Reply #84: Chile has it right, its about sovereignty, and Columbia is free to ignore Chavez and others

[ProgressiveProfessor]

National leaders matter to the extent they are willing to take action. Also remember that what is said publicly may not be what is said in private. Some LatAm nations (not all) have stated concerns at various levels. None other than Chavez has had fits of diplomatic pique, called Obama a space cadet (paraphrase), told their people to prepare for combat, and then spent some serious $$$ for more weapons.

Overall I actually see this controversy as a good thing. Obama has given his word as to what the activities will be. He has a chance to rebuild trust in the region by sticking to his word and showing many that their concern is unfounded for the next 7.5 years. Given a choice between Obama's vision and Chavez's rants and rhetoric, I'll take Obama. That does not mean activities there should not be watched closely, but IMO its not as alarming as some would have us all believe.