<b>Bolivia's Morales, opposition agree on referendum</b>
After weeks of political crisis, Bolivia's government and opposition have agreed to hold a referendum on a new constitution on January 25. Right-wing congressmen dropped their opposition to the referundum after socialist President Evo Morales agreed to seek only one more five-year term. Morales has been pushing for constitutional reforms that would empower Bolivia's indigenous majority. The agreement came as more than 100,000 of the president's supporters packed the streets of the capital to demonstrate for the new charter.
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<b>Half of Venezuela’s Budget Goes to Social Spending</b>
Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez announced on Friday that around 48% of the national budget for 2009 would go towards social investment. This includes food programs, health, education, and the various social missions. Chavez also provided BsF. 509 million (US$ 237 million) to the communal councils that day.
This year the proportion of the budget for social spending was 45%, or BsF. 64.7 billion (US$ 30 billion).
"The budget that the National Assembly is discussing at the moment will be BsF. 78.6 billion, which would be about US$ 44 billion. It's on a socialist course. One can measure the orientation of the government in its budget," Chavez said.
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<b>Ecuador implements new constitution</b>
Ecuador has officially implemented a new constitution that was approved by almost 70 percent of votes in a national referendum last month. Under the new constitution socialist President Rafael Correa has the ability to dissolve Congress, set monetary policy and run for office through 2017. The 130-member constituent assembly that wrote the constitution will meet on Wednesday to appoint a transitionary legislative body that will govern prior to elections next February.
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<b>Ecuador rolls out new, socialist constitution</b>
Ecuador rolled out its new, socialist-leaning constitution that was overwhelmingly approved by referendum three weeks ago and ushers in a new era of expanded presidential powers and new elections in February.
Correa has said he wants his country to pursue "21st century socialism," as Ecuador follows leftist Venezuela and Bolivia, making it the latest South American country to chart a leftward course.
The new constitution is inspired by the leftist majorities in power in Venezuela and Bolivia and their repudiation of the neoliberal policies of the 1990s, but falls short of nationalising the country's natural resources as Bolivia and Venezuela have done.
It also guarantees universal health care and free education up to the third year of college, as well as "a dignified and adequate home, independent of one's social and economic situation."
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<i>Makes you want to say, "Hey, I'ld rather do that with the money than bail out those criminal bankers."
"For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it." - Patrick Henry
The level of injustice and wrong you endure is directly determined by how much you quietly submit to. Even to the point of extinction.