José Speaks Out

On September 24, 2013, Uruguayan President José Mujica delivered a speech to the delegates of the United Nations. This freedom fighter, a former Tupamaros guerrilla who spent 13 years in prison for his activities, later became the leader of the Broad Front political party and President of Uruguay. His speech to the UN was remarkable in that it clearly articulated his political views and chastised the delegates from rich nations for ignoring the plight of poorer nations. His speech argues for a classless society where tolerance and fixing poverty are key goals. He makes a case against consumer capitalism (particularly when aimed at children) and calls for global rules that respect science and sharing of wealth among nations. He decries that individual greed has superseded our desire to survive as a species and fears that the UN is dying.

This title, the fourth in the “Speak Out” series, seeks to publicize inspiring speeches to teens, and, in this case, because the original speech was delivered in Spanish, does provide access not readily available to English speakers. Smoothly translated by Sofia Jarrin, with commentary by Dolors Camats, José Speaks Out both introduces a political figure who may not be familiar to high school readers but also clearly articulates an anti-consumerism perspective that is often missing from North American discourse. With simple illustrations that effectively break up the text, José Speaks Out will be a welcome addition to classes studying political theory.