Bolivia: Morales Takes Reins

Eduardo Avila, watching CNN en Español, was disappointed with Morales’ inaugural speech ^[1]: “The historic and poignant moment was spoiled by the speech that had a stream of consciousness feel to it.” Jim Shultz says ^[2], “in a ceremony that hasn’t taken place since the conquest half a millenia ago, Bolivia´s first indiginous president was granted powers by the indian communities of the altiplano.” Patricia has a brightly colored photo set ^[3] of the ceremony. Looking ahead, Nick Buxton writes ^[4], “I am acutely aware of the pressures Bolivia will be under both from outside (in particular multinationals and international financial institutions) but also those who have profited immensely from an “apartheid” system who won’t easily accept change.”