A Question about Hugo Chavez – Opinion By Gary Phillips

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Pro-Ecuador.com received this question from a family considering purchasing a house here in Ecuador.

Dear Gary,

I have spoke recently with a Venezuelan women (father is Ecuadorian) and she suggests to wait on purchasing until Correa has the next election. I realize he loves Chavez and would like to imitate his leadership. What is your opinion of this?

My response:

I would not say that Ecuador President Rafael Correa loves Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. I think that would be a gross overstatement. Correa recognizes that there is a leftist socialist movement that has been trying to be born through democratic means on this continent for 40 or more years.

This movement was quite violently repressed in the 60s and 70s by right wing dictatorships. In some cases, such as Chili and Argentina, democratically elected governments were overthrow. The movement went underground but is re-emerging in many South American countries as a popular democratic movement. In the last election, Correa's programs received 80% of the vote, and in Ecuador, everyone is required by law to vote.

The poor on this continent (and there are many) are determined that they are not going to be manipulated by world financial organizations, large business interests, or corrupt politicians any longer. Politicians are responding to this message. Correa is very smart. With a master’s degree from Belgium, a Ph.D. in Economics from the United States, and a European wife, I feel he is much smarter than Chavez. From what I can see, he also truly cares about his constituents.

From my perspective regarding Venezuela, the old-time power elite was much more entrenched in Venezuela than here in Ecuador. As a result, the poverty, crime and oppression was and is much more severe.

Linda and I lived in Venezuela for 9 months in 2001. It was like an armed camp. The poor were everywhere. Crime was rampant. It was obvious something had to change.

Such severe oppression and inequality allowed a leader with Chavez’s military backed strength to make dramatic changes. However, democracies tend toward equilibrium and even Hugo Chaves’ huge popular support is beginning to fade as seen in the rejection of his proposed constitutional reforms in December. Even a South American strongman must deliver basic goods and services, or he will lose his power.

Ecuador, on the other hand, has never sunk to the depths that Venezuela had. The people here have a stronger democratic tradition that allowed them to take to the streets and throw out the politicians that were obviously corrupt, or that didn't deliver on the promises that got them elected in the first place.

Ecuador has a long history of removing presidents that go against the will of the people. Now they have a president that seems to be doing their bidding, and he is still popular in most of the country although there are areas where there is strong opposition. This opposition is healthy for a democracy.

What is happening here in Ecuador is not a top down imposition. It is the result of a very grassroots movement of the people. Correa is a reflection and a product of that movement. Virtually everyone we talk to say, “the people elected him and the people with throw him out if he does not perform.”

It is very important to understand that in many countries in South America dramatic change is occurring. The old power structure made up of old families, old money, international corporations and world financial institutions is being replaced.

The people are saying, "enough,” and they are making change happen.

Frankly, I am very excited to be here and have the opportunity to watch and to a certain extent participate in what is happening. I do not feel threatened, rather I feel enlivened.

Yesterday we interviewed a young educated man, Cesar Morales, from Cotacachi about these subjects and more. This very important interview is published today in our newsletter. His perspective was incredibly helpful for us to understand what is happening here in this beautiful country. And our home, the Canton of Cotacachi, is leading the way with its particular form of participatory democracy.

And that’s today’s View from the Roof.

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Correa Vows to Restructure Finances

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Ecuadorian president Rafeal Correa continues to push for change. Here are a few selections from a Bloomberg article (link at end of post).

Jan. 15 (Bloomberg) -- Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa said he wants to reorganize the country's administration and finances to reduce inequalities and fight corruption.

Correa said plans to build new hydroelectric plants and improve the country's highways would reduce lop-sided income distribution and poverty.

He pledged to start construction of four major hydroelectric projects in the first four months of this year, and invest $1.5 billion in roadway construction in 2008, affecting 28 percent of Ecuador's road network. With the completion of planned power plants, Ecuador could become self- sufficient in electricity by 2013, he said.

Highways in the highlands are generally up to North American standards and both Quito and Guayaquil have recently completed major road construction projects. I am especially impressed with Guayaquil's newly renovated highway system.

The planned roadway investment this year should open many parts of the Ecuadorian coast for economic development. Highways connecting Quito to Guayaquil and the coast are long overdue for a makeover.

I love driving through Ecuador and have been waiting to hear this good news for a long time. Thank you Ecuador!

Click here to read the entire article from Bloomberg

Rumble in the Jungle--A Must Read from Greg Palast

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There is a battle going on in the Amazon Rain Forest that could change the dynamic between indigenous peoples and big business everywhere. Greg Palast is recognized as one of the best, perhaps the last great investigative journalist in the United States. Unfortunately, his work is rarely recognized by the U.S. mainstream media, and is often published by the BBC.

“Doggedly independent, undaunted by power. His stories bite, they’re so relevant they threaten to alter history” -Chicago Tribune

In this story, "Rumble in the Jungle: A Quechua Christmas Carol" Palast goes deep into the Amazon Jungle to interview a nearly prehistoric tribe of Amazon Indians who have decided tackle Chevron-Texaco in a $12 billion law suit to clean up the toxic mess that is killing the tribe. Then Palast moves to the executive suites of the corporate lawyers who laugh at the possibility of the Indians proving that oil sludge causes cancer.

In a dramatic interview, he talks with Ecuador's President Raphel Correa, and uncovers Correa's determination that if the Ecuadorian courts find Chevron guilty, they will pay. This story, "A Quechua Christmas Carol" is a must read for anyone wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the epic battle unfolding in Latin America.

Don't miss this important article.