Festive Left Friday Blogging: A special treat, and non-toxic too!

Cocalero, a documentary by Alejandro Landes, in its entirety. In Spanish and Quechua with English subtitles. I figure it’s timely, seeing as Evo was recently before the UN, working hard to get the official status of coca changed to that of a non-intoxicant.

There’s a lot I could tell you to look out for in this film about Evo’s history-making presidential campaign, but there’s also a lot you won’t see–like that “he’s another Mugabe” twaddle coming true. Pay special attention to the parts shot in Santa Cruz and you’ll see that there is indeed some racism, but it’s not the kind the Atlantic Monthly and Co. would like you to believe in.

Or, to put it more succinctly: Coca isn’t cocaine, and cocaleros aren’t toxic either.