4 Chapter 4

From the early 1900's, Paraguay had more than 20 different presidents, most of who were removed by force. Politics during this time was very unstable. There were several political parties fighting for power and this triggered the Paraguayan Civil War in the early 1940's. Louis' reign over Paraguay was no different from the dictators that ruled before him. With the exception of his family, no one was safe. Louis was able to spread fear amongst the country. He was able to place himself as the countries only salvation during the country's most vulnerable times, like the food drought of 1947 following the civil war. Over a million lives were saved from a famine. One of Louis' philosophies was that he refused to depend on neighboring countries for assistance. He believed that in order for a country to survive and thrive, that country should use the resources that it already possessed. Outside of unavoidable circumstances, he rarely accepted any outside intervention.

In the Paraguayan culture, it is very important to show respect to leadership and Louis was an expert at exploiting this perk. It didn't matter if you agreed with his policies or not, one had better not voice them publicly unless you were purposely declaring yourself an enemy of the state. There were many that proclaimed this but none more outspoken than Alfonzo Gomez. Mr. Gomez denounced any policy that Louis attempted to administer. He blamed the current cabinet for the problems that plagued Paraguay. He accused the first family of leading the Paraguayan people to an apocalyptic future. He believed that the President was a socialist tyrant,

doing what he wanted to do and doing it when he wanted to do it no matter who objected. Well-liked by some but hated and feared by others. Louis had a strategic, aggressive way of expressing his views but after a while, if you didn't agree with him, he would have a way of ending the conversation.

Solono disagreed with Mr. Gomez. He believed Louis to be misunderstood. Not understanding the responsibility of the most powerful man in the country.

A few years ago, on the eve of a grand luncheons that Julia hosted every fall, Louis and Solono sat in the backyard of the Presidential Palace near the Olympic size swimming pool, gawking at the stars. From conversations with his father, Solono had a knack for knowing when people were in deep thought. Tonight, was no exception.

"Solono, if you ruled the country, what would you do differently than me?" said Louis. The question took Solono by surprise.

"Why is he asking me this?" Solono thought to himself. He had no clue how to respond, but he tried his best.

"I don't know." He hesitantly replied. "If you believe the choices you make help the country, you should be able to sleep well at night."

Louis took a sip of his 1843 David Nicholson whisky on ice that was sitting on the Biscayne table.

"Son!" Louis said with a chuckle. "Sounds lovely but you still didn't answer my question. If I died today and this job became yours, what would you do different?"

Solono thought carefully about his words before he spoke. He lifted himself upright in the wicker chair and faced Louis.

"Please don't take what I say with venom sir, but I would allow the countrymen a say.

No one wants their life dictated to them. Each man and woman would have a voice. Of course, I would have the final say but I would allow the countrymen feel that they are a part of the process. Also – "

"Also, what?"

Solono looked Louis straight in the eye. "I believe in an eye for an eye." He didn't know what made him say it, but it had gotten Louis' attention. Solono sat back in his chair and gazed back at the stars. Louis stared at Solono.

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