Eyes of the Heart: Seeking a Path for the Poor in the Age of Globalization

Aristide, the former priest-turned-president of one of the poorest nations in the Western Hemisphere, calls these nine brief chapters a letter written for ""my brothers and sisters in Haiti who cannot write""--an attempt to explain to readers that the world's richest countries are ""accumulating wealth with breathtaking speed and never looking back,"" while the poor nations are ""sinking deeper into economic misery."" He views every topic he addresses--globalization, colonialism, education, women's status--through the stark lens of the poorest Haitians. Although his hope-filled vision can offer them nothing more than ""poverty with dignity,"" he believes it may at least prevent starvation. Aristide's writing is simple and direct; he capably juggles heartrending anecdotes, unnerving statistics, unflinching commentary and the occasional Bible quote. The result reads at times like a hard-hitting sermon and at times like a campaign speech, resonating with the conviction of one who knows firsthand the desperation about which he writes. Passion overcomes stridency as Aristide insists that ""women, children and the poor must be the subjects, not the objects, of history. They must sit at the decision-making tables and fill the halls of power."" This courageous critique of the global economy and how it is leaving the poor behind is important and accessible, sure to touch all but the hardest of hearts. Photos. (Apr.)