planet earth looks blue

Bolivia’s new constitution was finally ratified earlier this year, marking a new phase in Evo Morales’ presidency.  Morales has led the country for the past three years.  The first indigenous Bolivian President, he has made sweeping reforms, nationalizing the nation’s energy resources, and pushing for both political and land reform to accommodate the indigenous peoples of Bolivia, who make up two-thirds of the country, particularly the Aymara, the Quechua, and the Guarani.  These people have dealt with discrimination and abuse for decades.  They have worked on the land, often owned by people descended from European immigrants, or foreigners, such as American cattleman Ronald Larsen, in almost indentured servant like conditions.

Morales did make concessions in the constitution, which has been on the table since 2007.  He agreed not to run for a third term in 2014.  Rural land size is limited to 12,400 acres, but only on future sales.  But he did fulfill his promise to the people of Bolivia - he has given them a substantial voice in the government, and has given them back some of their land.  He turned over 94,000 acres so far, taken from five ranches in the east.  

Has President Morales successfully pulled off land re-distribution?  Has he offered justice to the people, and without violence?  Will Bolivia be able to pull itself out of poverty now that change has transcended promise and become reality?  Only the future will tell, but for now, the former leader of coca-leaf farmers has made progress, we just have to discover what progress means.