Lucia Topolansky takes office as Uruguay's first female vice president

[sandensea]

5. True that - especially in Latin America.

Latin American women who feel they'd like to pursue a career in politics generally find it easy only if they're white and - above all - sold out to whatever dominant interests control the country.

Brazil's Dilma Rousseff and Argentina's Cristina Kirchner could tell you what happens if a woman is successful in politics - but fails to meet either criteria. Any mistakes are blown up out of all proportion, and it's basically trench warfare from day one.

Here's hoping Ms. Topolansky has an easier time than they did. She seems very grandmotherly, and that will certainly help her.