Latin American pink tie

[MichaelReilly]

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/14/evo-morales-reelected-socialism-doesnt-damage-economies-bolivia?CMP=fb_gu

An interesting article on Morales; read it.

[Amazeroth]

An interesting read, even better is the article (linked to in that article) in the New York Times. It would have been interesting to read more about what Morales actually did to further Bolivia's rise (the articles really don't say much other than that he's nationalised the gas industries, and didn't follow IMF and world bank suggestions - which is probably a good idea to do at all times - and it's not clear how much of it is due to the higher prices for commodities produced in Bolivia, and how much is due to reform), but it's an interesting development none the less.

[Afrocentric]

Doesn't matter because Bolivia is still an economic dumpster fire that allows little kids to work out in the fields. If the USA did something like that, you Leftists would be outraged; I guess because it's one of your own, he gets a pass. Either way, history shows that Socialism isn't a viable economic model in the long run and if Bolivia wants to be taken seriously, it must do the right thing and embrace Capitalism. BTW, if Morales is so concerned about our War on Drugs, why not crack down on the cartels in his country?

We wouldn't be down in the region "meddling" in your affairs (as he incorrectly believes) if you made an effort to stop the exportation of cocaine out of the country up north.

[soysauce]

Doesn't matter because Bolivia is still an economic dumpster fire that allows little kids to work out in the fields. If the USA did something like that, you Leftists would be outraged; I guess because it's one of your own, he gets a pass. Either way, history shows that Socialism isn't a viable economic model in the long run and if Bolivia wants to be taken seriously, it must do the right thing and embrace Capitalism. BTW, if Morales is so concerned about our War on Drugs, why not crack down on the cartels in his country?

We wouldn't be down in the region "meddling" in your affairs (as he incorrectly believes) if uyou made an effort to stop the exportation of cocaine out of the country up north.

Coincidentally today is international laugh at a cretin day...

[Afrocentric]

Doesn't matter because Bolivia is still an economic dumpster fire that allows little kids to work out in the fields. If the USA did something like that, you Leftists would be outraged; I guess because it's one of your own, he gets a pass. Either way, history shows that Socialism isn't a viable economic model in the long run and if Bolivia wants to be taken seriously, it must do the right thing and embrace Capitalism. BTW, if Morales is so concerned about our War on Drugs, why not crack down on the cartels in his country?

We wouldn't be down in the region "meddling" in your affairs (as he incorrectly believes) if uyou made an effort to stop the exportation of cocaine out of the country up north.

Coincidentally today is international laugh at a cretin day...

[CanadianEh]

I applaud America for going down there and trying to stop the purge that they call Central America. Sure there are some nice tourist destinations but most of it needs cleaning up and most leaders need to recognize that they need help and they need it now.

All socialist hand-out nations need to learn that Capitalism is what is needed to get out of the mess they are currently in, or at the least a Mixed Market Economy, because currently Socialism is just making the hole deeper and deeper and deeper because nations cannot survive on Socialism.

[MichaelReilly]

"Pink tie"

Tide.

Sigh.

[PaleRider]

Well certainly over the last 15 years South America has seen a shift leftward in many countries, but it's also seen a stark division in its own territories. Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile have moved to embrace free market capitalism more or less and are developing rapidly. Meanwhile in major leftist countries like Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Venezula and Equador we are seeing a mixed bag of results. Certainly the rise of many from poverty and the development in these places is something to be welcomed by all. However there are serious concerns in each country.
Brazil has of late been stuck is a rut. Low growth, problems with corruption and mismanagement of state owned companies have all conspired to hinder growth and development here. While the country has a relatively robust democracy, further liberalization would be a positive here so growth and development can get back on track.
Bolivia too has been a mixed. Yes the economy has done fairly well in Bolivia, but the country has had little to go but up. Needless to say the company Mr Morales keeps is worrying. He was very friendly of with former President Hugo Chavez, who was no idol for political or civil rights and he still supports the regime in that country which has cracked down on protesters and freedoms for its people. Further he is under suspicion as well for human rights violations, though I daresay not nearly on the level of Mr Chavez.
Equador has seen a major fall in its freedom status. President Correa maintains a corrupt regime based on patronage and using the police to harass the opposition. This sounds mightly familiar to the right wing regimes he is so fond of criticizing.
Venezula has tumbled the farthest of any. In the early 200's, many thought Caracas could become the NYC of South America. Certainly the oil reserves in the country could've fueled a boom of funds to responsibly develop the country. Instead President Chavez has funneled funds into the pockets of his cronies and in politically motivated development schemes which have left the people with food being rationed, crime spiraling out of control and even fuel shortages which drive blackouts across the country.

[CanadianEh]

Well certainly over the last 15 years South America has seen a shift leftward in many countries, but it's also seen a stark division in its own territories. Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile have moved to embrace free market capitalism more or less and are developing rapidly. Meanwhile in major leftist countries like Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Venezula and Equador we are seeing a mixed bag of results. Certainly the rise of many from poverty and the development in these places is something to be welcomed by all. However there are serious concerns in each country.
Brazil has of late been stuck is a rut. Low growth, problems with corruption and mismanagement of state owned companies have all conspired to hinder growth and development here. While the country has a relatively robust democracy, further liberalization would be a positive here so growth and development can get back on track.
Bolivia too has been a mixed. Yes the economy has done fairly well in Bolivia, but the country has had little to go but up. Needless to say the company Mr Morales keeps is worrying. He was very friendly of with former President Hugo Chavez, who was no idol for political or civil rights and he still supports the regime in that country which has cracked down on protesters and freedoms for its people. Further he is under suspicion as well for human rights violations, though I daresay not nearly on the level of Mr Chavez.
Equador has seen a major fall in its freedom status. President Correa maintains a corrupt regime based on patronage and using the police to harass the opposition. This sounds mightly familiar to the right wing regimes he is so fond of criticizing.
Venezula has tumbled the farthest of any. In the early 200's, many thought Caracas could become the NYC of South America. Certainly the oil reserves in the country could've fueled a boom of funds to responsibly develop the country. Instead President Chavez has funneled funds into the pockets of his cronies and in politically motivated development schemes which have left the people with food being rationed, crime spiraling out of control and even fuel shortages which drive blackouts across the country.

Yea it looks like Peru & Columbia are doing well Mexico as well. The still very strong socialist presence in some South American countries though is very scary. Capitalism is what those corrupt countries need because the less corruption the better the nation does, let's face it Governments are corrupt so we need to allow the private sector to take the rains of the economy.