TLC Televised Debate
"Example of True
Democracy"
The local
television station "Teletica"
last night broadcast the
final national debate
between the "Si" and
"No", as both sides of
the trade deal issue had
a chance to express
their opinion, and now
is up to Costa Ricans to
decide with their vote
on October 7.
Teletica's channel 7 has
been a major force in
Costa Rica for 50 years
and has become the media
for Costa Ricans to hear
both sides of the
Tratado de Libre
Comercio (TLC) - free
trade agreement with the
United States.
In last nights
broadcast, 10
representatives - 5 on
each side of the issue -
expressed their opinion
during the live
broadcast, moderated by
Pilar Cisneros,
co-director of
telenoticias.
Taking part in the
debate were: Fernando
Ocampp, Roberto Echandi,
Marta Castillo, Alberto
Trejos and Otto Guevara,
for the "Si"; and Renzo
Céspedes, Mauricio
Hernández Castellón,
Epsy Campbell, Henry
Mora, and juan Manuel
Villasuso for the "No".
Subjects discussed
included employment,
opening of markets,
consumers, and what will
happen to Costa Rica if
the TLC is not approved.
The debate, at times,
was heated as fingers
and hands fluying on
both sides to make a
point. However, in the
end, the debate proved
that Costa Ricans can be
at odds on the same
issue and still be
united in one thing,
their love for the
country.
In the words of Pilar
Cisneros in closing the
debate, she said "we
have seen an example of
true democracy and
civism tonight", thanks
the panelists of both
movements and all Costa
Ricans for watching and
now it is up to them to
decide.
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