So, some 21 years have passed since Chile was once again a country that practised democracy. Pinochet’s last days as Dictator were in 1990.

One thing, two things actually haven’t changed. They are the uniforms used by the carabineros (policemen) and army; and the arrogance with which all armed forces perform their job.

Below is a link that details the story of a woman who was followed and harrassed by Chile’s special forces for having union badges in her purse. This woman was bullied and persecuted by officers who a) have too much intelligence on civillians and b) still believe they are under Pinochet’s orders despite the old Dictator being dead for a few years now.

http://www.cronicadigital.cl/news/dd_hh/19804.html

(you may need to copy and paste the text into google translate)

So it’s clear to see why some Chileans feel that some aspects of the 1980s are still present. One day I hope Chile has armed forces and policemen who don’t believe that Chileans are their enemies but will actually do their job and protect the people of Chile, not wage war against them.