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Spreading Democracy

by Luis Vega

The free market economy and capitalist ideologies have always been beneficial to many democratic nations worldwide, and ultimately Americans. But what happens when fifteen percent of your hard earned money is dedicated to U.S. healthcare and could possibly exceed thirty percent by the middle of the century. (Foreign Policy, p. 74) Now imagine you are a hard working lower-middle class American and you make 30,000 a year. After taxes and anticipated healthcare costs you bring home about 40% of your paycheck at the end of the year. It is barely enough to make a living on your own, don’t even think of having a family. Just thinking of yourself as this person it is hard to argue that everyone deserves adequate healthcare. I mean that is the least our government could do for us, we pay enough taxes. It is difficult to determine what will happen in America in the next four years with President Bush’s re-election. One thing is for certain; the cost of healthcare will continue to rise.

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Martin Torrijos & The Promise of Panama

by Luis Vega

Panama City, Panama my first time in a little over year and things are much different than they were 15 months ago. In March of 2004, a couple of months before presidential elections all you saw were “Si Se Puede” posters (the English equivalent to “Yes We Can”) with presidential candidate Martin Torrijos along side the now famous phrase. Martin Torrijos is son of the late Omar Torrijos, military dictator from 1968-1980 until he was killed in a mysterious plane crash. A couple of months later in May Martin Torrijos won by a landslide and he was declared president of Panama through democratic election process.

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Condeleezza Rice & the Latin American Economy

by Luis Vega

Now that Colin Powell has stepped down as the United States Secretary of State, and Condoleezza Rice will be taking his place there is much concern to be had. Even though she is one of the incumbent president’s most trusted colleagues and did a phenomenal job as a National Security advisor I speculate that she will have a difficult time as the new Secretary of State.

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Americans Have it Easy

by Luis Vega

When visiting third world countries, people in America are for the most part going on vacation to a resort, or a retreat of some sort. It is rare that tourists will notice the large disparity between the rich people and the poor people. Since the island or country is so rich in beauty, it is quite simple to overlook the existent conditions that countless third world societies are weighed down by.

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The Spread of Democracy

by Luis Vega

The United States of America has a very distinct plan for the way foreign affairs are handled. Even though the Middle East, terrorism and fighting it is the main forum for the United States much has to be said for Latin America/Caribbean and what is going to occur in the future. The future will rest upon a couple of men in Latin America and the policy of the United States in Latin America. A couple of leaders and situations that will no doubt have an impact on where the United States stands, and what will be done in order to create and/or maintain some type of power in the region.

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Latin America Corruption

by Luis Vega

Corruption is an integral part of every part of every governing body in the world whether it is high on the political ladder with the president being involved in some form or another or it may trickle down to the local assemblymen or most commonly the police force. Taking bribes, stealing money to fund your own personal ventures, or turning the other way when you see something going on right in front of your face is all forms of corruption that if they occur enough it could stagnate the economic progress of the country, or even the growth of fair government or democracy.

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The United States as World Cop

by Luis Vega

It is understandable why the United States situates itself in the position of world police or sometimes vicious big brother only doing things in the best interest of someplace else. To a certain extent this is all clear but is what is not so clear is why the United States feels it should put itself in one place and not the other.

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Capital Investment Means Vested Interest

by Luis Vega

The 1959 Cuban Revolution of Fidel Castro and his comrades sent waves of protest around the world especially in Latin America. People in those countries once again felt a sense of nationalism that they have never experienced before. It did not matter if you were Cuban or even a part of Latin America. Many people became aware of the instabilities that stagnated their countries from the levels of progress that they felt they could achieve. In addition to inspiration that Castro provided by his actions, his words were even deeper when he denounced capitalism and imperialism and promoted revolution to the point where he felt people should stand up for what they believe in and take arms if necessary.

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Countries as Puppets

by Luis Vega

Many countries are often puppets of the United States and do things to maintain import, and export agreements and a constant flow of capital into their impoverished countries. Contemporary leaders who have gone against the grain in maintaining close ties with the United States have often been ridiculed and subjected to harsh repercussion by the United States. The best example is Fidel Castro, president of Cuba, who has survived over 600 assassination attempts, 10 United States presidents, and a trade embargo that halts the economic progression needed to help lift Cuba out of poverty. So the question is, is Fidel Castro the man that should be feared and treated the way that he is by the United States?

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Hugo Chavez and the Cuban Revolution

by Luis Vega

President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez has modeled himself after past and present revolutionary leaders such as Simon Bolivar and Fidel Castro. His great admiration of the Cuban Revolution and friendly relationship with Fidel Castro has given America the perception that Chavez is the next Castro. The reason why this notion of Chavez being the next Castro is so prevalent is because Venezuela has the fifth largest oil deposit in the world and is the second largest supplier of oil to the United States. Buddy, buddy relations between the two men has concerned the “American Machine” because of the possible spread of communism, “Domino Theory.” Although this idea is preposterous, and the spread of communism is highly unlikely America can’t have another Fidel running around in Latin America especially because of the interest in petroleum in Venezuela and other natural resources the country boasts.

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