Zoe, Thanks for corresponding with me


Dear Zoe :

First of all, CASTRO and CHAVEZ are very negative leaders for Latin America. Economic Progress is not to be obtained with this type of madmen.

I see Economic Progress only within a Framework of Free Enterprise, Private Initiative, Private Property, Democracy, Freedom of Speech and the Press, etc ....

Chavez may squander 10 Marshall Plans in Populism, Demagoguery and Blather.

About Leftist Leaders in Latin America, I have many doubts, Because this subcontinent has always been harmed by Populism and Demagoguery associated with the Left.

Now you see the LULA Government in a quagmire of corruption.

My country Colombia has been the closest ally of the USA in Latin America during the last years, and that has been REALPOLITIK and SURVIVAL POLITICS.

It was difficult to think of another option but tight alliance.

However the USA wants Colombia to sign an abusive and leonine contract. This is useless and very harmful for us. Many people have misgivings about the US intentions in economic matters.

Is Domination a good thing ??? ..... I don't think so.

Should Colombia become a Puerto Rico ??? ...... I don't think so .... Puerto Rico is a different case. A touristic Island. The Character of the People can be different. The Colombians being more rebellious. Colombia is richer in Biodiversity and Scenery. More Complex in History and Conflicts, etc ..

I would be very happy if this Free Trade Agreement with the USA is delayed until better conditions are obtained for Colombia and the Andean Countries.

Some of the provisions on Intellectual Property and Patents are quite humilliating and nothing but an absurd domination. Like patenting inside the USA the animales and plants of South America, and their uses and properties.

I don't mind ANTIHISPANISM and SUPER NATIONALISM inside the USA if this helps to stop the ANDEAN FTA that wants to harm my country.

I never thought that the day would arrive in which I would be happy with the poor speech and ideas of TV Demagogues inside the USA, but now they are allies in the cause of defeating the Impoverishment of Latin America.

By having a negative vote in the U. S. House of Representatives we both would be better.

Probably the biggest harm is done to millions of Andean peasants that will find survival more and more difficult against American Corporate Agriculture and the big U. S. Subsidies to American cereals.

Expect a lot of Deforestation and Emigration.


Vicente Duque