Developments Down South

I came across some interesting Latin American references in the news over the past week. The New York Times travel section had a very interesting article on tourism in Costa Rica. The city Turrialba, mentioned for its white water rafting and growing reputation as a destination for adventure tourists, is a short bus ride from the small town of Pacayitas de la Suiza, where my host family from Costa Rica resides.



Also, the Washington Post had a very interesting story about very interesting political happenings in Columbia. Apparently the potential for a free trade agreement between our government and that of Columbia has given particular elements within our governement the ability to pressure Columbian authorities to promote human rights for Afro-Colombians. Plantation owners that previously helped support the intimidation and murder of many black farmers in Colombia are now being investigated and many of the farmers who were ran off their farms are getting the opportunity to return to their land. Members of the congressional black caucus have spearheaded the effort to leverage the trade partnership to support the rights of African descendants in Columbia. "Free trade" and free trade agreements are complex and controversial political topics, but at the very least this article demonstrates the potential benefits that can be derived when open markets are accompanied by social responsibility and a dedication to human rights

And just to keep Brazil in the mix, according to the Financial Times, President Lula has officially blamed white people for the global financial crisis. I'm not sure if that's the most politically tactful way to approach the situation...but it's good for a few headlines.