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

factchecker wrote:
j.r. silveira said something about bush's grades. this person must forget that the french looking john kerry's grades were lower. not that being a genius is a requirement. just upholding the constitution is.

First of all, I believe j.r. silveira was contrasting Mr. Bush's grade with Mr. Clinton's, rather than Sen. Kerry's. And second, I'd agree it is the duty of the president to uphold the constitution. It will be a pleasure when we elect one who does...

One thing to tell our new president, if we have one. Many are talking of a terrorist attack and a suspension of the election and military rule. Why not, he's stolen two elections.
Our biggest problem is this administration has all but ignored the American people, except the richest. We need to fix our problems, i.e., education, health care, budget and trade, illegal immigration, infrastructure, and so on, before we go meddling in other nations affairs.
Suspend all foreign aid, bring all our troops home and fix our problems before anything else.
I recently talked with a friend whose wife had to have her gall bladder removed which involved a day and a half in the hospital. The bill just from the hospital was thirty thousand dollars, this is obscene and a travesty in the richest country in the world. Many Americans are one illness away from bankruptcy.
There are so many problems in the world but what we really need is to solve ours first, then we can proceed to help others.

! MAGNIFICO ! ;-)

Yonkers, New York
08 January 2008

It is futile for Latin America to expect the United States "to lead the process that will sfeguard our lives on the planet" as Mirriam Lettao so plaintively puts it.

The United States has more than enough vexing and perplexing domestic and international problems to deal with for it to be able to do any leading at all for Latin America. If Ms Lettao observed what happened in Bali, there the U.S. had to be humiliated and denounced before it was compelled to do as the Bali Summit did on global warming and climate change.

Latin America will need to take care of itself, all by itself if that is what it takes to solve its own problems, and continue to put the continent on the road to progress. It ought not to count on outsiders to do this.

Latin American leaders are right to finally come to the realization that Washington's neglect of Latin American affairs is an advantage.

They should be thankful for this "benign neglect" (if that is what is) on the part of Washington. America's interference and meddling in Latin American and Caribbean affairs has not done those countries any good.

Imperialism is never good for countries on the receiving end.

Mariano Patalinjug
MarPatalinjug@aol.com

The first two sentences say it all. Congratulations, candidate. You are already better than the person that you are about to replace. Having said that, many of the candidates are not so much better that they would reverse the fundamental decline in civil rights, women's rights, foreign policy, science and technology leadership, energy independence, economic policy, income inequity, and solutions to climate change that this failed presidency has presided over. Eight more years of incompetence and disastrous policies in the White House will have an irreversible impact on the future well being of our children and grandchildren, if indeed this has not already happened. Voters, do your homework, dig below the veneer of campaign promises, and elect a candidate who can restore trust, competence, and hope in the U.S. and abroad.

Now I say that is a fair assessment. Bravo!

The overuse of the pronoun "you" gives the whole editorial an unpleasant adversarial edge.

Dear Aaron,

we are, in fact, great and we don't need US to fix our problems. And we also don't need America spoiling our nations like during the sixties and, even in this century, trying to put Chavez out in Venezuela. In fact, the help America has given us has been our worst nightmares.

Marcelo.

Hey Rick Jones!
Thanks for the compliments, but I'm a 'senior' citizen, and retired in Cannes, France. I worked for huge multi-national advertising agencies, so I'm hardly a hermit, but always despised politicians. I'm in this now because I feel the Bush Family has done such terrible damage to my country of origin I must speak up. 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'. All American banks/bonds/dollars were in European banks/bonds/euros.
But what about you getting into politics? Your remarks on the economy, 'Zionism' etc. are right on. Most interesting is you won't be the 1st. For all the Aznars, Blairs, and Belusconis blabbing their bloodthirsty drivel, Jacques Chirac was the ONLY one drafted into a real terror - Algeria. THAT's why he refused to sacrifice his youth to a known hopeless cause. After this catastrophe, he went into politics. This enormous loss of oilfields put France on a scientifically led campaign to all nuclear/hydro-electic power generating. The state-of-the-art train system is hooked to this powerful grid; the only petroleum product it uses is grease.
That's what we need in America today; forward thinking, not ole'boy status quo. Thus far I'm for Barack; America needs a new face. A growling Cheney or snippy Rice only add to our troubles. 'Billary's clenched fist up in the air gasbag oratory is more Taft in drag than 21st Century. All she needs is a cigar....

Congratulations Miriam for this quite remarkable piece, with which I fully agree,
Manuel Riesco, Chile

Ms. Leitao,

We are so much more than you think we are. We Brazilians, that is. Not all of us believe as you do. Not all of us mindlessly hold to whatever superficial anti-Bushisms are currently fashionable among Brazilian self-styled intelectuals. A few years ago, as coalition forces were racing to Baghdad to overthrow the brutal regime of Sadam Hussein, I was landing in Sao Paulo with my father's embalmed body. He was an ex-pat who had always wanted to be buried in his native city. One of the first things one of my "enlightened" Brazilian cousins said to me at the airport, after making the obligatory condolence noises, was to ask, rhetorically, "what about that Bush, huh?" in a condescending tone. After a moment of shock and, I admit, repugnance, I answered back, "How about that Saddam Hussein?" She was cool to me for the rest of my stay. The hubris, and crassness, of these Brazilian pseudo-intelectuals who do not understand America is stunning.

If you guys are so great down there in Latin America then what do you need us for? Solve your own problems! Why all this dependency on Uncle Sam to save you from yourselves?

My God !!!

Better keep that a secret, or coeds on the Jay Leno show who get interviewed on Spring Break, will get that question wrong -- just like one of them named Africa as a country, not too long ago.

As a white female, you are probably in the racial minority when it comes to South America -- something many North Americans usually don't realize.

European appearing [white] folks can certainly be found in Columbia, Uruguay, Chile and Argentina, as well as parts of Brazil. Often, they traditionally were the upper class in La Paz, Bolivia where they often resided in Calacota [sp.] Indeed, those of African descent in Bolivia were few and far between. My former spouse once told me that whenever anyone saw a black person in La Paz, they pinched them [lightly] for good luck. Just imagine some really pissed off African-American tourists in La Paz after such an experience. LOL

Please do share your experiences with us, but I wonder if South American Indians would not have experiences very different from yours -- witness the ongoing unrest being precipitated by Bolivia's current President.

Dear Miriam Leitao, I'm Brazilian like you and I Know you from CBN News and Globo as well. But I could hardly imagine you had such great courage to face and being exposed to this kind of subject. Without any prejudice, I can't believe how this great nation as it is the US; this intelligent people, had the fate of coming up to vote and grant two mandate for the now on president. I think the economy is behind masks which will fall very soon and the world economy will crumble as the US is under recession, thank to the money exploded with the rocket red glare and the bombs bursting in air with the flag of America standing on the soil os sovereing nations unilaterally fighting tyrants with no consent of the UN!
If I were American, I would vote Obama, the only man who had courage to oppose the Iraq war. It doesn't mean that I am for tyranies, but that the globalized World must follow the multilateral compromise under the UN consent to solve its problem by diplomacy. Not war!!! My wish is that the American people be happy by choosing a new president who are really democratic, by doing democracy and think that in the globalized World, if you go wrong, you commit all the nations, and, if you do right, you will bring improvement to the World as a whole.

Interesting that you have so much time to tell us what we are doing wrong or what you think we should do while people all over central and south america keep heading north to the USA to improve their lives because they can't do that in their home countries. As I remember it your home country has a huge population of children, not adults homeless and hopeless. Hmm we have our problems but failing to take care of our children in massive numbers is certainly not one of them.
By the way who is the leader of your country? Guess many people don't know because your country just doesn't have much impact on the world. Well tell you what we'll take care of our country's business and you mind your country's business.

Agree, but for the fact that Chavez is a big time player regardless of ones opinion of the man. If he had not nationalized the oil fields we wouldn't have noticed him.

You may not be a country, but you sure do clean a mean toilet.

Great advice and sage like wisdom. But please don't expect different policies if we end up with a republican president. Just like you guys down there, our elections are rigged, except that here Big Media shouts down, filters or drowns out any who protest it. Especially when it is the GOP who benefit from a glitch in an electronic voting machine, or refuse a recount when the discrepancies are enormous. Or make it so expensive to demand a recount that it is impossible. Big media is always right there to ignore it. They elected Bush by failing to do the kind of quality reporting and research that would have revealed such incompetence. The record was there, they just refused to play it. The media is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Republican Party.

I never voted for or supported Bush, but this is insulting.

>>>You are already better than the president you are about to replace.

Ridiculous. The notion that things or people couldn't be worse shows an alarming lack of perspective. It also ignores the failures of our nation to check Bush's ills --- and much of that occurred in the other two branches of government.

>>>'Change' should be your key word.

That word so full of nebulous ambiguity that it doesn't mean anything. We have each candidate climbing over the others to claim the mantle of "Candidate of Change." We have an election without an incumbent. Everyone is a candidate of change. All elections launch change. Let's not waste our breath on who represents more change. Change being a key word has led to a lot of meaningless debate.

>>>we are not all the same; each country has a distinct history, political process and outlook.

We don't need to be told this.

>>>See how lucky you are? The American economy is in trouble now.

Brain hurting.

>>>There is no such a thing as free lunch, as you well know.

There's a lot we know. But you thought you'd lecture us anyhow.

>>>It falls upon you to find a final solution for two disastrous wars, but you have the advantage of not having started these wars.

We are all responsible for the wars fought by our country. And anyone who frames these wars as belonging to one man is unworthy to lead.

>>>Even if you have supported them with your vote, you could always say that it was because you were thinking only about making the world a safer place to live, but that you strongly disagree with “his” methods, strategy and priorities; or his lack of them."

What's with the quotes around his? Are you suggesting that he's not a male?

If you voted for the war, you own that vote and no amount of wiggling can change that.

>>>If you are black, never say “I am not that black”, as Colin Powell once said."

That takes his quote out of context and is a cheap shot.

>>>“Bushism” is not the only way to be a conservative Republican; it is only the worst one. Good luck."

"Bushism" isn't a word. Good luck.

Its not my fault, blame it on the Public School System and also we were taught that we liberated Iraq.

This is the kind of unadulterated nonsense that has WaPo sinking, as well as the other big papers who have lost sight of the fundamentals of real journalism.

Goodbye and good riddance, Washington Post.

What a joke.

HUNKY SANTA wrote: "Your leader, Lula, publicly supports Chavez. And when doodoo hits the fan in the region, the first place where its countries always ask for help and guidance ... is the US! You have no right to patronize the US and its president."

You should remember that Bush went to Brazil, embraced Lula, learned how Brazilians efficiently produce ethanol from sugar cane (to be used as car fuel), and then returned to the U.S. a very happy man.

Brazilians are generous, cheerful, hospitable people. Lula is a decent man and a great president, who keeps his good manners with such diverse individuals as Chavez and Bush. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same about Americans, particularly the ones posting on this forum.

Congratulations Miriam for your article.

About the disgruntled anti-immigration people:

From a social point of view: As in all countries in distress, people turn to the easiest target: immigrants. This is the typical xenofobic argument and all countries in decline appeal to. It's the immigrants' fault! Nobody blamed the immigrants when things were going well... if only these people could reason like smart human beings and see the problems in context and understand what the real issues are.

From an economic view: There are three factors of production (land, capital and labor). Land is the only one not mobile. For years American investors and multinational corporations have being using their capital in Latin America while the US Government pressured the local governments to modify the laws to facilitate American business there. American corporations also made and make billions selling products in Latin America, driving local companies out of business and millions of workers to unemployment status. Also, another of the US Gov't pressures to the Latin American gov'ts is to reduce social programs (social security, health, education, etc) in order to free up money to pay the external debt to the IMF and World Bank. [How come these countries borrowed so much is a whole separate chapter, but we can put it together in a few words: '70s oil crisis -> Arabs made billions and deposited them in the US -> overflow of arab dollars in US banks -> who shall they lend them to? -> lots of military dictatorships popped up in Latin America backed by the CIA {to fight communism, but we all know that there are always economic reasons behind everything} -> militar dictators borrowed billions in arms, torture training, etc. from the US to fight their own people. Much of those dollars are still a burden for the democratic governments in LA which can barely pay the yearly intersts and continue to refinance year over year their loans with the IMF/WB and obeying the rules and conditions set by these to cut funding on social programs, helth, education, etc. The poorest people in LA are the ones who feel this pressure the most and therefore have no choice but to emigrate. Many go to the US, many go to Europe, not because they love their new country but because they need food to put on their families' table.
But it's very easy and hollow to blame the culture and consider those people not capable of getting ahead. Countries have rich and poor people, the world has rich and poor nations. It's the same concept and same dynamics. The rich are always a handful and it's very difficult for the poor to get out of poverty. Why? because dollars are limited. A dollar owned by a poor is a dollar not owned by a rich, who will use all their power to own that dollar.

But as I was saying, capital is mobile, in other words, Americans can invest all around the world very easily backed by the US Government and its pressures on foreign govts. Labor is the other mobile factor of production, and guess what, it translates in immigration. It all balances out. Some guy complained that immigrants are forcing the American standard of living down to LA levels. In a high level analysis it makes economical sense. In easy English, we can't have it both ways. If we want the benefits, then we also must eat the frog some day. But in reality that argument is not very compelling as the foundation of a capitalistic economy is profits, which is the difference between revenues and expenses, and labor is an expense, so do the math. Whether they are the immigrants in Southern California or the call centers in India, capitalists will always look for chap labor, wherever that is. Don't blame the immigrants.

As long as there is demand for cheap labor there will be people willing to supply it, whether in India, Mexico or illegals in the US. Don't complain about the result, but attack the cause if you're willing to take some action, instead of just let it go on blogs.

Finally, most people that write these hateful things in this blog then go to church on Sunday to praise the lord, love and pray for all the people in the globe, and leave church filled with love and a huge smile in their faces. I'm gonna ask you one last thing: please ask yourself, what would Jesus think in this situation? remember, Jesus was not an economist or politician. And if you're a true Christian (like most people in the US claim to be) you should do your best to follow Jesus steps. Don't believe it? ask your priest, pastor, read the bible... it should say it somewhere...
I don't mean to appeal to the heart or anything like that, I believe this is a matter that should be dealt with our brains. But I just wanted to point out the hypocrisy most of these so called religious people.

Just be objective and don't try to cover the sun with one finger. I don't know what's the big deal about a foreign reporter giving her opinion about the US. When I read Time, NW, and most US publications there are a lot of articles saying what other countries should do. This Brazilian woman sent her view and the WP posted it. Aren't we a free country where anybody can express their opinion? Aren't we in a global society, what does it matter if the woman is in Brazil, or is a Brazilian immigrant living here, or if she's a foreign student in Florida, or an American in Germany. What's going on here? are we going insane???

But it's enough of this for today. Now I'm gonna go back to watch the game, Geaux Tigers!!!

"Be yourself." An appropriate comment from someone who lives in a country that is both poor and one of the world capitals of cosmetic surgery -- but better directed towards her own compatriots than politicians, who are notorious worldwide for pretending to be something other than what they are.

Miriam,
-Brazil is cutting down the Amazon, region of the world with greatest bio-diversity. I agree with Bush, the developing nations should be held to the same environmental standards as the developed world.
-Latin Am. is doing better these days, but you fail to mention that it is because, like the rest of emerging markets, the region is riding the wave of globaization. You would be hopeless if in this wave of economic world growth your economies didn't grow.
-In terms of Cuba and Chavez, understand one thing, they are OUR focus, and we have our reasons.
-As for race, the myth of Brazil as a 'racial democracy' has long been debunked. When was the last time that Brazil, with an overwhelming Black population, had a Black president?
-If the recent Iberoamerican conference is any indication, it will still take some time for Lat. Am. to realize that 'change' for their region is in their hands, to leave to academics the events of 500 years ago, 200 years ago, and to engage in friendly diplomacy toward the US. Not liking the US has gotten old, it no longer has any effect.

Amazingly accurate and succinct.

This is the kind of one-dimensional arroagance I would expect of a college Freshman. The idea that this is a journalist who gets paid money to scribble such jejune tripe is beyond belief.

She actually thinks her prose style is cute and clever. Ugh!

Darden Cavalcade says:

“Rick Jones. When you owe the bank $10,000 and you can't pay it back, YOU are in trouble. When you owe the bank $10 billion and you can't pay it back, the BANK is in trouble.”

It is $260 Billion, not $10 Billion and only a small fraction (10%) of China’s $2.68 Trillion 2007 GDP; hardly enough to put them in trouble. It is we who are in trouble.

Check it out:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4875606.stm

“China 'may cut US debt holdings'

China may reduce the amount of US bonds it holds as part of its foreign exchange reserves, an influential official has reportedly said…

The remarks, made by Parliamentary vice-chairman Cheng Siwei, triggered a fall in the US dollar against leading currencies in European trading.

China is a major funder of US debt, holding about $260bn (£149bn) in US Treasury bonds - second only to Japan.

Any reduction in China's dollar assets could hit the US economy.

Should China cut its US dollar holdings, this could drive up long-term yields on US bonds, which could in turn put pressure on interest rates…”

And:

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/invest/extra/P140049.asp

“How U.S. debt threatens the economy…

The U.S. has run budget deficits over a great deal of its history. The budget deficit today isn't even the highest it's ever been -- we ran larger deficits (as a percentage of GDP) during World War II. But what has changed over the last 25 years is that foreign governments, rather than U.S. citizens, have been buying this U.S. debt (in the form of Treasuries). Now, approximately half of this country's debt is held outside the United States, primarily by China, Japan and Southeast Asian nations…

And the combination of a weighty budget deficit and a record trade deficit has made these creditor nations nervous about loading up on too much U.S. debt. It's reasonable to think that China, Japan and Southeast Asia may soon choose to diversify their investments and stop buying our debt…

If foreign countries stop buying our debt, that will cause long-term bond prices to drop, interest rates to rise and the dollar to fall. Excess demand for energy and natural resources from China and India will likely spur a rise in U.S. inflation rates. Higher interest rates and inflation coupled with a weak dollar make long-term bonds a risky investment with very little upside…”

All of our citizens with those good low interest variable rate sub-prime mortgages will be in deep yogurt when interest rates start to rise.

China has formed an alliance with Russia and Iran, and together with the energy producing countries of the Middle East will be the world super powers of the future.

The US is headed for third world country status thanks to the unbelievably stupid foreign policy, fiscal policy, and lack of alternative energy source development decisions of this administration, present and past Republican congresses since 1994 with their “Contract on America”.

Get rid of Chavez from your continent before you write another article for American audiences.

Some misconceptions that must be clarified:

1) Mrs. Leitao IS NOT left-wing. She works for a conservative Brazilian press behemoth called Globo Organization which was instrumental in alienating Brazilian hearts and minds during the military dictatorship period through its escapism soaked telenovelas and unreliable news coverage Fox News like.

2) Bashing Bush is part of her act pretending to be even handed. Of course, Bush's foolhardiness and stupidity makes this effort very easy to accomplish.

3) Liberal in some minor social issues, she's fiercely conservative when it comes to the economic ones, having been relentlessly opposed to anything that could be construed as a threat to the Washington Consensus prescription book that has been applied to Latin America since the early 90's. Obviously, people like Chavez, Castro and even Lula, are not in her list of most admired leaders.

Oh, and the condescending tone... it's just a typical trait among many Brazilian pundits, maybe it has to do with that patron/peon thing.

Miriam is right on the money on almost every subject, the USA is becoming isolated from the rest of the world, not just LA, backing the "bad guys" abroad is reason for that, hard to understand how a country that took humans to the moon can't get smart people to run their foreign policy! the shah of Iran, sadam, osama bin ladden and now the dictator o Pakistan are just a few samples of those mistakes, not to mention the LA "gorilas" of the 70s and 80s. I can only hope that the US will improve in that area.
"quien siembra vientos, cosecha tempestades"

Would not be better is US forgets LATIN AMERICA (LA)? The history talks that US intervention was not helpful but harming in LA. The US has interfered the authentic evolution and economic independence of LA! And US cannot forget LA because the large resources they have as OIL in Venezuela for example, and rich minerals to build many harmful things sometimes used against LA! The best thing to do in LA is FORGET US and LEAVE US ALONE!! I am not saying GRINGO GO HOME!! just saying POR FAVOR LEAVE US ALONE!! Let these people be the owners of their own resources and let these people be the owners of their own destiny!! Do not say AMERICA FOR AMERICANS! and the manifest destiny does not apply in here!!! just LEAVE US ALONE!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Miriam Leitao for her remarcable lines, and to the W.P. to post it.
I think that if the next man -or woman- in office pays attention to the very simple points she wrote, the U.S. foreign policies in this region would be more succesful.
It´s just a thought from another neighbor from the South, Argentina
(Not Brazil, Not Chile, Not Chavezuela:), Not Colombia, Not Uruguay, Not...)

You forgot to mention one important thing about the next president; he/she will look like Einstein and Mother Theresa in comparison to the mentally broke, morally bankrupt joke of a President.

"less fundamentalism in national security issues,"

I don't understand what's meant by this. Is this referring to religious fundamentalism and, if so, what does that have to do with national security? The longer I examine this phrase, the more it appears to be a poorly conceived cheap shot.

"with more responsibility toward environmental issues,"

It should be mentioned that there are environmental issues besides the Kyoto Protocol, and that the fundamental impediment to ratification has always been the US Congress, not the President.

"with stronger multilateralism,"

Don't be so sure. A lot has been made of Bush's personality and style in this area, but it may be that deeper structural issues are at play here.

"with more empathy to other nations’ people."

Also seems like a cheap shot. Say whatever else you want about Bush, but he really does seem to believe the whole freedom-and-democracy-for-the-huddled-masses schtick. It just might be possible that Bush pursues policies that you disagree with and yet is not a heartless monster.

"It will be easy to be wiser than the man in charge now."

Okay, that's three cheap shots in the first paragraph. Is this really the tone you want to set?

"It will be easy to pay more attention than your predecessor did to my region Latin America, and its global and regional agenda."

Indeed, but don't count on it.

"If you pay attention to these three elementary points you will do much better among Latin American nations than your predecessor."

It's cute how you assume Latin America will be a priority for the next president.

"See how lucky you are? The American economy is in trouble now. However, the worst period will be 2008, “you know who’s” last year in charge. There is a good chance of recovery from 2009 onwards. It gives you an opportunity to say: I did it; my administration made the recovery possible."

Well, this is a great display of cravenness, but I'm not sure what else we're supposed to take away from this comment.

"It falls upon you to find a final solution for two disastrous wars,"

Well, I suppose that I shouldn't have high expectations after reading this far, but you'd expect a "reporter and columnist" to have some idea of the connotations attached to the term "final solution." Although I note that the term "journalist" was not applied to you; perhaps there's a reason.

"You may have to convince the Caucasians that you will govern for all Americans,"

Uh, yeah... this article seems to add up to little more than an inventory deficiencies in the author's grasp of American society, politics and discourse.

Arrogant elitist lefty who doesn't understand America. How would your government have reacted if a hijacked plane slammed against the Maracana (the largest soccer stadium in the world) during a soccer match, killing thousands of people? By judging the astronomical rate of crimes committed in your country and its horrid judicial system, if your country had atomic bombs, you would have already dropped them around the world in a panic.

No, Latin America is not one country. Some have more antipathy towards the US than others, such as Brazil. Your leader, Lula, publicly supports Chavez. And when doodoo hits the fan in the region, the first place where its countries always ask for help and guidance ... is the US! You have no right to patronize the US and its president.

Ms. Leitao is right on every point and observation she makes. She is informed, eloquent and to the point. Too bad she is not American and running for President here...we could use her!

I work in evaluation and I have to say we've got some serious selection bias going on here. It appears that the vast majority of respondents is disgruntled and/or prejudiced! Bad Americans. Bad!

For the record, the author well represents the general opinion of U.S. citizens as well as non-U.S. citizens living in Latin America (and pretty much everywhere else). It's easier to lash out, folks, but you feel so much better after a hug...

God bless the Democrats this year - I'll be coming home a proud American!

It is no so hard to find where the heart of America thinking is, as to know where the thinking of the powerful want them to believe. America self-absorbed opinon is so limited that they can't even agree in their own priorities. Not misunderstanding the valuable opinion of my beloved foreign friends, as a Mexican i think that you don't have options but to choose the less dangerous candidate for your own interest.

It is amazing how ignorance breeds prejudice and hate.

Gabor F Dobay: Chile and Argentina have elected women as heads of state. The US has not. What is your point?

Mr. Saunders--"Observations from abroad are interesting, but hardly relevant ..." HARDLY RELEVANT"??? With the world in such opposition to the USA? Amazing statement indeed.

Less face the truth Mexico has a official policy of offloading their Uneducated peons, criminals and other undesirables on the USA. They provide them documents and instruction in the form of funny papers (because many if not most cannot read) on how to avoid the border parole. How to get illegal documents and jobs in the USA. By off loading their uneducated peons, criminals and other undesirables on American taxpayers they avoid a revolution in Mexico and improve the standard of living while gaining billions in remittance back to Mexico. They play the race very effective and appeal to the Compassion of American citizens. In the long run maybe the most effective thing we could do for Mexico is deport every illegal Mexican in the USA. After having lived here and getting used to the standard of living here if we send back the 12 to 30 million back to Mexico they would demand a better, less corrupt government. It may require an revolution there but the end results hopefully would be a better country! Mexico as countries go is rich there is no reason they cannot do a better job in caring for their citizens.

To put it bluntly without being PC the problem with Mexico is Mexicans. In hundreds of years the only type of society they have been able to build is a Cesspool of Crime, Corruption, Poverty, Misery and Cruelly! Look at their sports, Bull fighting, Horse tripping, Dog Fighting, Cock fighting, & of course rape is a great sport for the young men. Which you would think would hardly be necessary since sex is legal with 12 year old girls there. It would seem that would be enough like rape to satisfy even the most jaded! Not surprising as more Mexicans come to this country the more like Mexico we become! In the long run it is either good or desirable for us or the world to allow Mexico to turn this country into another Third World Country. If any more proof is required look at the Border cities, they are as different as night and day. Obviously the land is the same so how to explain the poverty on the Mexican side other than Mexican culture?

I hope I'm not the only one who found M Leitao's tract to be arrogant, condescending and blatantly racist. I hope that her thought processes are not representative of the best and the brightest in Brazil.

Most of Latin America is a criminal enterprise that refuses to advance the interests of those of it's citizens who remain outside the ruling/business.judicial classes. THAT is why the U.S. has a major influx of lower-caste immigrants escaping from said criminal enterprise Latin American countries. THAT is the fact of the matter.

The least Miriam Leitao could do when posting her nonsensical notions is to call it what it is.

Gabor F. Dobay, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:CO2-by-country--1990-2025.png you will be surprised at what you will learn. There are plenty of references if you want to explore it more in detail. It is much better than posting absurdities.

Dear Miriam,
It's not by accident that you are one of the greatest journalists in Brazil. Congratulations! I hope one day (in the near future) our next President will understand the importance of knowing Latin America better and building a closer and more meaningful relationship with the region!
Please forgive my fellow Americans who used this space to attack the beautiful people of Brazil!

Reading the posts here show why a majority of US citizens can't find Europe (or any other major land mass) on a map. They really have no concept of anything outside their own county, maybe theri own township, few of them have passports and only a small minority of those have ever had serious exposure to life outside the US. But that doesn't stop the dittoheads from pontificating about how awful the rest of the world is and how great the US is.

Latin America has been fortunate that Venezuelan oil has allowed many countries to escape thralldom to the IMF and World Bank (both controlled by Big Bidness International) and that now they are able to chart their own economic course. This of course doesn't please the money men in the Republican party so there is a movement to establish military bases wherever they can. Paraguay allowed them in, but has since begun to develop some cojones and has put restrictions on their presence. By the way, the Bush family has bought a HUGE ranch in Paraguay, possibly with the intention of escaping criminal charges by living in exile. Ecuador has quite reasonably stated that the continuation of a US military presence in Ecuador is contingent on an Ecuadoran military presence in the US. Other countries have reduced their participation in the former School of the Americas that taught death squad tactics to use on supporters of democratic change.

As for Brazil, once you solve the problem of political corruption, tell us so that we can try it here. Lulu came in amid great expectations, but it appears that he has been co-opted by the system. His son has how big a house?

You may have to convince the Caucasians that you will govern for all Americans, always being exactly who you are, because that is the way to be true.... Miriam Leitao what do you consider you are? There is no Latin/Hispanic race. Portugal and Spain are part of Western Europe, I don't think the countries have moved. So YOU are Caucasian. There is an ethnic difference only.

Sunstar, it seems to me that you did not even bother to read the title of the article, "LATIN AMERICA ISN'T ONE COUNTRY". Perhaps your wonderful school system taught you that Brazil was part of Mexico?

The thoughtless rudeness of so many of my fellow Americans is shocking.

An embarrassing number seem incensed simply that a foreigner might have an opinion about America and American politics at all.

Please, people, show a little national pride and reply respectfully to a fellow human being, whether you are in agreement or disagreement.

What kind of portrait of America and Americans do you think this column presents to the world?

In my opinion, Miriam Leitao said in short in those few comments what most people in Brazil think about the Bush administration and what the next leader of the most powerful country in the world should do in order to have the US back in the track of the wisdom your founders dreamt.

Uh, Gabor F. Dobay, Chile currently has a female president: Michele Bachelet. That is one more than this country has ever had, and Chile is the most conservative country in South America.

Argentina just elected a female president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

Nicaragua has also had a female president, Violetta Chamorro.

Although the last two mentioned won in part due to their family name (like many female politicians: Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, etc.), a Hillary Clinton victory would be rather similar, no?

Perhaps you should read up a bit more on regional history and politics before posting.

One thing that wasn't mentioned (probably because there is a major movement of undocumented Brazilians back to Brazil due to Bush's economic disaster) is the presence of undocumented Mexicans in the US and their use by the rightwing as a scapegoat for the Republican mismanagement of the economy.

This so-called problem is about to get much worse because 2008 is when the tariffs on subsidized US corn into Mexico are removed under NAFTA. Previous importation of subsidized American agricultural products (American corn syrup has killed the Mexican sugar industry, American rice and soybeans have done the same to their respective Mexican industries) have driven tens of thousands of Mexican peasants off their land and into the US looking for jobs, so with corn production being a major agricultural occupation in Mexico, there will probably be 100's of thousands more campesinos looking for work after they lose their land.

There have been large demonstrations by the campesino organizations asking Calderon's government to renegotiate NAFTA, but given that the PAN is GOP, jr., it is unlikely that they will do anything that may hurt Big Business. Those xenophobes who buy into the myth of "evil Mexican immigrants" might want to do something to modify NAFTA from this end in order to prevent a doubling or tripling of the number of undocumented brown immigrants.

Thank you Ma'am! You have so much wisdom! You know everything, how to fix it all..

PS: By the way, if you exactly what to do, how to do it, how to run a country and how to elect leaders, why are your good citizens climbing fences, digging tunnels, swimming rivers and crossing deserts to get here??

Garbage ....

Brazil is a powerhouse country. I didn't get to know this by watching CNN. Only know it by open eyes and ears and knowing Brazilienos. The Latinos who come here (most undocumented) make this a great country by their unwavering hard work at the nation's worst jobs. As you well know they are the target of vicious racist attacks by people like Lou Dobbs of CNN, Tom Tancredo, and most of the Republican candidates for president. You really have some great advice for "ignorant" gringos. Sigan los consejos. Gracias por tus consejos.
Sorry I don't know Portuguese.
Dave

So many, so little time to enjoy them all:

Captain3292: "Lets see how Brazil reacts when their Brazilian embassies are bombed or their citizens are beheaded on the world wide web" On the WWW?

Little Brown Brothers: Americans can't take a walk without running into your cousins, fathers, and fatherless kids." Fatherless, as an Immaculate conception? (There is a lot more to this one, enjoy)

Hot Latina: "She is probably way stupider than he is". And it took 3 STUPIDER tries to do the posting.

How do you think "latin america" would respond to a female USA President? All of the countries to the South of us have and are discriminating against women, having the "macho" male image at heart. Do not tell me otherwise, I was in Brazil, Chile, Peru and Venesuela and i have experienced this attitude first hand. I am glad you do not feel the need (at least you do not talk about it) for our continuing financial dole to most of you.
Talking about pollution and "global warming" (the latter is disclaimed by more and more scientists, whose funding does not depend on signing up to this stupid idea), there were days in Sao Paulo when the pollution was so bad that you litterarily could not see. People who live in glass houses should not trow the first rock!
The amount of pollution that the world provides will much depend on China, and the distruction of the rain-forests.
So, do not pontificate, but do your own job reducing pollution!

Wrong, there is only one thing about Latin America that matters: winning the Florida electoral college votes. The Cuban exiles and their children are the swing votes that decide this. Their mortal fear is that the US normalize relations with Cuba before they have made their private peace with the island, which could occur only if: 1) Castro dies, and 2) Cuban Americans get discount prices and first right of refusal on any post-Castro investment opportunities. Chávez is pro-Castro, so any US presidential candidate must make a big hoaky fuss about Venezuela, even though there is zero risk of an embargo on Venezuelan crude. Cuban Americans have the unique vantage of obessession over a symbolic issue that the population at large gives little attention. Mexican Americans are another important group, but a campaign stance on immigration that aims to please them would cause wide backlash by other voters.

Brazilian immigrants to the US number over 2 million, but the US Census does not even categorize them. Most "Hispanic" leaders know little or nothing about Brazil or Brazilians, except in reference to sports or dubbed soap operas. The last thing such activists want to do is to admit another faction into their already jumbled agenda.

Brazil's good fortune is to be off the US foreign policy radar. How wonderful not to be part of any US demagogue's "axis of evil," or called a "clear an present danger" by war-mongering pundits. US presidential campaigns never favor candidates who advocate foreign fraternity, open trade, or (important to Brazil) elimination of the tariff on cane ethanol. Some Brazilians may worry about global warming, but what good would come from any action by gas-guzzling USA to penalize exports from Brazil to "penalize" Amazonian deforestation? And, if Brazil wants to have good relations with the Mideast, the best advice would be to pursue its own interests and studiously avoid the calamitous example of the US.

Brazil should count the lucky stars in its cruzerio do sul and be glad that America "knows" that Brazil speaks Swahili-Spanish and dresses like Portugal-born Carmen Miranda.

Hey, Babi:

It's spelled "paid," not "payed." If you are going to criticize grammar, start by improving yours. Captain 3292's point is well taken. What would your country have done if it was attacked and suffered thousands of casualties? Considering the US' military might, it's a miracle that it didn't nuke the Middle East into oblivion.

Yes, Brazil is an economic power, but it is one of the most unequal countries on earth regarding income distribution. The amount of murders in Rio de Janeiro make Baghdad look like Disneyland. Furthermore, Brazilians, after Mexicans, are the largest "Latin American" group entering the US illegally.

Before commenting, please improve your grammar.

Darden Cavalcade, you ask: "Did Leitao ever criticize her own country's foreign policy when it was most like our own--meddling, violent, unprincipled, unscrupulous?". The answer is a YES and NO. Yes she has criticized her country, but no when "it was most like our own--meddling, violent, unprincipled, unscrupulous" because her country has never been like that.

And Little Brown Bothers is right? In what respect? In the stereotyping? I suppose there is still a lot of inbreeding in your neck of the woods around WVA? And all my little black brothers in the inner cities are still high on drugs, robbing and killing people because that is all they want to do?

You say: "Go to the mall and see who's working minimum wage". What is your point? A lot of foreigners work for minimum wages? Am I supposed to see only Latin people doing it? Are these people criminals for working for an honest living? or maybe, what you really meant was that we should look at the injustice, when it comes to wages, done to these people - God forgive us, some of which are white Americans.

You ask Bruce to go out more. I don't know Bruce, but I have a feeling he has more knowledge of the world than you. You should put the neo-con paper down, and turn-off Fox news and come out and smell the no so fresh air permeating this country. What? What is a neo-con? Take a look on the mirror.

P.S. Yes, like you, I made a of stupid assumptions.

Captain3292, you have to be the most ignorant person on this board, and you have strong competition. Ms. Leitao is writing an op/ed on US policy toward Latin America. If you and your ilk payed more attention to what is happening in the world and what your government does on your behalf, maybe we wouldn't have had a 9/11 or a war in Iraq.

As for dictators, Fidel Castro is the only dictator in this hemisphere, maybe you should do a little more reading to educate and inform yourself better.

As for the other comments on dark skin and poverty. Brazil is one of the largest economic powers in the WORLD. It is also leading the way from relying on oil to using ethanol. There are many things you could learn from them.

Also, Buenos Aires (not spelled Aries) is not in Brazil but rather is the capital or Argentina and it is not a red-light district.

As for your grandson's paper not being intellectual, it is not surprising considering the grandparent's ignorance and bigotry.

Before your countrymen and women continue with their stupid, ignorant and bigoted remarks please learn how to spell. You technically only speak one language and you can't even do that properly!

As individuals, you are great. The best. Collectively, as countries, or, a region, you are a shambles.

A Latin-American gives advice to Americans. Odd. When starving Cubans leave Cuba at the risk of life and limb, where do they go? To the United States, where they can exercise the freedoms that the Cuban dictator took from all Cubans. When Mexicans leave their country in search of opportunity where do they go to find work? To the United States. Where did my parents go in the early part of the last century to make their lives when their own country failed them? To the United States. This woman speaks of multilateralism when it comes to sharing power and influence- why cannot Latin-America take care of its own?

A Latin-American gives advice to Americans. Odd. When starving Cubans leave Cuba at the risk of life and limb, where do they go? To the United States, where they can exercise the freedoms that the Cuban dictator took from all Cubans. When Mexicans leave their country in search of opportunity where do they go to find work? To the United States. Where did my parents go in the early part of the last century to make their lives when their own country failed them? To the United States. This woman speaks of multilateralism when it comes to sharing power and influence- why cannot Latin-America take care of its own?

The majority of white Americans (the majority of the population) dosent care about Latin American countries and their heritage or unique political process. The one thing we do care about is the number of Illegal immigrants that keep crossing our borders, using our services, and not paying tax's. Given Bush is a horrible president but the one thing he has done or started is a program to secure our southern border against further attacks and invasions from waves of illegal immigrants. Tell your people if they want in the country to go threw the process of becoming a citizen. Only then we will truly respect latin americans. Since we cannot tell the illegals form the legals we dont like or care about you as a whole.

good day

Jay Miller

Comments of this Brazilian reporter as to her fellings toward the President of the US are about as intelligent as the paper my 7 year old grandson wrote. At the same intellectual level. Lets see how Brazil would act if the US terminated all aid to Brazil. Lets see when the Brazilian authorities cease executing homelss children. Lets see how Brazil reacts when terrorists murder 3000 Brazilians in one day. Lets see how Brazil reacts when their Brazilian embassies are bombed or their citizens are beheaded on the world wide web. When was the last time an American could freely walk in the streets of most Central American countries without fear of being accosted by the Para-military. Brazil's pollution of the globe is visually evident from space as we see the amazon forrests being burned. Buenes Aries is nothing but a city that is one large red light district. Latin American has more dictators per person then in all of the rest of the world. You should thank god that there is a country in this hemisphere that promotes individual freedoms and is a control that impedes your "beloved" Brazil from spiralling into the depths of dispair.

Arrogant elitist lefty who doesn't understand America. How would your government have reacted if a hijacked plane slammed against the Maracana (the largest soccer stadium in the world) during a soccer match, killing thousands of people? By judging the astronomical rate of crimes committed in your country and its horrid judicial system, if your country had atomic bombs, you would have already dropped them around the world in a panic.

No, Latin America is not one country. Some have more antipathy towards the US than others, such as Brazil. Your leader, Lula, publicly supports Chavez. And when doodoo hits the fan in the region, the first place where its countries always ask for help and guidance ... is the US! You have no right to patronize the US and its president.

its not luck, its hard work that we are where we are.
and we hardly think of you at all, why should we, we did not adopt you.

Brasilian military personnel and intelligence officers trained Argentines how to torture leftists, socialists, and communist activists during the 1970s. Did Leitao ever criticize her own country's foreign policy when it was most like our own--meddling, violent, unprincipled, unscrupulous? God knows Brazilian foreign policy is based on the same foundation as our own -- national self-interest. It's why the two governments usually get along so well.

Bruce, get out more. Little Brown Brothers is right. Go to the mall and see who's working minimum wage.

Rick Jones. When you owe the bank $10,000 and you can't pay it back, YOU are in trouble. When you owe the bank $10 billion and you can't pay it back, the BANK is in trouble. China worked hard for its dollars and it's not going to be as stupid as you recommend. Moreover, China must create 25 million jobs per year to keep the lid on its domestic pressure-cooker. Ruin the American economy and we may start manufacturing our underwear at home, just like we used to.

The Euro is a great currency, Rick. There are a lot of great currencies. And it never hurts to have a couple of hundred of each in your wallet.

"Stupider"... lol

Hey Carmen, what country has the most people immigrating to it year after year? It's not Brazil. And it's not Brazil for a reason. And it is the U.S. for a reason. I care as much about a Brazillian reporter's opinion of the U.S. as someone from Denmark cares about a Nigerian reporters opinion of Denmark. Really Miriam, the envy shows.

Well said!

Mirian, congratulations on your article.

I don't see this article as offensive or snide. It's based on the vision that the rest of the world has on the US. It's a shame that the rest of the world mostly sees its flaws but, that is more than it's own citizen are willing to do.

remember who ellected you if it was the people work for them. If it was the supreme Court work to balance the court with non partisan justices.

Miriam,
You wrote:
"You may have to convince the Caucasians that you will govern for all Americans, always being exactly who you are, because that is the way to be true."

I am a Caucasian, through no fault of my own I might add, and I need no convincing by Senator Obama that he will govern for all Americans. Indeed he will get my vote on that very account. Your comment is both misinformed and unnecessarily snide.

It does not seem to me that you have so much to complain about from President Bush. Surely "neglect", as you put it, is better than interference in your internal affairs and politics. Indeed it has been something of a blessing to Latin America that we have been so preoccupied with other parts of the world. It seems to me that the better message from you to our candidates would be to continue our general neglect and extend it to Cuba and Venezuela, each of which will adjust their own governance in their own way in their own good time.

If Washington's neglect is an advantage for some, why do you wish that we would pay more attention. To be honest, I wouldn't mind if our respective parts of the world grew a bit more apart.You would be spared our history of meddling and we would be spared dealing with you.

Bruce,

Thanks for the excellent post. You have very good insight, especially for such a young man. You obviously have a good head on your soldiers. Perhaps you should prepare yourself for a career in politics and run for president in a few years.

You are right on the money with your prediction that America’s youth will be the servant class of tomorrow if we don’t get on the right track. With the years lost and trillions of dollars wasted in pursuing our disastrous foreign policy in the Middle East we could have achieved energy independence by now. Instead of being held hostage to the price of a barrel of oil ($100.00 and rising), we could have developed alternative energy technology by now which would provide all of our own energy needs, improve the world environment, and give us a valuable export to balance our huge trade deficit.

Instead, our moronic leaders try to bully our way into control of the world’s second largest oil field and inflame all of the Middle East with this Iraqi misadventure, not to mention our unconditional support for the brutal subjugation of the Palestinians and occupation of Palestine by the Zionists. Our national debt is $10 Trillion and rising, with much of it owed to China. China could bankrupt us by simply flooding the market with our worthless paper. The whole world knows this, thus the highly critical essays that we see on this topic from our distinguished Post Global foreign correspondents. The US dollar has fallen dramatically in the last five years and is now only worth 60% of the Euro, which will soon be the new monetary standard of the world. The US dollar will be renamed to the US peso.

As an American whose had long ties with your wonderful country, I am dismayed, though not surprised at some of the derogatory remarks about your -I consider- fair and reasonable article. Your most important statement infers with America's catastrophe's in the Middle East, we've had little time to fiddle around in Latin America, and as a result- things have improved! That is so true as I witnessed in 2005, and shall this year also.
As a senior now, I'm afraid our youth is coming of age with a jilted look at the world, a neocon fury, because their foolish parents taught them America's the greatest; everyone else doesn't count. Nasty remarks about Brasilians as servants above show their conceit. I know how nasty Chevez also gets, but he's really more a product of our arrogant and misguided Foreign Policy than L.America. Castro is that dead horse we keep beating. I predict 2008 to be a crucial year in America's standing: our reaction to 19 confused young men says more about America than them. We have destroyed 2 countries, and 100's of 1000's of innocents. If that's not catastrophic management (presidency)- what is? Prepare yourselves for a historic loss, and there's nothin' Brasil and its capitol (Argentina?) can do about it, except insure that you, young Americans, will be the world's servants in the 21st Century.

As an American whose had long ties with your wonderful country, I am dismayed, though not surprised at some of the derogatory remarks about your -I consider- fair and reasonable article. Your most important statement infers with America's catastrophe's in the Middle East, we've had little time to fiddle around in Latin America, and as a result- things have improved! That is so true as I witnessed in 2005, and shall this year also.
As a senior now, I'm afraid our youth is coming of age with a jilted look at the world, a neocon fury, because their foolish parents taught them America's the greatest; everyone else doesn't count. Nasty remarks about Brasilians as servants above show their conceit. I know how nasty Chevez also gets, but he's really more a product of our arrogant and misguided Foreign Policy than L.America. Castro is that dead horse we keep beating. I predict 2008 to be a crucial year in America's standing: our reaction to 19 confused young men says more about America than them. We have destroyed 2 countries, and 100's of 1000's of innocents. If that's not catastrophic management (presidency)- what is? Prepare yourselves for a historic loss, and there's nothin' Brasil and its capitol (Argentina?) can do about it, except insure that you, young Americans, will be the world's servants in the 21st Century.

Miriam,

I think that you are not very fond of my president. Good for you, neither am I.

You say:

“It falls upon you to find a final solution for two disastrous wars, but you have the advantage of not having started these wars…”

True, but you do not mention the most crucial struggle that threatens WW III (according to our beloved leader of the free world); i.e. the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and our unconditional support for Israel’s brutal subjugation and occupation of Palestine.

I intend to vote for Barack Obama in November, but I’m very disappointed in his stance on the Israel-Palestine issue. The problem is that this issue is not given an honest airing for the American people. As a result, the American people are basically ignorant of this issue, and it would be political suicide for an ambitious politician to address this issue fairly. Just as it would have been political suicide for Hillary to vote against the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Here is an article that shows what we are up against. It shows how Barack Obama executed his abrupt flip flop on Palestinian support when he began his campaign for a US
Senate seat from Illinois:

http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article6619.shtml

How Barack Obama learned to love Israel

Ali Abunimah, The Electronic Intifada, 4 March 2007

...“In 2000, when Obama unsuccessfully ran for Congress I heard him speak at a campaign fundraiser hosted by a University of Chicago professor. On that occasion and others Obama was forthright in his criticism of US policy and his call for an even-handed approach to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”…

…“But Obama's gradual shift into the AIPAC camp had begun as early as 2002 as he planned his move from small time Illinois politics to the national scene. In 2003, Forward reported on how he had "been courting the pro-Israel constituency." He co-sponsored an amendment to the Illinois Pension Code allowing the state of Illinois to lend money to the Israeli government. Among his early backers was Penny Pritzker -- now his national campaign finance chair -- scion of the liberal but staunchly Zionist family that owns the Hyatt hotel chain. (The Hyatt Regency hotel on Mount Scopus was built on land forcibly expropriated from Palestinian owners after Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967). He has also appointed several prominent pro-Israel advisors.”…

…“If disappointing, given his historically close relations to Palestinian-Americans, Obama's about-face is not surprising. He is merely doing what he thinks is necessary to get elected and he will continue doing it as long as it keeps him in power.”…

“Only if enough people know what Obama and his competitors stand for, and organize to compel them to pay attention to their concerns can there be any hope of altering the disastrous course of US policy in the Middle East. It is at best a very long-term project that cannot substitute for support for the growing campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions needed to hold Israel accountable for its escalating violence and solidifying apartheid.”

It is clear to me that our only hope for an honest government is campaign reform with total taxpayer financing of political campaigns. All lobbying must be totally banned.

Buenas pero Ojo,
The confusion of this article may be construed as:
If you are Latin, but "I'm not that hispanic?" The United States is aware of the pro's and con's of hispanic demographics. The US must utilize the power of the HISPANIC Vote to disfuse political tension and LATIN heat.

Miriam Leitao--This is one of the he best/wise post's that I have read. Will you marry me?

The main reason why Cuba is so important to the MSM is Fidel's genius at PR.

Press releases, talking points, junkets, cultivation of press folks who are generally despised, make it easy for the lazy media to fill the pesky spaces between the ads.

Were reporting remotely related to population or economics, you'd hear about Cuba twice a decade.

j.r. silveira said something about bush's grades. this person must forget that the french looking john kerry's grades were lower. not that being a genius is a requirement. just upholding the constitution is.

Estimada Sra. Leitão:

Before you talk about how Washington neglects Latin America, you should talk about how Latin America neglects itself.

Saludos

Another boring tirade against Bush. It seems that the Post blogs exist solely for Bush-bashing. How pathetic and boring.

Dear Ms. Leitão:

From what I've read in the above comments you have stricken a sensitive nerve on the way some Americans see themselves and view their relationship with the world.

Fortunately, Americans have good sense. The outgoing president was elected by a scant majority, this meaning that one half of the voters did not want him. Presently he has support from only a meagre portion of society. These are facts.

These are wishes: I sincerely wish that the next US president is minimally aware that there is a world in which the US is inserted in, that he won't boast about having been elected despite of having been a "C" student (the world and the US deserve better - really miss Clinton...), and that is able to completely separate religion from State.

Hopefully, the rest will follow.

Congratulations on your article.

while your idiot presidente runs off to join the head removing muslims who run opec. guess what, the food shortage is coming and america is still the breadbasket of the world,protected by 15000000 gun toting patriots. trade you a bushel of wheat for a barrel of oil?

Dear Ms. Leitao:

Foreign journalists who write condescending messages to the American people, should not be surprised if they are generally ignored.

On the bright side, this is a reaffirmation of America's stand in the world. The day when American journalists start publishing offensive letters to the people of Brazil in the Brazilian press, that's when I know I should start worrying.

The next US president would do well by ending all US political and military intervention across the globe. Right now, the US has footprints in places where it causes resentment and hostility.

Many people mistake non-intervention as isolationism. This is a fallacy proliferated by the foreign policy establishment that makes money by lobbying policy suggestions on the behalf of foreign governments.

Less political involvement does not mean that educational, cultural charitable, and commercial exchange should stop. To the contrary, this type of interaction should be very much encouraged. IMO, people to people relations would do much more than government to government relations.

The Latin and South American people have the treasure, talent, and time to manifest a destiny that will enable most, hopefully all, to lead their own lives on a path to a modest life of contentment, peace, and prosperity. The next US president cannot secure this for them, all he or she can do is give encouragement and moral support. The onus to change for the better is in the control of the Latin and South Americans themselves.

Observations from abroad are interesting, but hardly relevant to how Americans should vote. First and foremost, we need a president who will define, represent, and advance the interests of the country. Trying to win an international popularity contest and being all things to all people in the world is a futile task. Foreign policy is an exercise in working together with friends and countries with which we have mutual interests, and dealing with enemies in an effective manner. It is inevitable that some countries--including some in Latin America--will not find their interests to be compatible with the U.S. So be it.

Two more things: Brazilians speaks portuguese (not spanish) language and Brasilia is our capital (not Buenos Aires), you know?