It's getting harder and harder for George Bush to travel anywhere, but especially Latin America. Yet in early November he'll be off to Argentina for the Summit of the Americas, much to the relief of the White House staff. Once there he will likely try to explain why unfettered capitalism is more better for their countries than socialism.

Latin American leftists can hardly wait. They've already begun demonstrations in anticipation of the visit. Kelly Hearn of the Washington Times writes,

The Summit of the Americas isn't supposed to take place for seven weeks. But left-wingers already have clashed with police in protests over plans by President Bush to attend, underscoring a security nightmare facing Argentine officials charged with protecting 34 chiefs of state.

More protests are expected this weekend after a melee last week during which police confronted thousands of demonstrators and several policemen suffered minor injuries.

On Friday, about 3,000 protesters pushed toward the Plaza de Mayo, the site of frequent political protests, but were contained by strong police lines.

The protests are expected to intensify as Mr. Bush and 33 other heads of the Western Hemisphere's democracies prepare to attend the fourth Summit of the Americas on Nov. 4 and 5 in Mar de Plata, Argentina, an Atlantic coastal city about 200 miles from Buenos Aires.

Also planning to attend will be Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. The State Department put him and his security detail through hell during his recent visit to the U.N. But this time Chavez will be on friendly turf and intends to make the most of it—

Mr. Chavez, who has said the United States is trying to assassinate him, plans to match the size of Mr. Bush's security team.

Argentine officials estimate that Mr. Bush will bring at least 1,000 agents.
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Some lawmakers think the vast size of both details could require approval from Argentina's congress, which has mandated that visiting presidential security agents dress in civil clothes and have no visible weapons.

This contest should be interesting to watch. The only thing bigger than the American and Venezuelan security details will be the egos.