Pre-Bolivia update

09.06.2003

I read Bolivian online papers daily (primarily, La Razon). So I've been following some recent political developments that are/were a bit ... worrisome.

The major opposition party (headed by some rather shady individuals involved in the drug trade) demanded changes to some of the government's neoliberal economic model. Specifically, they're upset Bolivia exports its oil & natural gas through Chile (stupid nationalism!) and that the government charges only 18 percent tax. They demand a 50 percent tax. Now, that's just ridiculous. W/ a tax that high, no company would export Bolivia's only major non-agricultural resource. Well, the government's agreed to "reconsider" the tax. Evo Morales threatened mass highway blockades if he didn't get what he wants; and he has the muscle to mobilize many poor peasants who rely on his patronage. So, there you have it.

On the plus side, I'll be in Bolivia just as the World Cup qualifying round starts up. Which means I'll get to see several games between Bolivia and other South Ameican soccer powers. I can't wait. Nothing beats watching futbol live, w/ silpancho sandwiches, surrounded by a sea of roaring hinchas.

Posted by Miguel at 06:53 PM

Comments

Futbol in Bolivia, how fun. You forgot to mention sitting next to Abuelo Centellas while he listens to his little radio to another game going on in La Paz and yelling at all the wrong times cause he is listening to another game. I would love to see the big Oriente Fall sometime again to, maybe when I am down there we can all go.

Posted by: sam at September 6, 2003 07:03 PM

I may be living in La Paz. But I'll still cheer for Oriente Petrolero.

Posted by: Miguel at September 6, 2003 08:00 PM

I ment to say Oriente Flag, not Fall. I loved that huge flag they used to drop when they scored.

Posted by: sam at September 7, 2003 12:03 AM

He, he. I wondered what you meant. Yeah, Oriente fans are crazy. But you should also see the hinchas for The Strongest. They have this Aymara battle yell they shout out. I can't remember how it goes (I don't speak hardly any Aymara), but it was something about "men of stone and thunder".

Posted by: Miguel at September 7, 2003 12:20 PM