As was to be expected, now that the elections are over, the leader of the powerful, pro-Peronist labor union organization in Argentina, the CGT, has divorced himself from all his duties (which were many) within the ruling Peronist movement this past Saturday, December 17, 2011. The power struggle between La Cristina and Hugo Moyano entered a whole new phase during her inaugural speech when, during the 70 minute address, she not so subtly referred to her new mano duro policies vis-à-vis the labor unions by declaring that her incoming administration would protect the right of workers to strike, but would never tolerate extortion and blackmail in the form of work stoppages.A warning shot had already been fired a few weeks before, when the newly re-elected president started addressing the problems of the almost daily “manifestations” taking place in the capital, blocking vital arteries for hours at a time, by demanding that the participants in the protests respect the rights of others to get to their destinations unmolested. Anybody who has had the pleasure of visiting Buenos Aires has no doubt witnessed the daily political theatre unfolding on the main arteries of this vivacious megalopolis, with the ensuing chaos that has become part of everyday life in BsAs.During his resignation speech in front of over 80,000 workers that were present to celebrate Teamster’s Day, Moyano called the Perónist party in the province of Buenos Aires an empty nutshell, devoid of any Peronism. Punto!In another great leap backwards for the disappearing concept of democracy and capitalism in this Bolivarian nation, the Venezuelan Supreme Court ruled last Friday, December 16, 2011, that it was unconstitutional to enforce the constitution! With the encouragement of El Maximum Líder, Presidente Hugo Chávez, the high court decided that “landless peasants” have the right to occupy “unused” lands. And those whose land is being illegally occupied have no legal recourse! F@#%ing brilliant! This decision also removes the incentives for farmers to let their land lay fallow for a period to recover from overproduction, or to rotate pasture for livestock, and with the elections coming up soon, it will give squatters an unprecedented opportunity to grab land in exchange for votes. The official ruling translates to “…the private rights are those that serve the common good, be it production of food or other products for human consumption that help satisfy the agro food needs…” While I am all for the impoverished classes getting a little help with the purchase of that trampoline needed to jump up to the lowest rung on the economic ladder, this can only be labeled absolute insanity, which will lead to massive bloodshed not far down the road. It apparently does not enter Chávez’ disease-riddled brain, what a time bomb he is creating with his Utopian Bolivarian Socialist Nightmare Experiment. Poor Simón Bolivar, his reputation being abused by an out of control megalomaniac to further his insane goals.This writer doubts very much that the landowners will just roll over and allow squatters to take over their land, like Cost Rican’s have done to Gringos for a couple of generations now. This could bring about an enlargement of para-militaries all through the nation with heavy casualties on both sides, and when, not if, reality returns to Venezuela’s judiciary, it will take a very long time indeed to sort out all the chaotic land claims that will arise. It is not a given that after Chávez that sanity will be restored.The WTO on Friday December 16, 2011 did something that has been way overdue: One of the world’s largest economies, that of the Russian Federation, has finally been admitted, ten years after China was granted membership.With a 2011 GDP of an estimated 1.9 trillion dollars it has become the world’s ninth largest economy. It is the 153rd member of the WTO, which sets norms for international trade and settles disputes between member states. The European Union expects it will increase its exports to the Russian Federation by 4 billion Euros per year. Hopefully this will also simplify the transshipment of Russia’s vast natural resources to the west.The ball is now in the Russians’ court: they have 6 months to ratify the agreement, and then will officially become a member 30 days later, so we should see them in the WTO by the middle of July 2012. Fortunately the Russian Duma is not as hamstrung as the US Senate and Congress is, so ratification could take place sooner – and it is a long, long time before all the United States ratify the equal rights amendment.[image: Cristina, Moyano, y Evita, via the Presidency of the Nation of Argentina website]I encourage you to write to me, jamie@expatdailynews.com with any questions or suggestions you may have, and if necessary, we can establish a voice communication via Skype. Disclaimer: I am not in any travel related business. My advice is based on my own experiences, and is free of charge. (Donations accepted). It is always my pleasure to act as a beneficial counselor to those who are seekers of the next adventure.Jamie Douglas is an Adventurer, Writer and Photographer with an amazing array of Nikon equipment, and a lifetime of experience traveling and documenting. To contact him for assignments, email: jamie.douglas [at] yahoo.comWe would love to have your feedback on this post so leave your comments below.
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