A new movie, "machuca", about the 1973 military coup by Pinochet has just been released. A review can be found at http://www.nypost.com/movies/38377.htm. Recently, there have also been court cases and protests about all the atrocoties committed by Pinochet and his regime. I think that all the discussion, both political and social, is a good sign for Chile. States that facilitate discussion about their past abuse seem to progress faster. For example, Russia which has had little conversation about Stalin's gulags continues to operate in an atmosphere of secrecy and abuse. Whereas Germany which in the 60's started nationwide education programs on Hitler and the Nazi's has had much more success in the world. I think that the current trends in Chile are cathartic for both the people and the political system.
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"States that facilitate discussion about their past abuse seem to progress faster."
I absolutely agree. The only disappointment I have with regard to the Chilean situation is that public efforts to deal with this tragic legacy have come much later than they should have. But, as I've said before, better late than never. Your example of Russia is illustrative in this regard.
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