Over Simplifying the Complexities of a Stereotype

[Roverticus]

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In its most extreme form, Latin American politics conjures the image of Hugo Chavez on horse back, wielding a tiny copy copy of the Communist Manifesto to spread the joy of central planning and chic red berets. But, it is time to rethink this mental caricature. The region’s political climate should arouse not one, but several overly simplified stereotypes.

The Left

There are three types of leftist presidents throughout Latin America: the firebrand hardliners, the goofy yet practical populists and the wannabe one-timers. Chavez and Raul Castro compose the far-left hardliners. They accept state planning as the preferred means of running an economy, and they actively oppose the private sector and its champions in the US. These leaders are willing to subvert the democratic process and personal freedoms, in the pursuit of collective equality.

The goofy yet practical leftists are closely aligned with the hardliners, but act distinctly. This group includes Evo Morales of Bolivia, Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua and Rafael Correa of Ecuador. While often prone to diplomatic demagoguery and hostile to foreign interests, these presidents have maintained responsible fiscal and monetary policies, favorable to sustainable growth and macroeconomic stability. Meanwhile they have focused on empowering the state in the alleviation of poverty.

for more on the wanna be one-timers, moderates, and conservatives: http://revpana.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/over-simplifying-the-complexities-of-a-stereotype/

[Peace Patriot]

1. This reads like a crude CIA blueprint for "divide and conquer" of Latin America's New Left.

Any analysis of Latin America's politics that categorizes the presidents of Bolivia, Nicaragua and Ecuador as "goofy" is ridiculous anyway, and insulting. Evo Morales, for instance, is a leader of the stature of Nelson Mandela. He and his government and his supporters have peacefully ended centuries of ugly, brutal, murderous racism in Bolivia--a magnificent achievement! They overcame a U.S.-funded and organized white separatist insurrection in 2008 and the defeat of that coup attempt was characteristic of the UNITY of this new set of Latin American leaders, who have been elected in the most remarkable leftist democracy movement in history!

CIA brains may dream of "dividing and conquering" it. And maybe, with Leon Panetta in charge, they will find the way. The fake "constitutional crises" in Honduras and Paraguay may be the template. But to expect crap like this article to be taken seriously as analysis is a bit much. Can't you smell it?

[Roverticus]

2. Goofy does not equal bad, it means entertainment

From a diplomatic perspective he does act pretty goofy. When the Chilean miners rose to the surface, he asked one of them to be a cabinet member. Presidents just don't normally do stuff like that.

Let me make it clear. I have the utmost respect for Evo Morales and he has done amazing work for the people of his country, but compared with other presidents, sometimes he pulls silly moves. Certainly part of this comes from the fact that Morales is not from the traditional Bolivian political elite. He is a newcomer who often does things differently. Now that's not necessarily a bad thing. It makes watching politics and diplomacy more interesting.

[flamingdem]

3. I'd be more impressed with av list of Hillary Clintons

goofy moves in Latin America. How about that goofy move when she supported the right wing coup in Honduras, that was a duzy

Just sayin'

[Roverticus]

4. Goofy no, Typical yes

One would expect nothing less from the US secretary of state