| | Very good article, Tibor.
I like to see South America discussed (obviously). You are correct that there is a very strong pro-liberty movement alive and well in SA (even in Venezuela, too, believe it or not). Chile has had a very strange economic and political development since Allende, but now it seems to be going in the right direction.
One of the strongest reasons I can come up with for the growth of Marxist and "European model" ideas south of the border comes from the widespread morality that is taught. Chile, like all Latin American countries, is predominantly Catholic. Catholicism is the hotbed of altruism. Is it any wonder that many priests in outlying areas end up being huge Communist sympathizers? As Rand pointed out years ago, the essentials are the same.
One of the most tragic results of the USA form of practically bribing its way into the different South American countries is that the paid-off people in charge of the countries have ensured that huge volumes of their populations live in abject poverty. This was done by outright assassination of teachers during the different military dictatorships, believe it or not. This, of course, was not the complete reason, but it sure as hell contributed. The USA is seen my many as supporting this kind of injustice because many oppressive leaders have been favored by USA interests.
I used to throw this back in the faces of those who complained that the USA was buying Brazil. I would respond back then, "Well, some Brazilians certainly have no problem selling it, either. Why not have a chat with them and take a peek at their Swiss bank accounts?"
Trying to cope with all that enforced poverty is one of the present hurdles to spreading the ideas of liberty down there.
I hope you write more on South America.
Michael
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