Back on the topic (crazy concept, I know):

During my trip to Argentina (got back yesterday), one of the organizations we visited was a collective that the people of a particularly poor neighborhood in Buenos Aires had formed - it consisted of ~250 families with an average of 5 members each. These people live at a level of poverty that we in the US, Canada, and Europe can't really understand. They've grouped together to pool their resources, and have developed small businesses to provide income for the group. Everyone who is a member both contributes (via work and/or income) and receives benefits from (food) the collective. At first glance, it makes great sense for them, and there are many of these types of organizations around.

What is disturbing is the amount of support that organizations like this receive from Chavez and the Venezuelan government, and the amount of pro-Chavez propaganda hanging on the walls (as well as the requisite Che Guevara stuff). Chavez is doing a fine job of organizing the poor, and not just in his own country. We in the First World will need to be extremely careful. Our actions have spoken very loudly to these people, and they have not been given any reason to like us.

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When they come a wull staun ma groon
Staun ma groon al nae be afraid
Thoughts awe hame tak awa ma fear
Sweat an bluid hide ma veil awe tears