With respect to the upcoming US presidential election, no, I don't really have any way of knowing until the Democrat hopefuls all shake down to one nominee. It's not at all clear that it will be Kerry yet - there is a potential scandal brewing which would benefit Dean and Edwards. And the Iraq thing is still playing out, as well.
I think the status quo favors Bush, but the scandals create waves that can tip the balance either way. There are a lot of very angry Democrats who make a lot of noise but I think the actual numbers are far smaller than the noise. Young men and women in college or fresh out of college without much effect on the reins of power.
As for Latin America - in the last two or three days I've read that a major US manufacturer, Maytag, is moving to Mexico, and so is Fannie Farmer candies.
The candy one is instructive. US sugar policy makes US sugar three times more expensive than the world price of sugar. By moving to Mexico, the candy company pays the world market price for sugar, so becomes competitive again. Just more proof that protectionism does not work.
Maytag makes high-end appliances - also Jenn-Air, Amana, Hoover, and Magic Chef.
But you can also take a look at Bush's recently announced plans for illegal aliens - the vast majority of whom come from Mexico and Central America.
The policies are still there, it's just not a good time for many Americans to think about anything other than "me, me, me!" So the government is quiet about them. |
