Thursday, October 31, 2002

# Ultra-leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva handily won the Brazilian presidency on Sunday. Latin America's largest economy — the world's ninth-largest — is in peril. Marxism knocked; Brazilians opened the door.

# After 20 years of mismanaging its oil wealth, showering its people with profits from its rich fields, 80 percent of Venezuelans live in poverty. Revolution is on the people's lips.

# Argentina's middle class is experiencing what American Enterprise Institute scholar Mark Falcoff calls "rapid pauperization." Confidence is low; solutions haven't been forthcoming.

# The rule of law is taking a beating in Colombia. Narco-terrorists abound; much of the international community gives them the same legitimacy as the elected government.

# Peru's year-old democratically elected government is plagued by scandals; there's no cogent economic plan. It's ripe for exploitation.

Our friends south of the border are vulnerable. There are elements about ready to take advantage. America would be wise to watch.

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

Answers

nervously looking to the south ...

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

Hmm, maybe the Haitians could go there and get things sorted out?

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2002

Cool idea, Barefoot!

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2002