[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f3u2UZ8IxYEelFddmwNxwD5DYUhNoJGspz0BXEpTU7zU":3,"$f6AbBxgraFxk5KLAYB7EEDrW0ugOcO7-TDhxn-brMXMk":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},174600,"Robert Pastor","R",4,null,"robert-pastor",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":60},[14,26,38,49],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":8,"has_image":17,"author":18,"source":19,"quote_tag":20,"commentary":9},2250389,"The EU realized from the beginning that you can't have a community unless you lift the poorest up.",false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[21],{"id":22,"tag":23},5233947,{"id":24,"tag_name":25},5683,"beginning",{"id":27,"quote_text":28,"author_id":5,"source_id":8,"has_image":17,"author":29,"source":30,"quote_tag":31,"commentary":37},2250377,"In the short term, there may be people who think that pushing democracy is contrary to our interests.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[32],{"id":33,"tag":34},5233937,{"id":35,"tag_name":36},7825,"contrary","**The Backstory**\nThis quote from Robert Pastor, a renowned American diplomat and scholar, likely originated from his work in the 1980s, particularly during the Reagan administration. Pastor was a key figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America, and his views on democracy promotion were often at odds with the administration's priorities. At this time, Pastor was grappling with the challenges of promoting democratic values in a region where authoritarian regimes were still prevalent.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe quote reveals a counter-intuitive truth about the complexities of promoting democracy. On the surface, Pastor seems to acknowledge that there might be short-term costs to advocating for democracy, implying that it could be perceived as contrary to U.S. interests. However, this insight is actually a reflection of the inherent tension between short-term political expediency and long-term strategic goals. Pastor is suggesting that the pursuit of democracy, although potentially unpopular in the short term, is ultimately essential for U.S. interests in the long run.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, consider that promoting democracy or social change may require navigating short-term opposition or criticism. Instead of being deterred by these obstacles, focus on the long-term benefits of your efforts and be willing to invest in a vision that may not yield immediate results.",{"id":39,"quote_text":40,"author_id":5,"source_id":8,"has_image":17,"author":41,"source":42,"quote_tag":43,"commentary":9},2250371,"If President Bush were to commit to annual summits with his counterparts, that would be a positive step and some vindication for President Fox and for the North American community he has been trying to build.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[44],{"id":45,"tag":46},5233927,{"id":47,"tag_name":48},54579,"annual",{"id":50,"quote_text":51,"author_id":5,"source_id":8,"has_image":17,"author":52,"source":53,"quote_tag":54,"commentary":9},2250351,"There is no question that over the last 10 years there has been enormous progress and transparency as it relates to customs in Mexico. Whether there is total transparency, I don't know.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[55],{"id":56,"tag":57},5233913,{"id":58,"tag_name":59},27787,"customs",{"currentPage":61,"totalPages":61,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":62},1,10]