« Mayo 2005 | Main | Julio 2005 »
Junio 27, 2005
Escuela Bolivia
I’m spoiled with the plethora of Bolivian restaurants, activities and events in the Washington DC metro area, which is the heart of the Bolivian community in the U.S. However, everything is so spread out as families continue to move to the south due to the insane housing prices and high cost of living. Unless you count Cecilia’s restaurant on Columbia Pike, the Bolivian community lacks a true center.
As of last month, my term began on the Board of Directors of the Escuela Bolivia, an Arlington-based organization that has the potential to be that center. This organization provides Saturday morning classes in English as a Second Language for immigrants, Spanish and Bolivian cultural lessons for their children, and Spanish classes for the wider community. The organization was formed partly to preserve some of the cultural traditions often lost as immigrant children grow up in the United States.
I am still rather new to the area and I am still learning my way through the nuances of this community. Besides knowing most of the Bolivian restaurants by heart and news gathered from Los Tiempos USA, I do not hold a vast knowledge of this community’s history.
A loosely related group of cultural organizations, small businesses and media outlets that cater to Bolivians provides this community with a link to their homelands. Yet, this lack of unifying force really emphasizes what is missing. That is where I see the Escuela’s vast potential for being this all inclusive organization. I may be actively taking over responsibility for the website, which could serve as a sort of virtual meeting place providing resources, links and up to date information for this community.
Yet, I am still puzzled by the large gap between recently arrived immigrants and Bolivian-Americans who may operate primarily in English. There has to be a way to bring those two groups together, by possibly providing lectures, Bolivian movie screenings, and other activities that cater to others like me (Bolivian-Americans). Any ideas?
Update: We are still looking for others in the area who are interested in serving on the Board. If you would like to be considered or would like more information, please email me: eduardo [at] barrioflores [dot] net
Update 2: I have been getting some really good emails from Bolivians in the area who share that they too would like to get involved in general with the community. Please write me an email or leave a comment, on what you would like to see in the community or what information would help you feel part of it all.
Posted by eduardo at 11:06 PM | Comments (12)
Junio 26, 2005
Evo and Juan del Granado
Evo Morales’ chances to win the next Presidential elections have just improved with the announcement of an alliance with a popular mayor. Earlier this week, La Paz leftist mayor Juan del Granado (MSM) announced that he is entering a “Frente Amplio ” with Evo/MAS. No word what that actually means, but more than likely it may be an Evo/Juan Sin Miedo ticket. This self-described anti-neoliberalism alliance appears to be the favorite until the Jorge “Tuto” Quiroga (ADN), Samuel Doria Medina (UN) and others declare candidacies and/or alliances.
One wonders why del Granado announced this alliance so early. Some may have seen del Granado as that center option so badly needed in Bolivia. Now that he will probably allow Morales to be the Presidential candidate, many middle class Bolivians who cannot stand Evo may now look elsewhere. Theoretically, del Granado could have run as the MSM candidate and given Evo his votes in Parliament forming a coalition, which would have accomplished practically the same purpose. However, now that Bolivians now del Granado’s intent, a vote him would mean a vote for Evo.
Meanwhile, del Granado has already started his own politicking, throwing jabs at El Alto mayor Jose Luis Paredes (PP). On the traditional coldest night of the year, June 23, also known as “San Juan”, del Granado was out in full view pleading Paceños to resist the urge to light bonfires, which has been a longstanding tradition to combat the frosty nights. These fires, in which old tires and other garbage are the main fuel also contribute to an environmentally awful day after, have been prohibited by nearly every urban center. Yet, laws were made to be broken apparently because the public still light these fires everywhere. Juan Sin Miedo was seen riding around in pick-up trucks asking the public to protect the environment and take advantage of free concerts in the city’s main plazas. He criticized Paredes for not doing the same, saying that Paredes is already thinking about Prefect elections by allowing Alteños to do as they please. Where was Juan during the mobilizations that suffocated La Paz and caused more damage than some watery eyes and smoggy horizons?
Finally, La Paz daily La Razon provided some interesting behind-the-scenes looks at the days surrounding the events leading up to the new Presidency of Eduardo Rodriguez. La Razon reports that if Hormando Vaca Diez or Mario Cossio did not decline their right of succession, then Carlos Mesa would have dissolved Congress and remained in the Presidency until new elections took place ruling by decrees.
Apparently Vaca Diez caught wind of this plan, and decided to turn down the Presidency opening up for Rodriguez to be Bolivia’s third president since 2002. In an interview with a Colombian newspaper, Mesa said, “Ten minutes after Vaca Diez’ speech (where he declined the Presidency) everything we planned to do ten minutes prior changed. If I had the misfortune of making a decision ten minutes before, the country’s history would have changed.” Would he have gotten away with what he saw as what was best for the country because a Vaca Diez administration would have meant unrivaled conflict between Bolivians? Probably, because most likely Mesa had the Armed Forces on his side all along and they would have ensured that Mesa held Bolivia together.
Posted by eduardo at 09:40 PM | Comments (0)
Junio 20, 2005
Evo Website
In a similar vein to the fake George W Bush campaign website in 2004, a new satirical Evo website was launched in order to make fun of the man who wants to be President. Upon first glance, it appears to be a site supporting Evo's bid, but clearly it lampoons the party leader, even suggesting that all indigenous are uneducated and unable to know what they're deciding.
The website may have had the right idea, but clearly a lot of the language crosses the line into the territory of racism. Venturing into the forums shows some pretty awful racist attitudes out there. Sure, Evo is full of contradictions and uses rhetoric to polarize the entire country. However, rational and intelligence arguments would do the country more good than a lot of garbage that is out there, especially in anonymous fora in cyberspace.
It's okay to disagree with Evo because of his policies and tactics, but we're at a point in time where many disagree with Evo because he is an "indio". Such generalizations and the lumping of all indigenous people as uneducated and irrational can further divide the country. The Evo for President website defends the actions of the Civic Committee of Santa Cruz and includes Carlos Mesa as one of Evo's allies. The website contact info is "indio@evopresidente.com", which clearly shows the website designer's sensitivity.
If Evo Morales and his party were truly serious about winning the election and implementing relatively moderate policies (in comparison to others out there), he would allow someone else to be the Presidential candidate. Much like the Cochabamba mayoral race, where centrist and non-controversial figure, Gonzalo Lema narrowly lost the election, MAS will never again capture the "protest vote" from the middle class and urban working class that they did in 2002. Instead of bringing people in, he is a divider, not a uniter (sound familiar?), and now those who may agree with nationalization would never vote for such a polarizing figure like Evo.
Posted by eduardo at 04:00 PM | Comments (5)
Junio 19, 2005
Everybody Wants Nationalization
Already some are strategically using the obscure poll that reports that nearly 76% of Bolivians want nationalization of its hydrocarbons. Even if Evo and Co. do not represent the majority of Bolivians, nor the majority of poor Bolivians, they are saying “see, most Bolivians agree with us!” Funny thing is that Evo never really pushed for nationalization until most recently.
I am not going to critique polling methods, nor question the reliability of the findings. However, I think as this El Deber Op/Ed piece states correctly that most people don’t really understand what nationalization really signifies and its possible consequences.
Nationalization seems like a noble thing. I think everybody in Bolivia wants to see the fairest deal that we can get. I am all for strategically using Bolivia’s god-given natural resources to be used to help many Bolivians up the ladder out of poverty. I even think that the oil companies should hold some sense of social responsibility and not see the Bolivian situation as a free-for-all, where profit is the only guiding principle.
The question asked in the poll was “Do you approve or disapprove of the nationalization of the hydrocarbons?”
Being no expert in polling techniques, I have a hard time coming terms with such a black and white question. I wouldn’t want to corner myself into such a position without offering some other countering questions of my own, such as, “I approve of nationalization only if the administration of the state company was fully depoliticized even if it means bringing in foreign experts who hold no loyalties to the ruling party that placed them in that job” or “I disapprove of nationalization if it means placing Bolivia in such monumental debt due to the required indemnization”.
Would the 76% of 850 Bolivians who answered with the approval of nationalization have said so if they knew that the administration of YFPB would be such the same as any of the pre-capitalized industries that were teaming with party cronies? Such a monopoly gives no incentive to provide efficient service and really provides the ruling coalition parties greater access to state resources.
Would the 21% of 850 Bolivians who answered that they disapprove of nationalization have said so if they knew that perhaps the proposal meant still partnering with foreign oil companies, splitting profits but keeping ownership of the reserves in state control? No one really knows what nationalization really means as it only remains as a simple query: for or against nationalization. Those on the left are not doing a good job of articulating of what they mean when they say nationalization.
Posted by eduardo at 04:16 PM | Comments (2)
Junio 18, 2005
Boca Meltdown
I finally saw the replay of the Boca Juniors - Chivas game in Buenos Aires where the Boca players and fans lost their minds. The game featured the Boca coach spitting on the Chivas player Adolfo Bautista as he was being escorted off the pitch, as well as a couple of Boca "fans" who came onto the field to take swings and kicks at the Chivas forward. Finally, the game was halted when the referees could not guarantee safety from the projectiles sent from the stands. Chivas moves on to the finals of the Copa Libertadores on a 4-0 aggregate score. I considered myself a Boca sympathizer, having been to la Bombonera (Boca's stadium) and admiring many of their players (Riquelme and Tevez), but I now see why many non-football fans in Bs. As. abhor any mention of Boca.
Posted by eduardo at 04:20 PM | Comments (2)
This Last Week
After such a whirlwind of a ride throughout the three weeks trying to keep up with minute-by-minute action in Bolivia, I decided to step back for this past week. However, things continued to gather steam as President Eduardo Rodriguez tries to take advantage of a relatively peaceful country.
As all of the social movements agreed to lift all blockades, President Rodriguez formed his transitional cabinet.
It is a given that new Presidential elections will be held sooner rather than later, but now some are saying that to make this transition complete, there needs to be a complete overhaul of Congress through new elections. Everyone has their opinions on this proposal, some say that the public elected the lawmakers, thus they should complete their full term (and not give up their cushy salaries).
The government has been actively looking for ways to build another highway linking La Paz to Cochabamba that goes through the Zona Sud in La Paz (i.e. not through El Alto). Plans are also in the works to build another international airport in the Zona Sud, as well as keep large reserves of gasoline in that part of the city.
Erasing the debt from the World Bank and IMF appears to be tied into making sure that investments are protected and other structural guarantees are in place. Some speculated that the 18 countries first targeted by the G8 would get total debt forgiveness no questions asked. But, it looks like now that it will be related to these guarantees. Whether or not this includes the privatization of public services or other economic mandates will left to be seen. If Bolivia comes through, it would be mean roughly 2 billion dollars that will not need to be repaid.
Today, the President will meet with some of the Civic leaders in Santa Cruz, where they are still determined to hold prefect elections and autonomy referendum on August 12.
Also, this article states that Jaime Paz Zamora is no longer the head of MIR, the party he established. Hormando Vaca Diez assumes that leadership (officially or unofficially). Paz Zamora is one of the Prefect candidates for Tarija, if there are elections.
Posted by eduardo at 03:41 PM | Comments (2)
Junio 16, 2005
Mesa's Future Part II
An article in the leftist news site Bolpress speculated that ex-President Carlos Mesa may return to his old job of television commentary. The station P.A.T. where Mesa was stockholder will soon change most of its analysts according to the article. Out as analysts will be Alvaro Garcia Linera and Gonzalo Chavez and in will be ex-minister of Popular Participation Roberto Barbery, close friend of Mesa. Again, it will be interesting to see what Mesa does after his time in the Presidency, as it this is new territory for a ex-President of Bolivia.
Posted by eduardo at 04:41 PM | Comments (1)
Junio 14, 2005
Global Voices Online
If you are reading this blog, chances are you have a passing interest in Bolivian politics and daily life. Maybe the most recent developments in Bolivia led you here to find out more or get another viewpoint besides the growing number of bloggers writing about that subject. I rarely write much about my personal life without it relating somehow to Bolivia or the Bolivian community. I am grateful that some of my entries have been covered by this wonderful project called Global Voices Online from Harvard University.
The Global Voices Online project focuses on blogs of a similar vein from around the world. The mission of GVO:
The primary mission of Global Voices is twofold: 1) To call attention to the most interesting conversations and perspectives emerging from citizens’ media around the world by linking to text, audio, and video blogs and other forms of grassroots citizens’ media being produced by people around the world; 2) To facilitate the emergence of new citizens’ voices through training, online tutorials, and publicizing the ways in which open-source and free tools can be used safely by people around the world to express themselves.
A daily blog roundup finds the very best entries that focuses on real life developments around the world. I have discovered great blogs such as Sokawanele from Zimbabwe, which really covers the awful things that Mugabe is doing to his own people. Limited time really prevents me from discovering all of the wonderful different blogs covered by GVO.
Posted by eduardo at 09:07 PM | Comments (0)
Junio 12, 2005
Life After the Presidency
During last Monday's resignation speech, Carlos Mesa was emphatic that he was not going to flee the country. He said that Bolivia was his home and he wants the privilege of living there. Now that he no longer holds the title of President, what's next?
The last three Presidents are either still head of their political party (Jaime Paz Zamora - MIR), looking towards the next election (Tuto Quiroga - ADN), or in exile (Goni - MNR). Hugo Banzer passed away in May 2002.
Mesa's case is different, as he is not a member of a political party, nor necessarily looking to get back into the race. Although there is a possibility that he could form his own political project for future participation in politics. However, he wasn't very enthusiastic of the idea
"After 20 months, I don't know if one would want to return to the Palace as President, it is difficult, very difficult," he added when the press asked him whether he planned on establishing his own party to continue in politics.
But for now, he is just taking his time after nearly two years as President. He added he would like to begin a discussion on the media's role in the most recent crisis, which would return him to his media and journalist role.
One suggestion: Mesa is a huge fanatico of football, as he was often seen at the Hernando Siles stadium during the Bolivian National Team games. Perhaps he should head up the Bolivian Football Federation and turn Bolivian football around. Having to deal with Mauro Cuellar (Bolivar's President) would seem like a piece of cake in comparison to these past 20 months.
Posted by eduardo at 02:54 AM | Comments (2)
Bolivia External Debt
As of March 31, 2005, Bolivia's external debt totaled $4.88 billion dollars according to the Banco Central de Bolivia. The country owes a large amount of that to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. The 18 countries that were included in the first batch of forgiven countries are expected to spend that money on health, education and other poverty reducing initiatives. Thirty percent of Bolivia's budget was spent towards its enormous debt.
Posted by eduardo at 02:40 AM | Comments (0)
Junio 11, 2005
What Will New Elections Solve?
Miguel C. (Ciao!) nicely sums up the likely outcome of the upcoming elections that the new President, Eduardo Rodriguez is likely to call:
Of course, such an election would mean an entirely new parliament as well, since Bolivia's electoral system is a "parliamentarized presidential" one. And there's no reason to believe that new elections will solve the problems, since it's clear that no party would win a simple nation-wide majority (perhaps at best 20%), meaning the newly elected parliament would select the president. Given the way things are polarized, coalition-building will remain difficult. But I still guess it'll be someone from the MNR-MIR-ADN side of the equation; rather than Evo, who despite being the only potential anti-liberal candidate, has proved incapable of making friends w/ other relevant political actors. Most likely, unable to win outright, Evo will find himself locked out of power (even if he's the front-runner) by a broad liberal coalition (MNR-MIR-ADN).
One possibility is that Evo Morales once again flip-flops and moves back towards the center by distancing himself from the more radical sectors, which by the way, are still mobilized in El Alto!
The "alcaldes" of most of the major cities were elected from citizen's groups even though most of them tried to distance themselves from their traditional political party pasts. Some like, Juan del Granado (MSM) from La Paz, are very much left-of-center. Most of them called on Vaca Diez to forfeit his claim to the presidency. Del Granado even participated in a hunger strike until Vaca Diez and Cossio turned down the job. If Evo can somehow convince them to enter a coalition, then we may see MAS have a realistic shot at the whole thing.
Posted by eduardo at 05:05 PM | Comments (0)
Bolivia's Debt to be Cancelled
Via Almada de Noche:
It looks like Bolivia's burdensome debt will be cancelled by the G8. From the BBC:
Debts written off for 18 countries - total $40bn
Debt repayments saved by the group each year - $1.5bn
Nine more countries to qualify within 18 months - takes total to $55bn
UK's contribution over next 10 years: $700-$960m
US contribution: $1.3bn-$1.75bn
Bolivia is one of the 18 to qualify for immediate debt relief. Some additional countries may qualify for similar debt relief if "they meet targets for good governance and tackling corruption."
Some say that the IMF and World Bank impose too many conditions for their loans. Some should never have taken place, such as the requirement to privatize water distribution, which is a fundamental human right and should not be used to generate profit. However, there is a serious corruption problem that is caused by an overpoliticization of the public bureaucracy. Up to now, there has not been the political will to make fundamental changes to combat corruption. If pressure does not come from within the country, how will these changes ever be made?
Posted by eduardo at 04:10 PM | Comments (0)
Junio 09, 2005
President Eduardo Rodriguez Veltze
Dr. Eduardo Rodríguez Veltzé, is a Lawyer and holds a Master Degree in Public Administration. He completed his Law studies at the Universidad Mayor of San Simon in Cochabamba and his Master’s degree in Harvard University.
He was also Department Head and professor of Law at the Catholic University of Bolivia and of the University Mayor of San Andres in La Paz and Andina Simon Bolivar. He authored several articles and studies in the specialization of Law. In March 1999, he took posession of the post of Minister of the Supreme Court, then later became President of the Supreme Court before assuming the Presidency of the Republic of Bolivia.
Full biography in Spanish: Dr. Eduardo Rodríguez Veltzé, es Abogado y Master en Administración Pública de profesión. Realizó sus estudios de Derecho en la Universidad Mayor de “San Simón” de Cochabamba y su Maestría en la Universidad de Harvard de Estados Unidos.
Durante su trayectoria profesional ejerció funciones de Subcontralor de Servicios Legales de la Contraloría General de la República, Coordinador Residente del ILANUD y Asesor General del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, entre otros y en esa condición participó en la preparación de la Ley de Servicio Exterior y Reglamentos, Tratados Internacionales, asuntos de cooperación judicial internacional; Responsable de la preparación del Estudio del Sistema Judicial en Bolivia y consultor en la elaboración Proyectos de Ley de Procedimientos Administrativos y Estatuto del Funcionario Público.
En el ámbito académico, fue: Jefe de Estudios y docente de la Carrera de Derecho de la Universidad Católica Boliviana, y docente en las Universidades Mayor de “San Andrés” de La Paz y Andina “Simón Bolívar”. Es autor de artículos y trabajos de investigación sobre temas especializados de Derecho.
En marzo de 1999, fue posesionado en el cargo de Ministro de la Excma. Corte Suprema de Justicia y en esa condición se desempeño como Presidente de la Sala Social y Administrativa y en la actualidad como Magistrado de la Sala Social y Administrativa Primera del Tribunal Supremo.
From: http://www.poderjudicial.gov.bo/
AP Photo
Posted by eduardo at 11:07 PM | Comments (1)
Congress Accepts Mesa's Resignation
Congress has accepted Carlos Mesa's resignation. Vaca Diez and Cossio have both resigned the Constitutional succession. Vaca Diez looks very bitter, while Cossio looks very sincere in his speech saying that he is doing so for the good of the country.
Eduardo Rodriguez Veltze is now the President of Bolivia.
Update 1: 10:59 PM EST - CNN still has a live shot of the inside of the Casa de la Libertad in Sucre. Vaca Diez is in the middle of a receiving line where different Congressmen and women are congratulating him with handshakes and hugs. One particular picture really stood out, one Congresswoman with a pollera (perhaps from MAS or MIP) hugged Vaca Diez, erasing some of my cynicism a bit.
Update 2: 11:16 PM EST - President Rodriguez has entered the Casa de la Libertad to be sworn in as the next President of Bolivia. What must be going through his mind?
Update 3: 11:47 PM EST - Eduardo Rodriguez is being sworn in as President of the Republic of Bolivia. The new President addresses Congress and says he will complete his duty and is says that he will call elections to open up spaces for a new set of representatives.
Live on CNN en Español.
Posted by eduardo at 10:55 PM | Comments (0)
Comparative Repression
Every single life is valuable. Considering the amount of hostility and aggression that has surfaced over the past three weeks, it is miraculous that, until today, not a single life was lost. The police or pacos, as they are unaffectionately called, never have been confused with an honorable profession. Often they are seen as part of the problem (corrupt, dishonest), instead of part of the solution. However, in Mesa's speech on Monday night, he praised their self-restraint by preventing tempers from escalating to dangerous levels. Even though it has been documented that many marches have tried to "provoke" police, cooler heads prevailed.
Half a world away in Ethiopia (ironically, with the same three colors on the flag), 26 people were killed. Police fired upon a crowd that was throwing rocks. In La Paz, some miners were throwing dynamite, and yet the police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas. How long will this last? Many sites like BolPress have claimed that the police has been “repressing” the mobilizations. What happened in Ethiopia constitutes as repression. Thankfully nothing close to what happened on the other continent has taken place in Bolivia, and hopefully it will not. It is tragic that one Bolivian is dead, but considering what has taken place, we are fortunate that it has only been one.
Posted by eduardo at 10:22 PM | Comments (3)
Thank You Vaca Diez
Nothing is official, but it looks like Vaca Diez will step aside.
"En la sesión del Congreso, si el voto es por la aceptación de la renuncia (de Mesa), Hormando Vaca Díez declinará irrevocablemente (su derecho constitucional a ser el próximo presidente)... con eso se acabó", dijo el líder parlamentario en una conferencia de prensa efectuada en un hotel de la ciudad de Sucre.
It is now turn for the mobilizations to show a sign of good faith.
Update 1: 10:38 p.m. EST - The Bolivian Information Agency has confirmed that both Vaca Diez and Cossio will resign, which will be ratified in a Congressional session set to convene later tonight.
Posted by eduardo at 10:08 PM | Comments (0)
Session of Congress Postponed
Congressional leaders attempt to hammer away an agreement. The meeting scheduled for early Thursday has been moved back to 6 p.m. as negotiations still take place to determine Mesa's successor. All of the parties involved are attempting to have a deal in place before Congress meets.
A friend whose office is located one block from the main plaza of Sucre told me that everything is calm, as the police has access restricted to the plaza. Although his business is working with the door closed (the metal gate that protects the doors after hours). He added that he expects that by 6 pm when Congress is set to meet, then things will really heat up.
Posted by eduardo at 03:09 PM | Comments (0)
Junio 08, 2005
Congress to Meet in Sucre
Officially, Congress will reconvene in Sucre on Thursday, June 9 to address Mesa's resignation. The proper guarantees were not in place so that Congress could meet in La Paz.
Also, on Tuesday night, the outgoing President pleaded with Presidents of both chambers of Congress, Hormando Vaca Diez and Mario Cossio to resign in order to avoid bloodshed and a possible civil war.
"Hormando, it is in your hands. Demonstrate to the country your historic generosity, that would bring you closer to the people instead of insisting on the impossible. I have no self-interest in making this request. It is a plea coming from a President from a surrounded Plaza Murillo which may be in risk once again tomorrow"
Wednesday will be a decisive day to see how Vaca Diez responds. This author also thinks that Evo Morales should resign as the head of MAS, to show generosity to those that cannot stand him.
Posted by eduardo at 01:22 AM | Comments (1)
Junio 07, 2005
Why are the Questions Always Better Than the Answers?
At today's Daily Press Briefing, Bolivia was a hot topic. However, some of the questions we all want answers to, were replied with vague statements. Let's give credit to the anonymous questioners for raising the issues.
QUESTION: Yes, change of subject. Were you in any way blindsided by the resignation of Bolivian President Mesa? And apparently, the Bolivian public has been protesting concerning energy policy and constitutional reform and they don't like his designated replacement — that's the congressional President Diaz — even more so? And what are, if anything, were the influences of both Cuba and Venezuela? Did that enter into the discussions in Fort Lauderdale?
MR. MCCORMACK: Well, I think that we all recognize that this is a difficult time for Bolivia and the Bolivian people and for President Mesa. I think we would urge a peaceful democratic constitutional resolution to the tensions that you alluded to that exist within Bolivia. And I would say that the United States, as well as other countries in the hemisphere stand ready to assist Bolivia. The OAS has made an offer of assistance, as of yesterday at least. The Bolivian Government indicated that they would resolve any issues that they have internally by themselves. But again, we stand ready to assist, if there is need for assistance.
QUESTION: Still on Latin America and not Bolivia. Assistant Secretary Roger Noriega expressed some concerns on the role maybe played by the Venezuelan Government on the Bolivian crisis. Do you have anything on that? Is it suggesting that Venezuela played any instability role in the region in the South American country? Thank you.
MR. MCCORMACK: I haven't seen Assistant Secretary Noriega's remarks. I think I'd want to take a look at them before I actually took a shot at answering that question.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy is sending most of their personnel back to the States. Another travel warning was issued today. The warning was issued for all of Bolivia, it should be emphasized that a large majority of the problems have been in La Paz.
At the Organization of American States' meeting in Florida, a declaration was passed offering assistance to Bolivia. However, Bolivia has rejected any intervention.
During the same meeting, barbs were exchanges as Roger Noriega hinted that Hugo Chavez had an active hand in the recent turmoil (as referenced to in the Daily Briefing). Venezuelan foreign minister Alí Rodríguez vehemently denied these claims.
Chávez' profile in Bolivia has been very apparent from the beginning,'' Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roger Noriega said in response to a question about Chavez' influence on the turmoil in Bolivia.
''His record is apparent and speaks for itself,'' Noriega told reporters atthe Organization of American States's general assembly in Fort Lauderdale. He adding that the situation ``was worrisome.''
Once again, Rodriguez asked for credible proof that this is taking place.
Posted by eduardo at 08:19 PM | Comments (0)
OAS Declaration on Bolivia
Full text after the jump.
The General Assembly of the Organization of American States has taken cognizance of the situation created in the Republic of Bolivia by President Carlos Mesa’s resignation. After hearing a report by Minister of Foreign Affairs Juan Ignacio Siles and bearing in mind the provisions of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the General Assembly declares the following:
1. To recognize the efforts made by President Carlos Mesa to move forward in this process on the basis of consensus and the generosity he is demonstrating in vacating his post to enable the country to advance toward a peaceful solution.
2. To regret the exacerbation of the political crisis in Bolivia, which has resulted in President Mesa’s tendering his resignation to the Congress of the Republic.
3. To recognize the role that relevant social institutions, like the Catholic Church, have played and can continue to play in the peaceful development of the crisis.
4. To express the need for the resignation of the President of Bolivia to be considered in terms of the statutory channels established in the country’s Constitution.
5. To call upon the actors in the Bolivian political process to surmount the present crisis promptly, through dialogue, in a peaceful fashion, and with respect for human rights, in accordance with applicable constitutional provisions, preserving democracy and guaranteeing the unity of Bolivia.
6. To express the readiness of the Organization of American States to provide all cooperation that may be requested by the legitimate Bolivian authorities to facilitate dialogue as a means of surmounting the crisis and guaranteeing the preservation of democratic institutions.
Posted by eduardo at 08:16 PM | Comments (0)
What Next?
Hormando Vaca Diez set a time for Congress (4 pm - Wednesday) to reconvene to address Mesa's resignation. However, he stressed that there needs to be guarantees that Congress can meet without pressures. He left the possibility of meeting in Sucre as a definite possibility.
Eduardo Rodriguez, the President of the Supreme Court, who is the third-in-line of Constitutional succesion, stated that if he became President it would only be as a caretaker. Elections would be called.
MNR and MIR have both publicly supported the idea of Vaca Diez assuming the Presidency, while MAS and ADN have come in support of calling new elections. Both parties have demanded and urged, respectively, that both Vaca Diez and Mario Cossio resign. New elections would open the door for the return of Tuto Quiroga, who everyone assumes is itching to return to Bolivia.
Meanwhile in La Paz, food supplies and gasoline have both been dwindling. Negotiations are taking place so that the Human Rights organizations can distribute food to areas in need in the capital. The military is now guarding water distribution plants after damage to several canals cut off water to several parts of La Paz.
Posted by eduardo at 06:15 PM | Comments (0)
Text of Mesa's Resignation Speech
From ABI:
Y no hago reproches absolutamente a nadie. No creo en un discurso de un presidente que presenta su renuncia echándole cuentas a nadie, no quiero echarle cuentas ni culpas a nadie, asumo mi responsabilidad a plenitud, por todo lo que he hecho independientemente de los factores externos que hayan tenido que ver con los acontecimientos que hemos vivido.
Si algo debe aprender uno es asumir con claridad y con transparencia su responsabilidad y hacerlo de cara ustedes, al país. Estoy aquí, estaré aquí, cuentan conmigo en cualquier lugar, en cualquier momento y después de esta experiencia en la Presidencia de la República, mucho más que nunca porque he aprendido profundamente a amar a esta patria de corazón, a amarla, desde Santa Cruz, desde Tarija, desde Oruro, desde Chuquisaca, desde Potosí, desde Beni, desde Pando, desde Cochabamba, desde La Paz, desde los nueves departamentos de Bolivia.
El corazón es igual, el compromiso es igual, el tamaño de la responsabilidad, el tamaño del sentimiento es exactamente el mismo, estaré aquí para trabajar y contaré con ustedes siempre.
Full text after the jump.
DISCURSO DE RENUNCIA AL CARGO DE PRESIDENTE DE BOLIVIA DE CARLOS DIEGO MESA GISBERT
La Paz, Palacio de Gobierno, 06 de junio de 2005
Ciudadanas y ciudadanos de Bolivia:
No se nos escapa creo, que ni a ustedes ni a mi, el momento tan dramático y tan difícil que está viviendo el país. Uno de los más difíciles, sin ninguna duda, de toda su historia y es en el momento de la mayor dificultad, en el momento en que tenemos que ser capaces de la mayor claridad de ideas y de la mayor condición de enfrentar cada uno la responsabilidad que nos toca
En el tiempo que he tenido el privilegio de gobernar Bolivia, marqué algunas pautas de mi conducta, de manera personal intima, pro también de manera pública con ustedes.
Creí que había que establecer algunos elementos que nos permitieran mirar las cosas de un modo distinto. Creí que había que trabajar sobre bases firmes, en temas como la honestidad, como la transparencia, como la austeridad y como la tolerancia.
Creí que era posible un gobierno que tuviera como elementos fundamentales estas premisas, premisas que hacen a la visión moral, a la visión ética y a la visión política.
Creí que era posible definir una agenda, que le diera al país un nuevo horizonte, era consciente cuando me hice cargo de la presidencia de que teníamos una larga crisis que se venía arrastrando y que el país tenía que resolver. Era consciente de que la relación entre Estado y la sociedad estaba quebrada y que teníamos que construir un nuevo pacto social entre todos los compatriotas para poder encarar los días venideros de mejor forma.
Creí que era indispensable construir un escenario de convivencia después de la violencia y después de la intolerancia.
Hoy más que nunca, esos desafíos siguen presentes y además hemos vivido una experiencia terriblemente traumática en estas últimas semanas, que parecen más bien conducir las cosas por otro camino, conducir las cosas por la búsqueda de la violencia y de la intransigencia entre unos y otros.
Por eso, me parece indispensable que nos detengamos en el camino y nos preguntemos qué estamos haciendo y hacia dónde estamos llevando a Bolivia. Y aquí, en mi cargo de Presidente de la República, esa pregunta es fundamental, qué estoy haciendo como Presidente de la República y hacia dónde voy en el camino de mi responsabilidad.
Quiero primero expresarle a la Patria mi disculpa si no he sido capaz de conducirla adecuadamente, quiero expresarle a usted ciudadana, ciudadano que ha creído en mi y que me ha acompañado durante todos estos meses que hice lo que estuvo en mi mano para entregarle una manera distinta y una visión distinta y una acción distinta, para lograr que Bolivia cumpliese una agenda, que es la agenda de todos.
La agenda que pasa por la Asamblea Constituyente, la agenda que pasa por el Referéndum Autonómico, la agenda que pasa por unos hidrocarburos que sean de Bolivia, de los bolivianos y que favorezca a los bolivianos. Una agenda que tenemos que seguir construyendo, pero que no va construirse como estamos.
No creo que el escenario de una sociedad para resolver sus problemas sea el escenario de pedir, de manera violenta, de manera irracional, de manera impositiva, sin opción de diálogo lo que yo creo que es correcto, porque eso no es una práctica democrática, ni es una práctica de tolerancia, ni es una práctica de respeto y lo que es más grave, no es una práctica del cumplimiento de la ley, de la Constitución de mi obligación, de nuestra obligación como ciudadanos.
Solo podremos trabajar el futuro si entendemos que una sociedad civilizada tiene leyes que se deben cumplir, que nos gusten o no nos gusten es un tema absolutamente distinto. Tenemos la obligación de cumplir las leyes y Bolivia está acercándose a un punto en el que nadie está dispuesto a escuchar al otro y en el que unos pocos están imponiendo sus criterios sobre una gran mayoría que no acompaña ni esas prácticas y probablemente tampoco necesariamente todas las ideas que están en juego.
A lo largo de nuestro gobierno, hemos cumplido nuestros compromisos de manera rigurosa, hemos hecho la convocatoria a un Referéndum para definir una política de hidrocarburos, el pueblo se ha expresado, se ha llevado adelante un proceso para la aprobación de una Ley de Hidrocarburos. El Presidente de la República y su gobierno presentamos ante la consideración del Congreso Nacional un proyecto de ley, que fue desechado y se estableció la discusión sobre otro proyecto de ley, que ha sido el que fue promulgado.
Después de esa promulgación un núcleo determinado a buscado y está buscando una solución por la vía de los hechos para forzar a un determinado resultado. El país no puede estar sujeto a la presión, al bloqueo y la violencia como mecanismos para entendernos. El país tiene que encontrar salidas por la vía de entenderse, pero sobre todo, de cumplir lo que dicen las normas.
Como Presidente, a lo largo de este tiempo, he tratado de transmitir, que el valor más importante, en el que creo por encima de todo, es el valor de la vida humana, perder la vida de un compatriota, es algo que no podemos tolerar, aceptar, promover, respetar la vida, respetar el valor más sagrado de todo ser humano debiera ser nuestro norte fundamental y ha sido mi compromiso con Bolivia.
Lo dije antes de acceder a la presidencia de la República. Me han preguntado si estaría dispuesto a matar y mi respuesta ha sido no. Quizás esa respuesta que les he dado todos los días de mi gobierno, ha sido entendida de diferentes manera y quizás esa respuesta y se compromiso que di al país ha sido aprovechado por sectores radicales, que sabiendo que el Presidente de la República y su gobierno apuestan por la paz y apuestan por el diálogo, han presionado y presionado y ajustado, y ajustado las cosas hasta un nivel insostenible.
Y quizás, en ese contexto no tiene sentido el continuar insistiendo en una filosofía que ha sido respondida como han visto ustedes a lo largo de estas semanas de una manera verdaderamente violenta y excesiva.
Es por esto que creo que mi responsabilidad es decir, hasta aquí, puedo llegar, es por esto que mi decisión es presentar mi renuncia al cargo de presidente de la República, una renuncia que tiene un solo objetivo, el objetivo de que la sociedad boliviana tome conciencia de que el desprendimiento tiene que ser genuino, que el cálculo personal tiene que quedar de lado y la solución de nuestros problemas tiene que basarse en el mejor interés de todos.
Esto implica la necesidad de que el Congreso Nacional pueda reunirse, yo quiero pedir y exhortar vehementemente a quienes están en posiciones duras, en posiciones pocas transigentes, que no bloqueen la posibilidad de que nuestro Congreso se reúna al más corto plazo posible, para discutir exclusivamente este tema y para darle una viabilidad al futuro del país.
Quiero pedir vehementemente, a quienes están por la línea de pedir la nacionalización de hidrocarburos que establezcan su petición en el marco de lo que es razonable dentro de la Constitución Política del Estado y en función al respeto del gobierno legalmente constituido.
Que ese debate, es un debate que no puede hacerse fuera de la Constitución y fuera de la ley porque no va a ser viable, es un debate que tiene que asumirse en un contexto de racionalidad, llevar al país a una confrontación violenta que ponga en riesgo su unidad, no va a lograr los objetivos que se están buscando.
No voy a hacer un recuento del tiempo que me ha tocado ser Presidente de la República porque ustedes han estado a mi lado y han seguido nuestros esfuerzos y nuestros logros. La modificación de la Constitución Política del Estado que ha permitido la participación de agrupaciones ciudadanas en la vida política, el referéndum por una política de hidrocarburos que sea beneficiosa para Bolivia y que tenga un sentido verdaderamente nacionalizador, nuestra apuesta por las autonomías y por la profundización de la descentralización, la aplicación de un programa económico que piensa fundamentalmente en las ciudadanas y en los ciudadanos de Bolivia, el crecimiento de nuestra economía, el aumento de nuestras exportaciones, un horizonte extraordinario desde el punto de vista económico, un trabajo profundo en el ámbito de la infraestructura y la construcción de carreteras que vertebran a Bolivia y un largo cúmulo de temas, pero por sobre todo, he querido dejar un testimonio de una visión ética, de una visión de comportamiento, de una visión de vida cotidiana transformada en la responsabilidad de servidor público.
He tratado de ser un buen servidor público, he tratado de responder a usted y quiero, para terminar, agradecerle profundamente, al pueblo de Bolivia, quiero agradecerle desde lo más íntimo, a usted ciudadano, a usted ciudadana, que ha acompañado a este gobierno, que creído en este presidente, que ha creído que éramos capaces, ustedes y yo, de avanzar para una Bolivia mejor.
Quiero lamentar profundamente, en lo más íntimo de mi corazón que estemos hoy donde estamos. Si yo tengo un grado de responsabilidad en ello lo asumo a plenitud y es por eso que pongo a disposición mi cargo para que no me convierta en un obstáculo, para que no me convierta en un elemento negativo, o en n elemento que pueda ser un factor de tropiezo y de obstrucción.
Al equipo humano que me ha acompañado, al Gabinete Ministerial, a los delegados presidenciales, al equipo de gabinete directo, a mi jefa de gabinete, a mi secretaria privada, al conjunto de personas que han estado a mi lado todo este tiempo. Por supuesto, a mis Fuerzas Armadas, extraordinario equipo humano que ha mostrado que es posible ser responsable, que es posible actuar con serenidad , que es posible actuar con temple en los momentos más difíciles, unas Fuerzas Armadas que son un orgullo de Bolivia, que son al institución que mejor ha entendido la democracia del país.
Quiero agradecerle especialmente, al ministro de Gobierno, un hombre que ha estado en la calle minuto a minuto, para que sea verdad nuestro compromiso de respetar la vida, la dignidad, ese valor tan sagrado.
A mi Policía Nacional, a nuestra Policía Nacional, a esa policía tan vapuleada, a esa policía tan criticada, que ha mostrado en la calle que puede respetar la vida, que puede respetar los derechos, que ha sido presionada hasta lo insufrible y que no ha perdido el control y que no ha perdido la calma, quiero agradecerles profundamente, porque son patriotas, porque nuestras Fuerzas Armadas y nuestra Policía son profundamente patriotas.
Quiero desear a la Iglesia Católica éxito en la mediación que está llevando adelante. Ojalá que la Iglesia pueda encontrar una respuesta positiva de todos los sectores del país, para salir de este momento tan difícil, que tiene que ser en democracia, que tiene que ser en el marco de la Constitución Política del Estado , que tiene que ser siguiendo los mecanismos que establece nuestra Carta Magna.
Quiero agradecer profundamente a mi familia, a mis padres, a mis hijos, especialmente a mi esposa, porque han estado siempre conmigo, porque me han acompañado en los momentos más duros, en los momentos en que espíritu necesita templanza.
Pueblo de Bolivia: esta decisión personal, tiene que ser entendida en la dimensión que tiene, en el tamaño que quiere tener de desprendimiento y de entrega por el país, que sepan que amo profundamente a Bolivia y que no puedo hacer otra cosa que entregar esta responsabilidad para que se pueda llegar a una solución que nos saque de este entrabamiento que está poniendo en juego, en serio riesgo, al país y a su futuro.
Y por supuesto, quiero que sepan algo muy claro: yo he nacido en Bolivia, vivo en Bolivia, quiero vivir en Bolivia. Yo sigo siendo Presidente hasta que el Congreso tome la decisión y el Congreso defina el futuro del país. No quiero que ustedes sientan que en estas horas, o en estos días, ojalá que solamente horas, que van a pasar hasta que el Congreso se reúna no hay Presidente; si lo hay, aquí, en La Paz, en el Palacio de Gobierno.
Esto es muy importante, mi responsabilidad termina el día en que el Congreso Nacional toma la decisión. Por lo tanto quiero que sepan que no estoy dejando mi responsabilidad, estoy aquí y estaré aquí. No está en mis ideas viajar a Miami o a Washington, está en mis ideas quedarme en mi Patria porque aquí está mi corazón y aquí está mi vida y quiero que ese último privilegio, el privilegio de no dejar de vivir aquí, y trabajar aquí, estar con ustedes y hacer lo tenga que hacer, desde el lugar que ocupe a favor de Bolivia se me prive, porque esa es mi responsabilidad.
Tendrán ustedes un Presidente que siempre da la cara que está en el lugar donde tiene que estar, hasta el minuto en que tiene que cumplir su obligación porque ese es mi trabajo como servidor público .
Es en ese contexto que estoy tomando esta decisión, con el deseo profundo, con el deseo íntimo, con el llamado más vehemente a mis compatriotas que están en actitudes tan violentas y tan intolerantes, que dejen estas acciones, que no asfixien a esta ciudad, que no ataquen con esas acciones a los más pobres, que tengamos la posibilidad de abastecimiento de combustible de vida civilizada entre compatriotas, que no nos hagamos daño innecesariamente, que no destruyamos innecesariamente nuestro futuro que es un gran futuro.
Y no hago reproches absolutamente a nadie. No creo en un discurso de un presidente que presenta su renuncia echándole cuentas a nadie, no quiero echarle cuentas ni culpas a nadie, asumo mi responsabilidad a plenitud, por todo lo que he hecho independientemente de los factores externos que hayan tenido que ver con los acontecimientos que hemos vivido.
Si algo debe aprender uno es asumir con claridad y con transparencia su responsabilidad y hacerlo de cara ustedes, al país. Estoy aquí, estaré aquí, cuentan conmigo en cualquier lugar, en cualquier momento y después de esta experiencia en la Presidencia de la República, mucho más que nunca porque he aprendido profundamente a amar a esta patria de corazón, a amarla, desde Santa Cruz, desde Tarija, desde Oruro, desde Chuquisaca, desde Potosí, desde Beni, desde Pando, desde Cochabamba, desde La Paz, desde los nueves departamentos de Bolivia.
El corazón es igual, el compromiso es igual, el tamaño de la responsabilidad, el tamaño del sentimiento es exactamente el mismo, estaré aquí para trabajar y contaré con ustedes siempre.
Buenas noches
ABI////
Posted by eduardo at 12:49 AM | Comments (0)
Junio 06, 2005
Mesa Resigns
Live on CNN en Español.
Update 1: Reiterated that he finishes his time without going back on his promise of not using force. Says that some groups took advantage of his promise by continuing to pressure to the point we are at.
Update 2: Says that he does not want to be an obstacle towards finding a solution. States emphatically that he will not leave the country after Congress accepts resignation because he lives in Bolivia.
Update 3: Accepts responsibility and does not place blame on external factors. Says that he hopes that his resignation will pacify the country.
First news story: Globovision
Update 4: Evo Morales is being interviewed live on CNN en Español. The host has challenged Evo asking whether he is an obstacle to finding a solution and pacifying the country. He said it is not up to him and that if his bases want him to resign then he would resign.
She also questioned his change of positions (i.e. 50% royalties vs. nationalization). He changed the subject.
Posted by eduardo at 09:37 PM | Comments (1)
Bolivia and Trafficking
As if the bad news coming from Bolivia cannot get any worse, the State Department released a Trafficking in Persons report rating countries' efforts and compliance in reducing/eliminating the trafficking of human beings.
Bolivia was placed in Tier III, which unfortunately is the lowest classification. It joins other very troubled countries such as North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Cuba as countries that have not made much effort to halt these occurrences.
Read the State Department's full description of Bolivia after the jump (pretty depressing stuff):
BOLIVIA (TIER 3)
Bolivia is a source and transit country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation to neighboring South American countries, through Spain to Western Europe, and to Japan and the United States. Children are trafficked internally for sexual exploitation, and forced mining and agricultural labor. Poverty forces thousands of Bolivians to migrate or work in sub-standard conditions, thus placing large numbers at risk of being trafficked. Thousands of children travel from poor rural to urban areas and fall victim to trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Bolivian workers have been trafficked to sweatshops in Argentina and Brazil, and to Chile for involuntary servitude. Illegal migrants from countries outside the region transit Bolivia; some may be trafficking victims. Unregulated land borders facilitate land-based trafficking between Bolivia and neighboring countries.
The Government of Bolivia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so. Bolivia failed to pass key anti-traffick-ing laws or to enforce existing laws sanctioning trafficking-related crimes. Even in the context of its political crises and resource limitations, the government accomplished little.
Prosecution
The government made little effort to investigate potential trafficking cases and lacked an anti-traf-ficking law enforcement strategy during the reporting period. The government prosecuted no trafficking cases in 2004. At the end of 2004, the National Police created an anti-trafficking unit, although it has yet to produce concrete results. Laws prohibiting slavery and trafficking for exploitation exist, but the government was not able to report any instances when these laws were applied during the reporting period. Budgetary limitations and pervasive corruption in public institutions severely limited the government’s ability to apply laws related to trafficking.
Protection
The national government offered no protection services to trafficking victims during the reporting period. The government’s scarce resources resulted in severely limited funding for social welfare programs in general. Over 200 municipalities provided various services to minors who were victims of crime but few local governments had the capacity to care for trafficking victims. NGOs attempting to fill the gap provided some care and rehabilitation services, principally to assist child victims. Individual officials occasionally paid personally to send victims home. The government lacked a policy for rescuing victims and officials were not trained to identify them.
Prevention
The government’s trafficking prevention efforts fell short in educating officials and the public. The Vice Ministry of Children’s Affairs partnered with the Organization of American States and IOM in late 2004 to conduct public seminars to highlight the urgency of the trafficking problem. Interagency efforts to coordinate government actions and public awareness regarding child exploitation included anti-trafficking elements but were largely focused on other child welfare issues. Officials demonstrated a lack of understanding regarding the differences between illegal migration, illegal adoption, and trafficking. Public awareness campaigns focused on eradication of child labor and illegal adoption.
Posted by eduardo at 12:33 PM | Comments (0)
Junio 05, 2005
Paz Para Bolivia
AP Photo of Bolivian soccer fans at last night's game vs. Chile in Santiago, where Bolivia lost 1-3.
Posted by eduardo at 06:59 PM | Comments (0)
Junio 02, 2005
barrioflores @ aol
Miguel B. tipped me off that we both made Aol @ School Country Watch's Recommended Blogs with Political Content. In addition to being listed, the list's compiler comments a bit about some of the Bolivian blogs. Here are a couple of observations:
BARRIO FLORES
URL: http://www.barrioflores.net/weblog/-Hosted by Eduardo Flores (eduardo [at] barrioflores [dot] net), a US citizen and son of Bolivian immigrants, this English language blog contains the latest news about Bolivian current events, including quotes from newspaper articles, with a slight slant in favor of President Carlos Mesa noted in the author's comments
You think? ;)
Bolivian Blog
URL: http://muereevomuere.blogspot.com/ Hosted by 20-year-old Alvaro Piaggio from Santa Cruz, Bolivia (alvaro_pg@hotmail.com and alvaro_pg@msn.com), this Spanish language blog (which, despite the URL, is not overtly anti-Evo Morales) includes comments and articles on Bolivian current events
Overtly is a nice word.
Posted by eduardo at 10:20 PM | Comments (1)
Bolivia in the News - June 2
From yesterday's Daily State Department briefing:
QUESTION: Can we change to Bolivia?
MR. BOUCHER: Sure.
QUESTION: There's violence and protests and congress is having difficulty meeting there. On the diplomatic front, this is a country that you've helped a lot, especially working with the Mexicans. Are you doing anything to try and defuse the violence?
MR. BOUCHER: I think, simply put, yes. We are in touch with the government. We're in touch with leaders in Bolivia. We're also in touch with other nations who are very interested and concerned about the situation there. And I would expect that this situation, as well as — that this situation will be discussed as part of the discussion of democracy in the hemisphere at the OAS General Assembly meeting next week. But yes, Bolivia is one of the issues of — that we're working on in the hemisphere along with others in the OAS in order to support the Inter-American Democracy Charter.
QUESTION: The main protest is about nationalizing the gas sector, with the U.S. usually prescribing economic policies that don't involve nationalizing. Are you talking to the government about that, that they shouldn't give into the demands of the protestors? Where do you stand on that issue?
MR. BOUCHER: I think, generally, we've stuck with talking to the government about the security situation, about the situation as regards to democracy and maintaining democracy in Bolivia, so I think I'll leave it at that for the moment.
Interesting question #2, which tries to pinpoint a U.S. position. With so much criticism coming to Bolivia that they rely too much on foreign aid, a generous Hydrocarbons Law (not necessarily nationalization) would pump more dollars into the treasury using their own natural resources. We're not talking about airlines or railroads that the government has no business working with, rather natural resources within the country.
Posted by eduardo at 01:51 PM | Comments (0)
Junio 01, 2005
Music Questions
For something non-Bolivia:
Who passed it to me: MABB
Total volume of music files in my PC: not too much, most of it is on my Creative Nomad Zen Xtra – 30 GB
Last CD I bought: The Decemberists - Picaresque
Which song I'm currently listening : M.I.A. – Diplo – Galangaton (Diplo Mix)
Five songs I listen to all the time and have some significance for me:
I usually get into these kicks where I listen exclusively to certain CDs and then lose interest. These are the 5 songs that I’ve been listening to a lot over the past month.
-Andrew Bird – Fake Palindromes
-M.I.A. – Diplo – Sunshowers (Diplo Mix)
-Sufjan Stevens – Come On Feel the Illinoise
-LCD Soundsystem – Daft Punk is Playing at My House
-Out Hud – One Life to Leave
Surprised not to see any hint of “Latin” music? I guess that doesn't make me a real Bolivian-American.
Pass this task to:
Christian – Juanson World
Luis – Barrio Mulas
Boz – Bloggings by Boz
Don – South American Journal
Carlos Mesa - Presidencia de la Republica
Posted by eduardo at 09:17 PM | Comments (2)
Bolivia News
I don't want to think about what's going on in Bolivia. Miguel C. covers it for today.
Posted by eduardo at 09:15 PM | Comments (0)