Grossly lopsided division of wealth, corrupt government and growing disenchantment with the USA are leading to a resurgence of some of the socialist ideas of the 1960s including populism, centrally planned economies and nationalization of industries. The emergence of Evo Morales, Hugo Chávez, the narrow failure of the presidential bid of Manuel López Obrador and the reappearance of Daniel Ortega testify to the rise of the Latin American left.

Much of the new movement revolves around the cult figure of Che Guevara. Chávez gives speeches wearing Che tee shirts. Argentina-born, you're never far away from his image in Buenos Aires. He's the subject of graffiti and street art.

Argentineans call each other che. Other Latins use the term che to refer to someone as being from Argentina. So the famous revolutionary got his memorable name because he was Guevara from Argentina—Che Guevara.

Today he represents rebellious youth culture as much as socialism. A close look at this wall art tells the tale.

Based on Alberto Korda's incredibly famous photograph, cigarillo-smoking Che's image has here been doctored up to incorporate ideas that resonate with today's young people. The star on his beret has morphed into a marijuana leaf. He's wearing a slingshot around his neck. His turtleneck tee shirt is sleeveless to show off his tattoo of Argentina's most famous ex-soccer player, Diego Maradona.

The old socialist must be spinning in his grave, to know that rampant capitalism has produced a huge trade in his image. You'll find books, photographs, hats and clocks everywhere. Che tee-shirts are available online, as illustrated by this dignified ad photo:

¡Viva la revolución!

For the revolutionary in your life who has everything, there's Che panties, also found online.

I took this last photo at a newsstand in the Recoleta neighborhood. On offer: a 2008 Che Guevara calendar featuring twelve different portraits of your favorite guerilla.

The newsie displayed it adjacent to the Maxxim 2008 calendar. Young men are faced with a difficult choice: Che at $19.90 pesos or Wanda Nera for only $8.50.