tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484576114582558212.post5142409091470535021..comments2010-07-29T04:29:31.732-07:00Comments on A.Thompson Monitor: Bolivia's Bold ExperimentAustin Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09415687405697129322noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484576114582558212.post-48665051550467075962009-11-11T13:00:21.941-08:002009-11-11T13:00:21.941-08:00Hey John thanks for the comment and sorry for the ...Hey John thanks for the comment and sorry for the late response. No many of the points you state are correct. Perhaps I could be a bit more optimistic about the prospects of a sustained transformation in Bolivia. But given the recent history of the state-direct projects for social and economic emancipation I think a little prudence is necessary in analyzing the process in Bolivia. The complexity of the political situation in Bolivia, political instability and deadlock has the potential to send the country into a civil war. War for the elites, would in many ways be preferable to allowing MAS and its supporters to roll back their dominance in the political economy. Also, as you mentioned the U.S. has not taken Bolivia off of the radar either. So yes I think it is good to remain hopeful but unless the movement can overcome the contradictions I mentioned it will remain just that---a hope that was but never was fully achieved.Austin Thompsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09415687405697129322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7484576114582558212.post-7521109482706863992009-11-07T17:29:44.493-08:002009-11-07T17:29:44.493-08:00Austin,,,
I admire your initiative and site.
Goo...Austin,,,<br />I admire your initiative and site. <br />Good article with only a few relatively minor objections: First: "a model they have from time to time been prepared to defend through the barrel of a gun."<br />Isn't the word "impose" more accurate than "defend"? <br /><br />Regarding this: "State capacity for industry regulation and service delivery have been historically weak and despite obvious improvements, the government still faces difficulties in reaching the most remote pockets of the country with their programs." My comment is that he is getting there, but his base won't vote for anyone else even if he doesn't complete his plans. They know he is risking everything for them. The main objective this election will be getting enough Senators elected so that Evo can have the opportunity to constitutionally enact his programs--including pushing through the reforms you listed.<br /><br />"Even if Morales wins re-election in December, long-term objectives could be easily reversed if interests within MAS splinter in the years ahead." My comment: Sure it could, but I wonder why you seed doubt? So far there is every indication that his governance is gaining strength even in the opposition states, while also keeping his base intact. I mean really--who else are they going to vote for--and why? To go backwards again? No way.<br /><br />"The road ahead for President Evo Morales and his supporters is sure to be paved with even greater difficulties than in previous years." My comment: Again, why the negativity? Why won't his job become easier with greater approval and a majority of the legislators on his side? I don't get it.<br /><br />The rest of the closing paragraph seems to suggest that it was "other underdeveloped countries" fault that their economies and societies didn't prosper, never mentioning the policy of the West (USA, WB, IMF etc.) to insure that the prosperity of LA (and Bolivia and Venezuela especially) never happened. <br />At least that's what I believe. Fair?? Or not?? You tell me.<br />Otherwise,,,imo a good article...thanks!<br />All the best,,,JohnUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08165019466507553361noreply@blogger.com