As I began to think and reflect my mind wondered back to the book study of Carrie Gibson’s “EL NORTE The Epic and Forgotten History of Hispanic North America” (Gibson, 2019). I specifically decided to engage in this reading as an addition to journal and scholarly articles, to discover more about the repeating cycles of present events that surface. In-particular civil unrests and the, social and political protests that focus upon the cause of Black Lives Matter. I was fascinated with the period of America’s history where America was free from slavery, and territories that were the collective of the Spanish Empire.
From this learning I was fascinated to learn that States that were as part of Spanish America territories, also carried the Confederate flag. I was inspired to learn more about these connections and wondered why the Confederate flag would be associated with racism? Given the time-period of a Slavery Free America? One of the concluding thoughts to this learning journey, connected to my PH.D. research was to become more familiar with Latin / South America, regional issues, that are of specific interest to America.
This is also where I became thankful and grateful to learn of Florida’s Miami born Cuban-American U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) who held similar interests to America’s relations with Latin America. I became especially appreciative as there is probably much more one can learn from someone who is familiar with these territories / regions, as well as the possession of family background, personal knowledge and experiences. I am glad to have learned more about the concerns stemming from the country of Uruguay, to learn more about China’s associations with Latin / South America, through the inclinations stemming from Senator Rubio’s address at the Heritage Foundation, Washington DC., USA. Which was a turning point for me, that was wrapped up with excitement and passionate ignition of shared interests and the desire to learn more from you. Similar to that of a child that wants to hold your hand, look into your eyes, and say: please tell me more. I am grateful that this curious nature still exists within me, and especially that individuals such as you, Senator Rubio do care about what happens in Latin / South America, and the affect of relations with the United States of America.
In particular I was drawn to with what was termed as the five powers “United States, Europe, Russia, China and Japan” (Connelly & Seemann, 2006, p. 106) of the World. As America’s attentions was swayed, my heart grieves. Nations such as China took advantage and formed partnerships with Latin / South America and the Caribbean such as: “Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago as well as Venezuela” (2006, p. 114). Which is also why I found it common sensical for Senator Rubio to call upon the Biden Administration to put forth attention, and protect existing U.S. Latin / South American partnerships.
I was disappointed to learn that Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela were excluded from the 2022 Summit of the Americas. While the Biden Administration has stated this is due to undemocratically elected leaders, I also think that the exclusions are based upon partisan politics., and have neglected opportunity. Where it is not about lack of care but a Democratic and Republican issue.
I know that America as its best, beyond the lines drawn from political associations knows what is best for the country of America, the Americas and America’s future.
My thoughts to share with love and Kindness! 🙂
Reference: Connelly, M., & Seemann, B. (2006). China and Latin America: The Economic Dimension. In S. Bersick, W. Stokhof, & P. van der Velde (Eds.), Multiregionalism and Multilateralism: Asian-European Relations in a Global Context (pp. 105–130). Amsterdam University Press. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt45kcmv.9
Reference: Gibson, C. (2019). EL NORTE The Epic and Forgotten History of Hispanic North America. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press.
Related Blog Post: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND LATIN AMERICA, THE CASE FOR THE AMERICA’S.
Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on May 3. 2022. All views and opinions are my own and cited as per required. Thank You!
With Love & Kindness! 🇺🇸
{HEART'S, FOREVER!} 
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