Keen's Latin American Civilization, Volume 2 by Robert M. Buffington

Author:Robert M. Buffington [Buffington, Robert M.; Caimari, Lila]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780813348926
Publisher: Westview Press

11. LETTER TO PRESIDENT PERÓN

Much as President Getúlio Vargas did in Brazil, the Peronist government (Argentina, 1946–1955) greatly expanded the state’s capacity to provide services for the working classes. For the first time, workers were explicitly included in the dominant definition of citizenship; to the traditional (political) definition, Peronism added a social component. This change took many forms, both in discourse and action. Not the least important of these changes were the many policies of social inclusion and redistribution of wealth undertaken by a great variety of new official departments. Another innovation was the creation of channels of direct communication between the leaders and their people, channels that went beyond the visible rituals of celebration of October 17. Every week, Evita received in her office a multitude of people (mostly poor women and children), who hoped that her Social Assistance Foundation would help them. Other state offices collected the messages common citizens sent to Perón, in which they asked for favors or offered advice on specific problems. The following letter, written by a group of neighbors hoping to become owners of their houses, reveals many aspects of the connection between these leaders and their people.

Buenos Aires, December 17, 1951

To His Excellency the President of Argentina,

General of the Army, Don Juan D. Perón

Most Excellent Mr. President, about two years ago, approximately, your Wife favored us with the award of one of the prefabricated cabins built by the Ministry of Public Works . . . in Villa Lugano, with the help of the Department of Social Assistance, owner of this neighborhood of houses and land. These houses are inhabited by large families with more than three children each, and they are built on plots that we are requesting to buy. We will pay in installments, according to our resources, either to the National Department of Social Assistance or to whomever is designated by the National Mortgage Bank.

We are humble people who have also dreamed of owning a small part of our dear native soil, and of seeing our children grow up healthy and happy, without the fear of having to abandon the roof over our heads, hoping to establish roots in the modest piece of ground where we live today. We appeal to you, most Excellent Mr. President, and to your Señora, our EVITA, the true Guardian Angel of the helpless. In you we place all our faith and trust in the fulfillment of our longings.

We would take this opportunity to thank you endlessly, and also to say to you, “ALL PRESENT, MY COLONEL!” as faithful and loyal soldiers, our eyes on the horizon of the future, much like the watchmen in the old forts, like radar stations, watching for the enemies of the Revolution, always ready for another OCTOBER 17 if necessary, for the good of this blessed motherland, hoping her children can lead her to the place she deserves in the community of nations.

We greet your Most Excellent Mr. President in the name of all the neighbors of the cabins of Villa Lugano.

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