Morales: Down with capitalism; move the U.N.; give Iran a chance

Bolivian President Evo Morales welcomed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Bolivia on Thursday, sparking an outcry in Bolivia, where the leftist Morales is a hero to some, a divisive demagogue to others. He's seldom short of words.

The visit came a day after Morales, speaking at the United Nations, called for the end of capitalism and moving the U.N. headquarters away from New York. Delays in obtaining U.S. visas and clearing customs and immigration really irked Bolivia's first indigenous president, leader of Bolivia's coca-leaf growers.

"My ministers who came, indigenous people, are subjected to hours and hours of control, and some come to be threatened by the head of the household, by President Bush," Morales said, according to El Nuevo Día.

The newspaper's front page bannered word of Morales' wish to "eradicate capitalism."

Moving the U.N. seat from the United States, Morales said, would speed the descolonización (de-colonialization) of the world body.

While in New York, Morales also did a televised interview with comedian Jon Stewart, declaring, "Please don't consider me part of the axis of evil."

Posted by Patrick J. McDonnell in Bolivia

Comments

[Robert Visintine]

Moving the United Nations out of New York is the best idea I've heard in a long time. The buildings are getting old and outgrown; it is an access route for spies and terrorists; people there often use diplomatic immunity as an excuse for not obeying our laws. I am sure it costs us far more money than it is worth. I think somewhere in Europe, ideally on the border of two or three different countries, would be an excellent relocation for this institution.

[erik]

the writer of this article needs to keep in mind that he is a hero to the majority in the country... that's why and how he was democratically elected, remember? by a large margin? despite the fact that the majority of the country is indigenous, this is the first indigenous president in their history (for those who don't know, in the formerly colonialized latin american countries, generally whiter elite minorities have essentially run the major part of the economies and governments since their independence, while descendants of slaves and indigenous people have more often than not struggled to survive). the election of evo morales is a beautiful and historic moment for democracy that the media should be spreading worldwide as a sign of hope and progress. but how easily we (or i should say, the corporate media and wealthy & connected politicians) forget democracy when these leaders are challenging the interests of the elite of their country and of the world, in favor of the destitute poor majorities.

[Phillip]

-He was very articulate....for the devil........-

Lenin was articulate and very high educated person and we all know what happened.

[Dragonslayer]

To problem with caring:

Save your Catholic BS perspective for the afterlife

[JaoquinMurrieta]

The time has come to chose sides. Your either for change for the better or you defend the imperilistic ideals. Move beyond capitilism and colonization or you will stand in the way. Mark my words you will be a barrier or wall if you chose not to change. This is no joke..I am indian and my ancestors tell me this great land was for all of the tribes and people to share with. Since Europe step foot on this land it became a Colonized nation..We can not and will not keep things as they were..We will change it now you make your choice. We can make it the way it should have been from the beggining equal for all men and women.

[Claude Slagenhop]

Yes,,, We need less people running around trying to make a buck. Money is evil! Evil!! We should eradicate wealth and redistribute it to people based on their need. Need should be the sole criteria of distribution of natural resources, which belong to the people.

[natfire]

"end to capitalism'? sounds like this nutjob is high on his own bolivian supply

[qs]

Mr. Morales said "PREDATORY CAPITALISM" ===

This story is demagogic propaganda.

[QS]

I heard that interview as well: Mr. Morales did not say "down with capitalism"--- he used the term "PREDATORY CAPITALISM"

YOU HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO REPORT THE FACTS.

[R. Petty]

I saw the interview too. He seemed too peaceful, too measured and too innocent. It was a show and he was on script. His ideas are not important for Western or any other society to contemplate. We have contemplated leftist ideas and rejected them. Wake up "problemWithcaring", Morales may not be part of the Axis of Evil, but he is still evil.

[Obewahn]

Mr. Morales! I had a lot to say, but instead I'll just say that I am thankful to God that I was blessed enough to live in a democratic capitalist society.

[JayMar]

The Latin America Axis of Evil... Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia with Ecuador waiting to join. Chavez' petrodollars at work with the political assistance of the Socialist-Democratic Party, and their leaders Comrades Clinton, Reid, Pelosi, Schumer, et al.

[stan]

Lord knows Latin America need something. Feudalism isn't working for them. Socialism/communism is a dead end (over and over again) and there is no guarantee they will make the transition to modern culture after it fails (e.g. fail like the soviet union), but what they've got is chronic disaster. Maybe it will shift their thinking enough so they can join the modern world - control fertility, educate your children, free and fair markets, rule of law (no corruption).

Unfortunately, neither Chavez or Morales have wisdom, education or insight, just charisma. For the task facing them, that isn't enough.

[Steve Jones]

Funny. When I saw the headline...

"Down with capitalism; move the U.N.; give Iran a chance"

...on google, I thought it was one of the democratic candidates they were quoting or maybe the NYT.

No, really.

[Joe in CA]

The villainization of world leaders in the US becomes more and more interesting every time. If anyone disagrees with our ideology, they are automatically a part of the "Axis of Evil." I have a feeling Bolivia may now be on the US bomb list.

[Alan Large]

Maybe it is about time, Capitalism DIES, as it is within today's world.

[problemWithcaring]

I actually saw that interview. His ideas were very focused, eruidite and important ideas for Western society to contemplate.

He was very articulate....for the devil........