Question Earthority!

“The United States needs to import more natural gas. Andean countries have plenty to sell. A bunch of politicians are standing in the way. What is the result? A missed opportunity to both boost the economies of the Andean countries and further diversify U.S. energy sources, as well as to enhance hemispheric relations, making Latin America relevant. Let me quickly dispel the notion that development depends on natural resources and commodities. It does not. Some of the world’s economic stars actually lack natural resources. Commodities and primary products constitute no more than 4 percent of the world’s economy. In the case of Latin America natural resources have often been an obstacle to progress because they have provided despots and demagogues with a comfortable rent. In fact, many people believe that wealth is something you distribute rather than create.” (03/29/06)