2006.10.18: October 18, 2006: Headlines: Figures: COS - Peru: Politics: Gainesville Sun: Alejandro Toledo speaks on "Poverty and the Future of Democracy in Latin America"
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2006.10.18: October 18, 2006: Headlines: Figures: COS - Peru: Politics: Gainesville Sun: Alejandro Toledo speaks on "Poverty and the Future of Democracy in Latin America"
Alejandro Toledo speaks on "Poverty and the Future of Democracy in Latin America"
The former Peruvian president, who grew up in poverty but with the help of the Peace Corps earned an education in California, repeatedly stressed that education is a privilege and must be used to help the less fortunate. "I hope all young people, through education, will help all the people in poverty," he said. "There are 230 million people in Latin America trying to survive on $2 a day," he said. "Economic growth is an indispensable component of public policy," Toledo said, "but it is insufficient in the fight against poverty." He also said that if countries working together are not able "drastically" to reduce poverty, poverty can "conspire against democracy." President Alejandro Toledo of Peru was a language instructor for the Peace Corps in the 1960's. In 2002, Toledo invited the Peace Corps to return to Peru after a 27 year absence.
Alejandro Toledo speaks on "Poverty and the Future of Democracy in Latin America"
Former Peruvian president speaks at Reitz
By ZOE BRUGGER
Special to The Sun
October 18. 2006 6:01AM
Former President of Peru Alejandro Toledo emphasized the importance of education, avoided the subjects of American policies and Latin American leftists, and defended his position on free trade at the University of Florida Tuesday night.
He presented his speech, entitled "Poverty and the Future of Democracy in Latin America," to an audience that filled the entire Reitz Union Grand Ballroom.
Toledo, whose five-year term ended in July, is known for establishing free trade with the United States and dramatically increasing the economic growth of Peru.
During his tenure, Peru tripled its exports and reduced poverty from 54 to 48 percent.
The former Peruvian president, who grew up in poverty but with the help of the Peace Corps earned an education in California, repeatedly stressed that education is a privilege and must be used to help the less fortunate.
"I hope all young people, through education, will help all the people in poverty," he said. "There are 230 million people in Latin America trying to survive on $2 a day," he said.
"Economic growth is an indispensable component of public policy," Toledo said, "but it is insufficient in the fight against poverty."
He also said that if countries working together are not able "drastically" to reduce poverty, poverty can "conspire against democracy."
Juliana Ferro, a 20-year old economics student born in Colombia, said she came to see Toledo speak because Toledo's policies are important when investigating Latin American economies.
"I am writing a research paper on free trade agreements in Latin America and how they affect poverty," Ferro said, "and I really needed to hear what Toledo had to say."
When Toledo was asked by an audience member how he felt about the rise of leftist leaders like Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Toledo said he would not comment in order to maintain consistency with other public statements he has made. He said he "just wants to make it clear that he will not allow leftist leaders to interfere with the economic life of Peru."
One UF student was escorted from the room for carrying a sign protesting free trade.
The student, 18-year old microbiology and cell science major Kevin Hachey, remained just outside the doors for the remainder of the speech, offering his fliers to anyone leaving the speech.
"Most people in the U.S. have no input on free trade agreements, and they're not aware that they hurt everyone involved except big corporations," Hachey said.
But Toledo spoke proudly about his formation of free trade agreements with countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Mexico and Chile. He said countries must work together to realize the benefits of free trade, as well as globalization.
"History will be in charge of judging our presidents," Toledo said.
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Story Source: Gainesville Sun
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Figures; COS - Peru; Politics
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