A Good Society and Politics
“Salvation is not just individual, it is communal.”
During the course of my life, I have advocated certain national strategies to advance development, certain social policies and investments to solve our joint problems. Having both a U.S. and Costa Rica passport, I participate in two national elections. Moderating in CALI and teaching BGIE, I have been forced to think about the tradeoffs between individual liberty and community welfare, between free markets, protection of the environment and social investments for everyone.
Writings
2004 The Case for CAFTA and Priorities.
The Mesoamerica Study on the impact of CAFTA on economic growth and the incomes of the poor, I converted into a data-driven speech given in multiple settings throughout C.A. advocating passage of Central America Free Trade Agreement.
(41 slides)
2012 War on Drugs Proposal.
A proposal to Central American friends for a white paper demonstrating the pernicious failure of the war on drugs and a campaign to get the U.S. to end it.
(2 pp)
2014 Society´s Responsibility Toward Losers.
The social problem of “losers” and three visions of government responsibility towards them presented for case discussion.
(3 pp)
2021 The Story of How We Got Through.
Asking how the crisis of the Pandemic of 2020 could be used to solve major societal problems, I imagined a great grandson in 2100 describing the reforms and political process that helped change the trajectory of the world.
During the Trump era 2015-2020 which created particular challenges for Latin America and also major conflicts among my friends in the evangelical, business and political world, I wrote several pieces reflecting my ideas and biases.
2016 A Deal For President Trump.
A proposed speech to Trump if he is elected, given on behalf of Latin America in light of his campaign attacks.
(3 pp)
2016 Do You Like Me Feel Politically Unrepresented.
An argument that neither Republicans or Democrats are focusing on the key challenges facing us.
(2 pp)
2017 Trump´s Presidency and the Challenge Ahead.
The election 2016 wake up call, the real problems, and the need for a new vision and elder´s project.
(5 pp)
2020 Harry Voting Plan and Rationale.
My defense of my vote in the 2020 U.S. election for the extended family.
(3 pp)