in the news...

I read in the Bolivian papers today about a comment from Christian Broadcaster Pat Robertson making a comment about wanting the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.....or at least that was my "professional" translation from Spanish to English. The writer had never heard of Pat Robertson, but the comment made the Bolivian papers because of the close involvement with Chavez to many of the Bolivian socialist leaders, such as Evo Moralis.

I don't know much on what was said, but from what I read, it seems about as ignorant a comment as I've heard in a long time. The controversey once again boils down to a socialist government, that the US (or Pat Robertson) views as a possible staging point for the "invasion" of communism (alongside Fidel Castro of Cuba) into the Americas. In my opinion, the assassination of one leader will bring about another in time because.... Socialism will always be a draw in places where people are oppressed and the poor are seen in masses. Maybe Socialism isn't the problem (if you think it is one at all) that we should be reacting to in the first place.

Again, I did not read much on what was said, but I think the comment in itself probably shows the root of a big problem between US thought and many of the countries of this world. Can people in these countries help but call the US imperialists?


In related news, I'm thinking of setting up a socialist type of system at my school in Mallasilla. I'm gaining support rather quickly among the students. My principle, on the other hand....

I now have a cell phone, and my number is 705-51-798. i don't know the Bollivian code if you're calling from the states, but feel free to find out if the mood strikes you! Also, the school is getting a new mailing address sometime soon, so I'll post that as soon as I find out what it is. Just remember, 705-51-798