Bolivia cries foul over US subversion

Bolivian President Evo Morales has accused the US of attempting to subvert his government:

“The conspiracy against my government is headed by the US ambassador,” Morales said, referring to Philip Goldberg.

“USAID, with funds that come American tax payers, who think they are helping the Bolivian people, is using the money in a dirty campaign against my government and especially against me.”

In February, the US said an official at its Bolivian embassy would not return to the country after being recalled following accusations of spying.

Vincent Cooper, a security adviser to the embassy, was alleged to have told a US student and several aid volunteers to pass on information about any Venezuelans or Cubans they may meet in the country.

Morales also accused USAID, which provides $85 million a year in aid to Bolivia, of attempting to stir up political opposition to him.

“The mayor of a city, who recently visited me, told me he was offered money by the US AID agency to run as an opposition congressman. They even offered to pay for his campaign.

“And the mayor told me that the people who work for the US agency go from house to house telling people that if they get rid of Evo Morales, they will have more money.”

This claim echoes one made of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in 2006. Clearly, the US is unsettled by the populist trend in South America and is looking to interject in ways not seen since the 1970’s and 80’s in Chile and Nicaragua.

Let’s just hope a more responsible administration shuts these little shenanigans down before they segue into us supporting another bullshit orchestrated opposition movement. Here’s looking at you, Contras.