US Democracy and Latin America

The US has for some time now being aware of significant changes in political governance throughout Latin America. From Mexico to Chile, a majority of countries have recently appointed new Presidents, some of whom have dramatically changed the way they see the US and their own neighbors.

Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Argentina and of course Cuba are for the most part against US international policies, trade and influence that the US exerts over other regions. Interestingly even when they do not agree and often like Chavez in Venezuela bash the US (and recently anyone who he believes gets in his way), they all want to export to the US. While several of these these individuals - I would not go as far as to call them "leaders" do their best to threaten to cut off oil exports, nationalize, confiscate or privatize US and Europe companies, other countries are trying hard to create a vision for the future where democracy and economic growth will benefit their country or region. Why is it then that the latter group is unsupported by the US whereas the former are tolerated?

Last month former Vice-President and wanna be President Al Gore, canceled a much touted environmental meeting in Florida, because Colombia's President Uribe was also scheduled to speak, indicating that Uribe could be under investigation for past ties with a paramilitary group. Not only did Gore offend most Colombians but also many others throughout Latin America, leading many to believe that sometimes political retort is better than a level head and proves that there is no such thing as being innocent until proven guilty.

More recently, Democrats stalled on free trade issues with Colombia mostly on US politics - since the Republican incumbent is in favor, the Democrats must by default be against it. On May 6th, The Washington Post characterized President Uribe as a "staunch alley of the US". Yet the US Democrats he met with pretty much gave him the cold shoulder while heavily promoting "friendship" with Syria, North Korea and a few other non-friendly governments.

It appears that ignorance is a blessing and that many in Government need to wake up and realize that the animosity from Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia is a two way street and did not occur overnight. Judging others objectively is hard enough, judging others without knowledge is just plain ignorance.