Colombians vote for 'safe pair of hands' as president

Most Americans don't understand the historical reasons for South America's anti-America feelings. From the United Fruit Company's exploitation of Central and South American lands to CIA backed right-wing juntas, US involvement with South America has been decidedly one-sided.

The warm embrace of President Obama from Hugo Chavez notwithstanding, the US is seen as having backed some of the most notorious dictators in South America. The US typically backed right-wing dictators under the assumption these leaders would further democracy, as opposed to the left-wing Marxist leaders who were vociferously anti-American. Unfortunately, most of the left-wing leaders are seen by the fellow countrymen as fighting for the people and the return of lands, while the right-wing leaders were often seen as aligning with the US or US backed corporations.

Colombian production of cocaine is supported in large part by workers that believe the United States is an evil, capitalistic empire that has done nothing but exploit them. By supporting cocaine and the drug cartels, the workers feel they are able to strike at the heart of the United States by helping to feed its drug habit.

The latest Colombian election does nothing to change the situation. President Santos is viewed as supporting the United States. Hugo Chavez has branded Santos a threat to the whole region. Ecuador has indicted Mr. Santos on charges of bombing a FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces Colombia) camp killing 26 rebels.

The oil spill in Gulf Coast will be viewed as further evidence of corporate greed of the United States. South Americans will view the lack of response by the federal government as further indictment of US policies. The Gulf Coast is primarily occupied by the low income, working class...the same demographic that has felt the wrath of right-wing dictators in South America. If we won't take of our own people, why should South Americans feel the US has anything but contempt for them?

BBC News - Colombians vote for 'safe pair of hands' as president