Texas Rep. Greg Casar Talks Progressive Dems Visit to Latin America, Condemns Gov. Abbot on Border

We speak to Congressmember Greg Casar of Texas, who has just returned from a congressional trip to meet with newly left-leaning governments in Brazil, Colombia and Chile ahead of the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-backed Chilean coup, which overthrew democratically elected President Salvador Allende and installed a 17-year military dictatorship led by Augusto Pinochet. Casar was joined by other progressive Latinx members of Congress, including New York's Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and fellow Texan Joaquin Castro. During the trip, the lawmakers called for the Biden administration to declassify more documents revealing the U.S. role in the coup. It was the first time an all-Latinx American congressional delegation traveled to Latin America, Casar says, and marked a "historic" attempt by young, progressive lawmakers to break from Cold War-era American interventionism on the continent and to move toward a relationship "based on mutual respect and supporting democracy."

We also speak with Casar about U.S. policy in Latin America by looking at one of its long-term effects: migration to the U.S. As people flee instability in their home countries brought about by U.S. trade and military policy, U.S. border authorities have implemented increasingly dangerous measures to stop migrants from traveling safely, including a deadly floating barrier of circular saw blades in the Rio Grande. This is all fueled by racist, anti-immigrant rhetoric spouted by right-wing extremists and politicians, whom Casar characterizes as "the arsonists​​ trying to blame the firefighters for the flames."

[meercatt]

This young man needs to run for Governor of Texas. Bring some humanity to the most evil of governments. 😢

[christinaulibarri]

Thank you Ms. Goodman and Mr. Gonzales for this interview with Representative Casar.

[civirebel]

I love this guy. Greg Casar, the concern for living beings over profits... ❤

[terrilyndel]

Oh my gosh, I really like this guy, Greg Casar has a real message.

[kesart]

I feel that these young progressive lions are America's only real hope of emerging out of the present darkness to a positive future for all citizens.

[cathyallen]

I liked what he had to say. I'm Canadian. I've visied Cuba and sympathize with them. This decades long embargo is so unfair and counter productive.

[helenhunter]

There's enormous work to be done to reconcile with the victims of all the wrongs our governments have done. I don't say that to be discouraging, but with a deep hope that we can turn our national energies to doing good in the world instead of the harm we have done for so long.
I'm so glad these representatives of our country are reaching out to our neighbors as equals and friends.

[brooklynbandit]

Maybe if the US government ease some of the sanctions people would stay home and help to build their native lands

[jamespardue]

Greg Casar, why haven't I heard of this man before? He's exactly right about what the governments should be talking about, those are the solutions we need, not just more conflict in order to satisfy corporate interests. Bravo Young Man!

[youngeagle]

"Only an organized and conscious people can bring about a different kind of society."
Salvador Allende

[williamhenderson]

beautiful! incredible to have these latino voices from the USA leading the way!!! -william

[danishaffer]

Died? Salvador Allende was murdered by assassins.

[Swishasweet]

This guy isn't saying what's the root cause of this mass migration smh

[rocioaguilera]

Rest in peace, Salvador Allende, a victim of US imperialism.
I was in highschool when it happened. One of our professors told us: today the US commited a coward action by killing Chilean president Allende.
You could hear a pin drop.
The US have killed many Mexicans across the border by shooting into Mexican side of the border.

[ResistEvolve]

Oh "wow"! Why don't they visit Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Bolivia?!!

[Swishasweet]

No one talked about when the border guard killed a kid playing soccer on the mexican side

[morrispet]

Thank you LORD for young legislators like this

They give me such HOPE

And how FANTASTIC to think of their connecting with peers in Latin America where - throughout my (63-year) life - the US REPEATEDLY has DESTABILIZED the lives of MILLIONS 🤦🏻‍♂️

[maryracine]

Keeping a positive VISION in front of us is key to defeating the as****es.

[ATXNick]

Oh lithium mines. Not it makes sense why a delegation was sent. Can’t have the Chinese roll up in there with a better deal.

[hoteppanafrica]

Where was Greg Casar when Haitians were drowned while seeking refuge in the US as they fled their country?