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· July, 2008

Page 3 of 6

Stories about Latin America from July, 2008

Ecuador: Interest in Literature Continues

The ExpoLibro 2008 (Guayaquil Book Fair) recently came to a close, which according to organizers, drew hundreds of thousands of visitors with more than 210 stands. This proves that the reading is not dead, as had been predicted with the arrival of the internet. Interest in literary works is alive in well in Ecuador and during this past week, four authors contributed to the culture and literature of the country.

Written by Milton Ramirez
21 July 2008

Colombia: Freedom March Around the World

After the rescue of 15 high profile hostages held in the FARC's power on July 2nd 2008, the same group that organized the last global march on February 4th against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) decided that there should be a another one on July 20th, the day when Colombia's Independence from Spain is celebrated. The following videos and photographs show the way this Independence celebration and liberation march was celebrated around the world, and also some of the contrasting thoughts regarding the meaning of nation and freedom.

Written by Juliana Rincón Parra
21 July 2008

El Salvador: A Visit to El Mozote

Tim Muth recently visite the site of El Mozote in El Salvador, which had been the site of a massacre during that country's civil war. He writes, “intellectually I knew...

Written by Eduardo Avila
21 July 2008

Costa Rica: Towards a Lay State

Sergio from La Foto Salio Movida [es] believes that Costa Rica should become a lay state, which “would help us improve the political and social maturity….and that this would not...

Written by Eduardo Avila
21 July 2008

Brazil: On authoriterrorism and online surveillance

Over 60 bloggers attended the blog carnival against censorship [pt] this Saturday, most of them posting especially about the new cyber crimes proposal for Brazil. The bill has now proceeded to the House of Representatives, where a request for it to be handled urgently was put forward last week, leaving bloggers on red alert. Over 70,000 signed an online petition against it.

Written by Paula Góes
20 July 2008

Brazil: Tears and Cheers for Middle East Prisoner Swap

Brazilian of Arab descent or bloggers interested in all things Middle Eastern talk about the Israel-Lebanon Prisoner Exchange. Considering that Brazil is the country that arguably holds the largest Arab population outside the Middle East, there are very passionate points of views both for and against the deal, and as much tears as cheers.

Written by Paula Góes
19 July 2008

Bolivia: Blogging from El Alto

Mario Durán of Palabras Libres [es], who has been blogging for the past three years from El Alto, Bolivia, writes about how he started his personal blog and other projects.

Written by Eduardo Avila
19 July 2008

Argentina: Senate Rejects Tax Hike on Agricultural Exports

The Argentinean Senate recently rejected the proposal to increase taxes on agricultural exports. The poll ended with a tie of 36 votes, and the country's Vicepresident broke the tie with his vote against the retentions. Such decision is a victory for the sectors linked to the so-called “countryside." This continues the internal political crisis of unpredictable consequences for the Kirchner's Government, which still has three more years to govern.

Written by Jorge Gobbi
18 July 2008

Nicaragua: Open Source Software in Public Institutions

A local Nicaraguan blogger has been working with public institutions in the city of Jalapa to take full advantage of open source software. Some of the projects involve the digitalization of public records and cashier counters that use Linux-based computers.

Written by GV Contributor
18 July 2008

Mexico: Apology for Tragedy at Disco

The Mayor of Mexico City Marcelo Ebrard publicly apologized for the tragedy in a local disco that left 12 people dead. Daniel Hernandez of Intersections provides some more background information...

Written by Eduardo Avila
18 July 2008

Brazil: Bloggers question the 13 new cyber-crimes

In the small hours of last Thursday, July 10, the Brazilian Senate passed the 'Digital Crimes Bill', which typifies the cyber-crimes punishable by law and stipulates the corresponding penalties. The proposal will now be proceeding to the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, bloggers campaign for more debate and an online petition has been signed by over 60,000 citizens in just one week.

Written by Paula Góes
17 July 2008

Gil the Jenius quotes Bill Moyers to support his argument that Puerto Rico's media has failed the people.

Written by Janine Mendes-Franco
17 July 2008
Page 3 of 6

About our Latin America coverage

Melissa Vida
Melissa Vida is the Latin America and Spanish-language editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.

Fernanda Canofre
Fernanda Canofre is the Brazil editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.


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