Towards an Uncertain Future

This week's documents explore the long and painful fight against the American Oil company Chevron for their wilful destruction of environment. The documents themselves are relatively straight forward as they are court documents and a report on the case itself. I think the biggest thing to take from these documents and the case itself is the disgusting and careless actions of Chevron in regards to its operations. Whilst the initial dumping of toxic waste into unlined pits and other environmental destructive actions occurred during a time when knowledge of the environmental effects was limited and potential costs of litigation and good will by Chevron was small, the fact that the case has remained unsettled with out an apology is frustrating. From document 11.1 it is clear that Chevron admitted that its practices were destructive to the environment but as it had a responsibility to its shareholders, the cheapest strategy was the best strategy. After briefly skimming through Michelle's blog post I think think she hit the nail on the head regarding the idea that 'it was' common practice is a legitimate defence. It is disgusting that this corporation has been allowed to blatantly attempt to bully the court systems of multiple countries not only in this case in Ecuador but around the world.

A quick google search will result in numerous cases about environmental damage and breaches of government standards and international laws by Texaco. Their strategy is similar to a retreating Russian army or an advancing german army during WWII. Take all that we need and then burn the rest so no one else can enjoy. I understand the need to represent the interests of your shareholders but please big powerful corporations just respect humanity and respect the environment.

Chapter 9: On Terror

This chapter is all about the balance between good and evil as well as terror and violence. Throughout the documents there is an underlying theme of the use of violence to induce terror and therefore instigate change. The use of terrorism isn't only a modern ideal but has been a form of inducing change for hundreds of years. Document 9.1 recounts the events in which eight journalists were massacred in such a brutal fashion and the journalists quest to find the truth about what happened. The religious and ritualistic way in which the journalists were killed summarizes the level of fear and terror that the villagers lived in. As stated, whilst it was clear the victims were unarmed the attackers still murdered them and ritualistically disposed of their bodies as if they were the devil.
Document 9.2 provides a politicians view (president gomez) on the use of violence in politics and progress. It is evident that he believes there is nothing wrong with utilising violence to induce change within a society. This idea that revolutionary violence is another element of the human condition is a common reoccurring theme throughout history from the French revolution, the American revolution and the resistance against Nazi Germany in WW2 to the revolutions throughout the entirety of Latin America against the colonial powers. Finally, Document 9.3 is a declaration by the President of Peru in 1992. In contrast to the previous two documents, President Fujimoro declares the need for democratic progression and it is clear that he believes the people have the ability to enact change without violence

Whilst the vast majority of the world would like change to occur quickly and peacefully, is the use of violence and terrorism more effective at inducing longer lasting change or does violence only set back society and its progression?

Chapter 7: Power to the People

The documents in this chapter provide a interesting account on Eva Peron and her role in Argentine politics. It is evident that she developed a significant following and was considered to be a woman of the people.

Document 7.1 Foster Haileys "Peronists will head Argentine ticket" discusses the events that led up to the declaration of the Peron's to run again for the presidency. The article discuses both the rapid timeline that was forced upon Senora Peron as well as the political power plays that occurred during the estabilishment of who would run second on the ticket. It was clear that this was a turbulent time in politics

Whilst the validity and accuracy of Documents 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 must be questioned they do provide an outline the kind of woman that Evita Peron was. She was someone that was a bridge between the poor and the wealthy and powerful elites of society. It is truly a shame that she was taken from Argentine by Cancer at the age of 33 after being forced to rescind her candidacy due to military and political backlashes as well as her declining health. If she had continued into the esteemed position of Vice president she could have made significant strides in the improvement of women's rights throughout Latin America.