Former Peruvian president pontificates on poverty
By: Shain Bergan
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
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Alejandro Toledo, the Peruvian president from 2001 to 2006, spoke about the economic troubles of the world and how he addressed such problems in his home country.
Although Toledo has given countless speeches over his years as a candidate and president, this one was possibly the most difficult, since its message was so close to his heart, Toledo said.
As an indigenous Peruvian living in poverty, he began working two jobs at the age of six to provide his family with supplemental income. His experiences growing up in poverty allowed Toledo to effectively address such issues when he entered political office, he said.
"I escaped poverty. Now I'm free," Toledo said. "I'm not fighting for myself."
Peru's own struggles to deal with growing levels of poverty can be used as a comparison to fix economic problems in the United States.
As he adjusts to life outside of the presidency, Toledo preaches the importance of an active democracy in decreasing poverty, he said.
"Democracy is more than just going to vote on Election Day," Toledo said. "If that's democracy, I don't want any part of it."
Instead, governments should activate programs aimed toward providing the poor with skills in demand. A major part of this plan is developing a superior education system, he said.
"You are only free when you have the capacity to choose," Toledo said. "I am free because of education."
Toledo's own education reflects his poverty ideals. As a young man in Peru in the 1960s, Toledo met Joel Meister, professor emeritus for the UA's public health college. Meister was working with the U.S. Peace Corps. and befriended Toledo. Meister and his wife Nancy, an oncology social worker at the Arizona Cancer Center, then helped Toledo gain admission into the University of San Francisco, Meister said.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Christina
posted 4/22/08 @ 10:50 PM MST
I went to Toledo's speech last Thursday, and I have to say there was some horrible reporting done on this story. It looks like the reporter only stayed for the 1st half of toledo's speech and then dipped out to collect student comments. (Continued…)
Christina
posted 4/22/08 @ 11:01 PM MST
I went to Toledo's speech last Thursday, and I have to say there was some horrible reporting done on this story. It looks like the reporter only stayed for the 1st half of toledo's speech and then dipped out to collect student comments. (Continued…)
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