Today’s Post Global GPB

http://www.secure-x-001.net/SecureGeo/Issue/SecureObservationComments.asp

And the topic of discussion is...

“Will Bush rescue the Annapolis accord as he visits the Middle East for essentially the first time?”

And the answer provided by the author is...

No Annapolis rescue...just another photo op to enable radical Islamists.

“Most analysts believe President Bush won't start crafting constructive policies now, in his last year, when he has had no vision for the region for 7 years. What most thought leaders are asking is whether the President has any real priority beyond an attempt to reach for some type of better legacy than he has now. Few believe he does and that will make it difficult for this trip to achieve much if anything other than photo ops. Unfortunately, it provides the opportunity for US opponents, particularly radical Islamists, to achieve much as they direct anger and rage toward the most unpopular US President in memory.”

I concur. Ata boy W!

Mara:
Today's immigration is a result of globalization. Look at it from this point of view, we can't have it both ways. I understand your ancestor's struggles, but try to understand they're not the only ones who went thru rough times. For example, many times there were strikes and worker movements in some LA countries to demand better working conditions, but they were crushed by their local government, you know why? because the US Gov't was behind putting pressure on the local Gov't to not give workers better working conditions, health, education, etc. Why? because that money is supposed to go to the IMF and World bank to pay the external debt [There are tons of info showing these debts are a scam]. As a consequence, the poor latin americans are the ones that get hurt the most and since they dont find opportunities in their country they leave to another country. It happens to be the US because it's closer. Better off countries from southern South America leave to Europe.

At the same time, America takes advantage of free trade, exporting billions in products and services, while destroying the local economies of the poorer countries by requiring local gov'ts to open their economy. Again, the people who feel the worst impact are the poor ones, so they leave.

As you can see, the American economy has always benefited while hurting other countries in the process, I'm just being objective and honest, there's not question about that.
So that's why I said we can't have it both ways.

You are attacking the immigrants (illegal or not, doesn't matter), but that's the result, the effect of a long process of dominance over latin america which left its workforce at the verge of missery. Another result of that is the resentment of the people of LA towards the US, ever wondered why Chavez is so successful in LA? he exploits that resentment. Why is it that there are riots in every country Bush visits?
If you ever intent to change this, you ought to start by attacking its causes, but of course, if you do that then you're attacking a big source of benefits... I know, it's a complex issue, It's not as easy as some people may present it. That's why we need to see things from another angle, rather than thinking we're the sun and everything else moves around us, and as long as we keep thinking that way we'll be living in a bubble, out of reality, and getting pissed when outsiders give their opinion about us.
I think we can do way better than that. We used to.

NOW THAT THE DUST HAS STETTLED ...

Where were you when the world went flat ?

Huh ?

Oh yeah, some of you haven't noticed that yet ...

Good post Mara. I admire your passion about illegal immigration. If you don't mind my asking, where does your passion for the Israelis come from?

Hey-suess the Mexican't - if you want to get into name calling I can do that too. What I wrote is the TRUTH. It is YOU and your ilk that choose to make it a question of race or ethnicity instead of decency and honesty.

I never ONCE said anything about being better than "Mexicans", nor did I make any point derogatory toward hispanics of ANY nationality. I am certainly aware that illegal aliens come from every race, ethnicity, and most nationalities. It is YOU who puts a brown face on them, not me. In fact, I said that a good percentage of LEGAL immigrants are hispanic...not what I'd call a slam by any stretch of the immagination. It was YOU who decided that I was obviously talking about MEXICANS and YOU who started the derogatory comments, not ME. You decided that I couldn't possibly be someone who believes that 'illegal means it's illegal'. That I MUST be a rich, white, racist xenophobe simply because I resent illegals invading my country. Talk about a racist...

But you ask the basis of my resentment of illegals and I'll tell you.

It's the assumption that because the illegal WANTS what I was given by my forefathers, they have every right to take it. What do THEY care that my great-greats were beaten bloody by strikebusters for demanding better labor conditions? What do THEY care for the sacrifices, the work, the hardship it took to force government and business to ensure that workplaces were safe, that our labor was fairly compensated, and our bodies not worked to collapse? By conspiring with unscrupulous employers to hire illegal labor they cheapen every bruise, every drop of blood, and every broken bone it took to secure these protections. They spit on my fathers by accepting lower wages made possible by unpaid payroll taxes, non-compliance with safe work procedures, and unregulated work hours. It WAS Americans who toiled in the trenches doing the work you now sneeringly say is only done by "the Mexican". WE made beds, cleaned bathrooms, washed dishes, dug ditches, slaughtered livestock, harvested crops, and built houses. It was MY family, and others like us, that build the economy the illegals are decimating.

OUR work, OUR vision, OUR values, OUR country, and OUR society..

The same society my greats helped build...the illegals are tearing apart. They do so by teaching their American-born citizen children that lying, cheating and breaking the law is no big deal as long as you feel entitled to something. That abiding by the law is for losers and suckers.

It is MY nation they are assaulting, MY society they are cheapening, and MY community they are invading. It is MY birthright they trying to steal and yes, I DO resent it.

I thought South America is only one country! And all they produce is cocaine and coffee. Am I mistaken? :-)

Great article!

"Observations from abroad are interesting, but hardly relevant to how Americans should vote" This is just an example of the absolute lack of knowledge and global awareness of the American public.

If they only had an idea of how important the rest of the world is for the United States, they would pay more attention to the foreign policy that each candidate is planning to execute, since what happens outside of the United States will inevitably affect what happens inside.

But let them worry and fuss over illegal immigration while they don't care about irrational economic sanctions that create poverty and therefore, more illegal immigration. Let them argue about terrorism and the many enemies they have while they invade and violate human rights that foster hatred. No, it seems observations from abroad are hardly ever relevant...until they see the results of they ignorance.

Mara is certainly right on at least one thing. Immigrants do not have a right to come to this Country, but they may have the priviledge. When someone sneaks in to "make a better life for themselves", it is often times at the expense of someone else (i.e. through identity theft, out-right theft, etc.). I am very sad that nearly every Latin-American Nation has such corrupt Gov'ts that their citizens feel that they need to flee to the US to send money home. I would suggest that those citizens rise up against their corrupt gov'ts. Whether or not you like him (I do not), Chavez is the product of a popular revolution against the ruling elite. So you see, it is possible to change your own life and conditions without stealing from America. Our Gov't gives Billions of dollars to Central and South American States. If the corrupt leaders of those States do not pass on the gift, then do something about it (aside from pillaging in the US).

Eureka, I've got it!

Why don't we just annex Mexico and Central and South America? That will solve all these nasty border and immigration disputes.

With respect to Latin America, in 1999, Washington had it all. On behalf of the Mexican private sector, I attended the Summit of all negotiators of the FTAA in Costa Rica. I was most impressed with the incredible acceptance on behalf of all countries -- except for Argentina --that the Washington consensus, democracy and free trade were the things to do. I say incredible because quite possibly never in modern history had all Latin American countries been in such agreement about anything. Intellectually, Washington was the indisputed leader based on the overwhelming amount of white papers it presented at the summit.The FTAA seemed a practical certainty.

For the reasons that be, Washington got distracted with other things, and lost everything it had gained with respect to Latin America. This is quite serious given --as some americans have put it -- that Latin America is the United States' "back yard" (Latin America most certainly doesn't appreciate the epithet, but from the United States' strategic thinking, Latin America is within its "zone of influence").

Most specifically, Mexico is one of its top 3 commercial partners (indeed, at one point, Mexico was only second to Canada in terms of the commerce between the 2 countries); one of it's best customers (at one point, Mexicans spent aprox 80 cents of every dollar they owned, on american goods), and the USA shares a long border with Mexico.

Regrettably, the immigration issue is clouding the USA's vision and perception of its southern neighbor. The strident xenophobia directed toward Mexico and mexicans that has been a steady daily diet in the presidential campaigns, is no way to treat your best customer, your partner, your neighbor, your friend.

Undoubtedly Mexico has a lot of work to do to better its economy to provide the better paying jobs its citizens are seeking in US soil (and even there the US could be a powerful ally; why not embark on a "Marshall Plan" for the Americas?), but all the vituperation delivered in the most extraodinarily insulting manner is not only *NOT* going to solve anything, but will assuredly aggravate things. Certainly it is already impacting the relationship between the two countries at all levels -- and Mexico is not moving anywhere. Like it not, the two countries are inextricably linked per secula seculorum.

Calls to re-negotiate the NAFTA are only stoking dangerous cinders down south -- and the LAST thing the USA should want is an unstable neighbor on its southern border. It can only be hoped that campaign rhetoric will give way to a measured and responsible response to a problem which is actually one of world-wide dimensions: the pull of opportunities in developed countries attracting migrants who are being pushed out of their poorer countries of origin due to systems which do not encourage the betterment of poorer people's station in life, and/or economies which cannot provide enough jobs to feed all their citizens.

The United States has indeed forgotten the stuff it is made of. It's greatness stands on the shoulders of immigrants willing to risk even their lives for the freedom to build themselves better opportunities. But they entered the country legally is the oft quoted response. Not entirely true. Among other things, the vehicle used by the United States to take Texas away from Mexico was precisely illegal immigration. "Manifest Destiny" was all about taking away from others what was lawfully theirs.

Undocumented immigrants are no more criminals than the man who was interviewed by Bill O'Reilly, who broke the law in Southern California, thereby saving his life and his home from the wild fires which engulfed all his neighbors. They are simply people looking for a better life. Thus, instead of insults and laws designed to convert them into real criminals, there needs to be a more humane, and much more realistic, approach to solving the problem. Moreover the solution needs to be forged through the cooperation of all countries involved.

Otherwise, the United States will loose all hope of maintaining any kind of a relationship with Latin America -- a situation which will undoubtedly be most advantageous to China, which is making a serious headway in solidifying its presence in Latin America.

Lets hope the next President of the United States, no matter from what party he or she hails, will have the wisdom to appreciate that this is a time that requires true leadership, and that if the United States wants to lead from moral authority, it has to start at home by rediscovering all that is good in its people, and stretching out a friendly hand to those in need and who are most vulnerable.

P.S. I am an american citizen by birth (born in Mexico of american parents), who lived in the US for 30 years, and I truly believe the american people are a great people. But so are mexicans. We simply have got to figure out a way to get along together. The economies of both nations are so entertwined, we actually won't have much choice.

To Mara: wow that made you feel powerful, important, i guess.

It makes you feel you're at a higher level when you see a Mexican cleaning the stuff you left in the toilet, I'm sure the Mexican loves to do it! and on top of that, having you treat him like crap and tell him he's not welcome here. The Mexican must feel really good! God bless you.

The very poor whites just don't do the dirty work, they prefer to smoke crack in their white trash trailer homes, rape their daughters and watch Nascar all day. But then again, I have to hear that Mexicans steal the jobs of poor Americans, yeah right.

But I have a question, what is the basis of all this resentment. Is it wealth (rich people are better than poor), or is it race (whites with blue eyes are better than darker skin Mexicans). What about blacks then? they're not white and I don't see this type of hate posted all over, and don't tell me it's because they're born here and they're Americans, you don't really care about that. The thing is, there are laws for them so you get in trouble if you insult them the same way you insult Mexicans. The day they put laws to prevent discrimination against Mexicans, you'll turn to discriminate against who now? mmm... Asians? Eskimos?
You know what, it doesn't matter, because in your mind, there will always be others to blame for your own problems, and you'll find them, whoever they are. Even if you have to blame trees, you will.

and one more thing ISSA...

any immigration legislation that allows the illegal to stay in the US while applying for legal status, that lets them keep the profits they've accrued through their criminal activities (like illegally residing and working the US), that ignores associated felonious actions (like identity forgery and/or theft, contract fraud, etc) while opening up a path for said criminal to obtain legal residency or citizenship...that IS amnesty.

Any "reform" forgiving criminal activities that would, in any other instances, bar one from legally immigrating SHOULD be considered an amnesty. Also, it would give the illegal an advantage over decent, law-abiding, respectable IMMIGRANTS...and that's not fair.

I, for one, don't think American citizenship should be put on the market for the low, low price of $5,000, a few back taxes, and an insincere "apology". It SHOULD be tough. It SHOULD take effort. It SHOULD be more than a commodity.

well, isn't ISSA a big fat liar?! LOL!

The United States accepts more LEGAL immigrants than any other nation on earth, a goodly percentage of them from hispanic (yes, I said "hispanic") countries and yet he says "...there is NO Legal Route to getting a work permit or work visa." What an shameless, obvious lie.

If you think there's no legal route open to immigrants, what did you mean when you say you "...worked with INS for more then 15 years getting H1b Visas and updating annual work Visas."? If there's NO LEGAL WAY to immigrate, why are you referencing work you've done in the visa system? The LEGAL immigration system?

I KNOW we haven't done away with the INS/ICE or visas, so maybe what you actually MEANT to say was that getting a visa is "...a royal PITA. Plus the mounting fees that are killing business and applicants. It is a nighmare and requires the additional expense of Immigration Attorneys."

You meant there was "no EASY way..." not "no LEGAL way...", right?

In other words, coming to America is hard work and expensive. Boo hoo. Do the work, pay the money and we just might...MIGHT...let you come into our country. But that'll be our CHOICE, not YOUR right.

Hey Bruce Smith!

Sorry that I mistook you for a brilliant college senior rather than a brilliant senior citizen. I should have known that your world view was far too well informed for the former.

I too am a retired senior citizen, but unfortunately not in Cannes, France. Lucky you! Congratulations on getting out of American banks/bonds/dollars and into European banks/bonds/euros. Unfortunately, half of my retirement 401K is in a Vanguard Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) fund, which has lost 25% of its value in the last year. Oh well, I may as well ride it out now. We don’t want to buy high and sell low.

“I notice you and I seem the most hated on this blog, which bothers me not in the least, because when that idiot was marching the decks of OUR taxpayers paid aircraft carrier, in a borrowed flight suit - also OURS - I too had a 'Mission Accomplished'.”

Ditto, it doesn’t bother me either. I guess it is up to us Smith and Jones boys to pass on our hard earned experience to the younger crowd. If they don’t want to hear it, then that is their prerogative. Actually, I think most comments addressed to us have been reasonably respectful, unlike some of the vitriol directed at some others and our distinguished Brazilian guest.

Thanks for the post and live long and prosper.

Somebody wrote: Latin America's problems are of it's own creation. Nothing the USA can do can alter the fact that generally speaking most if not all of so-called latin American is governmened by corruption from top to bottom.

About the 1st sentence, pls read my post last night and understand what created most of the problems...and also undeertand why LA countries expect the US to come to the rescue when things get out of control... because the US is behind the whole mess!!! like it or not.

About corruption: The Harvard School of Corruption is located in Washington DC. That's real corruption, where the $billions are. Down south, they just steal a few millions.

The presidential elections, rigged voting machines, oil & natural gas wars, lobbys, the media that hides stuff, tax breaks for the super rich, and the list goes on. We are talking about $$ trillions, more zeroes than you can ever imagine. Isn't that corruption?

Of course there's corruption down south, but they just steal peanuts. Over here they steal diamonds. But go on, keep critizicing the peanut guy while they real thieves get their hands in your pockets. Just look the other way...

Geaux Tigers!!!

This message really reflects the basic thinking and wishes from latin america people to the
upcoming President of the United States of America.
As brother of the americans from the north, I will joint myself to the same wishes.

I've been to Brazil a few times, and I only have good words and appreciation for those I've met. Most Brazilians I met were warm, always laughing and joking, and with an amazing zest for life.

I don't agree with the comments here that denigrate Brazilians (and/or "Latin Americans" -- although Brazilians don't consider themseleves that) as a whole. It is unfair and untrue. Millions of Brazilians are decent, hard working people, and many have contributed por the betterment of mankind through sports, music, culture, research in medicine, etc.

That being said, Brazil's (and Latin America's) record in human rights, corruption, poverty, unemployment, inequality, environmental record, and freedom has been practically abismal (with a handful of honorable mentions). Just as small examples, Rio de Janeiro's murder rate makes Baghdad look like Disneyland. Its rate of inequality in income distribution makes the old rich banker in Monopoly look like Mother Teresa in comparison. Its president, Lula, has only stabilized the country, yet thousands emigrate every day, many to the US. Brazil destroys the Amazon at a rate of the size of Belgium every year.

When the @#$#$ hits the fan, it's always (and I mean ALWAYS) when Brazilians (and Latin Americans) look for guidance (most likely $$$) from the US:

Who do they want to speak with immediately when their economies falter? The US.

When there are internal conflicts? The US.

When there are conflicts between nations? The US.

When they want more open markets? The US.

For help during natural disasters? The US.

To help with solving of certain crimes? The US.

For advice and feedback regarding medical research and other technologies? The US.

Where do most emigrate to? The US.

Some favorite tourist destinations? The US.

Favorite music and movies? The US.

Favorite athletic and academic scholarship destination? The US.

And we're supposed to listen to a lecture by an elitist arrogant lefty such as Leitao who, besides denigrating our president, tells us what WE should know what is right and wrong and pretends to know what WE think and WE want?

The United States isn't perfect, but there is a powerful incentive why so many millions around the world risk their lives to enter it: freedom and opportunity. Something that all of Latin America lacks of.

Dear Ms. Miriam Leitao,

I usually read your column in O GLOBO newspaper and normally disagree with most of your ideas.
But reading you in English I can say that I fully agree with you. Much better in English than in Portuguese!
Congratulations.
P.S. Also your picture looks more beautiful.
(e-mail: hcosta@hotmail.com)

Do we really need advice from a foreign country, they have their own problems and for the looks of it far more serious than any thing we got here, and theirs are endemic problems, been with them for ever. If they can not find the wisdom or the resoolve to clean their own house, is it of any value to ask them for advice?

The people youand most people call Hispanic are incorrectly identified.. They speak a dialect of Spanish..

What they are are Indiginos.. American Indians.
Either forced below the Tejas border or were originally settled. Or forced to move and die in horrible conditions in New Mexico and Arizona.

They are from the many tribes. Today many have integrated with Pacific Island, Asian, Arab, European, African immigrants.

These Indiginos have always been treated with distain in the Central and Western states.

Though my familiy are direcly decended from Spain..Blue Eyes and Blond hair. With our last name Gallego traveling outside our community were refused lodging and food. This was in the 50's but recently experienced this distain speaking Spanish to a friend from Panama.

But all the prejudice of the Americna Indian and prejudice of Spanish speaking people are all coming out again with people who are preventing Legal immigration.

For all the screem about Amnesty..there is NO Legal Route to getting a work permit or work visa.

There is NOTHING.. any discussion abotu fixing the issue the conversation gets stopped with the word Amnesty.

As Jack Nicholson said in an old movied:
"There ain't no freeking french fries"

"Their ain't no Freeking route to get a Visa."
Especially if yoru are Mexican..Ok for el Salvadore, Nicaragua, Cuban.. NOT Mexican.

I have worked with INS for more then 15 years getting H1b Visas and updating annual work Visas.
What a royal PITA. Plus the mounting fees that are killing business and applicants. It is a nighmare and requires the additional expense of Immigration Attorneys.

Well that is my part.

ISSA

An excellent article. How about another article advising the President of Mexico use his country's vast resources to improve the lives of Mexican citizens so they will not want to come to the U.S.....ILLEGALLY..

"less fundamentalism in national security issues" Can you give an example of "fundamentalism" in national security issues? Sounds like you have been reading politcal blogs rather than real research not based on propaganda of one politcal party or group.
Latin America's problems are of it's own creation. Nothing the USA can do can alter the fact that generally speaking most if not all of so-called latin American is governmened by corruption from top to bottom. Decades of democratic rule has not altered that fact in countries like Argentina and Paraguay corruption is the norm. Latin America rather than face up to this fact prefers to scapegoat the USA as the black hand keeping south America impoverished.

Miriam:
Sos un genio.

Coincido 100% y me alegro que seas latinoamericana, mujer y bonita y al mismo tiempo tan inteligente y con ideas tan claras.

Además me encanta la precisión y humor con que te expresas.

Pa frente, Brasil!!!

Saludos de Alberto, de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some white Latin Americans, such as this journalist, have the grating habit of posing as victims of "northern" oppression, when in fact the unfair advantages of race are at least as strong in their own countries as in the US.

Bravo Miriam!

I'm not really sure to what two disastrous wars you are referring? Vietnam and Korea? As far as I can tell, the two most recent are in pretty good shape. We have eliminated an evil dictator and replaced him with a democracy that is starting to learn how to operate. We also elimated a Theocratic authoritarian regime that would have you shut up and covered head to toe in a burka if they had their say.

Not only did we not attack Afghanistan first, we even gave them a way out of war. All they had to do was give us Osama Bin Laden and his cronies and they would still be in power. Since he did murder 3000 Americans with a series of spectacular displays, I think our response was pretty dignified.

As for Iraq, Saddam WAS in violation of nearly, if not every, agreement that paused the Gulf War. That's right, paused the war. The war (like the Korean War) was not over, merely paused by a cease-fire agreement that was never obeyed by the aggressor (Iraq).

The Korean and Vietnam wars, over the span of about 15 years, cost us on order of 100,000 American lives and accomplished virtually nothing that is good. The North Vietnamese conquered the whole of their Nation and made it Communist and the North Koreans continue to this day to threaten the South and others. The 4000 or so American lives spent on the more recent wars is a testament to just how well we can conduct warfare now. These wars have liberated many people and have our enemies on the run.

Neither Iraq nor Afghanistan are in a position to threaten anyone outside of their borders anymore. You would do well to consider this before spewing your Liberal, anti-Bush rhetoric. He may not be the best President we have ever had by a long shot. The only fault I find in the conduct of these wars is that we have too few troops invloved in both countries.

Dear Mr Sanders,

Observations from aborad are really important to how Americans should vote - specially because Americans are not alone in the world.
The United States new president success and America´s future as an hegemony also depends on how the next administration will behave abroad and how other countries - large, small, rich and poor ones - are going to respond to the American foreign policy.
A good example to understand how these factors are connected is the disastrous Bush administration and what is happening in Iraq.
Remeber also how much the United States depend on other countries - including unfriendly ones - and pay attention to America´s dependency from other industries, located and managed by other nations. I know there is a lot of space around your house, inside your car and throughout the desert in your country, but remeber that beyond the East and the West coasts, there are a lot of people that change your life too.
Before voting, think global. Do not forget that other countries and people´s lives worldwide are going to be influenced by your next administration and those will respond and behave accordingly.

Greetings from Brazil...

I agree with Mr. Sanders to a certain extent, the U.S. will be less likely to focus on most Latin countries because they do not share any notable interests that members of our government (below the president) will address to. This is an unfortunate note in our history which continually repeats itself. Our president may hold the last say but there are many "below" him who hold great powers over how this country operates. The main point as far as Latin America is concerned is; our foreign policy needs great "change". Would it hurt us to actually attempt to make allies with countries that may not hold any economical value to us? Currently we have no foreign policy, anything goes. This administration has only focused on our enemies not our allies. It's time to generate a new perspective of our great country to the rest of the world. That is where our new president can make a huge difference.

We sometimes forget that we are not the only country that matters in this world.

Mr. Sanders, you have committed a quite frequent mistake in your interpretation of Ms. Leitao's comments; believing that South American countries are like school children who want to join a clique and win a "popularity contest" with the U.S. or be seen as the "best friend" of the U.S. Most countries in the region don't care about being "friends" with the U.S., what they want is to be acknowledged for their workforce, resources, and the fact that their policies can have either a stabilizing or destabilizing effect on the region (including the U.S.) as a whole. The reality is, as Ms. Leitao is trying to point out, that South America is a diverse, complex and important part of the world; and it should be of particular interest to the U.S. not only because of its proximity, but because of the ideas and people that come out of the continent. If the countries in South America are economically and politically stable it benefits the U.S. by cutting down on illegal immigration, stabilizing trade, opening up foreign investments and by prohibiting the spread of radical ideologies that find the most fertile ground in the minds of the displaced poor. The U.S. can play an important role and be a catalyst for positive change in the region if it were willing to look south and recognize the untapped potential of their Latin neighbors.

Whoever we elect, I hope they erect the world's largest fence on our southern border.

Right on the money! Some people feel offended by these comments. First of all, they're true, and secondly I think it is flattering that foreign nations take such a deep interest in domestic US politics. I don't even know when is Brazil electing a new President!

As a Brazilian I agree with Miriam Leitao. I have always been a great admirer of american culture: great writers, great movies, beautiful music but I have grown tired of seeing south americans presented always as greasy, dirty criminals or worse, as semi retarded idiots. We certainly are much more than that. And more and more it is possible to perceive a growing anti-americanism among south americans. It can be envy, of course but I think it goes deeper than that and you should pay attention to it because we really do admire you and want to be your allies

As an American who grew up partly in Brazil, I consider Brazil my "second" country and have a lot of loyalty to it. I agree in principle with many of Ms. Leitao's points, but at the same time I think she has struck a nerve and that it's understandable that many Americans would react defensively to somewhat arrogant/insensitive criticism from a foreigner who clearly does not fully understand the complexities of American culture and race relations. It would have been helpful if Ms. Leitao had acknowledged at the start that (1) despite all of the United States' problems, Brazil still has a lot of work just to reach the US's levels of social democracy, economic opportunity/equality, access to education, etc.; (2) Brazil/L.A. is not a foreign policy focus for the US for some very good reasons; (3) criticism from abroad is not generally well received--Brazilians typically react very defensively when criticized by Americans.
All that said, we can learn from people outside our borders. It's truly a shame to see the ignorance, parochialism, xenophobia, and mean-spiritedness in many of the defensive responses to Ms. Leitao's piece. It's the aspect of this country that I am least proud of and one often reflected and encouraged by the President, who will go down as one of the worst leaders in our history.

This woman really touched a nerve and as an American, I am embarassed by some of the ignorant and hostile remarks by some posters. We Americans get very defensive when criticized but we need to hear what the world thinks because we cannot afford to make anymore foreign policy mistakes. And so many ignorant Americans still believe that Iraq was involved in the attacks on 9-11. I pity my once great country the USA!

i am surprise about the "naivity" of a lot asmericans posters..
from the writer who accuses the brasilians generals to help argentinians golpistes..truth..but forget that behind them was the CIA..
and what say about the writer who never unterstood that Castro an d Chavez are products of the americans pretentions to own trought the multinationals all the goods in the world..
Castro was in his beginning supported from Washington..like Bin Laden..like Hamas..like Saddam Hussein..you americans cant plaint if you play dirty and afther your game turns against you..and less you cant be offended if the rest of the world blame you for your blunders..
grown to unterstand that Usa is a part of the the world..not the world

Actually what Colin Powell said was: "And I said that I grew up in a very diverse environment, and because I am not that black as a physical matter -- I am as black as anybody whose skin could be 20 shades darker than mine -- I consider myself an African American, a black man, proud of it and proud to stand on the shoulders of those who went before me. But I know that because of my background and my upbringing, I'm probably more acceptable over the years to the white power structure that I was dealing with as I came up."

TO Miriam Leitao: So why did you LIE and MISREPRESENT and DISTORT what Powell actually said? Is that how you practice journalism in the LatinA Third Word down there?

"We're so much more than you think we are."

Yes, and so much less than you think you are.

Congratulations, candidate. You are already better than the president you are about to replace.

YOUR FIRST SENTENCE AND THE LAST ONE I BOTHERED TO READ, WHAT A COINCIDENCE.....yawn.

I've been to Brazil a few times, and I only have good words and appreciation for those I've met. Most Brazilians I met were warm, always laughing and joking, and with an amazing zest for life.

I don't agree with the comments here that denigrate Brazilians (and/or "Latin Americans" -- although Brazilians don't consider themseleves that) as a whole. It is unfair and untrue. Millions of Brazilians are decent, hard working people, and many have contributed por the betterment of mankind through sports, music, culture, research in medicine, etc.

That being said, Brazil's (and Latin America's) record in human rights, corruption, poverty, unemployment, inequality, environmental record, and freedom has been practically abismal (with a handful of honorable mentions). Just as small examples, Rio de Janeiro's murder rate makes Baghdad look like Disneyland. Its rate of inequality in income distribution makes the old rich banker in Monopoly look like Mother Teresa in comparison. Its president, Lula, has only stabilized the country, yet thousands emigrate every day, many to the US. Brazil destroys the Amazon at a rate of the size of Belgium every year.

When the @#$#$ hits the fan, it's always (and I mean ALWAYS) when Brazilians (and Latin Americans) look for guidance (most likely $$$) from the US:

Who do they want to speak with immediately when their economies falter? The US. When there are internal conflicts? The US. When there are conflicts between nations? The US. When they want more open markets? The US. For help during natural disasters? The US. To help with solving of certain crimes? The US. For advice and feedback regarding medical research and other technologies? The US. Where do most emigrate to? The US. Some favorite tourist destinations? The US. Favorite music and movies? The US. Favorite athletic and academic scholarship destination? The US.

And we're supposed to listen to a lecture by an elitist arrogant lefty such as Leitao who, besides denigrating our president, tells us what WE should know what is right and wrong and pretends to know what WE think and WE want?

(pause for laughter)

Ms. Laitao:

It would be a wise foreign policy to include the Latin American countries and the Caribbean in trade talks for restoring balance in this region. We, in the US, then would be able to influence the countries and their people to protect the environment, reduce population and thus provide a decent living for most citizens.
This said, I would like to ask the people who come from this region, why do you have such population? Why do you not see poverty as a direct result of bringing too many mouths to feed? Why is there no national dialogue about this very pressing issue in your countries? I understand that some of the reservation comes from the Catholic religion and its special emphasis on contraception as a sin against God; but seriously your problems are a result of not having visionary leaders who would put aside empty rhetoric and work to make the region a powerhouse of education, culture and prosperity. It is quite amazing how they have frittered away opportunities and now you criticize us? Really, you must take the blame on your own shoulders--you the elites of the countries; the common people are swamped with illiteracy, poverty and crime. Look to the East and see the single-minded, purposeful way China is remaking itself. China does not blame anyone for its past poverty; the Chinese people are too busy working hard, since the Asian values puts education and hard work over all else. Look to India, whose meteoric rise is quite astounding--considering they were about to default on their international borrowing in 1990. In two years, their Finance Minister, Dr.Manmohan Singh(who is the Prime Minister now) put down energetic policies that rejuvenated the whole economy. And the whole country is pulsating with optimism and hope. There is now a real possibility that India can elevate her people to a decent standard of living in the next 50 years. This is because the Chinese and Indians do not blame anybody else for their problems. This is puzzling because Indians were colonized by Great Britain that impoverished the colony in a very systematic way. And yet, Indians did not blame the British for their problems.This is because their leaders were true patriots who believe that the country can pull itself up;they also think like Dr.Singh that with hard work, India can transform itself ready for the 21st century. Where is your Dr.Singh? This, Ms Laitao is your problem--NOT the USA!!
PS: I am newly minted American citizen from India.

Good article and excellent advice! Could we send the Deciders supporters somewhere in South America? They are totally useless and dangerous here!

btw, brazil is a socialist country run by a socialist.

"you will inaugurate a new era with less fundamentalism in national security issues"

on the contrary, the threat will always be pending and national security should always be on our mind.

"with more responsibility toward environmental issues"

as soon as india and china comply with any environmental treaties, we will.

"with stronger multilateralism"

multilateralism is not required or needed.

"with more empathy to other nations’ people"

as soon as the leaders in the nations of these people show mercy and empathy first.

That is the true! I totaly agree! I can only add a new comment/question: How could American people vote for Bush on the second time?

Why would American voters be swayed by what a Brazilian thinks? The reverse would not be true. Rants from foreign journalists are always about what the US should do for their countries. Didn't Canada go through this a few years ago? So Canadians outsted the anti-Americans and elected a Prime Minister who supports American values. Perhaps Latin Americans should do the same. Or better yet -- become less dependent on the U.S.

The comment of Miriam Leitao is an excellent suggestion, not direcly aiming at the american voter, but rather directed to presidential candidates and, of course, to the next President. USA is the only superpower, at present and for some years to go, and when media talk about the Empire you know thwy are meaning the USA. As such, USA have the highest level of responsibilities in this world, icluding the one yo get to know and understand each single nation they are dealing with, be it friend or foe. Good luck to the next President (and to the present one,also)

Sergio Castaldi, Rome,Italy

Finally, well said and intelligent comments. I don't see anywhere where it tells us how to vote. Maybe you should read it again carefully Richard.

Me hate Bush! Bush bad!! Neocon!! Neocon! Me liberal. Me read bumper sticker. Bush bad!! Me smart :)

Her comments are pure arrogance.

I would suggest that Mr. Sanders has missed the point entirely. Or ignored it. He brushes aside rather curtly the importance international relations plays in how things go here in America and how we are perceived and echos the "for us or against us" mentality that has gotten us where we are among nations. The whole point of
Miriam Leitao's piece is that we need to reach out and learn and
cooperate rather than bully, but Mr. Sanders obviously is of the notion that outsiders should mind their own business and that America should do as it sees fit. Oh brother, haven't we had enough of that?

Well, yahoo for Brazil and latin America. It's about time you people quit whining that it's all the U.S.'s fault that the places you live are sqalid rat-hole countries. Maybe you can start taking responsibility for YOURSELVES now instead of expecting bail-outs from the IMF, the World Bank, or the U.S. of A.

And since things are going so swimmingly for all y'all, you reckon you can keep your citizens from illegally sneaking into OUR home and stealing OUR resources now?

Well unfortunately you are correct, we are fast becoming the thieves and pieces of human crap that populate South America.

Believe me I know. I live in Miami and have to see my country's ideals trashed every day by South Americans who come here, not because they want to live in a better, cleaner, more polite place, no they come here because they think we are dumb, lazy, and unwilling to lie, cheat, and steal like they do.

They come here not for freedom or liberty (they spit on those concepts) but because kidnapping of family members is not a national obsession and because the police are not yet corrupt, although they hope to change that in short order.

They don't come here to bring anything noble, only to feed at our table and to steal all they can lay their hands on.

Before you lecture me on how America should be, why don't you straighten out your own house. I promise not to go to South America to straighten you out, but I do have a bunch of your ex-patriots I would like for you to take back - PLEASE.

It would be much more productive if we, Brazilians, were paying more attention to more critical issues inside Brazil, as corruption, scandals in the senate, urban violence, poverty, sanitation and lack of good public hospitals.

We should focus on these issues before criticizing foreign Presidents.

Miriam, usually I love your posts, but I think we should focus on stating that more cooperation between US and LA could create a lot of benefits for both, not only on trade but also on social and economic issues.

Free criticism is easy and useless.

Rgs,

RL