Michael: Talking just a wee bit of poltics

At home night before last, I talked with Jaime on a variety of subjects, including the political turmoil that has always plagued his country. The cocaine trade is widespread and pernicious. The president of the country, Evo Morales, is also the head of the coca grower’s union, a clear conflict of interest. The tenure of most Bolivian presidents is ridiculously short and Morales’ popularity has plunged in recent months, perhaps portending his political end.
Yesterday, the talk turned political again. One of our hosts took us to a private day care center founded by her cousin. In conversation after the tour, the cousin said that the government of Bolivia frequently changes the rules with regards to regulations over schools, day care, and similar facilities. Worse than that, businesses are often “nationalized” by the government. What that means, as I understand it, is that the government confiscates “for the people” the assets of big bad corporations – and sometimes everyday people – the things they’ve invested in, such as the wells, pipelines, and refineries of major oil companies.
Morales espouses the rights of indigenous people who widely support him. He is an uneducated man, completing only 4th grade. Elected by a huge majority, the plunge in Morales’ popularity is a result of his handling of things like fuel cost policies and worker strikes. People here have said he is a pawn to Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, who has been a constant thorn in the side of the United States. On a more positive note, Morales has become a hero to the worldwide environmental movement in placing into the Bolivian constitution laws that recognize the inherent rights of natural things. (See: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/apr/10/bolivia-enshrines-natural-worlds-rights) This all seems well and good, but how it plays out in the potential transition of this country into the modern world remains to be seen. Jaime, who worked lived for more than half his life in the United States, admitted ruefully that his native country was 100 years behind the US.
Obviously, it is a huge disincentive to any corporation or entrepreneur to invest in anything with the constant threat that the government might step in and take it. I have made many personal investments in my business life and while I’m always at the mercy of the vicissitudes of the marketplace, at least I’m not worried about my government taking everything from me. Our host for the day said she owned a business with other family members that continued to invest in Bolivia, but admitted that sometimes it stretched their better judgment to do so.
The United States certainly has its share of political problems, but they seem to pale against Bolivia’s. I look up from my window and another beautiful day unfolds in Cochabamba. Parrots perch on the trees and sing about the new day. Oranges grow on the trees in the yard and flamboyant bird of paradise plants unfold their blossoms. What a paradise this country could be! Constant vigilance on the part of every citizenry is essential to the maintenance of a just and equitable political system.