The Latin American voter wants refrigerators and washing machines

Although the U.S. turned decidedly left in their last presidential election, Latin countries seem to be moving the other direction. This article from the Washington Times points out that Latins want the same thing everyone else does; A better life with more conveniences. Ideology is taking a backseat to the general populations desire for these things. As long as there are opportunities there is hope for people to pull themselves out of poverty. Maybe as North Americans see themselves losing opportunities and  slipping into poverty, they too will change back to free markets as opposed to ideology and class warfare.

Excerpts From the Washington Post

"Voters are more calculating and rational than we give them credit for," said Christopher Sabatini, senior policy director at the Council of the Americas in New York. "People are making the choice to support market economies and rational leaders."

In Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, a supermarket-chain owner with close ties to the United States, won the presidency in May. In Brazil, the popular governor of Sao Paulo state, José Serra, enjoys a solid lead in the polls over his more left-leaning rival ahead of October's presidential election. Polls show the winner in Costa Rica's election next month will probably be the ruling party's Laura Chinchilla, who is expected to closely hew to the current government's market-friendly policies.

Read the whole story here...