This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Abroad from the KU Centers for East Asian Studies and Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

This just in from the Pets for Political Popularity File: It is well-known among spin doctors that, when the economy takes a downturn, the people need a distraction from politics. Clearly, Argentina’s president, Christina Fernandez, understands this well. On New Year’s Eve, she announced that the state-run airline will allow passengers to fly with their beloved pets… if those beloved pets are small dogs and cats. No anacondas, please, and don’t even think about bringing your llama on board. Fernandez posted this big announcement on Facebook along with a photo of her on the Presidential plane with her toy poodle, Lolita, on her lap. The posting has gotten more than 50,000 likes. Is this mitigating in any way complaints about Argentina’s economic woes? Probably not. But she should get points for replacing a pet peeve with a pet.

With thanks to Danika Swanson for this text, from the KU Center for East Asian Studies, this is Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.