Carlos Alberto Montaner is a Cuban-born writer, journalist, and former professor. He is one of the most influential and widely-read columnists in the Spanish-language media, syndicated in dozens of publications in Latin America, Spain and the United States. He is also vice president of the Liberal International, a London-based federation devoted to the defense of democratic values and the promotion of the market economy. He has written more than twenty books, including Journey to the Heart of Cuba; How and Why Communism Disappeared; Liberty, the Key to Prosperity; and the novels A Dog's World and 1898: The Plot. He is now based in Madrid, Spain.
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Carlos Alberto Montaner
Madrid, Spain
Carlos Alberto Montaner is a Cuban-born writer, journalist, and former professor. He is one of the most influential and widely-read columnists in the Spanish-language media, syndicated in dozens of publications in Latin America, Spain and the United States.
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CHINA IS THE LAND OF VAMPIRES WHICH IS ALSO AN UNIQUE NATION ON THIS PLANET THAT HAS ENJOYED TO EXECUTE ITS CHINESE CITIZENS TO HARVEST HUMAN BODY-PARTS, FLESH TO MAKE MONEY! AND THE ENTIRE WORLD HAS SEEN IN THE DAY LIGHT! THEN FOR SURE ANY WORST MEANS TO MAKE MONEY THIS CHINA NATION WHICH HAS BEEN CONTROLLED BY THE COMMUNIST CHINESE VAMPIRES OR ECONOMICAL THUGS, THESE WORST ANIMAL-LIKE THUGS WILL OBVIOUSLY DO ALL WORST THINGS TO MAKE MONEY AS USUAL!
WHO ON EARTH CAN DO BUSINESS WITH THE CHINESE VAMPIRES? THESE VAMPIRES CAN EXTRACT THEIR OWN PEOPLE BLOOD, FLESH, HUMAN-ORGANS FOR MAKING MONEY THEN WHAT ELSE THEY WON'T DO TO ANY OF YOU??????? AND YOUR NATIONS AND YOUR PEOPLE WHEN PLAYING WITH THE BARBAROUS CHINA OR VAMPIRES???
IF YOU FEEL HORRIBLE TO OBSERVE CROCODILES AND SHARKS KILL OTHERS ANIMALS IN WATER! HOWEVER, THESE CROCS AND SHARKS FOLKS NEVER KILL AND EXPLOIT THEIR OWN SPECIES! WHILE ON THIS PLANET CHINA DOES! THIS IS THE NATURE OF THE VAMPIRES AND ONLY CHINA HAS THESE KINDS OF UNBELIEVABLE HUMAN CRIMES! YOU WILL DISCOVER YOURSELVES THAT CROCCODILES AND SHARKS ARE MUCH MUCH BETTER THAN CHINESE VAMPIRES!
IN ESSENCE, NEVER EVER DANCE WITH THE VAMPIRES! OR NEVER DANCE WITH COMMUNIST CHINA!!!!! AND CHINESE VAMPIRES!!!!
QUEREM CRIAR UMA AMPLA RECESSÃO, DE QUALQUER JEITO
Pela primeira vez, em décadas, o Tesouro Americano deixou de tutelar, de fato, as sugestões e iniciativas dos grandes cartéis financeiros. E essa inesperada reação, com o anúncio de um pacote de medidas pelo governo americano, que não beneficia bancos, mas a economia do país e milhões de americanos, está acarretando, em cadeia,uma forte transformação no mercado financeiro mundial cartelizado.
O governo americano entendeu e outras nações também devem entender, que a fragilidade dos Bancos Centrais no monitoramento
do sistema financeiro, é que está causando tanta tempestade e rebordosa.
O mundo se cartelizou no sistema financeiro, no petróleo, nas bolsas de valores e de mercadorias e em uma dezena de outras atividades e os governantes das principais nações do mundo, ficaram escravos e impotentes para agirem na defesa dos interesses dos povos de suas nações.
E, agora, estamos vendo, com transparência,como o sistema financeiro agia em absoluta tranquilidade e, em, alguns casos, com irresponsabilidade total e impunidade que continua até hoje. E esse alvoroço todo só tem um culpado, o próprio sistema financeiro, sofisticado, competente, ágil e se comunicando para iniciativas de um mesmo comando e On line.Por outro lado, os Bancos Centrais não foram capazes de acompanhar e de monitorar essa evolução que beneficia milhares, em detrimento de bilhões de pessoas.
Os cartéis estão tentando, de todas as formas, um maior envolvimento do Tesouro americano, com a crise que os próprios bancos criarem, alimentarem e se beneficiaram dela, auferindo lucros de alguns bilhões de dólares. Agora, terão que voltar ao mundo real,entendendo que o dinheiro de bilhões de pessoas não pode mais ser transferido para milhares de pessoas da especulação volátil, improdutiva, sem custo, mas com sacrificio e a troco de que ou de quem ?
Uma nova paginação para os Bancos Centrais e para o sistema financeiro é imperativa, urgente e passa necessariamente por profundas transformações, benéficas para as Contas do Tesouro de países pobres e ricos, totalmente factíveis e de efeito imediato, dependendo apenas da vontade política das Nações.
Como os cartéis que atuam em todas as áreas, estão cada vez mais fortes e os governos cada vez mais fracos para enfrentá-los, basta simplesmente a criação do Cartel do Povo,via Tratado ou qualquer outro instrumento, através dos governantes do G-20, para defender os direitos de mais de 6 bilhões de pessoas, apenas limitando o ágio, acima da inflação, a um porcentual máximo de 3%, para rolagem ou assunção de dividas. É uma iniciativa de efeito multiplicador, democrática, capitalista e de cunho também profundamente social e que pode gerar economia de mais de USD 1 trilhão para os cofres de países ricos e pobres e os matemáticos podem confirmar. E com isso, com certeza, não haverá mais a necessidade da costumeira democratização de lucros e da socialização de prejuízos( em nome do mercado livre) e o mundo viverá em tranquilidade para gerar mais riquezas e reduzir as gritantes desigualdades entre nações ricas e nações pobres e para extinguir a categoria de indigentes. Em consequencia, a vergonhosa ratificação estatística de que somente 2% da população mundial responde por 50% da riquezas, será compulsoriamente reduzida, ano a ano. E o Brasil, que assumirá, em poucos dias, a Presidencia Financeira do G-20, poderá entrar para a história das nações, se conseguir criar esse Cartel que defenderá os interesses de bilhões de pessoas, para que tenham condições dígnas de vida.
Quanto ao sistema financeiro, que ganhou muito com as Letras Hipotecárias, em Investimentos de alto risco e ainda acumula lucros de bilhões de dólares nos últimos cinco anos, é natural que devolva agora parte dessa gordura que está bem localizada e que não levará o paciente à UTI. E países como o Brasil, devem refletir,com calma, sobre a importancia da iniciativa do governo americano ao cortar o cordão umbilical atado ao pernicuioso protecionismo ao capital especutivo mundial. Essa corrente americana começou e deve continuar e se fortalecer, mesmo com as fortes pressões de todos os lados, porque está no correto caminho de defender bilhões para não continuar privilegiando somente milhares de pessoas. O capitalismo de hoje nunca mais será o capitalismo perverso de ontem, felizmente.Esperamos que o presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, não deixe que o noticiário da imprensa mundial e dirigido, atrapalhe a tragetória de queda da Selic, em decorrencia das frágeis argumentações. Façamos uma corrente prá frente, Brasil.E O CAPITAL VOLÁTIL APÁTRIDA, PARA ONDE ESTÁ INDO ?
The author of this article appears to be another "miami" or US based neo-con who does not understand the phenomenon of historic evolution.
If there could be in-built checks and balances in a "non-left" system, why can't we have proper checks and balances in an "left oriented" economic system?
As a matter of fact, with a good control mechanism in place and with a democratic set-up, left oriented economic system may prove to be a much superior economic system, why not?
Hugo Chavez is only a human being and he made the mistake of a wronged perception, that was rejected by the people, what is wrong with that? at least he had the decency to accept the verdict of the people and has a opportunity to correct himself, and life goes on and evolves in a democratic set up. This is the new left, friendly, humane, considerate and environmentally friendly too and most of all, it is evolving into a very workable democratic system.
How long do we have to endure the pain of watching greedy 2% dominating the 98%people at the recieving end? How long can this injustice to majority of the people of the world going impoverished, hungry, deprived...go on, while we glorify the economic systems, based upon disparity and sheer greed (ironically called "incentive based")?
Think and reflect
I'd guess Saddom would have died in just a few more years and then we would have saved about a trillion not fighting another nations wars anyway.. why don' t they fight their own as they have a couple hundred nukes. On Fidel, he is 80 so I guess he won't live forever but the Cuban Five is in PRISON while we harbor the court designated mastermine of a Cuban airliner that was bombed out of the sky.. why can he live in Miami in a 5 star condo, whilst the CUBAN FIVE suffer wrongfully? Tell me why? Are you biased or slanted? I think so, but what do you think?
A America Latina e nem o Caribe, viraram ou são comunistas.
Viraram foi o pensamento para uma profunda reflexão sobre o que fizeram ou deixaram de fazer nessas três últimas décadas em favor do povo.
E o FMI, monitorando e gerenciando esses países, controlando as suas fontes de receitas e despesas, tenha sobre eles um infinito Poder.
E o mais absurdo, em nome do equilibrio das Contas do Tesouro dessas nações subdesenvolvidas, adotavam uma rídiga política monetarista e fiscal e que só beneficiava o capital especulativo americano, não gerando produção, empregou ou renda, mas concentração de riquesas.
Fidel também não tem nada de comunista e o bloqueio americano ao seu País, era simplesmente para evitar o crescimento de Cuba e um exemplo de poderio e capacidade de pressões sobre as demais comunidades latino americanas e que felizmente não está mais dando certo. E nem o populismo demagogico de Fidel.
O povo latino americano estava cançado dos abusivos ditadores democráticos, corruptos, concentradores de riquesas e de Poder.
E as novas lideranças que aí estão, com todos os palanques demagógicos, estão fazendo alguma coisa para reduzir a indigencia e a pobreza.
O PNHU, da ONU, mostra que realmente houve e continua havendo uma valorização do Capital Humano, com a redução da pobreza e da indigencia.
E o traballho dos organismos multilaterais de crédito como o FMI e BIRD não refletiram em beneficios para muitas nações latinos americanas.
Basta um levantamento real no volume de recursos que esses organismos encaminharam a esses países,individualizados, nos ultimos 30 anos e o que recebeu de volta como Principal, Juros, Multas Contratuais e outros Encargos.
Embora tardiamente, os americanos do sul descobriram que a União Faz a Força. E a prática está mostrando isso e os resultados positivos estão sendo colhidos.
Não existe comunismo na america latina, existe, sim, sêde de desemvolvimento e da valorização do CAPITAL HUMANO.O mundo está muito desigual e 50% do montante de suas riqueses não pode continuar ficando nas mãos de sómente 2% da população.
I have just returned from Cuba and those beggars and prostitutes to whom you are referring are legion on the streets of Havana and elsewhere. The only reason there are no "homeless shoe shine boys" is because shoe polish is not available and people use their USD10 a month wages to ensure they don't die of hunger. Only a blind ideologue can go to Cuba and return thinking this miserable totalitarian anachronism serves as a model for anything other than how to ruin a formerly prosperous country through a megalomaniacal focus on control and coercion. Let the people of Cuba decide their own future. 49 years of unelected government is enough.
Totalitarianism in the age of satellite TV and internet are doomed. One only has to read the many independent blogs originating in Cuba and Venezuela to know this.
The wet dream of Cuban exile oligarchs mafia pimps "businessmen" all want to return Cuba to the old days of homeless shoe shine boys on the streets, beggars and prostitutes roam the streets, and enslaved peasant serfs on plantations.
But wet dream is just that: wet dream. The reality force Cuban oligarch mafia pimps "businessmen" to rot in Miami's old age nursing homes. Their old days of corruptions just a distant memory.
No Enemies on the Left: It would have been appropriate to add Fulgencio Batista to your list...but perhaps he is the "etc." Another Cuban-American who is gone, but not forgotten.
To any that defend Chavez I say do not overlook this guy. I live in Venezuela and he is giving peanuts to the poor compared to what is being spent on military hardware. Although they received nothing in the past which opened up the door for Chavez anyhow. His administration ic corrupt as any and he tells his people stuff like "the milk shortage is all over the world due to global warming". Sad to say that many believe this guy. What frightens me most is his association with Iran and that should scare the whole world. Ultimately Chavez does posess some good traits because he has reached out to the poor but one can only wonder whether this is a part of his plan to be in power forever therefore he is willing to do whatever to reach that goal.
to this day- anybody who is an enemy of the US is a friend of leftists worldwide...hence the double standard...Pinochet, Franco, etc as "bad" guys....while dozens of left-wing nutpots get
a hero's welcome...yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwn.
cuban-americans will always remain the bete noire of the left- because they prove the falsity of their socialist wetdream.
It's hard to take any of this seriously. It's like kids arguing about where the closet is when they play house in the backyard.
Chavez is just funny. He makes me laugh. I mean, he's robbing the country blind, all the while trying to get himself setup as dictator for like (a.k.a. Idi Amin).
And trotting out Castro in 2007 is telling us how much the telegraph is going to revolutionize communication. It misses the point, the boat, and pretty much anything else that's possible to miss.
For heavens sake, China is probably a better model to use if you want to trot out Marx.
No wait. You're trotting out Marx. In 2007. Did you get lost in a time warp and think we're in 1896? What next? You'll be telling us to visit the tomb of Lenin?
As to your being widely read. This begs the question: Are you widely read because your work doesn't translate very well? Or are you like the "Art Buchwald" of Spain?
I'm shaking my head. You actually trotted out Marx and Castro and talked about them like the *matter*.
Malcolm Stevens: "Is there a website listing them with analysis of the implications of each amendment?"
Malcolm, I suggest you Google search using the following arguments: COMPLETE TEXT CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM VENEZUELA.
Personally, I recommend, on ZNET, "Venezuela’s Constitutional Reform, An Article-by-Article Summary, by Gregory Wilpert, November 30, 2007", at www.zmag.org. A link is provided there to the "Full Spanish text of the constitutional reform proposal".
Montaner's article is intrinsically dishonest, raising as it does the blood-curdling scarecrow of some unspecified sort of political fusion between Venezuela and Cuba. Specifically, he writes: "In its 69 amendments, the proposed Venezuelan Constitutional reform laid down the groundwork to create a future federation between the [sic] Cuba and Venezuela."
Really? In fact, the only passage in the proposed constitution remotely related to Montaner's red herring, Article 153, reads as follows:
"The Republic shall promote the integration, confederation and union of Latin America and the Caribbean, with the goal of configuring a large regional bloc of political, economic and social power. To achieve this end, the State shall encourage the structuring of new models of integration and union in our continent, permitting the creation of a geopolitical space in which the peoples and governments of our America might proceed to build a single transnational project, the one which Simon Bolivar called 'A Nation of Republics.'"
(The full Spanish-language text may be found at: http://www.cne.gob.ve/elecciones/referendo_constitucional2007/documentos/Proyecto_Reforma_final.pdf.
Is this a frightening project? As horrific as, say, the European Union, which it closely resembles? Does Montaner feel that Spain, his country of residence, has been annexed by Norway?
There was, of course, no mention of Cuba in the proposed constitution. Perhaps Montaner misread the passage which asserted Venezuelan sovereignty over the island of Cubagua. "Cubaguans (all five of you), patria o muerte! Rise up against Ugo Chavez' sinister power grab!"
Chavez has mandate until 2012 so the Venzuela policy of solidarity with Cuba and other Latin American countries will run at least until 2012. Mr. Montaner would feel very happy that this is not so. Mr. Montaner for four decades has been predicting the end of the Cuban revolution and he still insists on his role of failed witch
The "King" of Spain can only tell himself to shut up.
The "King" of Spain was not elected by the people. Nobody elected the "king". The "king" of Spain does not represent the people. The "king" of Spain has no authority to speak for the people.
The "King" of Spain has no right to tell a democratically elected president to shut up.
The "king" of Spain keeps forgetting that he is not the boss of a democratically elected president.
Not being at all sarcastic! Rhenium1 should reread the sixth paragraph for Montaner's vision of a future Cuba-without-[Fidel]-Castro, where China is spelled C-h-i-n-a and Vietnam V-i-e-t-n-a-m.
Hay espezanza en la restauración de la libertad y democracia en Cuba.No lo pueden demostrar los cubanos, pero ahora se acuestan con una sonrisa en la boca.Hay esperanza!
Uh, sorry Vincent, but a parliamentary system such as that prevailing in the countries you cite differs profoundly from what would have resulted from Chavez' 69 program. Many parliamentary systems, it is true, allow unlimited terms for elected officials.
But in practice, parliamentary democracies include events like snap elections and votes of no-confidence, and profoundly limit the ability of a chief executive to remain in power.
Don't underestimate Chavez. He clearly wants to be ruler-for-life, and he will probably find a way to make it happen, legally or not. We've seen his kind before. He believes so strongly in himself and the righteousness of his cause that he has confused his own welfare with that of Venezuela. If it's good for Chavez, it's good. Unfortunately, this means he will rule Venezuela for decades.
This article is based on a false premise: that Chavez wanted to be president or life.
This is based on distortion by the Western media.
What Chavez wanted was the right for him (and any future president) to run for president as many times as possible, but they would still have to be elected by the people.
Running for office as many times as possible is not the same as being president for life.
This system already exists in Britain, Germany, Australia, etc: incumbents in these countries can stay in office as long as the people continue to vote for them...
Your suggestion that Montaner's argument is nothing more than an emotional panacea for Miami's Cubans is so tried and worn a straw-man that I wish I could reclaim the time I've spent writing this sentence calling you out on it. Do us a favor and come up with something more original than the Valium the American literati have been peddling to all who will listen for nearly half a century now. Yawn.
Now for the rest of it: precisely where does Montaner express a dream of any kind, much less one of a "corrupted little China or Vietnam"? Who would honestly wish for such a thing, much less on his own country? As a adult, you're surely aware that even though you and Montaner's opinions on the matter differ, he believes his heart to be in the right place? So what to make, then, of the "China or Vietnam" comment? Well, it's clearly a bit of sarcasm, and no more becoming of you than it is of my twelve-year old cousin, who recently moved past that phase.
What next? The usual script: a) filler, b) mention the word "oligarch" to draw unspoken comparisons with, what?, Russia? c) Boringly attempt to incite some fear by bringing up the specter of the returning exile hordes from Miami who clearly *must* be eying Havana with lust, rape and pillage on their minds. This is tired. Give us something to work with here, man. The exiles have moved on. Their kids are now in their thirties. They have lives in Miami. People talk about it, but when the day comes (and, as you remind us, it will), mark my words, few will go back in any permanent capacity.
You're a charlatan, and you're profoundly unoriginal. And it's called "Tungsten" in English, guy.
"In its 69 amendments, the proposed Venezuelan Constitutional reform laid down the groundwork to create a future federation between the Cuba and Venezuela. If both nations were to unite formally in the future,...."
This is the first time I have read anything along these lines. What exactly were the 69 amendments? Is their a website listing them with analysis of the implications of each amendment?
I would be leery of writing Hugo off just yet. I think there's a lot of juice left in the guy, and it would not surprise me to see if move like Putin has to solidify power under himself.
Opposition in Venezuela is stronger in Venezuela than it is in Russia, so their is hope.
I suppose that Montaner's bizarre and fantastical musings will warm the heart of his Miami readership. Unfortunately, however, the democratically-elected Chavez has many years to go before the end of his term. Moreover, Montaner's reports of Castro's demise ("dying," "impending death," "deathbed") smack less of journalism than they do of wishful thinking. Be of good cheer, Mr. Montaner: Castro will assuredly one day be dead (as will you and I)!
In the meanwhile, Chavez will remain head of state in Venezuela and Castro, it appears, will have resumed his duties in Cuba.
Still, Montaner dreams of a rift between Fidel and Raul, of Fidel's death-rattle, of the establishment of a corrupted little China or Vietnam in the Caribbean, paving the way for the return from Miami of the oligarchs, the pimps and the rum-distillers: in short, a happy compromise! This is far from assured, however, as long as Venezuelan benevolence continues to counterbalance US malevolence. So don't hold your breath: we'll see how the situation stands when Chavez retires (and that stubborn Fidel has given up the ghost...maybe) seven years down the line.
Rather than talk about what some want to hear, talk about what they don't want to talk about. Talk about justice, not multi-corporation dreams.. talk about freedon, not restraint. Talk about the Cuban Five and if you want information on Cuba go to Radio Havana Cuba.. Oh yes they do, their site is www radiohc cu .. Do not you think they know more than you?
The Venezuelan People have sent Hugo Chavez a resounding "Callate!"
This was first said by Spain's Juan Carlos and now the population of his own country has said that the unification between Cuba and Venez just ain't gonna happen.
This Chavismo Machismo is simply bloated arrogance gone amuck.
He is not Simon Bolivar, he is more Simple Simon and nobody's buying his pies!
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All Comments (35)
TO THE ENTIRE WORLD:
CHINA IS THE LAND OF VAMPIRES WHICH IS ALSO AN UNIQUE NATION ON THIS PLANET THAT HAS ENJOYED TO EXECUTE ITS CHINESE CITIZENS TO HARVEST HUMAN BODY-PARTS, FLESH TO MAKE MONEY! AND THE ENTIRE WORLD HAS SEEN IN THE DAY LIGHT! THEN FOR SURE ANY WORST MEANS TO MAKE MONEY THIS CHINA NATION WHICH HAS BEEN CONTROLLED BY THE COMMUNIST CHINESE VAMPIRES OR ECONOMICAL THUGS, THESE WORST ANIMAL-LIKE THUGS WILL OBVIOUSLY DO ALL WORST THINGS TO MAKE MONEY AS USUAL!
WHO ON EARTH CAN DO BUSINESS WITH THE CHINESE VAMPIRES? THESE VAMPIRES CAN EXTRACT THEIR OWN PEOPLE BLOOD, FLESH, HUMAN-ORGANS FOR MAKING MONEY THEN WHAT ELSE THEY WON'T DO TO ANY OF YOU??????? AND YOUR NATIONS AND YOUR PEOPLE WHEN PLAYING WITH THE BARBAROUS CHINA OR VAMPIRES???
IF YOU FEEL HORRIBLE TO OBSERVE CROCODILES AND SHARKS KILL OTHERS ANIMALS IN WATER! HOWEVER, THESE CROCS AND SHARKS FOLKS NEVER KILL AND EXPLOIT THEIR OWN SPECIES! WHILE ON THIS PLANET CHINA DOES! THIS IS THE NATURE OF THE VAMPIRES AND ONLY CHINA HAS THESE KINDS OF UNBELIEVABLE HUMAN CRIMES! YOU WILL DISCOVER YOURSELVES THAT CROCCODILES AND SHARKS ARE MUCH MUCH BETTER THAN CHINESE VAMPIRES!
IN ESSENCE, NEVER EVER DANCE WITH THE VAMPIRES! OR NEVER DANCE WITH COMMUNIST CHINA!!!!! AND CHINESE VAMPIRES!!!!
February 8, 2008 7:27 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 8, 2008 19:27
O GOVERNO AMERICANO AGIU A FAVOR DO POVO
QUEREM CRIAR UMA AMPLA RECESSÃO, DE QUALQUER JEITO
Pela primeira vez, em décadas, o Tesouro Americano deixou de tutelar, de fato, as sugestões e iniciativas dos grandes cartéis financeiros. E essa inesperada reação, com o anúncio de um pacote de medidas pelo governo americano, que não beneficia bancos, mas a economia do país e milhões de americanos, está acarretando, em cadeia,uma forte transformação no mercado financeiro mundial cartelizado.
O governo americano entendeu e outras nações também devem entender, que a fragilidade dos Bancos Centrais no monitoramento
do sistema financeiro, é que está causando tanta tempestade e rebordosa.
O mundo se cartelizou no sistema financeiro, no petróleo, nas bolsas de valores e de mercadorias e em uma dezena de outras atividades e os governantes das principais nações do mundo, ficaram escravos e impotentes para agirem na defesa dos interesses dos povos de suas nações.
E, agora, estamos vendo, com transparência,como o sistema financeiro agia em absoluta tranquilidade e, em, alguns casos, com irresponsabilidade total e impunidade que continua até hoje. E esse alvoroço todo só tem um culpado, o próprio sistema financeiro, sofisticado, competente, ágil e se comunicando para iniciativas de um mesmo comando e On line.Por outro lado, os Bancos Centrais não foram capazes de acompanhar e de monitorar essa evolução que beneficia milhares, em detrimento de bilhões de pessoas.
Os cartéis estão tentando, de todas as formas, um maior envolvimento do Tesouro americano, com a crise que os próprios bancos criarem, alimentarem e se beneficiaram dela, auferindo lucros de alguns bilhões de dólares. Agora, terão que voltar ao mundo real,entendendo que o dinheiro de bilhões de pessoas não pode mais ser transferido para milhares de pessoas da especulação volátil, improdutiva, sem custo, mas com sacrificio e a troco de que ou de quem ?
Uma nova paginação para os Bancos Centrais e para o sistema financeiro é imperativa, urgente e passa necessariamente por profundas transformações, benéficas para as Contas do Tesouro de países pobres e ricos, totalmente factíveis e de efeito imediato, dependendo apenas da vontade política das Nações.
Como os cartéis que atuam em todas as áreas, estão cada vez mais fortes e os governos cada vez mais fracos para enfrentá-los, basta simplesmente a criação do Cartel do Povo,via Tratado ou qualquer outro instrumento, através dos governantes do G-20, para defender os direitos de mais de 6 bilhões de pessoas, apenas limitando o ágio, acima da inflação, a um porcentual máximo de 3%, para rolagem ou assunção de dividas. É uma iniciativa de efeito multiplicador, democrática, capitalista e de cunho também profundamente social e que pode gerar economia de mais de USD 1 trilhão para os cofres de países ricos e pobres e os matemáticos podem confirmar. E com isso, com certeza, não haverá mais a necessidade da costumeira democratização de lucros e da socialização de prejuízos( em nome do mercado livre) e o mundo viverá em tranquilidade para gerar mais riquezas e reduzir as gritantes desigualdades entre nações ricas e nações pobres e para extinguir a categoria de indigentes. Em consequencia, a vergonhosa ratificação estatística de que somente 2% da população mundial responde por 50% da riquezas, será compulsoriamente reduzida, ano a ano. E o Brasil, que assumirá, em poucos dias, a Presidencia Financeira do G-20, poderá entrar para a história das nações, se conseguir criar esse Cartel que defenderá os interesses de bilhões de pessoas, para que tenham condições dígnas de vida.
Quanto ao sistema financeiro, que ganhou muito com as Letras Hipotecárias, em Investimentos de alto risco e ainda acumula lucros de bilhões de dólares nos últimos cinco anos, é natural que devolva agora parte dessa gordura que está bem localizada e que não levará o paciente à UTI. E países como o Brasil, devem refletir,com calma, sobre a importancia da iniciativa do governo americano ao cortar o cordão umbilical atado ao pernicuioso protecionismo ao capital especutivo mundial. Essa corrente americana começou e deve continuar e se fortalecer, mesmo com as fortes pressões de todos os lados, porque está no correto caminho de defender bilhões para não continuar privilegiando somente milhares de pessoas. O capitalismo de hoje nunca mais será o capitalismo perverso de ontem, felizmente.Esperamos que o presidente Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, não deixe que o noticiário da imprensa mundial e dirigido, atrapalhe a tragetória de queda da Selic, em decorrencia das frágeis argumentações. Façamos uma corrente prá frente, Brasil.E O CAPITAL VOLÁTIL APÁTRIDA, PARA ONDE ESTÁ INDO ?
January 22, 2008 11:09 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on January 22, 2008 11:09
The author of this article appears to be another "miami" or US based neo-con who does not understand the phenomenon of historic evolution.
If there could be in-built checks and balances in a "non-left" system, why can't we have proper checks and balances in an "left oriented" economic system?
As a matter of fact, with a good control mechanism in place and with a democratic set-up, left oriented economic system may prove to be a much superior economic system, why not?
Hugo Chavez is only a human being and he made the mistake of a wronged perception, that was rejected by the people, what is wrong with that? at least he had the decency to accept the verdict of the people and has a opportunity to correct himself, and life goes on and evolves in a democratic set up. This is the new left, friendly, humane, considerate and environmentally friendly too and most of all, it is evolving into a very workable democratic system.
How long do we have to endure the pain of watching greedy 2% dominating the 98%people at the recieving end? How long can this injustice to majority of the people of the world going impoverished, hungry, deprived...go on, while we glorify the economic systems, based upon disparity and sheer greed (ironically called "incentive based")?
Think and reflect
December 10, 2007 11:04 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 10, 2007 11:04
too right
December 9, 2007 9:03 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 9, 2007 21:03
I'd guess Saddom would have died in just a few more years and then we would have saved about a trillion not fighting another nations wars anyway.. why don' t they fight their own as they have a couple hundred nukes. On Fidel, he is 80 so I guess he won't live forever but the Cuban Five is in PRISON while we harbor the court designated mastermine of a Cuban airliner that was bombed out of the sky.. why can he live in Miami in a 5 star condo, whilst the CUBAN FIVE suffer wrongfully? Tell me why? Are you biased or slanted? I think so, but what do you think?
December 9, 2007 5:24 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 9, 2007 17:24
A America Latina e nem o Caribe, viraram ou são comunistas.
Viraram foi o pensamento para uma profunda reflexão sobre o que fizeram ou deixaram de fazer nessas três últimas décadas em favor do povo.
E o FMI, monitorando e gerenciando esses países, controlando as suas fontes de receitas e despesas, tenha sobre eles um infinito Poder.
E o mais absurdo, em nome do equilibrio das Contas do Tesouro dessas nações subdesenvolvidas, adotavam uma rídiga política monetarista e fiscal e que só beneficiava o capital especulativo americano, não gerando produção, empregou ou renda, mas concentração de riquesas.
Fidel também não tem nada de comunista e o bloqueio americano ao seu País, era simplesmente para evitar o crescimento de Cuba e um exemplo de poderio e capacidade de pressões sobre as demais comunidades latino americanas e que felizmente não está mais dando certo. E nem o populismo demagogico de Fidel.
O povo latino americano estava cançado dos abusivos ditadores democráticos, corruptos, concentradores de riquesas e de Poder.
E as novas lideranças que aí estão, com todos os palanques demagógicos, estão fazendo alguma coisa para reduzir a indigencia e a pobreza.
O PNHU, da ONU, mostra que realmente houve e continua havendo uma valorização do Capital Humano, com a redução da pobreza e da indigencia.
E o traballho dos organismos multilaterais de crédito como o FMI e BIRD não refletiram em beneficios para muitas nações latinos americanas.
Basta um levantamento real no volume de recursos que esses organismos encaminharam a esses países,individualizados, nos ultimos 30 anos e o que recebeu de volta como Principal, Juros, Multas Contratuais e outros Encargos.
Embora tardiamente, os americanos do sul descobriram que a União Faz a Força. E a prática está mostrando isso e os resultados positivos estão sendo colhidos.
Não existe comunismo na america latina, existe, sim, sêde de desemvolvimento e da valorização do CAPITAL HUMANO.O mundo está muito desigual e 50% do montante de suas riqueses não pode continuar ficando nas mãos de sómente 2% da população.
December 9, 2007 3:18 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 9, 2007 15:18
Dear Anonymous
I have just returned from Cuba and those beggars and prostitutes to whom you are referring are legion on the streets of Havana and elsewhere. The only reason there are no "homeless shoe shine boys" is because shoe polish is not available and people use their USD10 a month wages to ensure they don't die of hunger. Only a blind ideologue can go to Cuba and return thinking this miserable totalitarian anachronism serves as a model for anything other than how to ruin a formerly prosperous country through a megalomaniacal focus on control and coercion. Let the people of Cuba decide their own future. 49 years of unelected government is enough.
December 8, 2007 1:15 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 8, 2007 13:15
Totalitarianism in the age of satellite TV and internet are doomed. One only has to read the many independent blogs originating in Cuba and Venezuela to know this.
December 8, 2007 1:04 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 8, 2007 13:04
The wet dream of Cuban exile oligarchs mafia pimps "businessmen" all want to return Cuba to the old days of homeless shoe shine boys on the streets, beggars and prostitutes roam the streets, and enslaved peasant serfs on plantations.
But wet dream is just that: wet dream. The reality force Cuban oligarch mafia pimps "businessmen" to rot in Miami's old age nursing homes. Their old days of corruptions just a distant memory.
December 8, 2007 12:24 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 8, 2007 12:24
No Enemies on the Left: It would have been appropriate to add Fulgencio Batista to your list...but perhaps he is the "etc." Another Cuban-American who is gone, but not forgotten.
December 8, 2007 2:42 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 8, 2007 02:42
To any that defend Chavez I say do not overlook this guy. I live in Venezuela and he is giving peanuts to the poor compared to what is being spent on military hardware. Although they received nothing in the past which opened up the door for Chavez anyhow. His administration ic corrupt as any and he tells his people stuff like "the milk shortage is all over the world due to global warming". Sad to say that many believe this guy. What frightens me most is his association with Iran and that should scare the whole world. Ultimately Chavez does posess some good traits because he has reached out to the poor but one can only wonder whether this is a part of his plan to be in power forever therefore he is willing to do whatever to reach that goal.
December 8, 2007 1:54 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 8, 2007 01:54
to this day- anybody who is an enemy of the US is a friend of leftists worldwide...hence the double standard...Pinochet, Franco, etc as "bad" guys....while dozens of left-wing nutpots get
a hero's welcome...yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwn.
cuban-americans will always remain the bete noire of the left- because they prove the falsity of their socialist wetdream.
December 8, 2007 12:51 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 8, 2007 00:51
It's hard to take any of this seriously. It's like kids arguing about where the closet is when they play house in the backyard.
Chavez is just funny. He makes me laugh. I mean, he's robbing the country blind, all the while trying to get himself setup as dictator for like (a.k.a. Idi Amin).
And trotting out Castro in 2007 is telling us how much the telegraph is going to revolutionize communication. It misses the point, the boat, and pretty much anything else that's possible to miss.
For heavens sake, China is probably a better model to use if you want to trot out Marx.
No wait. You're trotting out Marx. In 2007. Did you get lost in a time warp and think we're in 1896? What next? You'll be telling us to visit the tomb of Lenin?
As to your being widely read. This begs the question: Are you widely read because your work doesn't translate very well? Or are you like the "Art Buchwald" of Spain?
I'm shaking my head. You actually trotted out Marx and Castro and talked about them like the *matter*.
December 7, 2007 11:39 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 23:39
DARLE EL TITULO DE PROFESOR A MONTANER ES DESHONRAR A LOS VERDADEROS PROFESORES.
GIVING MONTANER THE TITLE OF PROFESSOR DISHONORS THE TRUE ONES.
December 7, 2007 11:18 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 23:18
Malcolm Stevens: "Is there a website listing them with analysis of the implications of each amendment?"
Malcolm, I suggest you Google search using the following arguments: COMPLETE TEXT CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM VENEZUELA.
Personally, I recommend, on ZNET, "Venezuela’s Constitutional Reform, An Article-by-Article Summary, by Gregory Wilpert, November 30, 2007", at www.zmag.org. A link is provided there to the "Full Spanish text of the constitutional reform proposal".
All the best.
December 7, 2007 11:00 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 23:00
Montaner's article is intrinsically dishonest, raising as it does the blood-curdling scarecrow of some unspecified sort of political fusion between Venezuela and Cuba. Specifically, he writes: "In its 69 amendments, the proposed Venezuelan Constitutional reform laid down the groundwork to create a future federation between the [sic] Cuba and Venezuela."
Really? In fact, the only passage in the proposed constitution remotely related to Montaner's red herring, Article 153, reads as follows:
"The Republic shall promote the integration, confederation and union of Latin America and the Caribbean, with the goal of configuring a large regional bloc of political, economic and social power. To achieve this end, the State shall encourage the structuring of new models of integration and union in our continent, permitting the creation of a geopolitical space in which the peoples and governments of our America might proceed to build a single transnational project, the one which Simon Bolivar called 'A Nation of Republics.'"
(The full Spanish-language text may be found at: http://www.cne.gob.ve/elecciones/referendo_constitucional2007/documentos/Proyecto_Reforma_final.pdf.
Is this a frightening project? As horrific as, say, the European Union, which it closely resembles? Does Montaner feel that Spain, his country of residence, has been annexed by Norway?
There was, of course, no mention of Cuba in the proposed constitution. Perhaps Montaner misread the passage which asserted Venezuelan sovereignty over the island of Cubagua. "Cubaguans (all five of you), patria o muerte! Rise up against Ugo Chavez' sinister power grab!"
December 7, 2007 9:18 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 21:18
Chavez has mandate until 2012 so the Venzuela policy of solidarity with Cuba and other Latin American countries will run at least until 2012. Mr. Montaner would feel very happy that this is not so. Mr. Montaner for four decades has been predicting the end of the Cuban revolution and he still insists on his role of failed witch
December 7, 2007 8:49 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 20:49
The "King" of Spain can only tell himself to shut up.
The "King" of Spain was not elected by the people. Nobody elected the "king". The "king" of Spain does not represent the people. The "king" of Spain has no authority to speak for the people.
The "King" of Spain has no right to tell a democratically elected president to shut up.
The "king" of Spain keeps forgetting that he is not the boss of a democratically elected president.
December 7, 2007 8:16 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 20:16
Not being at all sarcastic! Rhenium1 should reread the sixth paragraph for Montaner's vision of a future Cuba-without-[Fidel]-Castro, where China is spelled C-h-i-n-a and Vietnam V-i-e-t-n-a-m.
December 7, 2007 7:51 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 19:51
Chavez! sure .Rome don't make in two days
December 7, 2007 7:41 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 19:41
Hay espezanza en la restauración de la libertad y democracia en Cuba.No lo pueden demostrar los cubanos, pero ahora se acuestan con una sonrisa en la boca.Hay esperanza!
December 7, 2007 7:31 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 19:31
Uh, sorry Vincent, but a parliamentary system such as that prevailing in the countries you cite differs profoundly from what would have resulted from Chavez' 69 program. Many parliamentary systems, it is true, allow unlimited terms for elected officials.
But in practice, parliamentary democracies include events like snap elections and votes of no-confidence, and profoundly limit the ability of a chief executive to remain in power.
December 7, 2007 7:19 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 19:19
Cuba never had a future with Castro. Chavez's loss actually makes Cuba's future brighter.
December 7, 2007 6:09 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 18:09
Don't underestimate Chavez. He clearly wants to be ruler-for-life, and he will probably find a way to make it happen, legally or not. We've seen his kind before. He believes so strongly in himself and the righteousness of his cause that he has confused his own welfare with that of Venezuela. If it's good for Chavez, it's good. Unfortunately, this means he will rule Venezuela for decades.
December 7, 2007 5:48 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 17:48
For nearly 50 years we've had everyone and their mother in law write "trash' about poor Fidel Castro.
You know the drill by now. We need a dead horse to flog and viola we've got Fidel.
Ironically Chavez's loss proves democracy does exist in his country and we should be celebrating a free and fair referendum.
As for those who write trash maybe, just maybe they can go to Miami and find out why so many sportsmen are involved in drugs, guns, violence etc.
Go ahead be useful!
December 7, 2007 5:20 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 17:20
This article is based on a false premise: that Chavez wanted to be president or life.
This is based on distortion by the Western media.
What Chavez wanted was the right for him (and any future president) to run for president as many times as possible, but they would still have to be elected by the people.
Running for office as many times as possible is not the same as being president for life.
This system already exists in Britain, Germany, Australia, etc: incumbents in these countries can stay in office as long as the people continue to vote for them...
December 7, 2007 5:09 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 17:09
Wolfram1,
Your suggestion that Montaner's argument is nothing more than an emotional panacea for Miami's Cubans is so tried and worn a straw-man that I wish I could reclaim the time I've spent writing this sentence calling you out on it. Do us a favor and come up with something more original than the Valium the American literati have been peddling to all who will listen for nearly half a century now. Yawn.
Now for the rest of it: precisely where does Montaner express a dream of any kind, much less one of a "corrupted little China or Vietnam"? Who would honestly wish for such a thing, much less on his own country? As a adult, you're surely aware that even though you and Montaner's opinions on the matter differ, he believes his heart to be in the right place? So what to make, then, of the "China or Vietnam" comment? Well, it's clearly a bit of sarcasm, and no more becoming of you than it is of my twelve-year old cousin, who recently moved past that phase.
What next? The usual script: a) filler, b) mention the word "oligarch" to draw unspoken comparisons with, what?, Russia? c) Boringly attempt to incite some fear by bringing up the specter of the returning exile hordes from Miami who clearly *must* be eying Havana with lust, rape and pillage on their minds. This is tired. Give us something to work with here, man. The exiles have moved on. Their kids are now in their thirties. They have lives in Miami. People talk about it, but when the day comes (and, as you remind us, it will), mark my words, few will go back in any permanent capacity.
You're a charlatan, and you're profoundly unoriginal. And it's called "Tungsten" in English, guy.
December 7, 2007 4:35 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 16:35
"In its 69 amendments, the proposed Venezuelan Constitutional reform laid down the groundwork to create a future federation between the Cuba and Venezuela. If both nations were to unite formally in the future,...."
This is the first time I have read anything along these lines. What exactly were the 69 amendments? Is their a website listing them with analysis of the implications of each amendment?
December 7, 2007 4:13 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 16:13
I would be leery of writing Hugo off just yet. I think there's a lot of juice left in the guy, and it would not surprise me to see if move like Putin has to solidify power under himself.
Opposition in Venezuela is stronger in Venezuela than it is in Russia, so their is hope.
December 7, 2007 4:12 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 16:12
I suppose that Montaner's bizarre and fantastical musings will warm the heart of his Miami readership. Unfortunately, however, the democratically-elected Chavez has many years to go before the end of his term. Moreover, Montaner's reports of Castro's demise ("dying," "impending death," "deathbed") smack less of journalism than they do of wishful thinking. Be of good cheer, Mr. Montaner: Castro will assuredly one day be dead (as will you and I)!
In the meanwhile, Chavez will remain head of state in Venezuela and Castro, it appears, will have resumed his duties in Cuba.
Still, Montaner dreams of a rift between Fidel and Raul, of Fidel's death-rattle, of the establishment of a corrupted little China or Vietnam in the Caribbean, paving the way for the return from Miami of the oligarchs, the pimps and the rum-distillers: in short, a happy compromise! This is far from assured, however, as long as Venezuelan benevolence continues to counterbalance US malevolence. So don't hold your breath: we'll see how the situation stands when Chavez retires (and that stubborn Fidel has given up the ghost...maybe) seven years down the line.
December 7, 2007 3:54 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 15:54
Rather than talk about what some want to hear, talk about what they don't want to talk about. Talk about justice, not multi-corporation dreams.. talk about freedon, not restraint. Talk about the Cuban Five and if you want information on Cuba go to Radio Havana Cuba.. Oh yes they do, their site is www radiohc cu .. Do not you think they know more than you?
December 7, 2007 3:30 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 15:30
It looks like Castro will have to depend on Bolivia now. Gee, what a letdown.
December 7, 2007 3:15 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 15:15
Can't wait to see Chavez leave even if it is to go Castro's funeral !!!
December 7, 2007 3:11 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 15:11
I could only imagine if Cuba could have a referendum, on any issue at all.
December 7, 2007 3:05 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 15:05
The Venezuelan People have sent Hugo Chavez a resounding "Callate!"
This was first said by Spain's Juan Carlos and now the population of his own country has said that the unification between Cuba and Venez just ain't gonna happen.
This Chavismo Machismo is simply bloated arrogance gone amuck.
He is not Simon Bolivar, he is more Simple Simon and nobody's buying his pies!
Hugo, Shut up and sit down.
www.SCAMOGRAM.com
December 7, 2007 3:03 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 15:03