For there to be a day like July 17, 1980, a nation's citizens have to fail completely in their duty to their country. It was, in fact, the only possible end for Bolivia after fourteen years of military dictatorship and three years of childish civilians' games that were so grandly called "the road back to democracy." It may look as if the military, who returned to power in a two-day battle that claimed three thousand lives, should bear all the blame. But I believe that civilian politicians hold greatest responsibility for the tragedy.