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Octubre 20, 2005
A Tragic Lesson for Bolivia
There's a new Comment and Analysis Piece posted at the Financial Times website entitled "Bolivia provides a tragic lesson for Latin America." The piece was written by Lord Norman Lamont, British chancellor of the exchequer, who recently visited Bolivia. The whole time reading, I tried figuring out what the tragic lesson was (bold print-my emphasis).
The rising figure is the charismatic Evo Morales, who supports free cultivation of the cocoa leaf, the raw material for the production of cocaine, and the nationalisation of hydrocarbons.
Apparently the tragic lesson is: Don't let your kids drink Nestle's Quik.
Posted by eduardo at Octubre 20, 2005 01:45 PM
Comments
Maybe this is the English spelling for "coca"?
Like calling an elevator a "lift"?
I agree that chocolate milk and other cocoa derivatives are contributing to major health problems in the United States and that these products should be made illegal. The chocolate factories in Switzerland and Belgium should be eradicated!
Posted by: ginger at Octubre 20, 2005 05:20 PM
Don't agree with your point of view on the article written by Lord Lamont. He does not indicate that coca is tragic lesson. If anything he was giving some background information and identifying some obvious elements.
Do note that Lord Lamont states that nationalisation of hydrocarbons as a mistake and that the poor will be the one to suffer. I think his tragic lesson is the lack of economic development and effects it has on the poor.
Posted by: g camacho at Octubre 21, 2005 01:12 PM
LOL! Good one, Eduardo!
That said, the slightly confused British lord makes a good point. Nationalization of energy will be an unmitigated disaster for Bolivia. They won't be doing themselves any favors if they let the FARC outsource their Colombian operation in Bolivia, either.
Posted by: A.M. Mora y Leon at Octubre 23, 2005 10:31 AM
I agree with the above comments. Lamont limits himself to stating some background and making some obvious statements. But, then again, that is the kind of coverage seen in the main stream media when it comes to Bolivia.
Posted by: Miguel (MABB) at Octubre 23, 2005 03:24 PM
Such Brits are famous for their mediocrity - they actually consider a virtue. The gentleman's 'C' in action!
Posted by: A.M. Mora y Leon at Octubre 24, 2005 12:03 AM