sisyphusshrugged: (Default)
[personal profile] sisyphusshrugged
Emma grew up in Castro's Cuba.

She knows about this stuff.

There's a disease in Latin American politics called caudillismo. It's a complicated phenomenon, with many sub-varieties, but it usually manifests itself in the national stage in the election of a "strong man" by a disgusted public looking for solutions. The caudillo is seen as the "new broom" that will sweep "those corrupt bastards" out of office and re-establish the Republic. For a while, it works, because the caudillo can make things happen just on momentum, especially if his advisors have some smarts. In the long range, though, the whole thing is a disaster because the caudillo is not interested in the Republic. He's interested in the power that comes with it. And given a choice, he will screw the Republic every time.

Welcome to Latin American-style politics, Californios. Enjoy your stay.

Date: 2003-10-13 09:53 pm (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
Oh shit.

Ginger
www.hackenblog.com

PS. FYI - We have a winner in the caption contest.

Date: 2003-10-14 07:02 am (UTC)
From: (Anonymous)
I loved the Caudillismo essay. But I love most of Emma's essays!

- Elayne (http://elayneriggs.blogspot.com)

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