VICTORIA OBAMA: DIALOGUE + RESPECT = GOOD RELATIONS

What a party! We danced in the streets, celebrating a new era of openness and respect, political and social renewal; hope for the world and for ALL Americans: North, Central, South.

We congratulate John McCain for his hard-earned campaign; he waged a good battle and will continue to contribute with his intelligent politics, his wisdom and experience.

Barack Obama-Joe Biden bring to the table openness, dialogue, respect; more global power through diplomacy and negotiations, and a new agenda for Latin America.

In a thirteen-page report titled “A New Partnership for the Americas” I reviewed the analysis made by Larry Birns, Director, Council on Hemispheric Affairs (coha.org) which I share with you. The main points of the agenda are: To strengthen democracy, security, opportunity.

Democracy begins at home – The U.S. will promote democratic institution reform reinforcing first democracy at home: restoring habeas corpus, closing Guantánamo Bay (¡viva!) ending indefinite imprisonment and torture; supporting strong, transparent civil societies which defend human rights and reject de facto governments and autocratic policies.

Cuba - The new Administration will restore remittances and travel to Cuba; help them reduce their dependence on the present regime by promoting small enterprise development on the island. The embargo however will not be lifted since Obama-Biden believe it acts as leverage for positive democratic change in Cuba.

Security - regional policy will be centered on transnational gangs such as those of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala which have proliferated into Mexico with violence, drugs and organized crime. The new Administration proposes signing an hemisferic security pact, professionalizing police and judicial branches.

Economic Development – more assistance in vocational training, micro-finance and community development; continue fighting AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis; reinforce global education.

Obama will cancel the debts of Paraguay, Guyana, St. Lucia, Bolivia, Haití, Honduras as well as other poor countries. He will reform IMF and World Bank policies promoting equitable commerce and environmental standards.

Immigration - more border security, provisions for absorbing undocumented workers, building a road to citizenship.

Environment and Energy – expand partnerships with Brazil, sharing technology, developing markets for bio-fuels, creating green methods for energy consumption. Preserve the Amazon reducing de-forestation and building economic incentives. Obama believes social inequity is the root of regional instability.

The Good Neighbor – better cooperation based on equity, respect and mutuality. The U.S will not nurture failed policies that treat Latin America as a strategic playing field for America´s regional interests. Obama proposes substantive development, policies which take us to new levels of cooperation and autonomy through open dialogue with democratic governments, without imposing American ideology.

In my view, we have much to celebrate.