tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11522380.post115911872315154711..comments2023-10-26T05:57:03.209-07:00Comments on Skeptacles: A FantasyStevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02211730939356678631noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11522380.post-1159458169427648602006-09-28T08:42:00.000-07:002006-09-28T08:42:00.000-07:00Politicians use this kind of sentiment to build th...Politicians use this kind of sentiment to build their power bases. The junta in Argentina used the "war" for the "Malvinas" to manipulate the people, preventing a revolt against the junta. God knows that the Falkland Islands were not exactly the jewel in the crown. <BR/><BR/>Likewise, the northern part of Chile is the driest desert in the world. Why not share a little of it. People are afraid if they give a little, then there will be slippery slope process whereby they end up losing it all. <BR/><BR/>What I don't understand is why all these South American countries are actually separate. They share a lot of their culture and history as well as a common language. Why did the Spanish portions break up, whereas Brazil stayed united? It seems such a waste that they can't cooperate more.<BR/><BR/>Another puzzle to me is that landlocked Switzerland is one of the richest countries in Europe, while landlocked Bolivia is one of the poorest in South America.jj mollohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15011855944240477996noreply@blogger.com