The American Spectator

During this unrest, Sánchez de Lozada repeatedly called for dialogue and non-violence. But the crowds — fortified by adrenaline, alcohol, and coca leaf — refused to reason. They would not allow the city to return to normal until the president resigned.

So Sánchez de Lozada — a man who helped stop hyperinflation during the 1980s, set up a model regulatory system during the '90s, and went to great lengths to broaden political participation throughout his career — had little choice. He resigned in order to return the peace, and then left, guessing, correctly, that the peace would be only temporary.

There is a lingering a sense of injustice surrounding his forced resignation felt by many of the non rioters. It is difficult to understand why no one — Bolivians, the U.S., and the international community included — would defend constitutional principles and democratic governance. Last week’s events set a bad precedent for Latin America — and for Bolivia in particular. Already, Quispe and others have threatened to stage a similar uprising in 90 days if the new president, former vice president Carlos Mesa, does not meet their long list of demands.