Hi Buck:

I agree with everything you said, and like so many others here, share your frustration.  I just hope that this 70% windfall tax is a political trial balloon leaked out to test the reactions out there, and there is room for negotiations. 

I also noticed there seem to be many political fractions within the Ecudorian government with different agendas.  Is Correa truly in total control and have the final call?  We simply don't know.  But what I do know is - if they proceed with this 70% windfall tax, they would have killed the golden goose before it even lay a single gold egg.  Talk about ultimate political stupidity.