e-mail
The most recent edition of the Guate360 Blog contained the article “¿Guatemala, un estado fallido?” or Guatemala An Insolvent Country? The gist of the article talks about a recent report that Foreign Policy magazine puts out each year ranking countries who have failed. According to the most recent index, Sudan was the lowest ranking country in the world and Guatemala was 51st. Althought Guate360 has Guatemala at 41, either way it is an indicator that things are not well in Guatemala.
This index takes many things into account and the scoring of which is left to intellectuals who sneeze more brainy things than I could ever comprehend. Some of the things that are measured are how the populace views the government, the overall security within the country, human rights, economy, etc. One of the greatest thing weighing against Guatemala is the “Demographic Pressure” category which indicates that the main poplation is on the verge of eruption against the government. We have witnessed many indicators even recently (i.e. April 20th Protest) that this is true. In fact, in response to the article on Guate360 one Guatemalan citizen wrote
la situación en nuestro país es explosiva (The situation in our country is explosive)
This is something that citizens of this country live with day in and day out. PGN reviewers, court officials, judges, social workers, everyday families. A commenter said that the reason Guatemala is not getting better is that it is still an “unjust feudal system with the veil of being a modern democracy.” One just need look at the wide discrepancy of classes here to see that this is very close to being true. With an astonishing 80%+ poverty rate, it is amazing that Guatemala did not score even lower on the list.
I write this to remind you that there is a bigger picture. Right now many of you reading this are so intently focused on the matter at hand, your adoption. That is OK and it is the way it should be. However, keep the overall situation in Guatemala in your mind at all times as well. The situation their is dire for many people and each day presents challenges not of which shoes to wear or which car to drive but will there be food today…or tomorrow. The more you involve yourself and allow yourself to conceptualize that these issues are playing a role in your adoption right now, the more you will want to be involved.
You wonder why the PGN continues to go through upheaval? Because it is just a part of this machine that for centuries has been in disarray. It is our hope that the leaders such as Oscar Berger and leaders to be elected will continue to work for the good of the people and establish stability and civility within the government.
One postive note. Guatemala moved up 6 points from last year and was listed as one of the top movers this year. Let’s continue to hope for good!
