Bloggers Note: She is not only groundbreaking leader for her country, catholic and historically conservative; she has also become the 3rd Socialist or left of center President in Latin America....
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NYTimes
January 16, 2006
Woman in the News
A Leader Making Peace With Chile's Past
By LARRY ROHTER
SANTIAGO, Chile, Jan. 15 - Michelle Bachelet, who was elected Sunday as president of this male-dominated, prosperous and deeply religious nation of 16 million, is a woman and an agnostic, a guitar-strumming child of the 60's, a former exile who spent part of her childhood in the United States, and a physician who has never before held elective office.
Running as a Socialist on a platform that promised "change with continuity" and showcased her warmth and affinity with ordinary people, Ms. Bachelet, a fair-haired, vibrant 54-year-old, won more than 53 percent of the vote, according to the official tally. She made few promises beyond "social inclusion" - vowing to better meet the needs of women and the poor - and preserving Chile's economy, the most dynamic in Latin America, and the country's close ties with the United States.
But Ms. Bachelet has other qualities that explain how, in barely a decade, she has gone from being a pediatrician at a humble, underfinanced clinic here to the first woman to be her country's chief of state, and one of only a handful of women elected to lead any country in the Americas.
Some of those qualities are personal, while others stem from her real and symbolic connections to Chile's recent history. She is a toughened survivor of the Pinochet dictatorship, which was responsible for her father's death and her imprisonment, torture and exile, and she embodies for many Chile's painful reconciliation with those dark years.
"Violence ravaged my life," Ms. Bachelet said Sunday night, in an impassioned victory speech to a jubilant crowd gathered on the main downtown avenue here. "I was a victim of hatred, and I have dedicated my life to reversing that hatred."
Verónica Michelle Bachelet Jeria was born in Santiago on Sept. 29, 1951, the second child of an air force officer who rose to a general's rank and a housewife who became an archaeologist. Her early years were spent in the restrictive but sheltering environment of the Chilean Armed Forces, moving from one military base to another around the country.
In 1962, her father, Alberto Bachelet Martínez, was assigned to the military mission at the Chilean Embassy in Washington. For almost two years, the family lived in Bethesda, a Maryland suburb, where Ms. Bachelet attended middle school, learned to speak English fluently and developed a lifelong love of pop and folk music.
"It was hard for her in the beginning," Ms. Bachelet's mother, Ángela Jeria, recalled in an interview here last week. "For the first three months, she cried when she came home from school, because she didn't understand any of what was being said. But after six months she was fully integrated, and so we were able to travel around and get to know the United States and Canada and visit places like Niagara Falls and Rehoboth Beach."
Friends and relatives recall that the pre-adolescent Ms. Bachelet was shocked by the racial segregation she saw in America and by the assassination of John F. Kennedy. She returned to Chile with her family at the end of 1963, and encountered many other influences that would mark the 60's generation, from the Beatles to the debate over the war in Vietnam and the May 1968 uprising of students in France.
"We were teenagers immersed in the political and social movements that were transforming Chile and the world," said a cousin, Alicia Galdames, with whom Ms. Bachelet formed a folk duo whose repertoire included songs of Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. "The seeds of her ideals were planted in this period."
Ms. Bachelet's enrollment in college coincided with the start here of the left-wing Popular Unity government of Salvador Allende. She studied medicine at her father's urging and joined the youth wing of the Socialist Party. Colleagues remember her as holding views that were moderate for an era that became the most polarized in Chilean history.
"She was really studious, very disciplined and responsible and sure of herself, but with a tremendous capacity for empathy," said Gladys Cuevas, a fellow student and close friend. "It was a time of black and white, but she managed to get along with everybody, no matter what their political persuasion. She wasn't one to look for fights; on the contrary, she was the one who was tolerant, always looking for consensus."
With food shortages growing in Chile and a black market developing, her father was lent by the air force to the Allende government and put in charge of food rationing and distribution, where he worked closely with the Socialists and other leftists. When Gen. Augusto Pinochet led the coup that overthrew the Allende government on Sept. 11, 1973, the military viewed General Bachelet with suspicion. Spurning a chance to go into exile, he was jailed, and in March 1974, after months of torture, died in prison of a heart attack.
Months later, both Ms. Bachelet and her mother were detained and sent to Villa Grimaldi, one of the most notorious of the Pinochet dictatorship's secret prisons. While there, Ms. Bachelet was also subjected to physical and psychological torture - being hit during interrogations, blindfolded and tied to a chair for long periods, and told that her mother would be executed. She minimized those experiences in an interview in 2002, saying, "There were others, even in my own cell, who had it much worse than I did."
"I haven't forgotten," she said. "It left pain. But I have tried to channel that pain into a constructive realm. I insist on the idea that what we experienced here in Chile was so painful, so terrible, that I wouldn't wish for anyone to live through our situation again."
Ms. Bachelet and her mother were freed within months, thanks to the lobbying of an Air Force general who was a relative. They went into exile in 1975, first in Australia, where her older brother Alberto had moved, and then, after a few months, to East Germany, at the request of the Socialist Party directorate, which wanted them to take part in Chile solidarity campaigns in Europe.
Initially, Ms. Bachelet worked as a hospital orderly and lived with her mother in Potsdam. But she resumed her medical studies at Humboldt University in East Berlin, after she became proficient in German.
While in exile, Ms. Bachelet married Jorge Dávalos, an architect and fellow exile, and gave birth to the first of her three children, Jorge Sebastián Alberto, now 27. The marriage ended in the mid-1980's, after a second child, Francisca, 21, was born here. Ms. Bachelet has not married again, though she has a third child, Sofía, 13, from a now-lapsed relationship with a doctor.
Upon her return to Chile in 1979, as the expulsion order against her mother was being lifted, Ms. Bachelet finished medical school, specializing in pediatrics and public health. Though she graduated near the top of her class, her family name and political affiliations made it difficult for her to find employment. She ended up working at a clinic financed by Sweden that treated children from families that had been victims of torture and political repression.
She remained there through the rest of the Pinochet dictatorship, which ended in 1990 after elections put in power the center-left coalition that still governs Chile. In 1994, after having worked in AIDS and epidemiological programs, she became an adviser to the Ministry of Health. But she retained her familial fascination with military affairs, and in 1996 enrolled in a program in strategic studies at the national war college.
Ms. Bachelet excelled there, and was invited to study at the Inter-American Defense College in Washington. She did so in 1997, and after her return, she went to work in the Defense Ministry and was also elected to the political commission of the Socialist Party, specializing in defense and military issues.
Six years ago this month, Chile elected a Socialist president, Ricardo Lagos, for the first time since the fall of Mr. Allende. Mr. Lagos appointed Ms. Bachelet minister of health. In that capacity, she became identified with a partly successful campaign to reduce waiting time for patients and emerged as a familiar figure at hospitals and clinics all over Chile.
After two years, Ms. Bachelet was shifted to lead the Defense Ministry, becoming the first woman to hold that post, and she became nationally known, photographed in an armored vehicle, inspecting troops and wearing army camouflage or an aviator's leather jacket on her official rounds.
The symbolism of her leadership of the institution that had killed her father appealed greatly to Chileans trying to reconcile with their bitter past.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
January Birthdays
Hey fellow CAPS -- A happy Birthday Month, celebrate it all month, in light of our B-Days always overshadowed by the holidaze.
Inaki Dec-27
Rona Dec-30
Stef Dec-30
Robyn Jan-2
Sal Jan-4
Angelamia Jan-6
Donal Jan-8
Moi --Jan 3
JERALDINE SAUNDERS also provides daily forecasts for every zodiac sign in Sydney Omarr's Astrology 2005 Calendar, available wherever books and calendars are sold.
DECEMBER 27 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Uranus, the planet of revolutionary change, may be only one sign away -- but it should liven your life and stir fresh ideas in March. Maybe you will prefer to follow unique ideas or break away from tradition then. But 2005 can remind you to follow rules and regulations in the early fall when Saturn passes through your opposite sign and corrals you back into conventional activity. Enjoy freedom now but prepare to knuckle down and work hard to get ahead with career and reputation in the last quarter of 2005.
DECEMBER 30 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: You can easily break free of limitations that hold you back and shine brightly within your own sphere in the coming year. Uranus, the planet of dynamic change, will be influencing your sector of the zodiac off and on all year. Grab any opportunities that appear in February to permanently improve some part of your life and use them as a springboard to dive into a more exciting way of living. New people in your life may come and go, but they will touch you in some dynamic and electrifying way. You will emerge from 2005 with an altered perspective and a new set of exciting motivations.
JANUARY 2 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Rather than climbing the ladder of success, you may be tempted to scale the walls barehanded. Your sense of adventure is accentuated in the year ahead and you are likely to march to the beat of a different drummer. April is the month to make an inspired choice and change your life permanently for the better. From June through October your vibrant personality draws others to your side, so it is generally a good time to push for career advancement -- especially if you deal with the public. However, don't take chances or make deals in July as your strength of character could be tested.
JANUARY 3 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: In the coming year you will win the most appreciation by being friendly and innovative. You will gain confidence in your ability to adeptly find out what you need to know and use it to your advantage. April is your month to be blessed by the answer to many of your prayers when restrictions lift and favors are easily granted. Keep a low profile during July -- postpone vacations or significant purchases. Your popularity is at a high point in October when new friends can be brought into your life and significant changes are possible.
JANUARY 4 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Plumbing the depth of your perceptions can help you uncover ways to improve the direction of your life. If you act in good faith and remain open minded you can achieve lasting prosperity in the year ahead. From the middle of April through the middle of May keep an eye peeled for any chances to make life a little easier. You may be rewarded for your hard work and changes that are put into motion then can lift you to a higher level of financial comfort. Early August is a time to sit on your hands and avoid initiating anything of importance.
JANUARY 6 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: You are sensitive to your surroundings in the year to come and may feel healthier and more vibrant than ever. Be sure to keep company with uplifting people and maintain a pleasant environment to reinforce the best of what the year may offer. Grab hold of the brass ring and accept a prize in mid-June when good fortune is most likely to come your way. Be cautious and avoid signing contracts or neglecting responsibilities in August. In late September your luck will change to the better.
My apologies for Donal Jan 8, I could not locate a birthday horoscope
Year 2006 Overview
Provided by Astrology.com
Capricorn
With Saturn -- heavenly purveyor of many sought-after qualities like integrity, responsibility and discipline -- as your ruler, you're an inspiration to everyone around you. So whether your current companion is by your side for platonic, professional or romantic reasons this year won't really matter. They'll just be proud to be with you. And while you're not ordinarily fond of the spotlight, you'd better try to get used to it, because it will be just about impossible to avoid. In fact, the attention, admiration and applause of the masses will be around every corner for you this year -- and it's your own darned fault.
You began working hard to achieve your professional goals (especially that reputation for fairness and benevolence) around late summer 2005. The response from coworkers and higher-ups has been terrific ever since, but don't forget that all this has happened for one reason: because you've put in the time and effort to make it happen. But 2005 was really just practice -- 2006 is your year to shine. Don't you dare try to avoid the accolades!
In other news, you'll also have plenty of romantic opportunities to pursue this year. You're due to meet someone -- or finally notice someone -- in January or February. This particular someone will be entertaining, magnetic and spontaneous enough to keep you interested for a good long time. (It's a good thing, too, because you're definitely not in the mood for games.) If you're happily attached, keeping it that way won't be tough at all, especially from April through August. You and your sweetie will probably be getting along so well, in fact, that you may temporarily disappear from your social circle's 'active' list.
Oh well. It's good to hibernate every now and then -- especially when puttering around together in your PJs sounds far better than taking a chauffeured limo ride to the opera. All in all, life will be good, thanks to your number one squeeze -- and you've certainly earned it. Kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labor and the company of your loved ones. Then, with your unselfish motives intact, get out there and spread your blessings around!
Inaki Dec-27
Rona Dec-30
Stef Dec-30
Robyn Jan-2
Sal Jan-4
Angelamia Jan-6
Donal Jan-8
Moi --Jan 3
JERALDINE SAUNDERS also provides daily forecasts for every zodiac sign in Sydney Omarr's Astrology 2005 Calendar, available wherever books and calendars are sold.
DECEMBER 27 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Uranus, the planet of revolutionary change, may be only one sign away -- but it should liven your life and stir fresh ideas in March. Maybe you will prefer to follow unique ideas or break away from tradition then. But 2005 can remind you to follow rules and regulations in the early fall when Saturn passes through your opposite sign and corrals you back into conventional activity. Enjoy freedom now but prepare to knuckle down and work hard to get ahead with career and reputation in the last quarter of 2005.
DECEMBER 30 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: You can easily break free of limitations that hold you back and shine brightly within your own sphere in the coming year. Uranus, the planet of dynamic change, will be influencing your sector of the zodiac off and on all year. Grab any opportunities that appear in February to permanently improve some part of your life and use them as a springboard to dive into a more exciting way of living. New people in your life may come and go, but they will touch you in some dynamic and electrifying way. You will emerge from 2005 with an altered perspective and a new set of exciting motivations.
JANUARY 2 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Rather than climbing the ladder of success, you may be tempted to scale the walls barehanded. Your sense of adventure is accentuated in the year ahead and you are likely to march to the beat of a different drummer. April is the month to make an inspired choice and change your life permanently for the better. From June through October your vibrant personality draws others to your side, so it is generally a good time to push for career advancement -- especially if you deal with the public. However, don't take chances or make deals in July as your strength of character could be tested.
JANUARY 3 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: In the coming year you will win the most appreciation by being friendly and innovative. You will gain confidence in your ability to adeptly find out what you need to know and use it to your advantage. April is your month to be blessed by the answer to many of your prayers when restrictions lift and favors are easily granted. Keep a low profile during July -- postpone vacations or significant purchases. Your popularity is at a high point in October when new friends can be brought into your life and significant changes are possible.
JANUARY 4 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Plumbing the depth of your perceptions can help you uncover ways to improve the direction of your life. If you act in good faith and remain open minded you can achieve lasting prosperity in the year ahead. From the middle of April through the middle of May keep an eye peeled for any chances to make life a little easier. You may be rewarded for your hard work and changes that are put into motion then can lift you to a higher level of financial comfort. Early August is a time to sit on your hands and avoid initiating anything of importance.
JANUARY 6 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: You are sensitive to your surroundings in the year to come and may feel healthier and more vibrant than ever. Be sure to keep company with uplifting people and maintain a pleasant environment to reinforce the best of what the year may offer. Grab hold of the brass ring and accept a prize in mid-June when good fortune is most likely to come your way. Be cautious and avoid signing contracts or neglecting responsibilities in August. In late September your luck will change to the better.
My apologies for Donal Jan 8, I could not locate a birthday horoscope
Year 2006 Overview
Provided by Astrology.com
Capricorn
With Saturn -- heavenly purveyor of many sought-after qualities like integrity, responsibility and discipline -- as your ruler, you're an inspiration to everyone around you. So whether your current companion is by your side for platonic, professional or romantic reasons this year won't really matter. They'll just be proud to be with you. And while you're not ordinarily fond of the spotlight, you'd better try to get used to it, because it will be just about impossible to avoid. In fact, the attention, admiration and applause of the masses will be around every corner for you this year -- and it's your own darned fault.
You began working hard to achieve your professional goals (especially that reputation for fairness and benevolence) around late summer 2005. The response from coworkers and higher-ups has been terrific ever since, but don't forget that all this has happened for one reason: because you've put in the time and effort to make it happen. But 2005 was really just practice -- 2006 is your year to shine. Don't you dare try to avoid the accolades!
In other news, you'll also have plenty of romantic opportunities to pursue this year. You're due to meet someone -- or finally notice someone -- in January or February. This particular someone will be entertaining, magnetic and spontaneous enough to keep you interested for a good long time. (It's a good thing, too, because you're definitely not in the mood for games.) If you're happily attached, keeping it that way won't be tough at all, especially from April through August. You and your sweetie will probably be getting along so well, in fact, that you may temporarily disappear from your social circle's 'active' list.
Oh well. It's good to hibernate every now and then -- especially when puttering around together in your PJs sounds far better than taking a chauffeured limo ride to the opera. All in all, life will be good, thanks to your number one squeeze -- and you've certainly earned it. Kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labor and the company of your loved ones. Then, with your unselfish motives intact, get out there and spread your blessings around!
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