Jose Mujica, an 85-year-old leader was known throughout the world as being the poorest sitting President to ever hold office, a title most would find offensive, slanderous even. But Mujica is not most men. During his 5 year term from 2010 to 2015 as the 40th President of Uruguay, he lived out his title and duties with pride. As other people in positions of power resided in lavish mansions and secure cars, had loyal bodyguards and a salary to satiate their expensive tastes, Mujica parted with all these materialistic ideals that other leaders perceive as necessary. His $12,000 a month presidential salary? 90% of it is donated to charity. His grandiose presidential estate? Doesn’t have one. Mujica lives on the same tiny plot of farmland that he has for 40 years with his wife. Jose Mujica is possibly the first president to truly be a man of the people.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Uruguay was under dictatorship rule much like other Latin American countries at the time. And due to public outrage and hatred of such totalitarianism, the Tupamaros rebel group was formed, with Mujica at its forefront. This group used guerilla warfare tactics against any militancy within Uruguay, as well as deliberate political kidnappings, arson, and the assassinations of police officers. Although most utilized violence to get their point across, Mujica tried his best to steer away from any physical confrontation. Nevertheless, in 1971 he was convicted of killing a police officer, leading to his inevitable arrest and sentence to prison. He escaped prison twice but was eventually caught, resulting in a total sentence of 14 years. It was there that he was tortured by guards and even put in solitary confinement at the bottom of a well for 2 years. Upon his release, Mujica served as a senator for Uruguay, eventually running for office in this new democracy. Despite his hardships, Mujica maintained his philosophy of sobriety and living a humble life. By no means is he advocating for people to return to primitive caves or huts, he just doesn’t feel the need for impressive houses that require six maids to clean. To Mujica, it’s absurd that countries use their funds for fancy cars and estates because what’s the difference between that, and treating leaders like royalty? What were revolutionaries fought for? For equality and liberty between all people, correct? Just like living in huts and caves, it is a step backward towards feudal eras.
Even when in power, Mujica never held any grudges against anyone who wronged him. He has not cultivated hatred in his garden for decades, for “hate is blind, like love, but love creates and hate destroys.” During his presidency, he passed a bill making Uruguay the second Latin American country to allow same-sex marriage, fully legalized marijuana to subside profits made from cartels, and legalized abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. After serving in the senate again after his presidency, his farewell from politics was unexpected but nevertheless understandable. He is old and tired and susceptible to Covid-19, factors he alluded to during his farewell speech.
This man has such a noble message that I think we can all learn from. Well done.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great topic to bring to light! However, there is no name on this - email me with your name and this title to get credit.
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