Bolivia adding to the problems of Bush?

As many of you have noted, drastic changes are being seen on the gubernatorial fronts of many S.A. nations -- from the first woman being elected president in Chile to the Indian president, Evo Morales, recently elected in Bolivia. I want to focus on Morales' election, however, and what it signifies for the state of Bolivia, its growth potential, and its future relations with other countries of the Americas.

It seems as if Hugo Chavez has an influence in South America greater than we, as Americans, can begin to realize. Bolivians, in their election of Morales, have assisted in the move of South American states to the left, and President Bush is seemingly unaware of the dilemma. Morales had a meeting with President Chavez on Monday, 1/23/06, after Chavez attended his innauguration, and Morales expressed his desire to maintain in close relations with Chavez. Bush was unavailable to join the 11 other head-of-states in the welcoming of Morales to his post; what does this symbolize to the people of South America? The United States, unfortunately, is watching as the powers-that-be surge further and further to the left, affecting not only the economical free market system that Americans have grown accustomed to, but also affecting the political tension between the regions.

Morales takes office under the guise that he will "not submit to any outside powers," maintains that he will work to open relations with Cuba's Castro and Chavez, and has no contact with Bush.
Should be interesting to see how it pans out.

You can check out the story of Morales' election here.