Left Winds In South America?

[Theocrat]

I hope some of you could tell me whats up with South America?
Are they turning toward more socialist policies or not?
Which country is what, and are they doing well?

I keep reading that Neo-liberalism is dead in S.A... :)

[Mikey_C]

The short answer is yes. Neoliberalism hasn't worked! The 'trickle-down' has failed to materialise, the rich get richer, the poor get poorer... Chavez is the most promising leader following his dramatic return after the CIA-induced coup. Lula in Brazil raised a great many hopes, but has turned out to be a bit of a slow burner (he was heckled at the World Social Forum). Gutierrez. Interesting events in Ecuador: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...F_THE_POOR.asp The left has also made some recent electoral gains in Colombia - but the struggle is brutal (94 trade unionist killed last year). I think its premature to talk about a major trend - but there are promising signs. A lot depends on the US, of course - the interventions of the 80s had a traumatizing effect.

[Theocrat]

The short answer is yes. Neoliberalism hasn't worked! The 'trickle-down' has failed to materialise, the rich get richer, the poor get poorer... Chavez is the most promising leader following his dramatic return after the CIA-induced coup. Lula in Brazil raised a great many hopes, but has turned out to be a bit of a slow burner (he was heckled at the World Social Forum). Gutierrez. Interesting events in Ecuador: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...F_THE_POOR.asp The left has also made some recent electoral gains in Colombia - but the struggle is brutal (94 trade unionist killed last year). I think its premature to talk about a major trend - but there are promising signs. A lot depends on the US, of course - the interventions of the 80s had a traumatizing effect.

What is this "CIA induced coup?"

Why do they keep messing with SA and it's peoples? It really bugs me that the nations in SA aren't allowed to be really democratic and have peace and opportunity for everyone. I want to visit those countries, because of their rich cultural heritage, mexico first though. I don't want to get robbed and intimidated by poor desperate people. I would rather pay the workers for their produce. I felt a heartwarming sensation when i read an article about venezuela. And an uprising started with the yell
"YA BASTA!!".

I don't have anything against classic liberals. But neoliberalism is just pyramid economics and it wont produce stable countries. Or protect environments. Why can't the US leave 'well enough' alone?

I hope a war doesn't start in SA. Or an invasion by the US.
Or another (dick)tator installment.

Small companies here are getting the 'old pitchfork in the ass' because of the "shitty" way they treat employees.. When unions don't step in. 'Work Environment Inspectors' do!

A "Shape up, or Ship out!" policy seems to be sneaking in!

The 'green party' over here has a great 'youth party leader' now. He really pissed of the neoliberals here. The conservatives are just 'banal- overcommercialized-rich-party-brats!'

[Mikey_C]

What is this "CIA induced coup?"

Check this: http://www.chavezthefilm.com/index_ex.htm

[Theocrat]

What is this "CIA induced coup?"

Check this: http://www.chavezthefilm.com/index_ex.htm

*Ahhhhh*. Now i finally have my "freeweek".

I wonder how things are in britain, Mikey?.. After all we are both in the union..