Keeping an Eye on all the Pieces – wayne centrone

I just read an online magazine Foreign Policy article titled “The Real Reason Behind Peru’s Political Crisis.” Succinct and well-written, the piece captures many conventionally held beliefs about what is happening with the current political and social crisis in Perú.

The funny thing about any article that proclaims to have “real” insight is that it is ultimately a subjective opinion. If you ask ten Peruvians what they think is the underlying force, angst, issue, or challenge behind the current situation, you will get 11 different reasons. On top of the diverse range of opinions, the responses will more than likely contradict one another. No one agrees.

The challenges facing Perú are deeply complex. They are even more complicated depending on where you approach or view the issues. Rural vs. urban. Wealthy vs. poor. Formal education trained vs. apprenticeship formed. It is the classic parable of the blind men and the elephant. Everyone has a different opinion of what they are touching and feeling based on where they interact with the elephant. The discrepancy of view isn’t based on inaccurate information, as much as it is focused on a vantage point and perspective.

In “real” terms – the crisis in Perú is disproportionately impacting the poorest members of the country. With nearly one out of every three people living in poverty, and with the rural areas of the country representing a much higher percentage of the overall poverty experience, the road blockades, supply chain disruptions, and impact on the service economy are pushing people living on the edge . . . over the edge.

However, we choose to view the current situation in Perú. Whatever mechanism we use to discern the complexity, one thing is unquestionable . . . lives are being disrupted, and futures are getting sabotaged. We remain committed to championing children and the communities that care for them in Perú. We will continue tour dedication to envisioning a world where every child has access to health, hope, home, and purpose.

Please keep the people of Perú in your thoughts, prayers, meditations, and offerings. Thanks for all the ongoing generosity and support. Stay connected.