Some Things Never Change

Chapter 9 - Born In Blood And Fire 

               The Cold War might have been over but poverty, violence, and instability were not, at least not for Latin America. The idea of undoing social injustice in Latin America had drowned in blood and disillusionment. In a game of win or lose, Latin America was one of the bigger losers. This caused for a new period of history to approach. It was supposed to be a history of new hope for rising economy but unfortunately, Latin America was at a loss. Many countries left their lower class to struggle on their own.

                After the Cold War, there was a rise in drugs and drug trafficking in many countries throughout Latin America. Colombia, for example, had its biggest rise in trafficking. During this time period we saw the rise of Pablo Escobar, notorious for being one of the richest drug traffickers of this time. He created one of the largest empires and mafias to lead the new business of trafficking marijuana and later, cocaine. This was the best way to make money during this time because all other resources were out of the picture. Escobar was an enemy to many but for most of his people, he was a hero. Because there was such a high poverty rate, Escobar created goodwill among the people of Colombia, building many hospitals, schools, churches, even soccer fields and sponsoring children’s soccer teams. Escobar kept a “Robin Hood” image.

                It was easy for the poor community to like Escobar but his wealth and business started a drug war that would eventually take a turn for the worst. Colombia suffered its own version of the Cold War, with new visionary Marxist revolutionaries. Kidnapping became a principal fund-raising activity for the guerrillas, soldiers who fight as independent units. Drug traffickers, whose members were being kidnapped, retaliated with massive violence and soon, cities became war zones. To this day, the drug war in Colombia has yet to die.

             The United States has claimed for many years that the drug war in Colombia has already been won but the death toll has continued to increase. Colombia’s president, Juan Manuel Santos told the UN last month that it has not been won and they have seen more deaths, bloodshed, and sacrifices in this war than anyone else. Following up this week, Colombia and Guatemala have decided to join forced to fight drug trafficking. They believe it will allow both countries to interact “in order to combat transnational crime”.   

                A common saying I've heard my entire life was, “whatever you do, do it to get us out of poverty”. It is very common in Latin America to either play soccer or sell drugs to get out of poverty. In many cases, you have to do what you have to do to provide for your family. In times of war and extreme poverty, it was very beneficial for many to sell drugs. To this day, the drug war has continued, and might continue for many, many more years. For as long as Latin American countries are poor, the drug war will continue. It is almost a given that it will continue and Colombia is just one example. Mexico, Peru, and many other countries suffer just the same.        

Colombia And Guatemala To Join Forces

The War Has Not Been Won

War Against Drugs A Complete Failure