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Colombia as a Model for Latin America

Colombia as a Model for Latin America

by Leonard Morin / August 4th, 2008

For decades, Colombian capital has fused more and more with the transnational companies that do business in the country. Over 500 foreign companies have branches in Bogotá.4 According to the U.S. State Department, approximately 250 U.S. firms do business in Colombia.5 Foreign holdings of Colombian stocks stood at $972 million in August 2005 compared to $246 million when President Alvaro Uribe took office in 2002.6 Now the Colombian government and elites, the U.S. government, and U.S. transnationals are pushing for a free trade agreement to consummate foreign control of the Colombian economy....

As Mondragón puts it: “Colombia is an example of how the resistance against neoliberalism can be paralyzed by massive violations of human rights, through persecuting social movement leaders. To permit this model of violence and impunity, as has occurred with the negotiation by the [Colombian] government with the paramilitaries is a new model of impunity. If we allow this model to be imposed in all of Latin America, it will constitute an essential element for imposing the FTAA in all of Latin America."

http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2008/08/colombia-as-a-model-for-latin-am...

By romy on Aug 4, 2008, 09:21 in Politics & the war. AddThis Social Bookmark Button


ferran says on Aug 4, 2008, 10:56:

Very good article, theres more manipulation going on then what meets the eye, its the old three steps to achieve the goal, 1-create the problem. 2-see the reaction 3-impliment a solution. This strategie has been used by the bankers since theyre origin, they fueled both sides, and the single No. one reason is to achieve power and enslave the whole world, naturally this will never happen, us humans are more resilient and brave then what they really think. Colombia seems to be the point of entry for the rest of Latin America, basically this multinationals could not built up theyre power without the help of the consumers, lets get to the bottom of the fire and stinguish it, Colombia has been flooded with material goods and a mentality of hedonism, this will keep the ones that make the difference sedated while the rest of the less fortunate will feel and live the misery of enslavement, our decisions can make a great deal of difference, we can make a positive unselfish change, say NO to the banking system, dont used credit cards, dont keep your money in the banks! be wise in how we use our resources, dont consume as much, believe that we have the power and you will se how little by little it starts to make a difference.

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Timba says on Aug 4, 2008, 11:16:

I believe the Latin model is Chile.

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miamimike says on Aug 4, 2008, 11:18:

I would thumbs down nominate Chile as a Model for South America. Someday Col may be deserving as a Role Model but certainly not at this point in time.

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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billyb says on Aug 4, 2008, 13:04:

I would say either Nicaragua, or Bolivia should be the role models Latin America should aim for.

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ferran says on Aug 4, 2008, 13:07:

Any of you guys been to Chile? I havent. but to my understanding most of the boom in the Chilean econmy is due to a very large British investment and multinational companies, I could be wrong, but from some very reliable sources I heard that the Chilean people are not benefiting from the growing economy, theres are still alot of skeletons left over from the Pinochet regime.

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miamimike says on Aug 4, 2008, 14:37:

Chile has moved ahead in SA by increasing Transparency in Government and decreasing(not eliminating completely) Corruption at all Government Levels. True, rising commodity prices has affected Chile's business climate positively but other factors are at play also. Look at the Pension system in Chile, this could be a model for ANY progressive country!

The Pension System -Spanish Sistema Previsional- refers to old-age, disability and survivor pensions for workers in Chile[1]. Instituted by the Pinochet Government on November 4, 1980[2] it is the first comprehensive retirement and welfare system managed entirely by the private sector[3].

In a nutshell, a portion of the worker's salary is deducted each month and placed in a special account. This money is managed by a specialized pension company which invests it and charges a commission. When the worker chooses to retire, he can set up a monthly payment schedule from his account.[2] See below for a more comprehensive description of the system.


BTW, for Pinochet's shortcomings, this Pension system he instituted was one of his better moves.




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile_pension_system

On Sept 17, 2008: Senator John McCain said, as he had many times before, that he believed the fundamentals of the economy were "strong."Hours later he backpedaled, explaining that he had meant that American workers were Strong.

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billyb says on Aug 4, 2008, 15:10:

" this Pension system he instituted was one of his better moves."

I agree.

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Lcacique says on Aug 4, 2008, 16:17:

shortcomings is a kind way of describing the negatives associated with Pinochet. But, I agree, that there were some positive aspects to his regime (though this does legitimize any of his crimes...I am sure you agree, miamimike, as I know you to be an intelligent and thoughtful person).

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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Timba says on Aug 4, 2008, 18:25:

What MiamiMike said...Chile is the most transparent and (North American like) for doing business.

Pinochet might have been a bastard, but name a country in South and Central America that wasnt brutal. (Costa Rica excepted)

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Lcacique says on Aug 4, 2008, 22:01:

Timba, I do not see a point in miamimike's comments where he discusses the transparent nature of Chile when it comes to business. He discusses transparency in the government. Nor do I see any statement that would lead one to believe that he was insinuating the Chile was the most North American country of South America in terms of business. He mainly talks about Chile's pension system.

Taking into consideration your comment about brutality in Latin America, let me expand on a point I made earlier...the idea that Latin America has historically been a brutal place (even Costa Rica at times) with a long series of oppressive dictatorships does not legitimize the actions of Pinochet nor does it lessen the horror of his crimes.

Hoy se nota en la floresta un ambiente de alegría. ¡Y el rumor de ranchería es mas dulce y sabe a fiesta!

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