Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega: from hero to Nero

Juan Jos is digging a latrine on the small, 8m by 25m plot the government of Daniel Ortega has given him to build a house. It is prime real estate, across from a smart golf club on the outskirts of the Nicaraguan capital, Managua. Given that he is out of work, he is particularly happy not to have to pay rent.He has long considered himself a supporter of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) the one-time revolutionary movement that has led an elected government for over a decade. But now he has qualms. The land where he and others are building houses, many sporting the red and black Sandinista flag, has been commandeered by the government probably as an act of political revenge since the start of an uprising four months ago. We were OK with the government before, the 47-year-old former hardware store employee says, leaning on his shovel. But now, Id prefer a president who doesnt kill us.