The American Spectator

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Special Report

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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.

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