Aluminum sculpture of the Virgen of Quito at the cuspid of El Panecillo. Photo used under Creative Commons license by http://www.flickr.com/photos/tacvbo/

Fabricio Correa has defended himself by saying that he has been a businessman for 30 years and his brother has only been a politician for only 3 years. However, there are some who saw something suspicious from the beginning, as Santhros tweeted, “New season of ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?' first contestant: Fabricio Correa.”

Many see the problem in Ecuador directly related to the new Constitution and the role being taken by the state. The increase in regulations make things difficult for Ecuadorians to understand. Ecuador Sin Censura [es] comments on a recent speech given by Rafael Correa, where he defended his brother and accused the media for distorting the information about the business relationship between the state and his brother. However, it was a comment made by Juan Montalvo who also points to the system as allowing something like this happen:

Mi crítica no es personal, sino ideológica. Los escándalos de Fabricio son la punta de un iceberg inevitable. No es culpa total de Correa, es el sistema. Cuanto más interviene el Estado, cuanto más grande se hace el botín político, más corrupción se produce. Tan exacto como las matemáticas. El Sr. Correa podrá tener todas las buenas intenciones del mundo, pero el sistema que propone siempre derivará en corrupción, quiebra económica, clientelismo y frustración social. Solo un negacionista de la historia se empeñaría en seguir defendiendo lo contrario. Lástima que haya tantos.

The organic law for the public procurement system prohibits any business between the the government and relatives of government officials, as it is established by law in the Official Record No. 395 of August 4th, 2008. Manuel Ignacio Gómez Lecaro of Hoy y Ahora [es] wonders why Correa had not criticized these large contracts:

¿Se imaginan cómo hubiese saltado Rafael Correa en sus épocas de ciudadano común si todo esto hubiese sucedido en uno de los gobiernos de quienes él ahora llama “cadáveres políticos”? ¿Se imaginan el escándalo que hubiesen armado los hoy asambleístas y funcionarios del Gobierno? Pero en estos tiempos socialistas parece que no existe la corrupción, solo la mala fe de los medios empeñados en atacar al Gobierno.

(…)

Hasta eso, no hay una sola voz con fuerza en la oposición que diga las cosas como son. Las cortinas y los manteles verdes huelen a podrido, pero pronto se irán olvidando. Correa quedará algo lesionado, pero seguirá avanzando, acaparando poderes, insultando.

Yet, some bloggers see the criticism should fall on the brother for not realizing how the situation might be perceived. Andres Contilde of Modestamente Humano [es] writes that such a move gives opposition to his brother much more ammunition for criticism:

Fabricio Correa: este man sí es la auténtica falla. Cómo va a meterse a concursar siquiera en proyectos para el Estado aunque sea legal la figura con la que entró a participar.

(…)

Sea lo que sea que sea, así haya sido totalmente transparente la contratación, totalmente legal, sin ningún favoritismo y sin mano negra o palanca ya deja para pensar mal. Deja mucha tela para que alguien malintencionado la corte a diestra y siniestra. Ahora se planea reformar la ley, en teoría Rafael Correa solicitará la nulidad de esos contratos para que se vayan quitando las sombras de duda, pero con el solo hecho de que las sombras hayan aparecido ya se hizo un gran daño

After public debate, President Correa has announced that the government will unilaterally cancel the contracts [es] made with companies in which his brother is a participating member. At the same time, he criticized Fabricio for the business indicating that he may not have violated the letter of the law, but he did violate the “spirit” of the law that prohibits this kinds of business. However, as Contilde mentioned, the damage has already been done.

This zone in the Pacific Ocean is easily recognizable because of its fauna like Solitary George, the 70-year-old giant turtle who is unable to find a suitable mate. He is in danger of extinction because he is the only type of this turtle still in existence. Other species in danger of extinction include the medium tree-finch (pinzón) [es] and the pink iguana [es]. Many of these were the basis of Charles Darwin's studies.

Ecuadorians are congratulated for its early success in the competition, and the government claims that such success can be attributed to the Minister of Tourism, Veronica Sion and her fight to get the UNESCO to review its decision in 2007 to include the Galapagos Islands on the list of heritage places in danger.

A warning notice to all visitors placed by the Commandant of the 2nd. Ecuadorian Naval Zone. Photo used under Creative Commons license by http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonpearce/

Ecuadorian bloggers like Waldemar Verdugo Fuentes of Islas Galápagos, Reserva de la Humanidad [es] are especially proud of the Islands and he relates what it was like to be on the islands for a second time. He also observed some changes caused by more residents and increased tourism on the island.

Otro problema igualmente grave es la migración de colonos del continente, que son atraídos por el “dólar fácil” del turismo. La tasa de crecimiento poblacional de la provincia de Galápagos asciende a 6 por ciento anual, la más alta de Ecuador (promedio nacional 2.08). Actualmente, 16 mil habitantes pueblan la región. Demasiados colonos para unas islas que exigen una rigurosa disciplina de vida. Los asentamientos urbanos conllevan la sobreexplotación de los recursos marinos, la acumulación de desechos, introducción de enfermedades, plantas e insectos, avispas, babosas, pulgones, 21 especies de vertebrados foráneos (chivos, perros, cerdos, gatos, ratas) y 261 plantas introducidas desde el continente, como la guayaba y la mora.

Pond full of tortoises, relatives of the Islands symbol at Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. Photo used under Creative Commons by http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathb/

Carlos Jordan, writing for Tecnodatum [es] explains what other islands the Galapagos are competing against, and stresses the importance of the economic impact if they emerge as one of the New Wonders. However, he expects the flow of tourist will increase, and hopes that this does not destroy theses islands.

Xavier Loor has been following the event and encouraging the vote for the Archipelago of Galapagos [es]. He says this is only a possibility that will become a reality only with support of all of his readers. In just a week, it went from being in the 8th position, and it is now No.1 in Group B (Islands), followed by Cocos Island (Costa Rica) and Ometepe Island (Nicaragua).

Despite all of the excitement of the Galapagos Islands, Ayllyn N. Franco of Bludger Hecha Letras [es] makes a point to let everyone know that Ecuador also has the Amazonian region in the competition. She believes Ecuadorians must support his or her country and shows the voting path to follow.

In mid-July we will know the 77 finalists for the best places in the world to visit, with the winners announced in 2011. For those interested in supporting the Galapagos Islands vote here and vote for the nine countries linked by the Amazon, River/Forest, which also includes Ecuador.

Unionized teachers marching for a salary increase on the streets of Machala, province of El Oro, Ecuador. Photo used under permission by http://www.diariocorreo.com.ec

Many groups of the Teacher's Union are expressing themselves about the evaluation. The UNE of Carchi [es], for example, have started a protest in support of those schools that refused to be evaluated [es].

David Guamba of Ecuador Noticias [es] explains what the evaluation consists of and wonders what the teachers are afraid of:

Según el Ministro del ramo, Raul Vallejo, se aplicarán dos tipos de evaluaciones: interna y externa. La interna la realizan colegas, directivos, estudiantes, padres y madres, y el mismo maestro (autoevaluación); además se realiza la observación de una hora de clase. Todas estas evaluaciones internas suman el 50 por ciento de la calificación. Por otra parte está la evaluación externa, que consiste en la aplicación de pruebas sobre conocimientos específicos que tendrán un peso del 30 por ciento, prueba de conocimientos pedagógicos que tendrá un peso del 10 por ciento y prueba de habilidades didácticas que tendrá un peso del 10 por ciento de la calificación total.

Los docentes que obtengan una evaluación final mayor a 90 por ciento (excelente) accederán a becas o pasantías, serán maestros en programas de capacitación, y recibirán un estímulo económico de 1.200 dólares cada año, hasta la nueva evaluación, que será después de cuatro años.

Teachers that do not pass the first evaluation will be required to take a year of training after which they will be given the opportunity to re-take the evaluation. Only then, if he or she does not pass, will the teacher be terminated from the teaching post.

Belem Proaño of Temas Para Debatir [es] agrees that refusing to be evaluated has a negative impact on the teachers and that this resistence is being seen as resistence to change, which is something that the country is going through:

La educación es un tema muy sensible dentro de una sociedad porque tiene relación con su futuro. Si los maestros se niegan a ser evaluados, más bien presionados por su sindicato, se enfrentan a una imagen mediocre frente a los ciudadanos. Este es un tema muy comentado en el país pero todo se ha quedado prácticamente en la polémica.

Personalmente pienso que ningún profesional debería tener miedo a una evaluación porque las evaluaciones no son represiones sino un instrumento que permite conocer la realidad de la educación. Con ello las medidas que se tomen o las planificaciones que se realicen serán más exactas o menos propensas al error.

Much of this resistance is bringing into discussion the role of the teacher's union and whether or not the union is politically motivated. Even though the blogger at Ecuador Sin Censura [es] is openly against the government of President Rafael Correa, he thinks that it is a good thing that he is standing up to the teacher's union which has a close connection with the political party the Democratic People's Movement (MPD).

Former Education Minister Alfredo Vera Arrata criticizes the MPD in his blog because a group of 30 members of the Democratic Popular Movement (MPD), who are presumably teachers even though they have never been in a classroom, are manipulating the situation and they are collecting salaries. Vera is one of the supporters, along with current Education Minister Vallejo, who is behind the alternative to the UNE. The Unitary Front of Education Workers (FUTE) which has been accused to be dividing the larger UNE [es]. This arm of organized teachers has more than 40 thousand members and presents a dilemma to the UNE.

While support for the evaluation is widespread, there is still some sympathy for teachers across the country. Columnist Fernando Balseca of the newspaper El Universo says that the government is forgetting that teachers are underpaid and that the country has never had an Education Minister who has come from the classroom. He also notes that it is ironic that the officials leading the charge on the evaluation have come from the same schools and even taught by some of the same teachers that are now threatened with dismissal if they do not take the evaluation.

However, some are still criticizing President Correa for his handling of the protests and evaluation process. Again, the blogger of Ecuador Sin Censura [es] does not see why the government is invoking Article 38, paragraph of the Teacher's Act as basis for firing teachers who refuse to be evaluated. It says that teachers can be fired for proven incompetence, and that refusing to take a test does not demonstrate that fact.

Finally, Julio C. Enriquez of Ultimatum [es] thinks Correa has some limits and calls for dialogue between both parties. He asks why Correa, instead of challenging leaders and members of the UNE, why doesn't he call for a national dialogue and allows the educators to have a fair hearing and to present their own proposal so that together they can work out what is best for Ecuadorian education:

Siendo así las cosas ¿Porqué Correa aparece altisonante, con una política de amenazas hacia los profesores de la UNE, francamente tonta. ¿Por qué no convoca al magisterio a un gran diálogo nacional para enfrentar juntos el desafío de transformar para siempre el pesado fardo de una educación básica preterida por todos los gobiernos de turno? ¿Por qué Correa no interroga a la UNE acerca de que propuesta tiene para transformar la educación y la compara con su visión del mundo ahora que como máximo representante de su clase social –la pequeña burguesía progresista–,se erige en clase dominante en el poder? ¿Por qué el método de choque?

UNE's leaders are expected to celebrate a National Council meeting on Monday, June 1st to discuss strategies about future actions, and they already are calling for national march on June 11th. Rafael Méndez planned to attend the rally that Correa called in Guayaquil on Friday, May 29 in support of his evaluation proposal. Méndez believes that it is important to support Correa and cites the reason that 12 thousand teachers (members of UNE) have been cashing their checks without even work. He adds:

de ser así, ellos no tendrían autoridad moral para dejar de año a los estudiantes que se nieguen a hacer exámenes en los colegios.

“Mama Tránsito” as she was also known, died on the special day in Ecuador, Mother's Day. As a member of the Kichwa indigenous community, their belief is that she passed from the Pachamama (Mother Earth) to the Samay Pacha (Spiritual World) and that death should not bring sadness, but rather a joyful and colorful celebration. Mama Tránsito is said to be lived almost a century but as usually happens with some Ecuadorians families, her biography says she was born on 1909, but she maintained that she was born six years earlier.

Ecuadorian bloggers are saddened by her passing and commemorate the legacy Mama Tránsito has left to the contemporary Ecuadorian indigenous movement. Vamos a Cambiar el Mundo [es] republishes an article written by Silvia Cuevas-Morales. The article recounts Mama Tránsito's childhood in Huasipungo and how her mother wanted her to attend school so that she would not be illiterate. However, she soon had to work as a domestic employee for the hacienda owners.

The poor treatment and inequality that she witnessed firsthand motivated her to become involved fighting for the rights of indigenous communities. As a result, she became heavily involved with unions and she helped establish the first agrarian syndicates in Ecuador. In addition, she was a founding member of Ecuadorian Indians Federation (FEI) and the first Ecuadorian bilingual schools.

Photo of President Rafael Correa attending the funeral. Used under a Creative Commons license. http://www.flickr.com/photos/presidenciaecuador/3529551826/

During her visits to Cuba, she learned to read and write during a time when education for the indigenous was prohibited at the time. As a member of the Communist party, Mama Tránsito is remembered as a ‘comrade' and the blog of the Communist Youth of Ecuador [es] honors her life's work because the indigenous sectors were opressed and expoited and how they “did not make decisions over their own lives like work animals.” They are also hopeful and write:

Pero estamos seguros al igual que “Mama Tránsito” que “Llegará el día en que los indígenas, negros, blancos, mulatos, mestizos comeremos en un solo plato, todos y todas”.

She was an inspiration to many, and university student Nati Wolf of La Chica de la Luna [es] chose Mama Tránsito for her class assignment about a person of history. With her classmates, Wolf visited the community of La Chimba to meet her in person. This blogger writes about what she calls the ‘other side' of Tránsito Amaguaña and the conditions she saw in which the indigenous leader lived. Wolf stresses that even with relative progress that many of Tránsito's concerns remain unsolved:

Sus ojos llorosos y cansados, sus arrugas y las venas abultadas por donde se expresaba toda una vida llena de experiencia y de lucha, me hacían ver que aún hay mucho camino por recorrer, aunque ella haya logrado cierta estabilidad en varios ámbitos. La pobreza aún existe, la discriminación es pan de cada día y cada segundo de nuestras vidas, nuestros derechos siguen siendo violentados.

Estoy segura que quiénes fuimos a conocerla, nos marcó la vida. El destino quiso que la conociéramos antes de que partiera de este mundo. Nos regaló la semilla de la perseverancia y valentía con que se debe seguir luchando. Y sabemos que cuando estamos unidos se puede lograr muchas cosas..

For photos of Wolf's visit, please visit her Flickr page.

There are two videos (I & II) in YouTube that help us understand better the life of Transito Amaguaña. El Universo [es] also has a photo gallery with pictures.

At the center of the lawsuit seeking 27 billion dollars for the pollution and environmental damages is whether the company, which turned over exploration of the area to the state company Petroecuador in 1992, is still responsible for the damage. Some critics of the lawsuit claim that the government is trying to dip their hands in the “deep pockets” of the petroleum company and denying their own role in the environmental pollution.

Debris left by Texaco over one of the Nueva Loja rivers. Picture used under Creative Commons by http://www.flickr.com/photos/00rinihartman/

The case has attracted the interest of journalists who have visited the region of Lago Agrio, a province of Sucumbíos, to see the area firsthand. One of these journalists was Greg Palast of the BBC visited the Cofan indigenous community after a canoe ride to reach the remote location and wrote, “I know this is an incredibly simple story. Indians in white hats with their dead kids and oil millionaires in black hats laughing at kiddy cancer and playing musical chairs with oil assets.” Another, Hannah Dahlstrom of Upside Down World interviewed Emergildo Criollo, who represented the Cofan community, as well as other groups like the Kichwa and Secoya. The recent airing of the piece on 60 Minutes also caused Geoffrey Styles, a former Texaco employee and blogger at Energy Outlook to add his thoughts about the piece:

My purpose here is not to make their case or to suggest that Texaco operated the Ecuadoran fields in the 1960s, '70s and '80s to the standards that prevail today, decades later. But I do feel the need to point out that there is another side to this story that you didn't see last Sunday, and it is not remotely the black and white tale of a big corporation behaving badly that “60 Minutes” portrayed. I am disappointed that CBS allowed itself to be used to paint such a one-sided picture, sullying the reputation of a company I knew inside and out, and of the tens of thousands of fine, responsible people who worked there–not a gang of environmental criminals. I know “60 Minutes” can do better.

The suit gets complicated due to Texaco's payment of $40 million for the damages and after the Ecuadorian Petroleum Ministry signed a “final release” indicated that the company had fulfilled its duties in regards to their role in the environmental pollution. However, a new law was passed in 1999 allowing any individual to sue for environmental damages and led to the lawsuit led by the Ecuadorian lawyer Pablo Fajardo.

Several Ecuadorian bloggers have written about the lawsuit and the two sides to the argument. Luis Alberto Mendieta of Política y Sociedad [es] cites Diego Delgado, a recent presidential candidate about the history of multinational companies operating in Ecuador, which usually meant profiting from the natural resources leaving very little benefit for the host country.

Ecuadorians in the Orient are not happy with what Texaco left behind. The company is among the top 7 seven most irresponsible companies and is reported to have left contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface streams that is said to have caused local indigenous and peasant settlers to suffer a wave of mouth, stomach and uterine cancer, birth defects, and spontaneous miscarriages. Emma Dish a traveler to Nueva Loja, writes a long post in her blog Where in the world is Emma Dish? where she publishes photos of the area and speaks with local residents:

Hands down, the scenes I saw and the stories I heard yesterday made for the most horrific day of my life. I cried all the way back to Quito. I´m close to tears now.

She also spoke with Emergildo Criollo, who is an activist and talked about the health problems of the community:

He talked of the illnesses that came with petroleum, the wrenching stomach and head pains, blistering skins, widespread cancer that, for the first time in the histories of their people, could not be cured by their Shamans.

What an utter blow to the lifestyle for these people, to their culture, their traditions and their identities. Puff the Magic Dragon skulked back to his cave to morn the pile of scales at his feet.

At no point did ANYONE inform them of the dangers of continuing their relationship with their water ways as they always had. No one suggested the stop bathing in, washing in, or drinking their former life streams that were rapidly becoming contaminated with dangerous petro-chemicals. Somehow it never occurred to anyone to mention to this nation of fishermen not to consider the dead fish they found along the river banks a blessing. All the while their people were dying of cancer 8 hours and unimaginable sums of money away from the nearest hospitals (particularly difficult for a people whose livestock and lively hoods were fleeing with the fish) and their women were giving birth to children with yams where two fingers should be.

Even Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa has come out in favor of the residents and their lawsuit. However, the company is alleging that the government is interfering with the court ruling to be taken by a judge in Nueva Loja by applying pressure to rule against the oil company. J Major [es] agrees with the U.S. company:

Este respaldo a la demanda puede hacer al presidente más popular (si cabe) pero no le hace bien a los demandantes. Si llegara a haber una sentencia en contra de Texaco, la petrolera internacional podría argumentar que el fallo se debió a la presión política que el juez habría de recibir.

Pañacocha lagoon at canton Shushufindi, Sucumbios-Ecuador. Photo used under Creative Commons by http://www.flickr.com/photos/30265396@N06/

With the decision yet to be made, Chevron is fearing a multi-billion dollar award to be given to Ecuador and they have started a public relations campaign. One member of that campaign is former CNN journalist, Gene Randall who has worked on a video that presents the side of the petroleoum company. The Chevron Pit writes:

Apparently frustrated by the news reporter's irritating habit of independently investigating what they report, Chevron has hired and paid a former CNN news anchor, Gene Randall, to produce a pro-Chevron video that has all the appearances of an actual, independent, news story that is blatantly designed to mislead observers into thinking that it is an actual independent look at the dispute in Ecuador.

Chevron is also questioning the role of Richard Cabrera, a court-appointed expert on the lawsuit. As a geological engineer, his technical report can be seen here. However, Cabrera has been accused of improperly collaborating with the plaintiff. Chevron says they have photo evidence on its Flickr account of his technical team receiving logistical support from Amazon Defense Coalition, a civic group that backs the plaintiffs and that would receive and disburse a portion of any payments.

With the lawsuit expected to be completed by the end of this year, the communities in the affected region are seeking some resolution to their claims that the health and environment have been drastically affected by this industry. Chevron knows that public opinion is stacked against them and have been using public relations campaign to show their side of the story.

Photo by Ecuadorian Presidency and used under a Creative Commons license. http://www.flickr.com/photos/presidenciaecuador/3480496889/

His victory gives Correa to chance to strengthen what he calls “21st Century Socialism.” Ecuadorian bloggers are reflecting on what must be changed of improved if the goal of lowering poverty can be realized.

Joselias Sánchez [es] is a teacher and journalist in Manta and elaborates upon three points of what he has seen during the Ecuadorian elections. He writes that the results are not surprising and adds on some statistics:

Su triunfo, inobjetable ratifica su poderosa subyugación sobre los ciudadanos ecuatorianos. Según el exitpoll a boca de urna, el 55,2 por ciento de los 10 millones 591 mil electores sufragaron a favor del Mandatario – candidato. Está masa electoral está integrada por 9 millones 111 mil 162 ciudadanos, 715 mil 972 analfabetos y, cuatro sectores que, por primera vez sufragan por así disponerlo la Constitución: 55 mil 066 militares, 39 mil 501 policías, 507 mil 534 adolescentes entre 13 a 18 años, y 86 mil 426 extranjeros con cinco o más años de residencia en el país.

Bloggers are also taking a closer look at the results. Fatima Efigenia [es] points to the difference in the percentage of votes that Correa received during this election and his favorable rating and the previous Constitutional Referendum, where Correa has been receiving close to 70%

Among those who did not support Correa is Santhros of Autentico Ecuatoriano [es] who criticizes the goal of socialism from the administration, saying that Karl Marx would laugh at his current version. He thinks that Correa's socialism does not work for everyone, just for determined groups:

Donde no hay justicia de tribunal, no hay justicia social. Un estado engrosado acompaña a una economia raquitizada. Solo la producción elimina la pobreza. Solo la educación capacita a los ciudadanos a ejercer sus derechos y cumplir sus obligaciones en democracia. El único ser que te puede sacar de la pobreza material estará siempre frente a ti en el espejo. Las buenas intenciones mal encaminadas producen mas muertos y desatres que una guerrila. Hasta Pinochet, Stalin y Pol Pot pudieron haber tenido buenas intenciones.

Poverty is not the only issue on the minds of Ecuadorians who went to the polls to elect leaders to be able to solve them. The re-elected President still faces serious problems including the ongoing issue of crime. There is an Ecuadorian living in Spain who shares his experiences and calls attention to young people in Ecuador about importance of dialogue, even with the opposition. He has special advice for all on how to solve the important issue of crime. Christian Gallegos writes [es]:

…Una es que los jóvenes que ingresan al mundo laboral no tienen trabajo, y el segundo es que la manera de pensar en la juventud Ecuatoriana es muy acomplejada en un gran colectivo los típicos < < aniñados de casa de caña>>, que creen que por trabajar en construcción, barrenderos, etc., pasan a ser de otro grupo social. Aquí en España donde vivo ya hace 10 años, todo esto es diferente, la juventud trabaja en lo que sea, para así tener dinero el fin de mes y disfrutar de la vida, ahorrar y muchas cosas mas que con dinero se puede hacer, !ese tenia que ser el pensamiento de todos los jóvenes Ecuatorianos¡, y así hacer de Ecuador un país mas productivo y desarrollado.

Ecuadorian journalist and former Ecuavisa anchor, Carlos Vera. Used under his permission

However, Vera denies this claim and says that it has to do with an alleged insult towards President Correa [es] (see video).

Because of his visibility and the trajectories as journalist both on television and in print, Vera is well-known person in Ecuador and local bloggers have their own opinions. However, he is not loved by all, and Autentico Ecuatoriano [es] describes him:

Carlos Vera Rodríguez es quizá el periodista más polémico del Ecuador en las últimas dos décadas. Dueño de un estilo incisivo, arrogante, en veces hasta raya en la petulancia y eso lo hace no sólo un poco antipático

Despite this, the station has to consider external pressures. Francisco Suarez of Desde mi Trinchera [es] believes the Roca family, owners of Ecuavisa and other media entities in the country, have had to act according to how it would affect business and have had to sacrifice the journalistic work of the channel due to pressures:

Carlos Vera Rodríguez nunca fue un periodista de mi predilección. Grosero como él sólo a más no poder, estrujaba a sus entrevistados como lavandera a jeans viejos. Palo y más palo. Contrapuntos fuertes y en vivo transmitidos en Ecuavisa ni bien el gallo dejaba de cantar. Sin embargo (y lo digo con la convicción de haberlo vivido como entrevistado suyo que fui por dos ocasiones) cada palabra o argumento que soltaba su boca venía cargada de datos soportados por documentos oficiales obtenidos de fuentes confiables.

Ecuador Sin Censura [es] also agrees that the owners were receiving pressure from the government to silent dissident voices, such as the journalist who was fired. The government provides a lot of business to Ecuavisa and there were some hints dropped in order to remind the station about this.

With the departure of a figure of the likes of Vera, many doubt the credibility and independence of television media channels like Ecuavisa. Auténtico Ecuatoriano [es] refers to another of the journalists, Jorge Ortiz, who has a program on the same TV channel:

Ortiz hizo lo correcto, callar hasta encontrar el momento acertado para dar una estocada final: la seriedad de los Noticieros y Programas de Opinión de Ecuavisa estarán ya no en entredicho de aqui en adelante, sino que su credibilidad tocaría asintóticamente el CERO.

While Diaro Relativo [es] applauds the decision of the directors of the channel and criticizes Mr. Vera:

Ecuavisa se puso las pilas al cancelar el programa de Carlos Vera “Cero Tolerancia”, es una medida muy justa, los televidentes estábamos ya hasta el copete de la arrogancia y parcialización de dicho mediocre periodista ( aunque en este país no hay periodistas excelentes).

During his time off the air, fans of Vera can voice support for him on a Facebook group.

The new bank backed by President Rafael Correa is facing resistance from the opposition, who are afraid that the workers' contributions are at risk during this troubled economic climate. However, Correa dismissed these concerns [es] by explaining that the new Bank is a historic step in the country since the funds were removed from those who had been using it for personal benefit and now the Bank's operations will be social and collaborative in nature, as he explains in the video below. The Bank will be run by five members: The IESS Chairman, a representative of the Executive branch chosen by the Board of IESS from a list submitted by the President, a representative of the affiliates, one member of retirees elected through a national competition organized by the National Council of Civic Participation, and a member from the employers.

Official announcement creating the Social Security Affiliates Bank from the Ecuador President's YouTube Channel

There is no question that the system needs reform since there were complaints the retirees had lost the benefit of the yearly retirement bonus and about unclear language in employer payment responsibilities [es].

However, even when many agree with President Correa and support reforms that nobody can or wanted to do to the IESS, still some complain for example that retired people has lost a bonus, retiree had conquered in celebration of their national day. Other people in Guayaquil are still confused whether the IESS or the employer should pay the 12 weeks license in accordance to birthday benefits. Law says employers now have to pay in full those benefits, not the old practice where IESS used to pay the 70% and the difference was covered by employers.

Ecuador Rising [es] is hopeful on what this new law will mean for retirees in the country and writes, “There are many cases of retired people that despite having contributed for over 40 years have lower pensions than the minimum salary, and with this law, they will not experience the same situation.”

Dejalo Ser [es] echoes a article appeared in El Universo where his author speaks about the Bancorrea the nickname given (Correa's Bank) and wonders about the oversight of the Bank regardless of his claims that there will be more control:

Bancorrea no rendirá cuentas a nadie sino al Presidente de la República, que controlará un directorio de solo tres miembros. Ni los hermanos Isaías, que también son tres, se atrevieron a tanto.

While in a roundup, La Alharaca [es] lets her readers notice the opinion of recognized politicians like former Vice-President León Roldós, who is credited to say:

El incremento de los años de aportación para recibir una pensión de $ 218 es “un asalto a los fondos del IESS”, y además afecta a los derechos establecidos en la Ley del IESS, donde se señala que para calcular las pensiones se toman en cuenta los sueldos de los cinco años mejor remunerados.

Yet some bloggers like Fatima Efigenia thinks that not all is so bad in the reforms in the Ecuadorian Social Security, and stresses that Ecuadorians should be grateful with government, but hopes that a similar thing does not happen now that the funds are back in the hands of a few:

Antaño, cuando la partidocracia salía en las noches neoliberales de luna llena a comer niños, el estado acostumbraba a meterle la mano a los bolsillos del IESS (o sea, a los bolsillos de los afiliados) para saciar su avaricia. Esto equivalía más o menos a romper el chanchito del hijo para comprar cerveza. Correa puso fin a ese robo execrable y pagó la deuda que el estado mantenía con el IESS. Sin embargo, menos de un año después, juega al agarra lo que puedas con nuestros fondos, para saciar la voracidad del Estado.

All of his opponents are yet to be defined, but some bloggers such as Varth Deider [es] are already predicting the field and the predicted order, whereas Correa will finish first, followed by others who have ran in the past, such as Lucio Gutiérrez and Álvaro Noboa. According to more formal polling, Correa also is leading the way, but journalist Romulo Lopez of Cambiemos Ecuador [es] doesn't believe in the polls and that “all surveys are subjective, false and speculative.“

The three front runners according to the polls. Picture used under permision by http://www.pupodelmundo.com

Regardless of the true measure of Correa's support, other bloggers have not reached consensus on their presidential preferences.

The blogger of Cronica Cero [es] also works for the newspaper El Telégrafo and on this occasion he republishes an interview that he did in which President Correa gives his own government high marks.

Campaign ads against Correa are already being aired and websites like the one that says, “We Are Afraid [es]“, something that Andrés Rodríguez of Modestamente Humano [es] thinks is money wasted:

Hasta ahora no escucho ninguna propuesta. Ningún ofrecimiento claro. Ningún plan. La mayoría de propagandas que pasan en especial las radiales son solo un ataque a Correa. Que si la guerrilla, que si la narcopolítica (qué término más burdo), que si esto, que si el otro.

Todos ataques a Correa.

However, there are bloggers like La Plena Compadre [es] who criticizes the president and sarcastically summarizes what he has learned so far in the two years since Correa took office:

* Si nunca has ganado una elección, no puedes siquiera mirarlo directamente a los ojos, peor criticarlo. Ya que él solito ha ganado CINCO. Sin contar las de mejor sonrisa, mejor scout, presidente de curso, rey mago más guapo y princesita de navidad.

* Si lo criticas, seguramente debes estar apoyando a Lucio, Alvarito, o cualquiera otro de “los mismos de siempre”. Además seguramente has vivido de la teta de la partidocracia.

* Las FARC no son terroristas, sino un grupo irregular, pero cuando dejen de cometer “actos terroristas” (así es, se contradijo), él podrá empezar a calificarlas como beligerantes. Además quien dijo que eran terroristas fue el Uribe, y como acá en Ecuador no manda Uribe sino él, hay que llevarle la contraria.

* Toda la prensa no gubernamental es corrupta y mediocre, por lo que la gente debe dejar de leer lo que publican o escuchar lo que dicen, y solo debe informarse por los medios del gobierno y la página web de la presidencia.

* Con Colombia no va a conversar hasta que en ese País haya un gobierno decente de izquierda, cuyo presidente sea también miembro del club de los perpetuos (con Chavez, Evo, Ortega, etc.)

Some bloggers are basing their decisions on the actions of the current government. Cambiemos Ecuador[es] believes that President Correa is throwing away money on “social spending”

Este gobierno se ha caracterizado por tirar el dinero, el gobierno lo llamo gasto social: nuevos aviones para las FFAA, nuevo avion presidencial, Chef Belga, carros nuevos (de 70 mil dolares ) para todos lo ministerios, congreso, corte, etc. Por alli algo de dinero llego a las carreteras y a una que otra escuela.

Still some others like Mi Diario Relativo [es] tries to find a balance of everything he sees and hears on the media. He makes a list of the reasons why people should vote by Correa:

Como soy democrático, y no como algunitos que escriben pura negatividad, sapos y culebras por doquier, ahora va el opuesto al post que escribí hace algún tiempo, se debe expresar los pros y los contras, y no polarizarse en una sola idea como los pelucones derechistas que se cagan de miedo por que van a perder sus privilegios mal habidos.

Barcamp Ecuador logo

Paul Barahona helped with organizing both BarcampEc and Domingo en la Mañana. As one the most enthusiastic Ecuadorian bloggers, he offers his impressions of what took place at Sunday Morning in Quito. Paul works under a online nickname Palulo Panda and he published a “Pandacast” with thoughts on DELM:

Ese fue un encuentro muy productivo, pues se consolidó aún más la comunidad que mira a la red de redes como un espacio para aprender, compartir y generar ganancias. Por cierto, aquel no fue el primer encuentro de emprendedores 2.0, ya que en el 2007 se realizó el Loxa Bloggers y en el 2008 el Primer Encuentro Virtual de Bloggers.

Group of participants in the BarcampEc outside CATO. Photo by Carlos Correa and used under Creative Commons.http://www.flickr.com/people/calu777

During BarcampEc, there were over 200 hundred people in attendance at the event which took place on the first floor of the Engineering School at the Catholic University in Quito (CATO). Many Ecuadorians were following the developments through the internet and as one the participants said, that the cream of the crop of Ecuadoran geeks were here The list of speakers can be found here and if you are interested on knowing more about the Barcamp just Google it under the term barcampquito09.

For the most part, participants were pleased with BarcampEc. Eduardo Palacios, who also spoke at Barcamp tweeted:

Finalizada la primera mitad del Barcamp. Hasta aquí, un éxito.

Christian Espinosa of Cobertura Digital [es] also was a speaker and one of the topics he shared was the Web 2.0 and the Impact on Journalism 2009 (slideshare). He also was one of the first to comment with his impressions after Barcamp Quito 2009 ended. He stresses that this was a great example for others wanting live coverage of a similar type of event.

The proposal, which would be implemented by the National Council of Radio and Television [es] (CONARTEL for its initials in Spanish) also calls for the creation of committees of “users,” which will have the right to complain and have a say in the on-air programming. There is also talk that these committees can participate in the “process of formulation, implementation and evaluation of programs for the formulation and orientation directed to critical education for the media” and all of this is aimed at the responsibility on the part of the media and journalists.

After the report from the newspaper, CONARTEL came out to deny that such a proposal exists [es]. Regardless of the claims by the newspaper and the government, this has opened the debate about the quality of journalism in the country and their role in the political spectrum.

There are some bloggers who think that the media needs some regulation, such as Muluncayense of Mi Diario Relativo [es] has a very negative view of journalists saying that it is not a real profession. He also cites an incident where the Ecuadorian television channels had presented information inaccurately about a crime that affected a personal friend of his. Details vary and two or three newspapers present different description of a single event and in general, false information.

However, Ruben Dario Buitrón thinks that far too often the media has too close of a relationship with powerful interests [es]. Finally, he defends his trade which has been criticized, and in particular, the area of investigative journalism [es]:

Se equivocan quienes piensan que el periodista de investigación es una suerte de detective, policía o investigador privado. Pero también se equivocan quienes piensan que el papel de la prensa es acusar, sentenciar, condenar, encarcelar.

Ricardo Vasconcellos of Desde mi Trinchera [es] provides evidence how journalists in Ecuador have a problem not only with presenting only one side of the news, but also how they have been minimized by Correa's government:

Responsabilizar al periodismo de tener un pacto con el pasado para obstaculizar la labor del régimen no ha sido todo. Correa ha imputado irresponsablemente a los periodistas no alineados con la “Revolución Ciudadana” la comisión de un delito de muy graves repercusiones: terrorismo.

La última vez que insultó a los periodistas fue en la sesión solemne por los 184 años de la independencia de Portoviejo. Según El Diario de esa ciudad del 25 de junio de este año “En tono molesto el presidente de la república Rafael Correa dijo (..) que el accionar del gobierno ha sido transparente y pidió a los asistentes no dejarse llevar por ciertos periodistas a los que calificó de terroristas”.

Whether or not a law for responsibility in the media is presented, the relationship between journalists and the government will continue to be a topic of discussion for Ecuadorian bloggers.

Carlos Suasnavas in an special portrait for this interview in Quito, Ecuador. Courtesy of Suasnavas

Milton Ramirez: Who is Carlos Suasnavas?

Carlos Suasnavas: Carlos Suasnavas is a 37-year-old Ecuadorian, who loves a good book, classic literature, science in general and who tries to share something on his blog that he has read, learned or has impacted him deeply. He's also a businessman, aware of the economic situation of his country, the welfare of their workers and customer satisfaction.

MR: Your blog is summarized in the expression “Sitting in Front of the World” What does that mean for you?

CS: It means that you and I or anyone else are lucky enough to be able to sit in front of the window of the internet which gives us the knowledge of cultures, customs, stories, lifestyles and attractions of this small blue planet. Personally, I feel privileged to be born in this era where we have this wonderful window to the world on our desk. Yet I cannot understand that there are people who only come to look for pornography or celebrity gossip when you have at your disposal the ONLY tool that brings to your home virtually all human history, art, science, technology, politics, as well as your planet, its geography, animals and a thousand other things to your home. Sometimes we do not consider how fortunate we are to have any information from anywhere in the world just a click away. My blog's name, Sentado frente al mundo, encompasses the whole idea.

MR: What do you think about Ecuadorian blogosphere and as habitual reader, which would be your favorites?

CS: Regarding Ecuadorian blogs, as in everywhere, you have high quality blogs, but also from the others. It is that there are still bloggers who think the rest of us are interested to know about their private, emotional, or sexual life, but since a blog is free they can do it and there are no rules to follow, therefore you also find a lot of garbage out there. And since blogs are global, you also have readers for everything too.

On my Bloglines account I check the good classic Ecuadorian blogs, that remain since I started and learned from them, such as CeroCuatro [es], Aura Neurotica [es], La Gaby [es], Atrapasueños [es], Ecuador Ciencia [es], Tecnodatum [es], Sueños y Cuentos [es], and El Apestado [es]

MR: In an recent video interview you said that people blog to unburden themselves. Do you have a favorite post in which you unburdened yourself and why?

CS: As you all know, my blog had been in an evolutionary process, from being a personal blog to what it is today. In the midst of that process, several posts remain from the romantic stage and which I recall with great affection such as “Angels and Demons‘ which was a very simple text about a woman who was very important in my life, but I liked that text very much and which I have seen copied on many blogs, some provided the source, others didn't (which is not something that really interests me), I have seen it in personal spaces, forums, and once someone showed me a photoshopped picture with the text as a postcard. Another curious thing was the e-mail I received containing a text of another post of mine called ‘Thrown Cards.'

These are things that once bothered me, but now I look back and I feel really proud. And like I said, those were other times and my motivation at that time also was different.

I have always written to unburden myself, but I've tried to be as careful as to what to reveal from my personal life. I've shown the world only what I wanted them to know about me. If one believes that because one has read my blog one completely knows Carlos Suasnavas, then one is wrong.

MR: How are Ecuadorian blogs contributing to conversation by citizens? Why do you think your posts are read mostly by foreigners rather than Ecuadorians.

CS: I do not believe such dialogue is being built because a blog by nature is biased. Beginning with the President, we complain about how printed press and television media is biased, what can we expect from a blog that is written by someone according to the reality in which they live? There are blogs for and against the government. So far I have not seen a single one which is fair. Until there is fairness, dialogue cannot exist. What takes place are debates in which everyone thinks he or she are the owners of the truth.

The fact that my blog has more foreign readers, I think it is due to two specific situations. First, thanks to the charisma that comes from my co-blogger, Evan, who is Argentinian and shares the same tastes in topics that we post. When I want to change or change gears on my blog as I did a year ago, she captured my ideas perfectly. The other reason may be that my blog there is no morbidity, politics or my personal life, topics that Ecuadorians enjoy to read.

MR: How has the perception of the blogger/entrepreneur Carlos Suasnavas changed in the national media since you received your award as Best Latin American blog?

CS: It is a coincidence that I am an entrepreneur and blogger at the same time, and it was another happy coincidence that I won the Best Latin American Blog. A high school or college student, a housewife or any office employee could have won it. It could also be won by a journalist, but this is the beauty of freedom of the Internet, you do not need to categorize yourself in only one activity or show your diploma to open your own blog. It is an activity where your diploma does not matter, it only matters if people like what you publish and they continue to read.

I don't know if the media looks at me differently. I do know my friends don't. Admittedly, this award has given me enough media coverture, some press interviews, but from there, it did not change anything. The only thing that I appreciate is the increased traffic to my blog, that my blog is being read more and the pleasant satisfaction of knowing that it helped to increase a bit the general culture any reader.

Even though there was some criticisms [es] regarding the way that the contest was publicized and concerns that some would only create a blog for the contest, it did fulfill the original objectives [es]. Many bloggers ended up participating [es] and the judges made their decision. These are the top four winners and who received cash prizes.

Violencia Discreta [es] looks for peace built from inside the home and from there promote gender equity. This blog is written by Fernando Landin and Princesa Quil. She wrote a post on the purpose for the awards where she explains what was the motive to participate and why a ‘woman remains safer in the street better than her own home':

Ese día volví en la tarde y me encontré con una mujer, una de las tantas mujeres que sufren en su soledad de una violencia discreta. Sutilmente le dije que me interesaba conocer su historia, y que podía confiar en mi. Sentí su frustración, la decepción de amar a alguien y luego sufrir la agresión, y aguantarlo por mil razones que no entendemos hasta que abrimos los ojos. Y luego la pregunta: Con quién he estado todo este tiempo?. Luego, pasaba por la Comisaría y siempre estaban llenas de mujeres agredidas, abría los periódicos y ahi estaba alguna mujer asesinada por su cónyuge, caminaba por la calle y ahi estaba alguna mujer con una autoestima por los suelos, desarreglada y sintiendose chiquitita, que seguramente era inferiorizada por alguien. Me dije que está pasando aquí! Me di cuenta que el problema es gravísimo, pero que es tan común que parece que lo hemos asimilado como algo normal, cuando solo demuestra que existe una seria patología que sufre nuestra sociedad.

Hogar Lugar seguro? [es] is the title José Cruz chose for his blog. He says that there is a perception that anything that happens at home is private, and which only contributes to the fact that domestic violence is not talked about in the open. In his intent to help women fight against abuse, he has listed the main locations where they can look for help in two of the main cities in Ecuador: Quito and Guayaquil.

There is another blog under the same name as the one previously mentioned. Hogar: Lugar seguro? is written by William Zea Morales. With a compilation of testimonials, he explains why 6 out of 10 women in Ecuador have suffered physical, physicological or sexual violence from their partners. The following is the story of Isabela, a 54-year old woman:

Lo conocí en la playa el 30 de noviembre de 1994 (2 días antes del cumpleaños de mi niña). Él me confesó su amor, escribió su nombre y el mío en una palmita. Iniciamos el noviazgo y me sentía feliz pues él era muy detallista . La primera señal me la dio una vez cuando me preguntó si yo podía ser su puta. Me indigné y dijo que era broma. Nos casamos en su país de origen, en Europa. A partir de ahí la historia cambió. Me hizo abandonar mis negocios, por lo que yo tenía que pedirle dinero para todo y él me humillaba cada vez que se lo pedía. Me hizo alejarme de mis hijos pues le molestaba que me visitaran. Me llamaba chopa y me decía que yo estaba engordando. El día que cumplimos cinco años de casados me votó de la casa y me dijo: “Ya tú estás pagada”. Busqué ayuda profesional y hoy soy una mujer nueva.

Prevención de Violencia Intrafamiliar, Guayaquil [es] didn't receive an award, but was recognized with the First Honorable Mention. The blog is written by Juan Robles Chang , a psychologist, and he comments about the different approaches and the theories of the prevention of domestic violence as a science. He offers some pictures of the dialogue as International Day against Child Abuse took place back in November 2008.

These blogs are helping Ecuadorians not to remain silence regarding domestic abuse.

“Young People, Work and Development for an INTAG (cloud forest reserve) free of contamination and free of mining!” Image by d∂wn and used under Creative Commons lisense.

Despite protests and road blockades in southen Ecuador, a new mining law [es] (pdf format) was passed in Congress. Now the new bill will head to the executive branch for final approval from President Rafael Correa. Opposition to the bill is coming from indigenous groups, who have called for a national march to be held on January 20 to protest the government's support for the new law.

The mobilization is being led by the country's largest indigenous organization, the National Confederation of Indigenous Nations (CONAIE), which is stating that there was very little discussion regarding the new law and that it will be harmful to the environment and is going against the sovereignty of indigenous communities. What makes this march especially interesting is that these communities have been generally very supportive of Correa and his administration, and now they are leading the way against his policies.

The last time Ecuador has seen mobilizations of this magnitude was in 2005, when protests forced then-President Lucio Gutiérrez from office. They are even attracting the support of other indigenous groups [es], such as the Indigenous Movement Confederation of Chimborazo (COMICH) in the northern part of the country. Up until now, many of these sectors have been content with President Rafael Correa, but now he is dismissing the actions of these groups led by CONAIE. This confederation, according to blogger Inca Kola is “a smart, canny intelligent political animal” and that it is leading the movement for the promotion of indigenous sovereignty.

One blogger, Fernando Doylet of Madurando Con Sentido [es] is backing the indigenous protests and suggests that local communities decide what is best for their territories and that they should have veto power:

En mi humilde opinion, lo mejor que puede hacer el gobierno (por medio del Ministerio correspondiente) es dejar que los gobiernos locales decidan si autorizan o no la mineria en sus areas geograficas; y si la mayoria de la poblacion rechaza lo que decida el gobierno local, pues que lo cambie.

No creo que ninguna ley deba obligar o negarle sus derechos a los pobladores de un sector; y si tanto le interesa al gobierno central, tiene que ser convencer a la gente, en lugar de simplemente ignorarlos.

Other issues are also at stake. La Voz de Guamote [es] writes about an environmental group Acción Ecológica (Ecological Action) that protested outside the Legislative Palace and participated in a hunger strike. One of the major complaints of this new mining law is that it will jeopardize sources of water for area residents. However, one blogger is making light of this complaint. El Botulista Independiente [es] writes a satirical post regarding solving the water contamination problem:

La explotación de oro y cobre proporcionará al Estado más de cien mil millones de dólares. Con esas cantidades, sin lugar a dudas nos sobrarían recursos para importar agua embotellada. Si bien es cierto que la minería a cielo abierto no es 100 % segura, el gobierno ha previsto la firma de un convenio con la compañía francesa Evian, para asegurar a nuestros campesinos el acceso a agua de la mejor calidad para sus cultivos.

However, not all indigenous groups are against the new mining law. The community coordinator of the Shuar indigenous group, Antonio Chirias, believes that the new mining law will help his Amazonian community in the country's Orient region [es]. The previously quoted blogger Inca Kola, who writes on economic and banking issues across Latin America believes that the mining law deserves attention and applauds the president, “Correa has done great service to his country via this new law. It banishes the speculators and wide-boys from the scene, it protects the environment (I mean, woe betide any miner that tries to cut corners on this piece of statute) and it will allow Ecuador to grow as a country in a responsible way.”

On January 20, the eyes of the world will be on the U.S. for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama and the eyes of Ecuador will be on the marches planned for the same day. President Correa will face a challenge from the protests of groups that have historically supported his government. As B.P.L.E [es] writes:

Veremos como sale parado de ésta el Presidente Correa ahora que debe medirse no con pelucones sino con su mismo “pueblo organizado”

To honor the ex-President, Fernando Cordero, President of Legislative and Fiscal Commission suspended activities and current President Rafael Correa has declared national mourning for three days. Ecuadorian bloggers remember their ex-President and provide their thoughts about Febres Cordero. We've selected some posts to inform the GVO community:

Cobertura Digital [es] chronicles the developments of the news about Febres Cordero death in the Ecuadorian media, and how Twitter played an important role in the distribution of information. Blogger José Chalco Salgado [es] writes a quick biography of the ex-President where he includes a summary of his studies, political career, and how he accomplished very significant works in all infrastructural areas.

Ecuador sin censura[es] begins his post with a warning, “Do not expect me to eulogize León Febres Cordero”. Instead, he shares an anecdote that occurred in Europe and reflects the kind of man that the former president was.

Siendo él Presidente de la República, una delegación de Gobierno viajó a Europa a negociar unos temas ferroviarios. Un hombre que vivió, en primera mano, esas negociaciones tuvo la gentileza de compartir conmigo la siguiente confidencia: tras una jornada complicada, de interminables reuniones, regateando precios y claúsulas, los anfitriones ofrecieron llevar a los miembros de la delegación Ecuatoriana a un Cabaret. El caballero que encabezaba la delegación, justo se encontraba al teléfono con Febres Cordero reportando los avances de las conversaciones cuando les hacían la invitación.

“Presidente, le informo que parece que nos quieren llevar donde unas “peladas” ¿Qué sugiere que haga?” preguntó, entre inocente y contrariado, al mandatario.

“Deja bien alto el pabellón Ecuatoriano” respondió León, “pero la propuesta no se cambia”.

El Manaba [es] is a blog normally set for an adult audience, but for this occasion has set aside its normal activities to write about the person who is remembered for saying “I have produced more than what I have consumed“. El Manaba also recalls how was it that the deceased president gained visibility in politics after uncovering corruption by Prime Minister at the time, Carlos Feraud Blum, who was later fired. El Manaba writes, “I think this was the first step in his political career, which took him then to be President of Ecuador and Guayaquil Mayor.”

Cambiemos Ecuador[es] recognizes Febres Cordero's official works and even when it says “he was a man of private enterprise, convinced that private enterprise was more efficient than the public businesses” emphasizing:

Sin duda hoy ha muerto un hombre polemico, un hombre que hizo muchos y grandes cambios, como presidente y luego como alcalde. Un hombre que trabajo toda su vida, comprometido con su causa. Quienes lo conocieron lo admiraron o lo odiaron, no habia medias tintas con este hombre. Cometio errores, pero asi son los grandes lideres. Dejo una ciudad nueva, si ha Orellana le reconocemos ser fundador de Santiago de Guayaquil, a Leon Febres Cordero le debemos reconocer fundar una metropolis llamada Guayaquil: moderna, limpia, con orgullo, con cara para enfrentar al nuevo milenio.

Imputación Objetiva en Materia Política[es] doesn't agree with other bloggers who are praising the former president and writes, LFC the prominent leader of the Social Christian party leaves behind a negative and damaging outcome to will be kept in the history of Ecuador. The only thing Jose Ma. León will inscribe on his epitaph is: Here lies León, the unpunished. Some have linked his government with an increase in human rights abuses during his Presidency.

Ecuador has lost a ex-President and a leader. Rest in Peace!