1.) Do a little research on Hugo Chavez. Find out who he is and what he has done. After doing this, respond to the following question: Why do you think he gave President Obama this book?
Hugo Chavez is the President of Venezuela who has made a big impact on his country. He established services that aimed to improve economic, cultural, and social conditions. Chavez also fought for the equal right of the indigenous people and as well as for women. It was interesting that he had previously tried to give George W. Bush a copy of Open Veins of Latin America. Bush wouldn't take it which was a great disappointment to Chavez. I think Hugo Chavez's reason for giving Obama a copy of Eduardo Galeano's book was to give the U.S. a better understanding of the long and struggling history of Latin America. Afterall, this book became one of the bestsellers within hours Obama was given the book.
2.) Galeano writes in his introduction, "[Latin America] continues to exist at the service of others' needs, as a source and reserve of oil and iron, of copper and meat, of fruit and coffee, the raw materials and foods destined for rich countries which profit more from consuming them than Latin America does from producing them." What examples from Guatemala can you provide that would serve as evidence for Galeano's words?
Coffee and banana's are big products that Guatemala exports to the United States and other countries. For years Guatemala has been known for their famous coffee and banana's. Sadly, as Galeano talks about, Guatemala makes less profit than their buyers from other countries who sell them for more than what they bought it for.
3.) Galeano writes on page 7, "Poverty is not written in the stars; underdevelopment is not one of God's mysterious designs." How does Catholic Social Teaching attempt to resolve this issue?
The Catholic Social Teaching has four pillars that are taught to the people. They are: Dignity of the Human Person, Common Good, Solidarity, and Subsidarity. These teachings teach that every man and women are equal no matter their cultural differences are. It is important to to contribute to the good of the whole society and be in solidarity. One more inportant one is the expressed-felt-need that means to go to the people and do what they ask of you. These teachings attempt to resolve this issue by with the people to improve and anything that is needed and work their way out of underdevelopment.
4.) Galeano finishes in page 8, " History is a prophet who looks back: because of what was, and against what was, it announces what will be." What do these words mean? Why are they important?
I remember my teacher, Mr. Huitt, saying something along the lines of history being important to learn because if you don't, history will tend to repeat itself. History is something we learn and understand the mistakes mankind has made and learn from it and improve what has been done. I don't know this is making any sense of what this question is pertaining to but it does in my head... When Galeano speaks of history being a prophet, I think he's saying that what has been done in the past are things we should take to help us make better decisions and not repeat the mistakes our ancestors or others have done.
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