Ciao!

Very colorful on the one hand...but a bit bizarre on the other. It would be as if we celebrated The Alamo with a big festival every year here in the States. Great pictures. And congratulations on the O Mundo site.

You sound a bit sarcastic on Bolivia's plight re the loss of the Litoral. If you are not in-touch with how us bollivians feel about this issue, watch out, you may be stepping on some very sensitive and powerful toes. Don't wear out your welcome.

Scott Barnard: don't compare The Alamo to Bolivia's territorial loss that permanently deprived the country of a seaport; it only shows your ignorance and insensitivity.

Aldo, there's no need to be insulting. It makes you sound like a zealot, someone not worth listening to.

I doubt Miguel would besmirch Bolivia. If he viewed the nation sarcastically, I doubt he would take the time to research it so thoroughly. Moreover, your statement sounds like a threat. I greatly appreciate his taking the time to write about your country. I've learned a great deal about it here.

As to Scott, I think you owe him an apology. I know neither of you, but think by your tone that you're a blowhard with precious little respect, and Scott was simply trying to analogize a Bolivian event, making it easier for people like myself to understand.

It's a shame that you're able to write in English. It's easy to be disruptive; any idiot can. However, it requires far more intelligence and sense to say something constructive.

"Sometimes you're reminded that you need to have your digital camera w/ you at all times. "

Um.. I know I'm supposed to post some pictures of Spore... but there's something horribly wrong with my digicam! Gotta send it for repair. = (

But I've got pictures in the harddisk that I'll put up soon.

Aldo:

I love Bolivia very much; I've great hopes for the country. But remember that being "patriotic" doesn't mean being uncritical of anything. The issue of sea is, in my honest opinion, a non-issue. I've written about this before, you can do a search of my blog if you want.

Basically, the loss of the sea was 125 years ago, one of the many, many territorial disputes in Latin America. Also, the rallying around the sea issue's been primarily used by military dictatorships (like Banzer's) to build up popular support — much like the Malvinas issue under the Argentine junta.

Gaining the sea back won't solve Bolivia's problems. To think so is dangerously naive. The distance from factories in La Paz to Cobija won't change whether Cobija is Bolivian or Chilean. The transport costs will remain. A free trade agreement would do the same, which is what Chile's been offering all this time.

My biggest problem w/ the sea issue right now is that it's being manipulated by Mesa to bolster his public support. Mesa's doing everything Goni did, except harp on the sea issue. Goni was toppled; Mesa probably won't. This is a diplomatic dead end. Spending vast resources on a Día del Mar celebration (proudly declared the most expensive in decades) when the country's on the economic brink is foolish. I'd rather that money have paid for school items, or relief funds for the El Alto poor, or anything else.

Thanks Miguel and my apologies if I came on too strong with my initial reaction. Yes, the sea-issue, if solved favorably to Bolivia today, will not end the country's problems. However, the loss of Bolivia's seacoast is a lot more than what practicality dictates; it's a matter of pride that has not been respected by Chile or the international community. That is what bothers us bolivians most. We want to be treated with respect, not to have our concerns belittled, diminished and ignored. That's all.

Aldo:

No worries, I know this is a sensitive issue & wasn't surprised by your being upset. And I think you're right, it's more a pride issue than anything else. But. What bothers me about it, is that it damages the national psychology. We scapegoat Chile for all our problems, we blame everyone but ourselves when things go wrong. Then we go expecting the international community to A) treat us w/ respect while B) giving us massive economic aid.

Well, the A & B can't go hand in hand. If Bolivia wants to be a begger nation, a nation of children that throws tantrums when it doesn't get its way (COB marches?) w/o critically evaluating the situation — then how can it expect the international community to treat it w/ respect? We're a begger nation. Like those little potsino kids that pester you as you walk around La Paz, demanding limosnitas. Do you respect them? Pity, maybe. But respect?

What Bolivians need to do — and I realize it's difficult — is to critically evaluate the Guerra del Pacifico. Chile wasn't entirely to blame for that war; there's plenty of warmongering & blame to go around. Also, Bolivians need to realize that real conditions can't be changed — and learn to operate w/in that framework. Bolivia could export many things, and work towards development along many areas. But harping about past injustices won't help. We need to learn to do the best we can w/ what we have (and we do have a lot to offer the world).

Tom: I am wondering why would it be a "shame" that I can write in English. It susprises you that a Bolivian can write in English? The word xenophobia comes to mind. I found your comments offensive and wrote you directly so as not to stray from the topic at hand.

When Goni was president the first time around I told him that Bolivia should put its money where its mouth is and file a grievance (re Bolivia-Chile conflict) at every international organization possible. Have a trial on the merits. It would be great for Bolivia's pride, I said. But we tried that before the OAS, Goni said. (Right, we made a half-assed attempt which was thrown out on procedural grounds, Bolivia didn't file the right papers on time.) You are right Miguel, we like to whine, beg and have "manifestaciones" for everything under the sun. But we can't seem get out priorities straight.

Aldo,

Xenophobia is a fear of foreigners. I'm not afraid; I only thought that your comments were harsh.

If you didn't intend to appear as rude as your comments appeared, then I will admit that my response was unreasonably harsh. However, frankly, your comments still, upon further inspection, despite your softened tone, seem offensive.

And of course I'm not surprised that a Bolivian can speak English. Many people from the countries I've visited have been well versed in English. You clearly have advanced training in, or a natural knack for the language.

I apologize to Miguel and Daniel - I would do well to practice what I preach.

"It's a shame that you're able to write in English. .." (??)

Tom, while I don't think you meant to sound condescending, I'm puzzled why you brought language into the topic. It's a difference of opinion abt territorial disputes.

Clearly not a language problem.

Steph,

I didn't suggest that it was a language problem. My statement reflected that I was offended (vicariously) by what he had written. I wasn't attacking his use of English; his English is good. I felt it was a shame that he was able to spew (what I perceived were) insults and threats, which is why I introduced language. My post wasn't directed towards the issue in the post; it was directed individually towards Aldo.

Also, Aldo and I exchanged a few emails, and I've concluded that my response was inappropriate. I should have waited for his further remarks to establish a longer baseline before responding the way I did. He pointed out that I don't understand Bolivians (true, true), and thoughtfully replied to my remarks. I misunderstood him.