The increase in economic inequality is characterized by the concentration of income in the upper echelons of society. It’s a phenomenon that has been growing since 1980 and is now evident across the developed world.  But it is also a clear and continuing trend in developing countries, exacerbated by local factors.

For many years Colombia has pursued economic management based on “failed theories” that only continue to hold sway because of their backers’ stubborn refusal to admit reality. 

The Chilean president seems paralyzed by indecisiveness. 

During the era of neoliberal hegemony one of the strategies to undermine the idea of useful government involvement in the economy was an offensive against paying taxes.  The idea was that they only “feed useless and corrupt bureaucrats” and lazy people.   

The XVII World Economy Meeting, held at the University of Oviedo in Spain, focused on “winners and loser in a world economy.”  To Latin American eyes, it’s clear that the “Great Recession” continues to have an influence, in both the developed and developing worlds. 

There are still several chances to correct mistakes made so far. 

Guatemala seems to be in a critical moment in its history. People feel there is a general absence of legitimacy for their elected representatives, not only in the executive branch, but also in the Congress, a feeling that extends to the courts, justice system, and to local officials.  All are seen as corrupt and inefficient. 

The blank ballot, a “vote of discontent,” reflects popular frustration with “corruption and debasement of public affairs” as “democracy goes through some bad times.”  But blank votes are not the answer. 

Social conflicts should be resolved through institutional channels. 

There is a common feeling that obligatory voting is a bother, and indeed, an infringement on personal freedom, and even drives “vote buying.”  But this “libertarian stance” is bogus.