Diciembre 17, 2005
The Future
I had thought about making an endorsement on this blog for Sunday’s elections, but decided against it. The past two weeks “embedded” with a campaign have been truly one of the most important and eye-opening experiences in my life. I cannot adequately express my gratitude to the dozens and dozens of individuals that accepted me into the process. Without any sense of suspicion or jealousy, all were very honest and open with me. All it took was for the candidate to vouch for me, and that was enough.
The experience has reaffirmed my desire to someday return to Bolivia to be a part of change for the better. It is one thing to be a “pundit” and critique things from afar in my comfortable apartment and it is another thing to attempt to get one’s hands dirty and be part of the solution. It is too easy to forget that nothing is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes.
I do know that the experience which culminates on election day is only the beginning. I have seen things up close and have seen the unfortunate side of politics, including mudslinging, questionable journalistic ethics, selfishness, desperation, and encountering individuals with ulterior motives. Yet, that exists in every corner of the world with every political party without fail.
However, I have also seen honesty, legitimate concern for less fortunate countrymen and women, selflessness, eyes staring back at me with genuine hope and countless volunteers willing to do anything for a cause they believe in. I also know that this exists everywhere, but sometimes people get too cynical about politics in Bolivia.
I have written how I have struggled with how much to share and reveal during this entire process. Frustration has been present from the beginning because I want to tell the world what I have witnessed and how much of my preconceived ideas have been modified. It makes me believe that change can happen in Bolivia, but perhaps I am still an idealist at heart.
As I stated, this experience may mark only be the beginning. Whether it continues soon after or down the road, but I am convinced that my future lies in Bolivia. I do not know what will happen in the next couple of weeks. I get a sense that this blog in this current state is nearing the end of its cycle and it has much to do with the events over the past two weeks.
Maybe someday I will be able to share fully what I have seen and breathed on the ground with ordinary and humble Bolivians. Article 35 of the Bolivian Constitution was tailor made for me. It allowed me to reclaim my Bolivian citizenship, without negating my American citizenship, which I am proud of equally. However, I know there is much left to do in Bolivia. Hopefully Sunday's results will be the beginning. Vague enough for you?
Peace for Bolivia.
Posted by eduardo at Diciembre 17, 2005 09:47 PM
Comments
I just wanted to tell you this is very tangible for me. I had similar experiences in the last presidential elections of Bolivia.
Sin importar los colores, it was amazing the sheer feeling of possibility, of hope and hard work for a better future that everyone shared. In fact, we had 'friendly standoffs' with youth working for opposing parties, and the only difference I could see were the hats we wore.
Paz
Posted by: eric at Diciembre 18, 2005 10:00 AM