LA Quick Hits: Pinochet Speaks (Writes), Evo Problems, Fidel's Physician, Calderon's Guts and More

• A letter from Pinochet specifically written in 2004 to be released after his death, explains the reasons for the coup of '73 and subsequent human rights abuses. Do you think that Fidel will write a letter acknowledging human rights abuses?
• Bachelet wants to toss out the amnesty law that Pinochet promulgated.
  
• Despite tensions Correa hopes that Uribe shows up to his inauguration on Jan 15. (en esp.)
• LAT reports on Evo's problems with the autonomists and in his efforts to remake the constitution.
  
• A lefty paper from my favorite part of Spain, Catalonia, reported that a Spanish doctor flew to Fidel to check him out. Most telling is the fact that the "doctor's plane was carrying advanced medical equipment not available in Cuba..."
• The Herald has a story on the new US charm offensive towards the LA left. It notes that the change in tone is welcomed by observers but I don't seem to notice that the intended audience taking notice. Hugo, Evo and Correa are basically wiping themselves with our offers to talk. What no one seems to understand is that especially for Hugo and Evo anti-Americanism is an integral part of their governing philosophy; it is a mechanism to remain in power. It is easier for them to define for what they are against than what they are for. In addition it provides for a distraction.
• An anti-Castro Cuban doctor in Bolivia has been ordered to be deported (en esp.) back to Cuba by the Evo regime.
  
• 15 Colombian soldier die in a skirmish with FARC. (en esp.)
  
• Begging in Cuba.
  
• Drug cartels are being blamed for the rash of kidnappings in Mexico. The US meanwhile is most impressed with Calderon's actions against cartels and other lawbreakers.
• There was a beauty contest for "sex workers" in el DF. Sex worker of course is the new PC term for prostitute or hooker.
• AP tells the comeback story of singer Gloria Trevi who facilitated the sexual abuse and kidnapping of girls for her manager. She spent more time in jail fighting extradition than in Mexico. Trevi is innocent like OJ but no one cares - she has gone gold and is more popular than ever.
• Convergencia, a small yet (until now) reasonable lefty party in Mexico, is asking for Calderon to scrap the annual address and replace it with quarterly appearances. (en esp.)