Some Ironies
10.17.2003Goni gave an interview on CNN wondering why Venezuela's president, Hugo Chavez won't express his support. Venezuela's the only OAS (Organization of American States) member that didn't express his support for Bolivia's president. This is understandable, since Chavez (who's accused of state terrorism) and Evo Morales (leader of MAS) have close ties. It's ironic, however, since Chavez recently defended himself from a similar popular uprising only months ago.
Also, many international and domestic critics denounce Goni as a puppet of the US (and other Western powers) because of his dependance on their support. Fair enough. But keep in mind that Bolivia's so damn poor, that about 50% of the budgets for government agencies (including entire ministries) are funded by donations from the exterior. Part of the problem, of course, is that only about 20% of the nation's population pays its taxes; and that's overwhelmingly the middle class.
Posted by Miguel at 12:42 PM
Comments
So... could this mean that the poeple who are protesting do not pay taxes...
Posted by: Andres at October 17, 2003 01:31 PM
Hey.. the no-paying taxes situation sounds like what's happening in my country Indonesia.
Sorry to say this, but if u pay your rightful share of taxes, u're the butt of jokes.
Over there, hardly anyone pays their rightful share, only a portion. Almost everyone does this, especially those in the upper strata of society and the middle-class. When tax collectors show up, 'alternative' company accounts are shown. Then the company hands some money to the tax collectors - some of which go into the collector's pockets and the rest declared.
Posted by: steph at October 17, 2003 01:58 PM
I'm sure the same applies in many countries especially were corruption runs high. .. so where do we put the blame.... what then is our right as citizens. How can goverments function.
I'm not offering a solution ..
Posted by: Andres at October 17, 2003 02:09 PM