>I spent some time in Venezuela (as well as many other Central and South American countries) about 12 years ago. At the risk of inflaming some tempers here (sorry Jonathan) I have to say that political opinions tended to shift with the wind. Whatever the locals felt, they felt it STRONGER than any Americans I have every witnessed (including political feelings/opinions expressed here on the UT!). However, they ran hot and cold and changed their opinions as to which side was in favor. I hope the tendancy to switch sides so quickly has changed, however, that was due more to an instinct for survival than anything else. Their feelings tended to remain the same, the vocalization of those feelings changed very quickly! We are so lucky that while our country is not perfect (far from it) we enjoy (as a rule) so much more political freedom in this country that we can truly express our opinions to all and not just to our closest 'trusted' friends.
>Tracy

Tracy;

Typically, my friends from Latin America have the greatest passion for those leaders we thought were the worst and most corrupt! The larger the Swiss Bank Account, the more love the people have for these people. It is hard to describe. When Latin America has had honest leaders that helped their countries they are criticized by the people they helped. The leaders who borrow money that cannot be paid back are the most revered! You can be elected by the majority but may never serve in office – that is up to the military!

Perhaps we do not understand the whole story.

Tom