Mentors for Peru

Translation of the original article published on May 18, 2010 in El Comercio (Perú)

Our country needs mentors. Although my assertion may seem strange, every day I am more convinced that, like professionals committed to their careers who can receive guidance, advice, perspective, and an occasional telling off when needed from mentors who appreciate them, our country needs the same thing, and needs it urgently.

We need to be able to rely on a group of honorable people who are not blinded by power or personal interests, to whom we can reach out when our problems seem overwhelming. We need moral people who can orient our leaders by offering them an ethical and experienced vision for issues of national interest.

I imagine a council of illustrious and renowned patriarchs, people free of scandals, with a solid moral and ethical foundation, able to put the wellbeing of all Peruvians above any personal interests. People who are not looking to be deeply involved or to be recognized, but instead, with the serenity and experience of someone who has already triumphed on his own merits, can see that their transcendence and true legacy lies in supporting their country.

Experts in government issues may say that this role is the responsibility of a government department. However, as a citizen with  no political expertise or interest, I feel that at present no one is exercising this role, which could be like that of a consulting board, a higher committee with clear ideas and solid values, which would establish the country’s vision and ensure its continuity between generations of leaders.

Of course, those who read this will be picturing the political snarl that my dream could engender: who would they be, who would select them, how would the political parties be involved? But the fact that the mechanics of my dream could be difficult does not mean that we don’t need it.

I wish we could have these five or seven lucid, expert, and admirable minds who see Peru from a world-level perspective and that, without fear and with moral authority, they could give the current leader good advice or a good talking-to when needed.

Have I thought of names for this council? Yes, of course. The same ones that have also probably occurred to you. Would they want to accept the challenge? I don’t know, but I believe they would think it’s as important as I do!

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