Non Political, Political Statement

In the nearly two and half years of writing for this blog, I’ve avoided political commentary.

First, we’re trying to make friends and nothing can wee wee people off faster than political disagreements. It ain’t worth it. Second, we like making money for ourselves and our business associates. The first rule applies. I’d rather have the money than win political arguments.

The time has come for a slight retreat on the issue. While I have no interest in bashing anyone’s political views, or selling my own, a neutral observation is in order. Of all the reasons given by people for moving to Uruguay, from the US in particular, the overwhelming driver was fear of mounting political repression. Rightly or wrongly, this fear has only escalated with the new administration in Washington.

But here’s the thing. Of the probably 100 people I’ve talked to about baling out, every single person has been a conservative. This brings up an obvious conflict for these emigrants. Let’s put it this way, if you like the direction of US politics you’re just gonna love Uruguay. The Land of the Sun is socialist in ways the US can only dream of and envy. The largest bank is the government, so is the power company, the water company, the phone company and so on. The whole commercial setup is pretty much like a trip to any US federal government agency. Take a number, stand in line and wait for indifferent, lousy service. I feel this needs to be pointed out; for some reason people seem unaware.

Am I anti Uruguay? Of course not. I love the people and our second home. But let’s put the obvious cards on the table.

So what are the governmental/political differences? For one, there’s no totalitarian bent to the government here. Uruguay does not have a Patriot Act; it’s not a police state. The US seems to be heading that way. There’s harassment by Home Land Security, domestic spying by the FBI and fear of the Department of Justice who has tagged conservative dissidents as subversive.

What’s the life span of the so-called Uruguayan populist movement? South America seems to run in extreme cycles. Fascist governments become stylish, then the socialist throw them out and so the cycle goes. I believe the whole continent is in the midst of a secular move to the left with the exception of Chile, perhaps. I feel things will intensify and then remain clearly to the far left for years to come.

So what’s the end game in relocating here? In my opinion, physical and political safety are the overriding advantages when compared with the US. Government oppression is less likely here. But if you’re a conservative trying to escape a descent into left wing hell, living here is probably not a great idea. If you can accept the populist government, and the extreme systemic inefficiency, you may find Uruguay fills the bill on many other well-advertised levels.

In closing, I’m sure the Politically Correct will howl about this commentary. I’m sorry that I have the intestinal fortitude to talk about a sensitive issue!

Food for thought,

Steve Bowman