The issue of juveniles pouring across the Rio Grande to escape violence in Central American countries came home to roost for me this week.
On a major TV network newscast San Pedro Sula, the capital of Honduras, was mentioned as the murder capital of the world, which validates somewhat the rush of parents to send their children on a journey to the U.S., albeit it dangerous in itself, in hopes of a better life.
About 15 years ago as a Register reporter I spent a week in Honduras, mainly the capital city, to see humanitarian aid projects being done by soldiers of the 891st Engineer Battalion.
Violence then may not have been as pervasive as today, but there were many indications of danger.
Two shotgun-toting guards were stationed at the door of our hotel. When we went out in the evening, we were searched for weapons before being allowed inside restaurants and clubs. In the middle of the city one afternoon a young fellow walked up to one of the women in our party and dashed away after pulling off her wrist watch.
On a bus trip to see ancient ruins two soldiers carrying automatic weapons rode along. We were told bandits often stopped buses to rob occupants.
The trip was uneventful from that perspective, but we did encounter a number of young boys who begged for money in a village near the ruins. One caught our attention because of his command of English and his persistence. He reaped a pretty good haul of dollar bills. With his hustling success then, today in his mid- to late twenties, the fellow probably is a success albeit perhaps on the shady side.
Sparsely populated areas of Honduras were very primitive by standards in Iola, with many people living in huts made of tree limbs and without windows, doors or any conveniences we can’t live without.
Inattention to pollution stood out. A ditch through the middle of San Pedro about the size of Iola’s Coon Creek ran half full with sewage day and night. Smoke streamed from stacks at a handful of industries.
At a large banana-growing farm guards stood all around and we were told that a few days before our visit a man was shot to death for trying to steal a few bananas.
Is it little wonder parents want their children, the most precious things in their lives, to escape to a safe and nourishing environment?
