https://apnews.com/article/mexico-poverty-election-lopez-obrador-182061c29209528ea5553ce89d6db09c
In the article “Mexico’s Poorest Receiving Less Government Funds under President Who Brought Poor to the Fore,” Christopher Shelman delves into the paradoxical situation under President Andres Manuel Obrador (AMLO). Despite AMLO’S campaign promises to prioritize the poor, the article highlights how his administration has in fact reduced government funding to some of the country’s most impoverished regions.
Sherman discusses the broader economic context in which these budget cuts are occurring. The Mexican economy has been struggling, with slow growth and high levels of debt. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these economic challenges, putting additional pressure on government finances.
Sherman also explores the reasons behind this funding cut. One of the key reasons is Amlo’s policy of austerity. The president has been committed to reducing government spending and eliminating corruption, which he argues will ultimately benefit the poor.
However, this approach has led to budget cuts across various sectors, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations. The article suggests that while the intention behind austerity is to create a more efficient and corruption-free government, the immediate impact has been detrimental to those who were supposed to benefit the most from AMLO”S presidency.
The article provides a detailed analysis of budget allocations, showing that states like CHiapas, Oaxaca, and Guerrero, which are among the poorest in Mexico, have seen significant reductions in federal funds. For instance, the article mentions “Martínez said his field work in Chiapas, Mexico’s poorest state, found many people who were not receiving as much money as they had previously under Prospera, but who nevertheless fervently supported López Obrador”(Sherlman). This reduction has impacted various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, which are crucial for improving living conditions in these areas. This reminds me to the perusall reading of “Economic Fault Lines and Middle-Class Fears” it says “Even after two or three days everyone was working chaotically, without any system. The desperation to save loved ones led to great inefficiency. I believe that the lack of coordination and organization made it impossible to save a great many people. There was even a lack of communication between soldiers and their captains. It’s not for nothing that most countries have offices to deal with emergencies and people trained for such events” (Walker). It demonstrates economic inequality by showing how a lack of resources and organization can lead to inefficiency and chaos in emergency situations. Wealthier regions are better equipped to handle such events, while poorer areas suffer from inadequate preparation and resource capabilities.
Both sources illustrate the impact of economic policies and government actions on different social classes in Mexico. Sherman’s article shows a contemporary example where the poor are receiving less support, despite promises to the contrary, leading to increased economic disparity. Walker’s historical analysis reveals similar themes of economic instability and the resulting feas among the middle class due to government policies.
Sherman’s Article the reduction in government funds for the poorest segments of society under a president who campaigned on helping the poor demonstrates a betrayal of promises and highlights ongoing economic inequalities. This can be seen as a continuation of historical patterns of neglect and economic disparity. Walker’s shows how economic policies and crises can create significant instability and insecurity. The 1985 earthquake exacerbated these issues, revealing the vulnerabilities of the middle class and the inadequacies of government responses.
In conclusion, Sherman’s article provides a nuanced analysis of the complex and often contradictory situation under President AMLO. While the president’s rhetoric and some policies have focused on helping the poor, the reality of reduced government funding to impoverished regions tells a different story. Sherman’s analysis underscores the challenges of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to support the most vulnerable populations, a dilemma that continues to shape the political and economic landscape of Mexico.
Works Cited
“Mexico’s Poorest Receiving Less Government Funds under President Who Brought Poor to the Fore.” AP News, 24 May 2024, apnews.com/article/mexico-poverty-election-lopez-obrador-182061c29209528ea5553ce89d6db09c.
Walker, Louise E. “Economic Fault Lines and Middle-Class Fears.” Https://App.perusall.com/Courses/His-3072/Walker-Economic-Fault-Lines?AssignmentId=R5bvoXctqGEcmE3po&Part=1, app.perusall.com/courses/his-3072/walker-economic-fault-lines?assignmentId=R5bvoXctqGEcmE3po&part=1.