Foils, geopolitical trade goods, yes –but also the prize of all of South America is up for grabs –in Brazil, huge, rich, a soon-to-be OPEC class oil exporter, first-world, with a socialist/capitalist governing ethos –watches closely the USA/Russia proxy struggle between Uribe of Colombia and Chavez.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Pelosi is under union orders to (and inventing new House Rules in order to) prevent evan a floor debate on the Colombia free-trade bill –which is itself far more a symbol of USA willpower & intent than it is of its considerable economic import.