War puts more money in the pockets of the super rich. In 1989 the U.S. Military invaded Panama to oust the dictator Manuel Noriega, who was a rogue CIA agent and amassed a personal fortune as a drug and arms dealer. During the U.S. invasion 500 civilians were killed, according to the UN, and slums were bombed. Today the U.S. relationship with Latin America is one of continuous attempted coups and people smuggling. Drugs go north, guns go south, and the money is laundered. —Sue Coe, February 4, 2021