Nicaragua
Then and Now
Moelart, John
Publisher: Tools for Peace
Year Published: 1986
Pages: 4pp Resource Type: Book
Cx Number: CX3272
Abstract:
The present situation in Nicaragua is set in its historical context, with special reference to the long history of U.S. intervention in the country. Moelart relates that when "former U.S. president Jimmy Carter flew into Managua in 1986, the first person to deplane was a bodyguard carrying a handgun and a roll of toilet paper. Jimmy smiled a lot, but said nothing. However, the initial appearance of the bodyguard spoke volumes to me. The message I got was symbolic, but very powerful. The gun clearly symbolized U.S. military power and the roll of toilet paper Nicaragua's acute shortage of even simple consumer goods. The two are inextricably linked."
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