Bolivian leader sworn in as the Left advances on US doorstep

"Evo Morales, a former llama herder and coca farmer, was sworn in yesterday as Bolivia's first indigenous Indian president, the latest in a string of Leftists sweeping to power across Latin America in a backlash against US-backed free-market policies."

"The 500 years of Indian resistance have not been in vain," Mr Morales said in his inaugural speech. "From 500 years of resistance we pass to another 500 years in power."

"The inauguration of Mr Morales, 46, who won last month's elections with the strongest mandate of any president since the end of the military dictatorship in 1982, attracted leaders from around the world. South American presidents turned out in force along with Spain's Crown Prince Felipe."

Well since I went on a rant about the region in my last post, only moments ago, I'll just point back to it, and say; "Ditto"