Chile My compliments to Duncan Green ["The First Latin American Tiger?" July/August, 1994] for an excellent analysis of the Chilean economic process. Chile's program of "economic sta- bility in the transition to democra- cy" has meant continuity with Pinochet's economic policies, at great cost to most poor Chileans. As a Catholic lay missioner jour- nalist living and working in south- ern Chile amongst peasant commu- nities, I have seen the effects of this phenomenon firsthand. Green rightly points to the change in com- munity life, values and relation- ships among Chileans, and how money has taken priority over human relations. It seems, on the surface, that the sense of solidarity that blossomed during the most dif- ficult years of the dictatorship has been replaced by a self-centered consumerist mentality. Alternatives to this economic model need to emerge to tap levels of Chilean identity where human solidarity and ecological sustain- ability, as variables in economic decisions, take greater precedence over individualistic values. That the present model is socially and environmentally unsustainable seems obvious, yet Chile is being marketed as an economic standard for Latin America to emulate. In this context, the need for viable alternatives is all the more urgent. Bill Jordan Maryknoll Missioners Colbun, Chile Children Y our report, "Disposable Children" [May/June 1994], was important since for many years the scary and scandalous way many children in Latin America are treated has been ignored. Little mention was made, however, of the work that many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have under- taken to address the pain that these children suffer at the hands of adults. Child Hope, for example, with offices in Guatemala and Rio de Janeiro, sponsors a number of programs that give many children new hope for the future. Our offices in London and New York have managed to secure funds from the British and U.S. governments, as well as the European Union, for a number of imaginative programs. Of course, our work is the prover- bial drop in the ocean, but every drop is a human being. It is also important to point out that the picture you painted of chil- dren in Latin America is mirrored in many of the countries of Africa, Southeast Asia, India, and Central and Eastern Europe. It is almost as if the Dickensian scenes of Victorian London have been exported through time and space, but in an even more exaggerated fashion. Even here in fair London, we don't have to look far to find our own "disposable children." Nicolas Fenton Director, Child Hope London, England The Far Left appreciate the information you provide, but have been disap- pointed with your slide towards liberalism and away from a revolu- tionary viewpoint. Over the years, your coverage has come to neglect the far Left in favor of reformist "left" electoral formations. Whe- ther or not you agree with a far-left viewpoint, I would appreciate your covering its activities as well as the goings-on of the reformists. Bob Kutchko Merriam, KS
