Mexico and the USA: Two presidential elections. Two similar outcomes. The center left take it both over. That is what democracy is about. But in the USA case , there was more than just a democratic exercise. Facing the avenues of time for this century, this election was stated as a matter of choice between two models self excluded from one another. The basic of it ,goes like this : More or less government, More or less regulation, More or less taxes and so on. It seem increasingly plausible that these were the slogans for the XX century,already gone.
Chile usually considered as leading example of free markets policies, have a center right government .But it has applied a tax reforms , with lower taxes for middle income people although higher taxes for business (from 17 to 20%), which it has been estimated will create losses to firms of more than U$$ 100 million. It added up more government influence in economic activities, with new public organisms for education, environment, and inland security, and manage public expenditure running at a pace of 7% for the first months of this year .Is there something wrong with it?.Does it means that the center right has quitted their ideal and principles?.Not necessarily so . From the Government point of view, is a matter of governance, social inclusiveness ,stability and the chance to be competitive for the next election. It follows that these last three values have become the constraints , that none platform to run a government and win elections , can get rid of. It seems that the same apply to our neighbors in the north.
Citizens of the world are more involved throughout social networks, which can get together huge crowds no matter their individual preferences, for the sake of what to expect from Government .But What do people expect from Governments ?.Let try some answers:
a.- Pragmatism to cope with people expectations and needs. Ideology is for books, novels and intellectuals , but not for politicians .-
b.- The issue is not whether to have more or less Government, but to have a both better and more efficient government.-
c.- The dilemma rich against poor, is a false one. These days, what count is middles class needs ,which goes on the line of quality of services (health, education, safety, life style) resetting public policies priorities.
d.- Demographic factors: People get older than before and live longer, therefore demand protection. Immigrants flows have something to say. Beside they also have values to believe in, and hopes to carry on to get some outcome. Young people and women looks for different dreams. They look for better place to live, with less congestion and environment contamination such that they feel they are in charge of their life and destiny.
e.- Finally, there are different values away from traditional ones , but not necessarily worse than those ones but different , and leaders must be able to navigate through with them. Otherwise is to stay out of the winds of history.
