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The article discusses the recent arrest of three Americans, including an active-duty U.S. serviceman, in Venezuela. The arrests come after the U.S. returned alleged money launderer Alex Saab to Venezuela in exchange for 10 detained Americans. The Maduro regime has accused the Americans of being part of a U.S. plot to overthrow the government. The article also criticizes the Biden administration for allowing Chevron to sell oil in Venezuela, which enriches the Maduro dictatorship. It suggests that the administration should take action to combat the crisis and remove Maduro from power. [Extracted from the article]

Brazil is facing a crackdown on free speech and due process, with Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes shutting down Elon Musk's social media site, X (formerly Twitter), and freezing the financial accounts of Starlink, owned by Musk's SpaceX. Judge de Moraes is targeting social media influencers who use irreverence and derision against the ruling establishment, considering them purveyors of disinformation and a threat to democracy. Musk refuses to comply, arguing that it violates Brazil's constitution, which protects speech. This conflict highlights the issue of the separation of powers and the role of the high court in Brazilian politics. [Extracted from the article]

The article argues that Mexico' President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's policies are damaging Mexico's economic stability and investor confidence, leading to a weakened peso and rising fiscal deficits. Topics discussed include the impact of proposed judicial reforms on Mexico's risk premium, the recent deterioration of fiscal conditions and currency value, and concerns about López Obrador's attempts to consolidate political power and its effects on democratic and economic health.

The article focuses on President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's proposed constitutional amendments in Mexico, which could severely undermine democratic institutions and freedoms. Topics include the potential centralization of power, the erosion of judicial independence, and changes to electoral and legislative processes.

The article discusses the current political situation in Venezuela, highlighting the disputed presidential election and the subsequent crackdown by the military dictatorship. While several Latin American countries and international organizations have recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the winner, the Biden administration has been ambiguous in its support. The article argues that the Biden administration should provide full-throated support to the democratic opposition in Venezuela, as the country's economy is in a state of collapse and the Maduro regime is becoming increasingly unstable. [Extracted from the article]

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva is facing criticism for his support of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro in the recent presidential election. Lula, a leftist leader and founder of the São Paulo Forum, has been accused of prioritizing ideological domination over the lives of innocent Venezuelan civilians. Despite evidence of electoral fraud, Lula has endorsed Maduro's victory claim, aligning himself with Cuba, Russia, China, and Iran. However, several countries in the hemisphere, including Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, and the United States, have recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate president-elect. [Extracted from the article]

Argentina's President Javier Milei is facing criticism for his nomination of Judge Ariel Lijo to the Supreme Court. Critics argue that Judge Lijo is professionally unqualified and has been accused of manipulating cases to benefit the well-connected. Argentina's weak rule of law is seen as an obstacle to economic development, and Judge Lijo's nomination is seen as a step backward. Various organizations and individuals have raised concerns about his suitability for the position. [Extracted from the article]

Recent campus protests in support of Hamas have been attributed to well-funded revolutionary groups with ties to the Cuban military dictatorship. These groups, referred to as "outside agitators," share an ideology with the Cuban regime and have received practical support from Havana. The Cuban regime has a long history of opposing the U.S. Constitution and American freedom, and it has actively infiltrated American educational, diplomatic, and political circles in an effort to undermine democracy. The article highlights the case of Manolo De Los Santos, a vocal advocate for the recent protests, who has connections to Cuba and has been involved in anti-Israel activism. The Cuban regime has a history of using organizations like the Venceremos Brigade to recruit sympathizers and train them to infiltrate and undermine the U.S. government. The FBI has warned that schools and universities are a target for Cuban intelligence recruitment and influence activities. The article concludes by emphasizing that Cuba poses a threat to the U.S. and that this reality should not be ignored. [Extracted from the article]

Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre was ejected from the House of Commons for using the word "wacko" to describe Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his drug policy. Poilievre criticized Ottawa's pilot decriminalization program in British Columbia, which includes making it legal to use hard drugs in public places. The province of British Columbia has asked the federal government to "recriminalize" drug consumption in public spaces due to the negative impact on quality of life and the high number of drug-related deaths. The article argues that decriminalization without incentives for addicts to seek treatment can worsen the drug problem. The author suggests that decriminalization policies should include incentives for addicts to get clean and that drug use should be contained to private spaces. [Extracted from the article]

Argentina's President Javier Milei is at risk of failure without a credible dollarization strategy. Despite his promises to dollarize the economy and close the central bank, the central bank plans to issue a new 20,000-peso note and decorate it with an image of Juan Bautista Alberdi, a staunch advocate of sound money. While Milei has generated excitement among Argentines tired of government modeled on Mussolini's Italy, his talk of freedom is contradicted by exchange, capital, and price controls. Inflation remains high, and the cuts made to achieve a budget surplus are unsustainable. Milei's government needs stable money to succeed. [Extracted from the article]

Mexico is reportedly halting its practice of giving incentives to Chinese automakers and putting future meetings with them on hold, possibly in response to pressure from the United States. However, this move is unlikely to satisfy American steel, aluminum, and auto interests seeking greater barriers to free trade. The issue at hand is not just about Chinese electric vehicle production in Mexico, but also about the World Trade Organization and the concept of "national security." The USMCA, which replaced NAFTA, has specific rules of origin that make it unlikely for Chinese-made steel, aluminum, and components to qualify for duty-free status. The article argues that the focus on Chinese EV production in Mexico is a result of protectionism and is not related to the USMCA. [Extracted from the article]

Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered the federal police to investigate Elon Musk and his Twitter platform for allegedly spreading fake news. Musk has decided to resist this censorship, leading to him being targeted by federal prosecutors. This case highlights a fight between a politicized Supreme Court and critics of President Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva, raising concerns about the independence of Brazil's judiciary and the state of its democracy. Many Brazilians, including Musk, view the court's actions as antidemocratic and fear the arbitrary power it holds. The case also raises questions about free speech and the role of social media platforms in political debate. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the potential exportation of the Houthi model of aggression, which involves attacks on global shipping assets, to other jurisdictions. The focus is on Venezuela, which is seen as a potential player in this strategy. The article also highlights the political situation in Venezuela, with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado posing a threat to President Nicolas Maduro. The article suggests that Maduro may be using the territorial dispute with Guyana as a way to distract from domestic issues and gain control over the oil resources in the region. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to address the external sources of weaponry to deter the use of the Houthi model in the Caribbean. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the current state of anarchy in Haiti, which has been exacerbated by recent prison breaks and the rise of armed groups. The United States, recognizing the potential threat to national security and the risk of refugee waves, is seeking a multilateral solution to restore order in the country. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has pledged $100 million for a multilateral security mission and emphasizes the importance of law and order before democratic elections can be held. The article also highlights the economic challenges faced by Haiti and the need for greater engagement with the international community. The history of Haiti's struggle for democracy and the role of the United States in past interventions are also mentioned. The author emphasizes the importance of restoring order and stability in Haiti to pave the way for democratic governance. [Extracted from the article]

President Javier Milei of Argentina has launched a new political strategy to advance his reform agenda after the defeat of his omnibus bill. He is engaging with the country's governors to gain their support. However, Milei has decided to delay monetary stabilization, hoping to achieve fiscal balance first. This decision has led to high inflation, which he promised to eliminate. Milei's vision for Argentina includes dismantling the welfare state and restoring the nation's former glory. He has invited governors and political leaders to sign a new social contract called the May Pact, which includes principles such as private-property rights and labor deregulation. Milei aims to achieve dollarization and close the central bank in the medium term. However, the economy is currently in recession, and inflation remains high. The government's strategy of printing pesos to buy dollars and issuing debt is not sustainable. Inflation is negatively impacting the purchasing power of the nation and benefiting the heavily indebted state. The longer it takes to solve inflation, the more time there is for other issues to arise. To recover prosperity, Argentina needs to lift exchange, capital, and trade controls and allow the nation to save, invest, earn, and spend in the currency of their choice. [Extracted from the article]

Extortion is a significant problem in Mexico, affecting both individuals and businesses. It is practiced not only by criminal organizations but also by judicial authorities, government officials, and law enforcement. This widespread extortion has negative consequences for investment, economic growth, job opportunities, and economic mobility. Despite its high cost, Mexicans have come to tolerate extortion as a cultural norm. However, an economist argues that ending this tradition of impunity is both possible and necessary for Mexico to achieve faster economic growth. The absence of a rule of law that protects honest people is a major reason why Mexico is not reaching its full potential. The power of cartels has also increased under the current government, contributing to the rule-of-law crisis. However, the prevalence of extortion in Mexican society is not due to a cultural need but rather an institutional failure that can be corrected. [Extracted from the article]

Venezuela's vice-dictator, Delcy Rodríguez, has warned the U.S. that her government will refuse to accept deported migrants if oil and gas sanctions are reimposed. This move is seen as an act of desperation by an illegitimate government facing pressure from the international community to hold free and fair elections. There is concern that President Biden's record of giving in to criminal regimes may result in more sanctions relief. However, there is also hope that he will prioritize democracy for Venezuela. The State Department has stated that sanctions will be reimposed in April if there is no progress towards a legitimate election, but there is skepticism due to the administration's history of making excuses for the regime. The European Parliament has passed a resolution stating that it will not recognize the election if opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado is not allowed to run, and the European Union is calling for sanctions on Venezuela's Supreme Court and security forces. Despite these international pressures, there is uncertainty about the U.S. response, with concerns that President Biden may prioritize the interests of oil lobbyists. [Extracted from the article]

Former Senator Xochitl Gálvez is running for president in Mexico's upcoming election, aiming to provide a different vision for the country's future. Gálvez is running on a coalition ticket combining three traditional Mexican parties and is facing off against Claudia Sheinbaum, the current mayor of Mexico City. Gálvez's campaign focuses on issues such as public safety, law and order, and migration, and she aims to capture the support of middle-class voters who may have stayed home in the last election. Despite lagging in the polls, Gálvez believes she can still win and is critical of the current administration's handling of issues such as crime and the economy. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the case of Canadian clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson, who is facing punishment from an Ontario regulator for his political beliefs. Peterson has been the subject of complaints regarding his public statements on various topics, including transgender issues, racism, overpopulation, and the response to COVID-19. The College of Psychologists of Ontario assigned a committee to investigate the complaints, and in August 2022, they offered Peterson the option to attend a re-education camp. Peterson declined and took the board to court, but his legal options have now been exhausted. The article argues that Peterson's treatment is indicative of a broader trend of creeping authoritarianism in Canada's administrative state. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses why Cuba should be included on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. It highlights Cuba's alliances with Russia, China, and Iran, as well as its spy network in the U.S. The article argues that Cuba poses a clear and present danger to U.S. national security, citing examples of Cuban agents embedding themselves in U.S. officialdom and engaging in criminal enterprises. It also mentions Cuba's support for repression in Venezuela and its involvement in human trafficking and narcotics trade. The article suggests that Cuba's removal from the list in 2015 was a mistake and calls for its reinstatement. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the relationship between Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) and US President Joe Biden, specifically regarding migration and democratic decline. The article suggests that AMLO has leverage over Biden due to Mexico's control over migrant flows, and argues that the Biden administration is bowing to AMLO on various issues. It also criticizes the Biden administration's approach to other countries in the region, such as Venezuela and Cuba, and raises concerns about the deterioration of democracy in Mexico. [Extracted from the article]

* Many Republican party stalwarts recognize the economic importance of allowing the labor market to work freely. But others view legalizing immigrants who came to work without documentation as an [...]

Chile recently held a national referendum to approve or reject a new constitution proposed by an elected constituent assembly. With 99% of the vote tallied, the proposal failed, meaning that Chile will keep its current constitution, which has been amended multiple times to ensure democracy. The vote was seen as anticlimactic, as extremist efforts to upend Chile's democracy were thwarted when right and center-right parties gained control of the constituent assembly. The main source of popular discontent in Chile is sluggish economic growth, along with concerns about high crime rates, limited access to quality education, and corruption. This was Chile's second attempt at a new constitution, with the first draft being rejected in 2022. The article suggests that the unrest in Chile was not a rejection of economic freedom but rather a desire for economic stability and growth. [Extracted from the article]

Venezuela recently held a referendum asking voters if they agree that two-thirds of Guyana belongs to Venezuela. The Maduro regime sought a "yes" vote, but the results were not yet available at the time of writing. The disputed land in Guyana is believed to have significant oil reserves, which may be a motivating factor for Venezuela's interest. However, the international community, including Brazil, Cuba, and China, is unlikely to support a military invasion. The matter is currently being considered by the International Court of Justice, with a ruling expected next year. [Extracted from the article]

Javier Milei, Argentina's president-elect, did not mention dollarization in his victory speech, despite it being a key part of his platform. His adviser and dollarization advocate, Emilio Ocampo, declined the post of central-bank president, indicating a departure from expectations. Milei's choice for economy minister, anti-dollarization economist Luis Caputo, further suggests a shift away from immediate dollarization. Argentina's history of inflation and economic instability has led to a desire for a hard currency, but the timing and feasibility of dollarization remain uncertain. [Extracted from the article]

A half-million migrants are expected to enter Panama from Colombia through the Darién Gap this year, a significant increase from previous years. The migrants come from various countries, including Venezuela, Africa, Cuba, Ecuador, the Middle East, and China, and most are heading north to the U.S. border. Local officials in Colombia are reportedly assisting these migrants in their journey. The article raises concerns about the relationship between Colombia and the U.S., particularly regarding the Marxist President Gustavo Petro's opposition to Israel and his ideological background. [Extracted from the article]

Argentina is facing a crucial presidential runoff election between Sergio Massa and Javier Milei. The country is currently experiencing high inflation, a recession, and widespread poverty. Massa, the Peronist economy minister, is running neck-and-neck with Milei, a Congressman. Massa is seen as a continuation of the current government, while Milei offers a more libertarian and individualistic approach. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Argentina's economy and democratic institutions. [Extracted from the article]

Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, devastated Acapulco, Mexico, causing widespread destruction and a death toll of 48 with dozens missing. The government's response to the disaster has been criticized as abysmal, with officials ignoring warnings and leaving residents to fend for themselves. President López Obrador's centralization of power and politicization of the civil service have been blamed for the failure of the emergency response. The president's decision to eliminate Mexico's fund for natural disasters and his increasing reliance on the military for non-military tasks have also been criticized. [Extracted from the article]

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico has been criticized for his close ties with Iran and other anti-American leaders in Latin America. At a recent regional summit, López Obrador was photographed alongside pro-Iranian dictators from Cuba and Venezuela, as well as leaders from Colombia, Honduras, and Haiti. The group blamed U.S. sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela for the migration crisis and demanded they be lifted. The article raises concerns about Iran's growing influence in the region and the potential security risks it poses to the United States. [Extracted from the article]

In Ecuador's recent presidential runoff election, center-right candidate Daniel Noboa emerged as the winner. This victory is seen as a triumph for democracy and U.S. security interests in a country plagued by narco-trafficking and violence. Ecuador, facing a spike in violence driven by criminal gangs, has agreed to new U.S. military assistance to combat drug-trafficking. The defeat of the socialist Citizen Revolution Movement, the party of former authoritarian leftist President Rafael Correa, suggests a rejection of dictatorship and a desire for democratic capitalism and the rule of law. [Extracted from the article]

Congressman Javier Milei has emerged as the front runner in Argentina's upcoming presidential election, raising hopes for the country's economic future. However, not all advocates of free markets are optimistic about a Milei presidency. While he attracts large crowds with his passionate speeches and promises to address grievances, critics argue that he lacks the temperament and political skills to navigate the country's economic challenges. Milei's plan to dollarize the economy is seen as a potential solution, but concerns remain about the government's ability to implement and sustain such a strategy. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border and suggests that the solution lies in a U.S.-led pro-growth agenda for the Western Hemisphere. It criticizes the Biden administration's decision to build more miles of the border wall and argues that economic freedom and development are the humane solutions to the poverty driving migration. The article highlights past initiatives, such as the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative and the North American Free Trade Agreement, as successful examples of promoting wealth creation and trade integration in the region. It concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing the economic consequences of protectionism and anti-development ideologies in addressing the migrant crisis. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the increasing number of undocumented migrants entering Panama from Colombia through the Darién Gap, a dense jungle. Panamanian officials have expressed concern as the number of migrants has risen significantly, with an estimated 500,000 migrants expected to make the journey in 2023. The article also highlights the alleged complicity of the Colombian government in a human smuggling business run by a criminal organization called Clan del Golfo. The Biden administration has emphasized that the US border is not open to all, but migrants continue to take the risk. The article raises questions about the Colombian government's role and its interests in the situation. [Extracted from the article]