Evo Morales and Cocalero

The troubles in Bolivia continue to mount and the thought of civil war has come closer to a reality. This report certainly makes it seem like the supporters of Morales and MAS are ready for violence resulting from the continued push of positive leftist reforms that Morales has instilled in his two years in power. With the secession of the four eastern states, the devestating floods and the US spy scandal, Bolivia looks to be close to the brink of an internal disaster.

This week, I was lucky to review Cocalero for DVD Verdict. This documentary by Alejandro Landes follows Morales and Movement toward Socialism (MAS) through their 2005 campaign that led to Morales' election as the first indigenous president of Bolivia. I highly recommend the film, released on DVD by First Run Features (a fantastic company that also releases the Human Rights Watch-sponsored films), to see the grass roots support of Morales and the president's prior understanding of the opposition he would face by the US and right-leaning Bolivians. Many of Morales' premonitions have come to pass and he has continued strong and undaunted.