Back a couple of posts, I listed my choice for the starting 11 for the game against Paraguay on June 1. According to El Deber, the lineup that Blacutt will begin with, is nearly identical.
Only Ruben Tufino for Angulo and Lorgio Alvarez for Roger Suarez are the only two changes. Perhaps, I have a future in futbol?
Joaquin Botero was sold for 1 million dollars to UNAM of Mexico. After scoring three goals against Colombia in September 2003, he's the key to Bolivia's success against Paraguay and Ecuador.
El "Camello" has enjoyed moderate success in Mexico after scoring a record number of goals for Bolivar.
What is the biggest misconception about your country (Bolivia)?
Faced with that question during an official interview, where a candidate’s personality is supposed to shine through, Gabriela Oviedo, Bolivia’s representative to the Miss Universe pageant replied:
"Well unfortunately people that don't know Bolivia very much, think that we are all just Indian people from the west side of the country. It's La Paz and all the image that we reflect is that poor people and very short people and Indian people.
I'm from the other side of the country, the East side, and its not cold, it's very hot. We are tall and we are white people and we know English. So all that misconception that Bolivia is only an Andean country is wrong. Bolivia has a lot to offer and that's my job as an ambassador of my country to let people know how much diversity we have."
Underneath the ignorance shown by this Santa Cruz resident, there is a point that cannot be disputed. The average person around the world without much in-depth knowledge of most countries, latches on to the most commonly used scene, most newsworthy or most famous tourist attraction for that country's image. La Paz is such a unique city sitting inside a giant crater with Mt. Illimani overlooking the city’s skyline. Tourists, when limited to one destination in Bolivia overwhelmingly choose the capital. But why make this point using such racist and ignorant statements?
Yes, Bolivia’s very diverse with 39 ethnic groups. After adding immigrants from Japan, Yugoslavia, Germany, African slaves from Senegal and Spanish colonizers, etc., then the richness of this diversity becomes even more vivid. As each group adds distinct customs, music, and foods, the richness of this diversity can only make our country even more appealing. Yes, Bolivia is much more than just La Paz and the Andes.
However, her blatant disdain for those on the other side of the country erased any credibility that she had. Her naïve generalizations of people both in the Occident and the Orient proved that she truly was living outside of reality. If she would venture further away from her Department’s capital, I’m positive she would encounter very large numbers of poor people and very short people and Indian people.
When asked about the biggest tourist attraction in Bolivia, she never mentioned Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world) or the Salar de Uyuni (an incredibly unique salt plain). Once again, her blinders only allowed her to mention some unnamed national parks for eco-adventures on “her side of the country.”
She was one of the few Latin American candidates who replied in English. Do you think she was misquoted?
Believe me; I had to endure replaying her answer over and over in order to transcribe it. It was crystal clear, because the people from the west side of the country speak English.
Well, maybe she was nervous and everything came out wrong.
Another interview in the magazine La Epoca , she displayed many of the same worrisome tendencies. Here, she praised and self-identified herself with the Nacion Camba, an ultra-right populist organization that is laced with racist overtones. Unfortunately it’s ironic that she’s supposed to be representing the entire country, but all of her statements make it clear that she is only representing herself.
Generalizations are very dangerous and reveal the lack of any sense of cultural understanding, but maybe she enjoys using them in her everyday language.
How about this generalization, Srta. Oviedo?
Models are dumb.
Doesn’t quite feel so good, does it?
Note:If you want to see the complete video see here.
(Also posted on Living in Latin America http://www.livinginlatinamerica.com/archives/000252.html)
After exclusion from the game against Chile, Julio Cesar Baldivieso returns to be the #10 (central midfielder) for the Bolivian national team. He's a rather controversial figure because he has enormous talent, yet he seems to take that for granted. Known for his excess partying, Baldivieso did not show for training camp before a friendly match late last year held in the United States. Supposedly, he was in Tarija reportedly involved in an altercation with a teenager. Probably the kid was taunting Baldivieso with alcohol involved on both sides, but one should have some self control.
Former coach Nelson Acosta purposely overlooked him and did not bring him into camp for the games against Venezuela, Argentina or Chile. However, with Acosta back home in Chile, new coach Ramiro Blacutt decided to give Baldivieso another shot. Whether or not he'll be in shape is an important issue. Baldivieso recently concluded a season playing in Qatar for his club team Al-Wakra. Salaries are significantly higher in that Middle Eastern country, but the distance hasn't allowed Blacutt to monitor his progress.
Probably best known for his free kick that put Bolivia ahead of eventual World Cup champions Brasil in a 3-1 victory in La Paz in 2001, Baldivieso will be counted on to produce a victory against Paraguay on June 1.
Civic groups in Tarija announced that they will support the Referendum. Meanwhile radical groups in Santa Cruz, that don't necessarily represent the entire department, announce that they will begin marches and strikes claiming the Referendum is unconstitutional. They sound very much like another radical group, the COB. Perhaps, having the COB against the Referendum is not a bad thing entirely. Many working class and middle class Bolivians are fed up with marches, strikes and blockades. With these groups resorting to these measures, more and more Bolivians will support a democratic means of improving the country's economic health.
The Washington Post printed an excellent commentary by two members of the Inter-American Bar Foundation. The article gave excellent examples of how public officials in Latin America (including, and especially Bolivia) are unable to be prosecuted for crimes committed while in office, by claiming immunity under flawed laws designed to provide cover. The article defines these laws:
"We are not talking here about diplomatic immunity or the kind of immunity a government sometimes offers to protect an individual in return for his or her testimony against others. Instead, under laws that vary somewhat from country to country, all members of the legislative branch, many senior government officials and even mayors and former mayors of small towns are protected by broad immunity from prosecution for any criminal act committed while holding public office (or while holding any title under which the immunity continues)."
Often, politicians who run on a platform of stamping out corruption do very little to change these laws, which are abused far too much. Perhaps lending institutions and the U.S. who often condition their aid with more liberalized economic policies, can condition their financial aid to doing away with this incentive for corruption.
Using an online translation service produces interesting results: (From http://solidarityeconomics.blogspot.com)
THE "MALLKU" GOES WITH THE COB, EVO GOES IN AGAINST
Editing of Econoticiasbolivia com
The Peace, January 25, 2004.- The main actors of the popular rebellion of October have returned to flow in the fight against the neoliberalism. The "Mallku" Felipe Quispe, leader of the peasants of the Altiplano, and the executive of the Central Laborer of The High one, Roberto of the Cross, have accepted the assembly of the Central Working Bolivian (COB) to prepare in 20 days a general strike and the blockade of roads with the one that the popular and social sectors want to fold al neoliberal government of Carlos Table and to close the Parliament......
HISTORY REPEATEDLY
To the radical nature of the COB, the impetuous rural position has followed it. "If the COB determines to close the Parliament, then we are going to buy large padlocks or if not to chicotazo clean we close it, that is not no problem, but that this be a measure of men with pants and do not be of maricones that only launch threats or speeches and then in practice not to have swum and therefore the support is lost", assured the radical "Mallku".
Of the Cross, of the rebellious population of The High one, himself has not remained short and has ratified the orders that throws since the assumption of Table to the Presidency, al that qualifies as perpetuator of the neoliberal politics of Sánchez of Lozada and to be a docile instrument of the transnational, of the U.S. Embassy and of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Also it has it sworn al Congress, dominated in their two thirds by parliamentary that are militants of the neoliberal parties and of right, that cogobernaron with the previous state.
POPULAR ASSEMBLY
"We want a Popular Assembly because is the mechanism to revert the poverty, because we will change the structure of this economic model by another that be more humane, more social and not as now that the system is murderer", the leader said of the COB, Crecencio Pounds, according to order a morning localities. "If the Government does not respond satisfactorily at least al 75 percent of the sheet of the workers, the plan of the Constituent Assembly will be in motion", notified Crusher.
DEMANDS
As opposed to the labor sectors, the parliamentary obtained at the beginning of year an indirect increase in its diets of around thousand dollars, situation questioned by the population, increasingly disappointed of its to drive little efficient, highly unproductive, extremely corrupt and without dignity. The last public accusation, carried out by the representative Roxana Sandoval, indicates that the parliamentary received monthly of the government of Sánchez of Lozada a contribute secret and illegal of 2.000 dollars to approve specific laws and resolutions.
THE ELECTORAL WAY
"I call al Moral companion to reflect (...) He has changed a great deal since is in the Parliament", he added the leader of the COB, that does not believe that the municipal elections of end of year and the presidential for the 2007 be going to change radically the destiny of Bolivia and the workers, as maintains the leader of the BUT.
A year ago and medium, the cocalero Moral obtained the second place in the very nearby, presidential voting al first, and since that date has the conviction that will obtain the presidency by means of the electoral way, for which has subordinate all its to drive politician to that possibility. Up to now it has offered their support al government of Table, to weigh that this complies faithfully with the economic program agreed with the IMF, continues with the compulsory eradication of cook them and maintains standing the laws that offer the property of the gas and the petroleum to the transnational.
Note: I did not change a word in the translation, just eliminated some paragraphs. The original story can be found here.
Carlos Table = Carlos Mesa
Roberto of the Cross = Roberto de la Cruz
BUT = MAS
the High one= El Alto (city)
The government released the ballot that will be used on July 18.
They have decided to issue a decree indicating that the ballot will not be printed in quechua, guarani or aymara. However, the extensive public awareness and education campaign will be conducted in all the necessary languages. The President is banking that voters will have made up their mind on the issue before entering the voting booth. It would be much more difficult for one to read the question and try to make their decision seeing the information for the first time. The color distinctions: yes (green) and no (red), will help with those unable to read.
Just like most, I'm looking forward to learning more about the five questions in the referendum presented by President Mesa. Upon first glance, the questions seem to push for an affirmative vote, in a way, as if it were a vote of confidence for Mesa.
The first question asks the voters whether the voter:
¿Está usted de acuerdo con la abrogación de la Ley de Hidrocarburos 1689 promulgada por Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada?
This is a loaded question because it attaches Goni's name to the Law. Considering his all-time low popularity, I'm afraid any question with his name would bring about a "no" vote.
For example, (sarcasm) "Do you support the elimination of the Law that gives milk and toys to small children at school, a law created by Sanchez de Lozada?" Goni?? No way...!
That's my only real complaint, because these questions deserve careful study and consideration and shouldn't really employ tactics like drawing on the low popularity of a former President. The rest of the questions can be found here:
Let the spin begin.
The decision to grant impunity to U.S. nationals in Bolivia was confusing to me. It was a law that was approved in 2003, that is being supported by Mesa to revisit and ultimately approve in 2004. I imagine that the U.S. was conditioning its financial support with pushing this agreement through.
Amnesty International gives a good recap why this law is inconsistent with the global view on impunity.
"These agreements are illegal as they violate Bolivia's duty to cooperate with the International Criminal Court and the obligations of all states to ensure that people responsible for these crimes, as the most serious crimes under international law, are brought to justice," Amnesty International stressed.
Neighboring countries, Argentina, Brasil, Peru and Paraguay have all refused to sign similar agreements.
What struck me odd was the timing of the annoucement. At a time where Iraqi prison abuse images dominate the media, impunity for the U.S. in Bolivia seems like a poor choice of timing.
President Carlos Mesa started a weekly >informational program called "El Presidente Pone en Mesa", which will air every Sunday. The purpose of the program is to maintain the open communication that his predecessor failed to do. The only time Sanchez de Lozada appeared on television was to reverse his unpopular policy decisions, which were preceded by social unrest.
Mesa maintained firm that the referendum scheduled for July 18, will respect the "one citizen, one vote" structure and struck down any proposal by the elite business classes in Santa Cruz and Tarija to conduct the vote by departments.
The question(s) will be released on May 18. After that, an intensive information campaign waged by both sides will begin. Mesa also discounted any plan to include the nationalization of all the hydrocarbon industry, which would require a hefty indemnization.
Everyone in Bolivia tends to look at me funny whenever I mention that I would love to live there permanently. The joke I hear over and over again is that, "everyone wants to leave Bolivia and move to the United States and you (me) must be the only one who wants to leave the United States and move to Bolivia". There's no doubt that one of the major obstacles standing in the way of my desire to change my permanent residency is the lack of jobs and opportunities, where I could secure my future and for my future family.
These lack of opportunities ultimately force thousands of Bolivians to try their luck away from their homelands. Approximately 110,000 Bolivians leave the country each year with destinations of Argentina, Spain, Italy and some to the United States. The flow to the Washington D.C. area has curtailed in the past few years, but the presence is noteworthy.
Almost everyone that I know in Bolivia, has a cousin, aunt or even parent who has moved away. Approximately 150 million dollars is sent back each year. Many seem to think that the DC metro area is small like Cochabamba, where everyone seems to know everyone. Many ask me if I know so-and-so, but the community spreads across two states and one commonwealth, although they all manage to unite on August 6th.
I had my doubts that the Radio Panamericana station available online from Bolivia would transmit the Wilstermann-Bolivar futbol match. However, to my surprise it would be broadcasted live. No matter how much I hate radio commentary for futbol games, especially Bolivian broadcasts, I had no other choice.
His voice definitely reminded me of Bolivia, because at the stadium everyone brings their little transistor radios to listen while they watch. The announcer goes nuts, whenever anyone scores a goal...even the goals at other games around the country. At the stadium, when the announcer yells "Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool!", you know it's not referring to the game you are watching, but sitting at home, you nearly wet your pants. Several times I sat there waiting to hear who scored this goal after the minute long call. Later, I discover the goal was scored by Real Potosi or Aurora in other matches that were being played at the same time in a different city.
No matter how skilled the announcer is, he cannot adequately describe the atmosphere at the stadium. I miss the sights (the giant flag that covers the entire north stands), the sounds (bands playing the Wilstermann cueca), and smells (hot empanadas). Even though Wilstermann lost 1-2, just hearing the radio broadcast brought back wonderful memories.
On Wednesday, new head coach Ramiro Blacutt released the names of the players that will be brought into camp for the games against Paraguay and Ecuador.
Goalkeepers: Leo Fernandez (Chacarita Juniors, Argentina), Sergio Galarza (Wilstermann), Jose Carlos Fernandez (Bolivar)
I think it is Leo's job to lose, as he was Acosta's number one choice. He is currently playing in Argentina where the competition is much stiffer. However, Jose Carlos (el Gato) has the advantage of playing in his home stadium, where he usually plays pretty well. Galarza, aka "El Monito" has been playing very well for Wilstermann, has little chance to get the starting nod. I think his selection was a reward for his fine season.
Defenders: Luis Gatti Ribeiro (Bolivar), Oscar Sanchez (Bolivar), Juan Manuel Pena (Valladolid, Spain), Ronald Raldes (Rosario Central, Argentina), Lorgio Alvarez (Oriente Petrolero), Alvaro Ricaldi (Wilstermann), Sergio Jauregui (Blooming), Herman Soliz (The Strongest)
I have no doubt that Sanchez, Raldes and Pena will be the three defenders. If they aren't, I would start to question Blacutt's judgement. Ricaldi, was one of my favorite players at Wilstermann, but injuries and rumors of his excessive partying kept him out of most of 2004. Gatti Ribeiro, is probably the number one threat playing in La Paz. Even though they list him as a defender, he moves up in attack frequently and sends in the best crosses.
Midfielders: Luis Cristaldo (The Strongest), Ruben Tufino (Bolivar), Julio Cesar Baldivieso (Alwakrah Sport, Saudi Arabia), Limberg Gutierrez (Bolivar), Gonzalo Galindo (Bolivar), Walter Flores (San Jose), Carmelo Angulo (Aurora)
Among this group are Cristaldo and Baldivieso, two veterans of the 1994 World Cup. It was ten years ago when Bolivia shocked the world and could have pulled off an upset against powerhouse Germany, it it wasn't for Etcheverry's temper. I think Baldvieso and Cristaldo get the nod because of their experience, with Carmelo Angulo, the youngster as the third midfielder. Angulo was the best player on the pitch during the embarassment of a game against Chile.
Forwards: Miguel Mercado (Bolivar), Joaquin Botero (UNAM-Pumas, Mexico), Martin Menacho (Real Potosi), Roger Suarez (Bolivar), Jose Castillo (Bolivar)
I think Castillo, Botero and Suarez will play, with Sucha Suarez playing left wing as he did perfectly against Colombia. Menacho, the leading goalscorer in the Bolivian League, has no real business being on the national team. Like Galarza, he is being rewarded for his play in the League, which has no bearing on the international level. Castillo was bit of a surprise, as he went AWOL from his club team and suspected of drinking for three days straight.
Who's missing: Jaime Moreno Believe when I tell you, that Moreno is playing exceptionally well. He is back with his old club at DC United. Although he is not as quick as he once was, his vision is outstanding. I would like to see him as a withdrawn forward or even playmaker #10. Many think that the MLS is a second rate league, but being very familiar with the Bolivian League and MLS, I can tell you that the US league is much stronger. I suspect that Moreno won't get called in because of an agreement reached with his team. I think he will be brought in for the Copa America.
Joselito Vaca has been playing well as a winger with the Metro Stars.
Alex da Rosa. He was naturalized right before the Chile game and was supposed to be our answer to our creating midfielder needs. However, he played poorly and many Bolivians were upset that a foreigner was playing in place of Baldivieso or Gutierrez. I don't think we'll see da Rosa anytime soon.
If I were coach, I would line up...
----------------------Gato Fernandez---------------------------
-------------------Raldes, Pena, Sanchez-----------------------
---------Ribeiro, Cristaldo, Baldivieso, Angulo, Suarez--------
----------------------Castillo, Botero-------------------------
I met my nephew last Sunday. I also met his grandparents. My cousin is now a father of a baby boy and his wife's parents flew from Bulgaria to be there. What was interesting meeting this couple from Bulgaria was that they are now a part of our family, yet they welcomed us as if we had been a part of theirs for years. The grandfather's english skills were raw, but we still found a way to communicate. I had to drop a little football reference saying I know who Hristo Stoichov is and that he used to play with DC United. He quickly corrected my poor pronounciation of his name. There was an also an invitation extended to visit Bulgaria in the near future, and I may take him up on that offer. There's nothing quite like visiting another country where you are welcomed by someone local.
Our extended family in the United States is pretty homogeneous. Most came to the United States in the last 20-30 years, yet their roots have been planted here. Once the children were born as first-generation Americans, a whole new chapter began. Eventually, most of the kids will get married, and I wonder how the blending of cultures will continue. The newborn was given a french name, neither Spanish or Bulgarian. He will be trilingual: Spanish, Bulgarian and English. Those are things that will happen from now on. We are all pretty conscious of our cultural heritage and it is something importatnt to us. However, we don't live in Bolivia anymore..the United States hopefully will continue to encourage this multiculturalism. I never gave it much thought, but most of the kids born in the U.S. will continue to mix and match cultures. My experiences with this Bulgarian couple and how they are just as interested in visiting Bolivia someday, has made me appreciate this diversity.
No, Barrio Flores is the name of the neighborhood where my parents built their retirement home, located some 10 km from Cochabamba. Back when it was purchased, it was a remote location deep within the euctalyptus forest. Now, there's electricity, a new paved road and many of the trees have been cut down to sell as lumber. As entire square kilometers between Cochabamba and Quillacollo continue to become urbanized, much of the charm is becoming lost.
The house is about 1 km from the main road leading into Tiquipaya. It's an interesting environment because huge mansions (not ours) sit side-by-side with small campesino farms. It's definitely a sign of the contrasts in Bolivia. Many of the local families work as caretakers, living on properities, in addition to receiving payment for other maintenance work. We've had three different families who have lived on our grounds. It's been interesting to get to know them.
Even we have met other families in the area. Often I would be stopped driving home and be invited chicharron and chicha. Even though I may have eaten, it's tough to turn down any invitation. Although, only one tutuma of chicha, because I was driving.
One doesn't miss the constant honks of car horns or the pollutants from the city buses. Watching the tall euctalyptus trees swaying in the wind, with the mountains to your back is definitely the best part of being there.
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