimori in the palace, meet the arduous role as a tool for authoritarian abuse and "pragmatic" of power.
Let's be clear: the issue is not that Keiko would or could now repeat the dish we served his father. The issue rather is the main thing for the development of our country, the first thing to do if we want a free, integrated, economically developed and without poverty is to ensure our political institutions, creating between us absolute confidence in dialogue and conversation as the only fair way to govern. That, precisely, is what Fujimori did not give us and that is the ultimate reason why, having voted in the first round by PPK, no way I will not vote for her.
I do not know if I will vote for Ollanta Humala. Perhaps they'll do if I think I could defeat Fujimori. Although it is not heir to a Oncenio of autocracy, Humala has given repeated samples of not understanding fully what is democracy, as when he supported the coup attempt of his brother, and declared his admiration for those who have changed their laws to extend step for power. Because I fear that has not been able to demonstrate beyond doubt that kidnapped and tortured when he was high on my Mother. I feel disgusted to hear people close to him speak of the superiority of the "brown race" and no express view expressing disgust who knows what racism is. And I'm also afraid that his disability and his messianic tendencies ride to bad government, irresponsible and stupid. Yes, indeed, are still flaws and inconsistencies disturb their personal and political.
From what I have no fear is that if Humala is elected president, our country and our bodies are so fragile that he can entornillarse in the presidential chair, silence the press, and impose an authoritarian state. Our armed forces are not going to give a blow to encourage anyone who has adopted the Report of the Commission of Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and will not deliver a blow to enter the palace one left until recently openly Marxist. It is virtually impossible for the next five years our armed forces want to strike to change the state's economic policies, or to cut our freedoms and our democracy. I hope that no one can manipulate those fears. But I have little doubt that by honoring its history and demonstrating its expertise in managing public opinion advantage of the Fujimori try to do so.
Nothing makes me doubt Humala, however, has the strength that is undeniable and ugly history, assumed "very honored" by Keiko Fujimori. If we want a country with a future, a country which we can feel completely proud if we want an integrated, developing country, we must say "no", a "no" and decided, who usurped power and decency we were robbed and dignity. So I have certainly not vote for Fujimori. Still do not know for sure how I will vote, but whatever I do I will trust in our democracy and hoping that those who govern us do it legally and constitutionally bound to dialogue with the opposition over how to address the needs of the majority, for five years and not a moment longer. I do not know if I will vote for Humala or rather tell them both with my vote, "I believe in my country, but do not believe either of you."