In the early 80's I met a Jewish businessman in Lima, Peru. He had immigrated from Europe after WWII. He was reminiscing about his life one day at lunch and spoke of his financial success. When I asked him why he chose Lima over other options he lamented that there was certainly opportunity in Peru for financial gain. He also commented that it was important to choose a place where there was freedom of thought and speech. He felt at that time it was available in Peru.
The reason I bring this subject up is that when analyzing a destination in which one is considering committing to setting roots down that it is important to look at freedom of speech and the media as well as the legal system.
Most of us who have garnered any knowledge of Ecuador can see that the legal and court system is a precarious system to negotiate and struggles with ridding itself of corruption.
Freedom of speech is also another area of society which is precarious. A democracy cannot advance without a robust media and freedom to express ideas and opinions or news.
In December an Ecuadorian magazine had all its' computers and other equipment confiscated by special units of the government. The equipment still has not been returned to the magazine.
Looking at their website today and the comments made by Ecuadorians about the takeover, really hit home about how serious the issue is with freedom of the press and of speech.
I mention these things as a factor when one is considering a long term move to Ecuador. You can access the magazine at revistavangaurdia.com - copy some of the comments into a translator and you will see tha angst in the opinions of many.
You can also access an article at:
http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/ecuador-government-fails-return-seized-equipment-magazine/
The reason I bring this subject up is that when analyzing a destination in which one is considering committing to setting roots down that it is important to look at freedom of speech and the media as well as the legal system.
Most of us who have garnered any knowledge of Ecuador can see that the legal and court system is a precarious system to negotiate and struggles with ridding itself of corruption.
Freedom of speech is also another area of society which is precarious. A democracy cannot advance without a robust media and freedom to express ideas and opinions or news.
In December an Ecuadorian magazine had all its' computers and other equipment confiscated by special units of the government. The equipment still has not been returned to the magazine.
Looking at their website today and the comments made by Ecuadorians about the takeover, really hit home about how serious the issue is with freedom of the press and of speech.
I mention these things as a factor when one is considering a long term move to Ecuador. You can access the magazine at revistavangaurdia.com - copy some of the comments into a translator and you will see tha angst in the opinions of many.
You can also access an article at:
http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/ecuador-government-fails-return-seized-equipment-magazine/
