Some people say it could be avoided, while others think it's the inevitable result of stiff posititons held by cocaleros and opposition since the Constituent Assembly was installed. The aftermath is two dead men and frustration. What worries me more is that probably the situation might get worse since the struggle no longer involves just Oriente and Occidente, it is broadening to "urban versus rural" in every major city of the country.

There are two clear issues behind the Cochabamba turmoil:

- MAS wants to defeat all opposition no matter what (they want to behead Reyes Villa).
- MAS does not want the autonomic movement to gain momentum and disqualifies all autonomic proposals labelling them as "separatist".

From now on things have to be solved with extreme care and very slowly, parties involved are grieving and they never trusted each other (at least lately they both have reasons for that), nobody wants radical and irregular groups to emerge in order to avenge their dead.

Bolivians should take a halt and meditate, we can't solve problems with violence, we ought to discuss and negotiate, no party has numeric nor de facto supremacy over the other; though I think the government is heading to a rather anti democratic gorvernment to say the least.

A lot of things have happened since Evo took power. As expected international relations are more cooperative with Cuba, Venezuela and, in the other hand, international relations with USA are not well carried to say the least. Everybody is waiting for anounced economic policies to be carried on soon in 2007, this is a government in which you do not know what to expect, even after political measures are announced; experience says you've got to wait until action takes place (don't trust what is being said).

More than a year has gone by and here's an impartial balance (or so I think it is):

- Positive results in hidrocarbons policy (nationalization -arguable term-), at least in economic terms so far. The way the private industry has behaved so far somehow legitimated Evo´s posture and indeed showed the population that previous governments did not negotiate the "capitalization" contracts in the best possible terms for the country.
- Good measures (more messages than measures) in what is related to public administration of public funds and goods, salary cuts in top executive positions and a bill that states that no public employee can earn more than the President (about U$ 1,600.- per month). I don't know if this bill is being completly reinforced, but it was perceived by the population as a good measure. Personally I agree with some detractors, because this kind of policy can result in lack of participation of the best professionals available to fill some important positions (because of low wages that are easily surpassed by private offers of employment) and it can prove disastrous when it comes to corruption (we've seen before how pwople are willing to work at a determined position for cents knowing that they can perceive real "wages" from bribes.
- One of the most worrying problems is that there is no known economic policy, eventhough neighbouring countries are taking advantage of high prices of minerals and some other products produced in the region, Bolivia is distracted with problems caused by it's own central government (internal ratial and region autonomic struggles fueled by clumsy speeches and declarations of government officials).
- There is no rational international relations policy, designations in this and other areas of the executive are being constantly delayed. Major issues with neighbouring countries and other important states in the world for Bolivia are not being steadily nor sistematically attended. It seems more attention is being paid to what is happening internally neglecting the globalization the world is immersed nowadays.
- Educational policy is being inforced without legitimate consensus, the actual government is taking extreme measures in this area that will hardly be carried on in future governments (probably they are pretty sure they´ll stay in office more than 5 years).
- Evo frequently criticizes on freedom of press, a lot of people (also human rights activists) perceive that we've taken some steps backwards in this field, indeed some people feel there is a sistematic pressure and threats to opposite parties and its members.

I hope the issues mentioned above will be resolved by the government in a good democratic way in the months to come.

Until the next post.

La vestimenta del Presidente Electo ha dado mucho que hablar últimamente he podido leer y escuchar varias opiniones locales e internacionales al respecto que respaldan o critican la informalidad en el vestir del Sr. Evo Morales.  ¿Es que dadas las características de los resultados electorales (en el que un indígena se hizo democráticamente y por mayoría del poder) ahora resulta curioso e interesante  para la sociología interpretar las particularidades y costumbres de un indígena en situaciones poco cotidianas, sino inéditas, para la gran parte de sus congéneres aquí y en otras latitudes? y es que algunos alaban y apelan a la metalectura de la conducta del Presidente Electo para ensalzar el valor de romper el protocolo.  Personalmente creo que el Sr. Morales está dando muestras de una personalidad intolerante que esperemos sea un error de percepción del que suscribe y que no sea una característica constante de su futuro gobierno.

 

Entre las tantas opiniones que he escuchado y leído (no recuerdo todas) me ha llamado la atención una plasmada en un artículo escrito por un ciudadano español que parece percibir la vestimenta del Sr. Morales como una declaración de protesta al estilo de los que fueran denominados “sans culotte” en Francia (publicado en la prensa local hace unos días); puede ser que efectivamente sea esa la intención, pero el mensaje principal que percibimos los espectadores con sentido común de las visitas del Sr. Morales a España, China y otros países que ha visitado es de falta de respeto, pues, entre los varios consejeros y allegados que lo acompañan me rehuso a pensar que ninguno tenga la más mínima noción de protocolo o fisonomía similar a la de su líder (sus anfitriones no se hubiesen dado cuenta si el terno era prestado o no).  Dejando a un lado la ironía, efectivamente es más importante la persona y la esencia que la envoltura, pero las normas sociales que nos han tocado vivir y los escenarios a los que está llamado a participar el Presidente Electo, lo obligan a que vista a la altura de las circunstancias; sin duda el esfuerzo que haga el Sr. Morales para corregir su conducta en este sentido, creo que será apreciado por la mayoría  de la población, lo cortez no quita lo valiente.  

 

El hecho de ser invitado a un país y de reunirse con determinadas autoridades o personalidades obligan a uno, aunque sea como muestra de simpatía y agradecimiento (porque de lo contrario es mejor declinar una invitación), a respetar los usos y costumbres principales y elementales del anfitrión (máxime tratándose de países afines a la línea política que parece que va ha imprimir el gobierno de Morales).   En el caso particular del Sr. Morales, hubiese sido mucho mejor realizar la gira alternativamente con atuendos originarios de impecable presentación y pulcritud, o, con trajes formales de cualidades similares sin necesidad de entrar en consideraciones ridículas de marca o precio que son irrelevantes. 

 

Con justa razón un diplomático español reclamó la falta de protocolo y la permisividad de su gobierno, pero creo que la permisividad de las cancillerías de los países que se ha visitado tiene una explicación a la altura de la raisson d’etre de esas instituciones: han preferido tomar este impasse como una oportunidad de mostrar ejemplo de tolerancia y respeto hacia la diversidad de pensamiento y libertad de acción evitando un desplante y posteriores titulares sensacionalistas, y, quien sabe, en casos extremos talvez un probable resentimiento eterno del Sr. Morales y de quienes lo acompañarán en la conducción del país (esperamos fervientemente) el periodo constitucional que le toca en derecho presidir.  De persistir la falta de protocolo del Sr. Morales podría dar la impresión de que tales actos no fueron cometidos por ingenuidad o calculada rebeldía, sino, peor aun, fueron premeditados para incomodar a los anfitriones sirviéndose además de la cobertura internacional para propalar un mensaje de intolerancia y falta de tacto más que de rebeldía.

 

Próximamente el Sr. Morales asumirá el mando de la nación, la mayoría de los bolivianos sabemos que enfrenta muchos retos y que no tiene la formación de un presidente “tradicional”, esperamos que tampoco adolezca de las limitaciones y taras de muchos presidentes “tradicionales” que nos han gobernado.  La educación que menciono en líneas anteriores es muy útil pero sin duda existen otras cualidades más importantes como la humildad y la honradez, si el Sr. Morales las posée no debemos preocuparnos demasiado, pues buscará el asesoramiento adecuado que le permitirá retribuir la confianza que la mayoría de los bolivianos le ha manifestado a través del voto y retribuirá también la tolerancia que la comunidad internacional le ha brindado en la persona de sus primeros anfitriones.   

 

Suficiente cobertura se le ha dado a este tema, con este artículo pretendo apelar a la razón de quienes aplauden la falta de protocolo y de aquellos que ignorantemente interpretan la tolerancia de la comunidad internacional como un signo de debilidad, o peor aun, como señales de victoria del supuesto mensaje de “rebeldía”.  Pido disculpas a todos por escribir bajo un seudónimo, no lo hago por miedo de dar mi nombre, existe una razón práctica: como ya estoy harto de este tema bajo el anonimato no tendré que discutir sobre este asunto con algunos amigos, compañeros de trabajo, familiares y conocidos que opinan diferente (pues los hay) y que, luego de haber leído el presente artículo, todavía sientan que los primeros pasos del Presidente Electo son correctos y bien orientados.

 

Sorry for not living up to the promess of monthly postings. Latest news (of me, not Bolivia), I just bought a Digital Camera, a cheap one, but good enough for my purposes as you can tell in the changes I've made to my blog.

So long.

I've been appart from blogging for a while, a lot of things have happened in the political arena in the last two years, and all triggered by, or related to the hidrocarbons law, gas exploitation, or legislative quirrels.

I don't want cover all that has happened, and I'm also fed up (not for good, just now)of giving opinions or "newspaper like" accounts of what has happened, or what is happening. This time I want to make some analysis -statements?- regarding the last 2 years (based on 2 years of perspective):

- Sanchez de Lozada was indeed ousted by a coup d etat.
- The coup d etat was not planned, it rather took form once the violence was triggered in Plaza Murillo by some schoolkids (they were enroled in school, they were teenagers, but they could be better labeled as "street vandals").
- Mesa's divorce from Sanchez de Lozada was out of time. Nevertheless, I'm convinced he had good intentions once he took power; but, as time passed by his lack of political knowledge was more evident.
- Having heard all kinds of discussions, accusations, expert and party oppinions related to the hidrocarbons law, I came to the conclusion that it could have been better negotiated (though it was legal). Bottom line the Bolivian party had poor knowledge, argument, power of negotion?; the transnationals party were too stingy, abusive, short of sight, naive of bolivian revolt tradition?. If both parties had sealed a better deal "at that time" probably none of this shit would have happened.
- The gas-hidrocarbons issue was a political flag used to oust Sanchez de Lozada. Then, why do I state that all this shit wouldn't have taken place if a better deal was signed at that time?. A better deal meant better income for Bolivia, more jobs, more internal consumption, more population satisfaction; though, I must say this equation does not take place 100% in Bolivia due to some problems such as corruption and incapacity. Violence was triggered by frustration and desperation accumulated by some sectors of the population (this frustration was stimulated by the invisible hands behind the coup d etat). Who's to blame for the frustration accumulated?, probably most of the political parties and public administrators that at one point of time had the possibility to alliviate Bolivia's poverty (included the ones that participated in the first hidrocarbons contract negotiation).
- Bad negotiations don't constitute a crime (unless you can prove some kind of bribery or corruption, at most you can say Bolivians were naive, ignorant or stupid). All contracts just had to be renegotiated without this violent background.
- Bolivia needs foreign investment, in order to achieve this investment we ought to preserve the rule of law, and the best way to do it is with a real democracy. Democracy requires a certain level of education that it seems the common Bolivian doesn't have, democracy requires a certain level of patriotism and braveness (to stand for your rights) that we also seem to lack.
- Under the rule of law the state has the monopoly of power, and in order to be really sovereign, this power shouldn't be challenged, and if so it has to display it's power to put things back in place (within reasonable premises and to the extent necessary). None of the before mentioned seem to occur in Bolivia.
- The bulk of the population is tired of social struggles, then how come protests still take place?.
- It seems that the same "scheme" used to oust Sanchez de Lozada it's being used with Mesa right now, do we really want to go back to 2 year governments?, can we really be better off without a democratic system of checks and balances?.
- Gas and another hydrocarbons are a really good source of income but not the only neither the best, we should try to increase income through other activities such as tourism, mining, industrial, agricultural, etc.
- At this point of time, cultural, commercial, social, family ties are very intricated between all bolivian regions, so give autonomy to whoever wants it, if some region develops far more than another then let's migrate to this region and let's rip the benfits!. I don't like that much the radical autonomist position, but I also think that it will not be the bolivian apocalipse.

Ok, 'til next month.

It's been a while since my last posting, fortunately (for me) I'll starting posting regularly soon. This is just a test to determine if someone still reads this blog.

The Santa Cruz issue is being fueled up (it seems) by local "empresarios cruceños" and "autoridades civicas". Mesa is using a classic political strtegy asserting that all turmoils in Santa Cruz are sponsored by Sanchez de Lozada and their followers (probably some empresarios and civicos did support Sanchez de Lozada)in an effort to de-legitimate all protests. Cruceños are really interested in autonomy and they think that's best for them (never heard of them some good arguments or results for the country as a whole).

What is really interesting is that Santa Cruz is always nagging about centralization, but everybody that has been there can testify that the region is also very centralized itself; only the city of Santa Cruz has good infrastucture (and only 'til the 5th ring, periurban Santa Cruz lacks basic services) no need to mention what happens in smaller cities.

Finally they ought to consider that:
-For a long time (specially the 70s) Santa Cruz development was financed by the mining industry of Oruro y Potosi.
-"We" have a large international debt, I'd like to know how we split it.
- They'll have to create executive branchs and nowadays without them they're having a lot of trouble.
- There are a lot of inmigrant residents from the east that for sure don't like the idea but are still silent to see how things turn out.
- Commerce might be hampered and, wether or not they don´t like it, a lot of investment in Bolivia comes from the east or Andean Region (even Peruvian investors).
-An irresponsible autonomic demand might fragment the weakened political union that we still have.

Above some points to consider.

El resultado de las elecciones fue muy interesante y esperanzador para el país, en estas elecciones se ha visto como nunca antes el "voto premio" y "voto castigo" a los distitntos candidatos. Candidatos que realizaron buenas gestiones fueron reelegidos inclusive con más votación que la que legitimaba su primera elección, mientras que los "malos conocidos" obtuvieron una ínfima votación.

Otros resultados interesantes de la elección fueron:

- Un alto nivel de ausentismo a nivel nacional(se habla de un 39%), no quiero interpretar esto pero no es nada bueno, máxime considerando que se amenazó con depurar de las listas de la Corte Nacional Electoral a quienes no votaran.

- Indiferencia de la población al bombardeo publicitario de algunos candidatos como el caso de La Paz en que Jaime Paz Pereira, quien inyectó bastante dinero en su campaña y obtuvo una votación muy baja (6%), mientras que, por su lado, el candidato conocido como "Mayor Vargas" casi no hizo publicidad política (se habla de menos de U$100.- gastados) y sin embargo obtuvo un nivel de votación similar al de Paz Pereira.

- Candidatos sindico-ciudadanos obtuvieron niveles de votación bajísimos en la mayoría de los departamentos, por lo que, contrariando lo que muchos "analistas políticos" dicen, creo que tenemos partidos políticos para rato (además creo que son un mal necesario).

Los anteriores resultados son esperanzadores pues los servidores públicos tienen como nunca antes una clara señal de que su futura votación irá acorde a los resultados de sus gestiones; causa y efecto natural que antes no era tan evidente o que era aplacada por el accionar de los "partidos políticos". Asimismo creo que se ha puesto de manifiesto la importancia de proyectos de mayor alcance (propuestas políticas) por sobre intereses de un sector, geografía o gremio de ciudadanos (las agrupaciones ciudadanas creo que no han tenido resultados favorables, pese a que se trataban de elecciones municipales localizadas).

Lo anterior hace suponer que los partidos políticos siguen siendo los vehículos de representatividad más idóneos en un sistema democrático, lamentablemente en el pasado fueron autocráticamente dirigidos (unos más que otros) devaluando su utilidad pública. El actual escenario es propicio para modernizar todos los partidos tradicionales y ajustar clavijas en los partidos nuevos para que recuperen importancia y prestigio en los próximos años y realmente sean vehículos de representación ciudadana que refuerzen nuestro sistema democrático en vez de fragmentarlo, ojalá se aproveche la coyuntura actual y tengamos pocos candidatos presidenciales el 2007, que las nuevas autoridades del Ejecutivo, diputados y partidos estén conscientes de que realmente serán responsables de sus acciones, y no 10 años después, sino inmediatamente después de finalizar sus gestiones.

Ayer se televisó el debate entre los 3 candidatos que aparentemente tendrán mayor votación en las elecciones muncipales del próximo 05 de Diciembre (Juan del Granado, Hernán Paredes y Pablo Ramos). El debate fue gracioso pues Hernán Paredes y Pablo Ramos hicieron una dupla al mejor estilo lucha libre (sin palmada para entrar al ring) cada uno de ellos se estrellaba contra Juan del Granado a su manera (Paredes de manera directa y agresiva, mientras que Ramos de manera un poco más cortez y demagógica); Paredes fue más obvio al preguntar a Ramos opiniones y reflexiones solamente sobre la gestión de Juan del Granado (ningún cuestionamiento hacia el programa propuesto por Ramos). Sin duda Del Granado convenció más al público demostrando autocontrol y seguridad en el manejo de temas municipales. Paredes intentó desesperadamente desacreditar la gestión del Granado al mejor estilo politiquero de principios de los 90s (incluso llevó un legajo de papeles y documentos) mientras que Ramos, respetado economista y ex-rector de la UMSA quedó mal parado en un par de intervenciones (mal asesoramiento?, mala preparación?).

Lo más gracioso del debate fue el análisis del perfil psicológico de los 3 candidatos realizado al final del debate por una Psicóloga en base al estudio sus respectivas firmas. Las 3 firmas eran totalmente distintas y los perfiles resultantes muy parecidos, al margen de analizar los resultados (no quiero juzgar aquello pues ignoro temas psico-grafológicos) fue un simpático aditamento que le restó seriedad al debate en vez de complementarlo.

Sin duda aquellos indecisos que vieron el programa ya saben por quien votarán!

P.D. No soy político y menos del MSM.

I'm taking a break since Nov. 1st (until Nov. 29), that's why I didn't post on time. The weather has been really good (hot for La Paz standards). Politically things have not changed much, press releases forecast some policies that will eventually increase taxes on income. Actually, that sort of "impuestazo" triggered the coup de etat that overthrew former President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, so, I doubt that Mesa will do it; besides, with the legitimacy of a referendum the Hidrocarbons law is still being discussed!.

I've checked all I've written since I started blogging and found out that I usually make one entry per month, don't have much to say but I want to commit myself to maintain at least the 1 month-1 post rate (eventhough no one reads my blog). I thing it'll be a good exercise (at least for english and writting proficiency reasons).

Bolivia has been politically stable the last couple of months, the new Hidrocarbons Law is being discussed and it seems it does respect the referendum results, but it is harsh with the counterparty (hidrocarbons transnationals). Right now there is a media wrestle between the executive and transnationals, both of them have good arguments and want to persuae public opinion. Personally, I think they (transnationals) have to pay more taxes (regalias or whatever), but they have to arrive to a good arrangement, I don't think unilateral decissions end with good results.

International relations with Chile are deteriorating and it seems the Chilean Government have vulnerated treaties with respect to the port of Arica privatization; it looks like a way of protesting for the full disclosure 7/24 Hrs. crying international relations policy adopted by Mesa in regards to the sea issue pending with Chile. I don't support Mesa's foreign policy (at least with Chile) but I can foresee some positive side effects such as aversion towards consumption of Chilean products and harder counterfit controls in that specific border; everybody knows Chile benefits much more from formal and informal trade relations than Bolivia. It'll be also beneficial to articulate other ways (ports) to export our goods.

That is all so far, if I stand to my commitment, the next post should not be published later than a month from now!

The referendum took place as scheduled and the majority of the 5 questions were voted affirmatively, the result was no surprise to anyone. Almost two months have passed since July 18th and legal reforms to the Hidrocarbons Law are still pending (differences between the legislative and the executive are being discussed).

It seems that the most important outcome of the referendum it's the bizarre legitimacy obtained/perceived by President Mesa towards it's government. The population still waits, some sindicalist have started protests with limited results (except for a one day transport strike held several weeks ago). Things could go back to normal for good and, if the new Hidrocarbon Law is passed soon, it could be a good sign of stabilization, it would be Mesa's greatest achievement so far.

Municipal elections will be held in December, the post referendum era left political parties weak, and civil/social organizations/movements strong; it'll be an interesting scenario. Jorge "Tuto Quiroga" is back in the country, he will resign to ADN and start politics on his own. With such important changes in the leadership of the major political parties, the outcome of the coming municipal elections will surely define the strong and the weak political actors (not parties) in the years to come.

There's less than 2 weeks for the refendum to take place, I percieve the majority's discomfort with the way it was handled; though, the majority perceives it is a positive thing and probably absentism will be low (traditionally elections ,and all sort of things like that, are like holidays for most of the population). Despite the fact that all questions were poorly formulated, they will serve their purpose as a general basis for hidrocarbons and international policy making; surveys foretell a "Yes" to all questions; but that'll be only step 1.

After the referendum it is not clear the direction the executive will take, whichever they take I hope they stick to it no matter what, lately Mesa's administration has been marked by giving up to the slightest social obstacle and by fear of using the legitimate power of authority (can't really blame him considering his predecessor; but if you hold the club you might have to swing, otherwise give it to someone who will).

It's been a while since my last posting, that is because I had a heavy work load the last 3 weeks, fortunately things will turn out a bit lighter in June.

Some interesting things have happened in May, the most important was the publication of the referendum questions, I think that the questions were a surprise to all, positive for some, negative to the bulk, but a "surprise". I think that the questions should've been publicly debated, at least to the extent that you could more or less outline them. This was not the case, they were the outcome of a blackbox and the executive said that because of legal considerations they can not be modified (stupid answer for me), law and the referendum per se are instruments for democracy and society not dogma. Anyhow there is a lot of discomfort with the questions and I hope that there are no problems afterwards interpreting and legitimating the results.

As for Miss Bolvia's unfortunate interview in Ecuador, no comments, enough has been said.

P.D. A question came to my mind, what would happen if blank votes or absentism outnumbers the Yes or No decission? (I doubt that it happens, but I'll try to look for the answer).

A continuación me permito postear un artículo publicado en el diario La Razón el día de hoy 21/04/04 escrito por el ingeniero Antonio Soruco Villanueva. El artículo en sí es muy ilustrativo y creo que sintetiza el pensar de la mayoría de los bolivianos que "creemos tener" dos dedos de frente; no digo la mayoría de los bolivianos porque parece que hay demasiada gente que está ciega a la realidad, el resto es el "autodenominado pueblo" que jode y se jode así mismo todos los días.  A continuación el artículo (si tengo tiempo lo traduzco al inglés, pero por el momento no tengo tiempo):

MAÑANA PARECE UN SUEÑO por Antonio Soruco Villanueva

Cómo se hace para tener autoridad y mantener el orden público sin utilizar la fuerza por más legitimidad que se tenga? ¿Cómo se conjuga el deseo de no hacer mal a nadie y a la vez estar obligado a elevar los impuestos, rebajar los salarios, imposibilitado de atender las demandas universitarias, la jubilación de miles de trabajadores, satisfacer las demandas regionales, gremiales, etc.? ¿Cómo establecer relaciones armónicas y duraderas con los cocaleros si éstos sólo quieren sembrar coca a destajo y enfrentarse con el mundo civilizado? ¿Cómo se puede gobernar un país en quiebra apelando únicamente a la razón, a la lógica, al patriotismo a fin de que sus habitantes entiendan que es preciso sacrificarse aún más y postergar las demandas sociales por legítimas que sean?

Estamos inmersos en una espiral suicida donde las demandas sociales superan por mucho la capacidad de un Estado quebrado, desprestigiado, cada vez más débil e inoperante. Como un perro rabioso tratamos de mordernos la cola en un inútil intento de atenuar el sufrimiento. Ya no importa quién nos gobierne Siles o Banzer, Sánchez de Lozada o Mesa, el despelote se repite y acrecienta. Los diálogos se tornan cada vez más virulentos e irracionales. Hasta hemos aprendido a inmolarnos a fin de arrancarle al Estado concesiones insostenibles, ilógicas o pedirle que cumpla lo que se vio forzado a acceder en momentos de debilidad o demagogia.

En Bolivia ya hay muy poco que repartir así piensen lo contrario algunos afiebrados dirigentes. Aparte de las tierras que parecen inmensas pero inaccesibles por falta de caminos, servicios y mercados sólo nos queda, después de la quiebra minera, el gas y sus derivados hoy en manos de poderosas transnacionales.

Allí hemos fijado nuestra mirada y esperanza, y no sabemos qué hacer para apropiarnos de este último regalo de Dios. Estamos tan pobres que hasta tener una casa parece una exageración o un despilfarro. Ganar tres mil dólares una afrenda inconcebible, andar en un auto Mercedes que en muchas partes del mundo funcionan como taxis un desafío temerario, caminar por la ciudad de El Alto a pleno sol con la cara descubierta una provocación. Estamos fritos.

Para empeorar las cosas tenemos un buen Presidente con una gran popularidad, pero huérfano de apoyo político. La aprobación de cada ley es tan difícil como sacarle una muela a un león dormido. Parece que la falta de apoyo popular de nuestros representantes nacionales, debilitados a partir de octubre pasado, los ha vuelto cada vez más exigentes y soberbios. Mientras tanto se debilitan más las finanzas públicas, el sistema productivo y bancario, se azuzan las presiones regionales. Mañana parece un sueño.

La falta de autoridad y eficiencia del Estado es francamente preocupante. Reina la anarquía, la desobediencia civil. Hasta se empieza a hacer justicia por mano propia. Poderosos intereses terratenientes bloquean las iniciativas gubernamentales y lo obligan a cambiar de estrategia. Los contrabandistas se levantan y le doblan el brazo al Ejecutivo pidiendo plazos extraordinarios de legalización o arancel cero para los bagalleros de Yacuiba. Sobre llovido mojado, cada día peor.

Como alguien decía somos la luz de una estrella muerta. Subsistimos por inercia y al paso que vamos ni el referéndum ni la Constituyente nos sacará del agujero negro en que nos hemos metido.

 

I went to see Mel Gibson's production, I don't think the film is antisemitic, as some stated, neither violent or crude as some say (not that it isn't). You can see way much blood, torture, cruelty, etc.. in other action or scary movies.
The point is that this is no fiction film, it actually happened (don't want to discuss this point) and if you are catholic (or at least a normal sensitive human being) it is very incomfortable to see anybody (specially Jesus) in such sadistic situations (in all other films you see him with plain white unstained clothes, a kind of trimmed bear and perfectly clear mistic eyes).

The asset of the film, for me, is that it focuses on Christ human, besides the very humane evil presence, weird kids, and a crow, it is a mundane historic film; no multi million high tech special effects, miracles or demons. Despite what I said it is really shocking and impressive you get to see him feeling pain, sadness, you see Virgin Mary grieve. Despite the fact that it happened a long time ago, some situations look familiar; you want to stand up and help him with the cross, fight the blind crowds... and then again, credits, lights on, back to real life. It is very hard to carry a cross (just your own one) and it takes a lot of courage to fight the crowds.

Overall a great film!

This post has nothing to do with sea issue betweeen Chile and Bolivia (and Peru if all actors considered). Rather than that, I wanted to depict the current political situation (as perceived by me), I like analogies, having said that, I think of Bolivia as a ship that has survived a storm.

Bolivia had a captain that fell (was thrown?) to the sea and following that confusion a brilliant passenger took command. This commander has a very good attitude and lot's of practical knowledge on everything but ships, seas and cartography.

The crew has no respect towards the new captain and no will to help. The rest of the passengers have no respect either of the crew nor the captain, and they are not aware that they have miraculously survived a storm and that if they don't help to reach a safe port soon the whole ship will collapse.

In the meantime there are lots of discussion inside the ship while it drifts in no direction, if we are hit by another storm, will it be ladies and children first?. Bolivia is wasting precious time discussing and revising laws that should pass right away; I think the cost of opportunity of delays is way higher than expecting perfect foolproof plans from the executive. Everytime something is revised or modified because of "public pressure" (I think most of the time is "private pressure" from small sectors) the executive looses the small bits of credibility and authority inherited from October.

I think that we are all in the same ship, extra time for discussion is over, we have to navigate towards one direction, even if we are uncertain of the rightfulness of the chosen direction. We all have to cooperate in order to navigate in one direction; it is much better than drifting away!. Passengers, wake up, smell the coffee, and go pay taxes!!.

Ayer fui al cine (16 de Julio) a ver la película "El Atraco", realmente en ella se aprecian avances significativos, el sonido y la imagen marcan nuevos estándares para el cine boliviano. La fotografía es muy buena (no tan buena como en "El día que murió el silencio" pero porque los lugares, trama y escenografía tampoco se prestaban como para superarla). Los efectos de sonido, el sonido ambiental y el soundtrack excelente! (dentro de las limitaciones tecnológicas del medio).

La película en sí es una dramatización del famoso asalto de la remesa de dinero a Caracollo ocurrido en los 60s. Me gustó el ritmo de la película, no fue lento (como suele suceder en producciones nacionales) y las escenas no fueron demasiado explícitas, contenían lo suficiente como para que el espectador se mantenga concentrado y siguiendo la trama; por último la trama en sí no fue simplona (a manera de serie televisiva) ni complicada a la fuerza (al estilo telenovela mexicana). Los actores fueron muy bien escogidos y definitivamente creo que sin su aporte el producto no hubiera sido tan bueno; no quiero desmerecer a artistas nacionales, pero creo que todavía les falta naturalidad, tal vez sea por el excesivo teatro que existe en el medio artístico en que se desenvuelven (no se produce mucho cine).

Si bien "El Atraco" es de corte más comercial que "Dependencia Sexual", en líneas generales es mucho mejor lograda en términos de actuación, sonido e imagen (probablemente también tenga mayor presupuesto, no sé). No soy un experto en cine, pero creo que el verdadero fuerte de Dependencia Sexual radicaba en su intelectualidad e intempestivo desenlace, demasiado lastimero para mi gusto, pareceria que está de moda la tristeza y la depresión en el cine latinoamericano.

Ojalá que la gente asista a las producciones nacionales, hoy me enteré que los actores de "Los hijos del último patio" (otra película reciente de producción nacional) estaban en huelga porque nadie fue a ver la película (me parece ridículo pero verosímil en Bolivia). Iré ha ver esa película también, no por la huelga mencionada; pues me rehuso a creer en que eso sea verdad (la fuente de ese chisme es desconocida para mí) y luego de verla postearé el respectivo comentario.

Vayan a ver "El Atraco" está buenísima!.

It seems the middle class is starting to organize itself politically, I have read in the newspapers and in Miguel Centellas's Blog, how city residents were booing protesters in the streets. I thing it is a good sign, though these things take place only because of recent social turmoils that took place in February and October. You can also foresee some invisible political strings articulating this anti protest movements, which is not bad at all (when considering results).

I wish we could be in a state of political consciousness such, that you could openly argue with parties in conflict so that following logical reasons the best solutions would be adopted. That would be honest and straight forward, though it seems does not work in real life. I feel the bulk of bolivians don't like to hear reality facts, instead they prefer to believe in demagogic promises. It seems it is better to wait and expect the unexpectable (via protests) instead of working a better future (through real work). And so political task forces are born (Movimiento Sin Tierra, Estado Mayor del Pueblo, CONDEPA, etc..) it is a good start for legitimate demands, the problem is they begin to get involved in tasks they were not meant to participate in.

Now that the constituyente is on the way, who will participate in it?, will new task forces be born?, do we already have the necessary ones?, are they all legitimate? are they all democratic?, do they really represent the interest of their members?...

The big problem is that we have an important lower-middle-class, middle-class, and upper-middle class that has been numb and unrepresented for years (except for 3 months every 5 years prior to elections). The middle class votes, discusses with friends and relatives some political issues and forgets all political activity. There should be active permanent organizations or forums in which a common citizen is able to act or at least be heard (I think political parties and the legislative should do that) but there is no interest, nor need, or enough political education or communication to do that. We can see and read the result of what was said in this paragraph everyday.

I hope the public reaction towards some protesters's is only that, I hope it does not evolve into an anti protest task force (much worse if it is politically driven by interests located outside its members). I hope this public feeling towards protests evolves into an active and permanent citizen organization created with many tasks and interests in mind (could it be a new political party?), an organization with a 360° degree view of problems and reality contrary to that of the "task-forces" before mentioned".

Enough said, a little confusing?, perhaps, like most of us right now!.

A continuación posteo un link a un artículo interesante y elocuente respecto al mar que fue escrito por Ilya Fortún y públicado por el diario La Razón en su edición de hoy 15/01/04:

http://www.la-razon.com/opinion/Enero/op040115e.html