How to win friends and influence people.
Just do whatever the Bush Administration isn't doing.
All through Latin America, governments and movements that resent the United States are rising or have been strengthened by Bushco policy blunders.
Venezuela, where a bungled coup attempt permanently alienated the Venezuelan people
Hugo Chávez maintains a high level of support in Venezuela, according to a poll by Datanálisis. 58 per cent of respondents would vote for the incumbent head of state in this year’s election.
Nicaragua, where misery has risen ever since the US dumped the country back into the hands of the oligarchy has led to a rejection of "pro-American" forces
Former head of state Daniel Ortega is the clear frontrunner in Nicaragua’s presidential election, according to a poll by Zogby International and the University of Miami School of Communication. 34 per cent of respondents would vote for the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) member.
Cuba, where dictatorship is--lamentably-- seen as preferable to US control Washington and the mainstream media have misread Cuban reality.... After desperate news flashes and punditry about the world-shaking importance of Fidel’s impending demise, little has really changed. Cubans on the island continue to complain about shortages, corruption, bureaucracy... Most of them also understand that the revolution has meant ... free housing, education, health care and social services. They will also continue to receive subsidized food and entertainment.
... Under Castro, Cuba opened 13 medical schools that produce more doctors abroad than the World Health Organization. Its athletes, artists and scientists have etched their accomplishments in the minds of people all over the world. When Pakistan was struck by an earthquake, Cuban, not U.S., doctors poured in to help, as they did in Honduras when Nature punished that country.
And there are plenty of other places where Americans are getting less and less popular. Bolivia, Haiti, Mexico, Argentina, and probably more to come.
When are we going to start asking "Who lost Latin America?"
# posted by
Charles @ 9/18/2006 03:36:00 PM