> People in South American countries have as much agency as people in the US. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but it seems as though you're implying that the US bears

> People in South American countries have as much agency as people in the US. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but it seems as though you're implying that the US bears no responsibility for the present state of those countries. I'm not sure if you have knowledge of the history of South America and the horrors of regime change that directly resulted from American foreign policy. If you don't, I'd suggest reading more about it as it will clearly explain a lot of the present socioeconomic issues in that region of the world. I very much doubt anyone could imply anything of the like with full knowledge of what occurred there during the 70s and 80s. I do agree with your final sentence though, that the solution should primarily be found in South America.