Pubdate: Tue, 03 Jan 2006 Source: Providence Journal, The (RI) Copyright: 2006 The Providence Journal Company Contact: http://www.projo.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/352 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Evo+Morales Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Bolivia Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) MODERATE MORALES Let us hope that the United States eschews belligerence toward the new Bolivian president, Evo Morales -- despite Mr. Morales's strong language about George W. Bush, whom he has called a "terrorist," in a Hugo Chavez bit of demagoguery. U.S. criticism of Mr. Morales has made him more, not less, popular in his country. We should also go easy on the drug-war rhetoric. The fact is that America, as the buyer, is primarily to blame for the Andean cocaine industry -- not the poor farmers who grow coca in Bolivia and its neighbors. President Morales wants U.S. aid, and we must engage Bolivia if we want its help in combating the cocaine industry and a stake in its natural-gas industry. Both countries need to lower the volume and engage in enlightened self-interest. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake