Columbia's election win clincher

Security Versus Education, Healthcare and Employment reforms
Photo Credit: fairobserver.com

Are We All on the Same Page, Just Approaching This from Different Perspectives?

I was listening to the news many years ago about Colombia's election and the first-round results. As the newscaster discussed the various manifestos of the contenders, I found myself reflecting on the perspectives presented. The leader in the first round focused on security, while the runner-up emphasized healthcare, employment, and education. Let’s delve into these two perspectives in more detail.

Security: A Deep Concern for Colombians

Security is a critical concern for Colombians, particularly those displaced by drug wars. The first-round winner proposes continued use of force to stabilize the situation and promote security. However, in my opinion, this approach is akin to putting a plaster on a wound without addressing its underlying cause.

Imagine a wound caused by a thorn. Covering the wound with a plaster will not stop the thorn bush from regrowing. If the thorn bush is part of a journey that one must regularly navigate, then simply covering the wound does not solve the root cause of the problem. We must go to the source—identify where the thorn bush is, understand why it’s growing there, and take steps to minimize its spread or remove it entirely.

Similarly, in the case of drug violence, force might help curb immediate violence, but it does not address the root causes. We need to understand why drug use and violence are escalating and destroying lives.

Healthcare, Employment, and Education: The Key to Long-Term Solutions

The runner-up of the first round offers a solution rooted in healthcare, education, and employment—areas that are often overlooked but are crucial in addressing the broader issues. When a country has a high rate of uneducated individuals, it leads to unemployment, dissatisfaction, and stagnant economic growth. Education enables people to pursue their dreams, explore new possibilities, and build a future beyond the harsh realities of their current existence.

An educated workforce fosters economic recovery and improves living conditions. Ignorance is not the same as illiteracy—many Colombians are brimming with dreams and aspirations. With the right opportunities, they will rise to the challenge and fulfill their potential.

Many young people turn to drug trafficking as a quick and accessible means of earning money, especially when they lack other viable options. Very few would choose this dangerous and unpredictable lifestyle if there were alternatives. People take the best opportunities available to them to support their families.

The Role of the Government in Addressing Poverty

The government must view all citizens as part of the broader community. It’s essential to work towards eradicating the poverty that contributes to this troubling situation. Viewing the victims of drug wars as enemies within the country only exacerbates the problem. Most individuals involved in drugs and gangs are victims of their circumstances, not inherently evil actors.

Ask yourself this: If these individuals had access to proper education, healthcare, and employment, would they turn to drugs or gangs? Likely not. The very fact that the situation has escalated to a war-like condition suggests that drug lords are offering something the government has failed to provide, albeit through violence and exploitation.

A Collaborative Approach to Solving the Crisis

My conclusion is that collaboration is key. The solution requires both sides to come together. No single party has all the answers, so it’s essential to sit at the table and share perspectives. Let compassion for all Colombians guide your decisions—not party politics. The world is no longer a place for divisive politics; it is a time for people power. Listening to the voices of the people and working together for the greater good will lead to a better future for Colombia.

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