Comments on: Why does Panama have so many poor? http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/ "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today." - James Dean Sat, 30 Aug 2008 03:02:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Don Ray http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30230 Don Ray Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:32:56 +0000 http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30230 Hi G. Thanks for checking in and giving your point of view. Hi Tom. I thought the same thing when I read the comments. Most were not willing to leave their name. Hi G.

Thanks for checking in and giving your point of view.

Hi Tom. I thought the same thing when I read the comments. Most were not willing to leave their name.

]]> By: tom http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30229 tom Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:18:55 +0000 http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30229 The scary thing about Mr. Bonnell's comments was the number of people who answered the blog and agreed with him. As you said, Don Ray, Mr. Bonnell did not display any credentials; neither did any of his supporters. It is almost amusing that people, who have not studied a situation, have full confidence in explaining the problem whereas scholars, who have spent their careers on the subject, admit that they do not have the answers. The scary thing about Mr. Bonnell’s comments was the number of people who answered the blog and agreed with him. As you said, Don Ray, Mr. Bonnell did not display any credentials; neither did any of his supporters. It is almost amusing that people, who have not studied a situation, have full confidence in explaining the problem whereas scholars, who have spent their careers on the subject, admit that they do not have the answers.

]]> By: g.patino-h http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30228 g.patino-h Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:18:47 +0000 http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30228 Hi Don. I dont know mr. Bonnells, but I know my country Panama, and I lived in U.S., for many years, so to may a comment like that is a sore point for me, because, these problems are not solely of Panama, are EVERYWHERE you go, is true, we have all those problems and more but what country doesnt have it, and is he is a panamanian then do something about it, and dont just talk, if you are not panamanian then go back to your perfect world or country. We are proud people that do their best, people that had been suffer since before we were a Republic, because they took advantage of us. These is NOT an excuse for our fault,mistake or not having puntuality,will of super action, saving account, work loving, responsability, respect, ethics, and integrity. So what country has all these. But what we are is, -PANAMANIAN, that they will open their heart and house door to complete stranger,offer their help. So maybe you are, MR.Bonnells, a person without lack of all these principles. Because I know for facts that not all panamanian are like these. So next time Mr.Bonnells do better reaserch . G.Patino-H. Hi Don.
I dont know mr. Bonnells, but I know my country Panama, and I lived in U.S., for many years, so to may a comment like that is a sore point for me, because, these problems are not solely of Panama, are EVERYWHERE you go, is true, we have all those problems and more but what country doesnt have it, and is he is a panamanian then do something about it, and dont just talk, if you are not panamanian then go back to your perfect world or country. We are proud people that do their best, people that had been suffer since before we were a Republic, because they took advantage of us. These is NOT an excuse for our fault,mistake or not having puntuality,will of super action, saving account, work loving, responsability, respect, ethics, and integrity. So what country has all these. But what we are is, -PANAMANIAN, that they will open their heart and house door to complete stranger,offer their help. So maybe you are, MR.Bonnells, a person without lack of all these principles. Because I know for facts that not all panamanian are like these.
So next time Mr.Bonnells do better reaserch .
G.Patino-H.

]]> By: Don Ray http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30169 Don Ray Sat, 24 Nov 2007 02:55:13 +0000 http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30169 Hi Charlotte, I thought you made several good points. I debated before even writing this post, but I thought the other post was just too general and taking shots and not all were justified. I appreciate your taking the time to comment. Hi Charlotte,

I thought you made several good points. I debated before even writing this post, but I thought the other post was just too general and taking shots and not all were justified.

I appreciate your taking the time to comment.

]]> By: Charlotte Newman http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30165 Charlotte Newman Sat, 24 Nov 2007 02:05:41 +0000 http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30165 Read your post and bounced over to the "source blog". Much of what Mr Bonnell states seems to consist of rather broad generalizations that could be applied to just about any society. It just depends which lens you are viewing things through. One's paradigms color one's perceptions. I see much of the same problems here in the U.S., more and more each year, especially under the current administration. It is sad and frightening, and a very disheartening time for many of us living here. And it will be some time before the damage is undone. There seems to be an attutude in the U.S. among those currently in power that, (to put it in simple terms), "if you can't afford to live, well then, just go ahead and die." A lack of concern except for the bottom line. It's not just for Panamanians, or Latins, or the "third world". My husband and I are leaving the U.S. and moving to Panama because of the corruption in high places; because of he lack of affordable healthcare; because there is ess and less opportunity for a decent life as one ages. We see indifference to, and in fact the creation of more and more working poor due to current U.S. government policies. The reality of having to, as one friend puts it, "work till you die, cause you can't afford to retire" is in our current environment, not a joke. We love our country, but we also love the vibrancy of the Panamanian people, and look forward to viewing the world from another perch on the planet. I'm sure we'll run into all sorts of political and social situations and problems there as well. Again, that's the way the world goes round. Sounds to me that comments like Mr. Bonnell's spawn confusion because they are painted with such broad strokes. Leaves lots of empty places to fall through, and assumptions to respond to. I've met wonderful Panamanians, as well as hustlers and grifters - (many non- native). Again, I just think this is just how the world goes round. Same story in the U.S. If you're just an everyday person, you just hang in as best you can, and you makes yer choices as you go. The majority of us are just trying to live and breath, and survive. We seek some comfort and understanding, and a warm place to rest our heads. Very few of us will ever be in positions of power to affect the collective. But we do have the power to do the right thing within our own small circles. To touch one another, even if it's simply with a kind word. It all matters. The world's a rough place, and we're the roughest toughest walking on it. Some of us will go under. Some of us will prevail. Some will be so damaged as to be beyond reach. So while you're around, why not reach out your hand to someone who's hurting. Educate someone who is uninformed. Appreciate the fascinating variety of people who have made, and will continue to make this world such an fascinating ride. And cling to your ethics as if your soul depends on them. What else can a human do? And never assume that you will never end up in as bad a circumstance as those "less fortunate than you". A fall is just a slip away. I see it around me every day. Well, hope I'm adding to, and not detracting from the discussion. On that note, a slightly belated happy Thanksgiving, Don Ray. Thanks for being out here in cyberspace. (I'm as always, a bit verbose. Yo siento.) Hasta Luego, amigo. Charlotte Read your post and bounced over to the “source blog”.
Much of what Mr Bonnell states seems to consist of rather broad generalizations that could be applied to just about any society. It just depends which lens you are viewing things through. One’s paradigms color one’s perceptions.
I see much of the same problems here in the U.S., more and more each year, especially under the current administration. It is sad and frightening, and a very disheartening time for many of us living here. And it will be some time before the damage is undone. There seems to be an attutude in the U.S. among those currently in power that, (to put it in simple terms), “if you can’t afford to live, well then, just go ahead and die.” A lack of concern except for the bottom line. It’s not just for Panamanians, or Latins, or the “third world”.
My husband and I are leaving the U.S. and moving to Panama because of the corruption in high places; because of he lack of affordable healthcare; because there is ess and less opportunity for a decent life as one ages. We see indifference to, and in fact the creation of more and more working poor due to current U.S. government policies. The reality of having to, as one friend puts it, “work till you die, cause you can’t afford to retire” is in our current environment, not a joke. We love our country, but we also love the vibrancy of the Panamanian people, and look forward to viewing the world from another perch on the planet. I’m sure we’ll run into all sorts of political and social situations and problems there as well. Again, that’s the way the world goes round.
Sounds to me that comments like Mr. Bonnell’s spawn confusion because they are painted with such broad strokes. Leaves lots of empty places to fall through, and assumptions to respond to.
I’ve met wonderful Panamanians, as well as hustlers and grifters - (many non- native). Again, I just think this is just how the world goes round. Same story in the U.S.
If you’re just an everyday person, you just hang in as best you can, and you makes yer choices as you go.
The majority of us are just trying to live and breath, and survive. We seek some comfort and understanding, and a warm place to rest our heads. Very few of us will ever be in positions of power to affect the collective. But we do have the power to do the right thing within our own small circles. To touch one another, even if it’s simply with a kind word. It all matters. The world’s a rough place, and we’re the roughest toughest walking on it. Some of us will go under. Some of us will prevail. Some will be so damaged as to be beyond reach.
So while you’re around, why not reach out your hand to someone who’s hurting. Educate someone who is uninformed. Appreciate the fascinating variety of people who have made, and will continue to make this world such an fascinating ride. And cling to your ethics as if your soul depends on them. What else can a human do?
And never assume that you will never end up in as bad a circumstance as those “less fortunate than you”. A fall is just a slip away. I see it around me every day.
Well, hope I’m adding to, and not detracting from the discussion.
On that note, a slightly belated happy Thanksgiving, Don Ray.
Thanks for being out here in cyberspace.
(I’m as always, a bit verbose. Yo siento.) Hasta Luego, amigo. Charlotte

]]> By: Don Ray http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30157 Don Ray Fri, 23 Nov 2007 20:45:39 +0000 http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30157 Thans for dropping in. I will check out the website. Thans for dropping in. I will check out the website.

]]> By: John http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30146 John Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:15:52 +0000 http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30146 Carlos Alberto Montaner has written about this subject. His article is entitled "What's Latin America Worth?". His website is at http://www.firmaspress.com Carlos Alberto Montaner has written about this subject. His article is entitled “What’s Latin America Worth?”. His website is at
http://www.firmaspress.com

]]> By: Don Ray http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30144 Don Ray Fri, 23 Nov 2007 11:49:29 +0000 http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30144 Hi Tim. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and welcome aboard, mate. Hi Tim. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and welcome aboard, mate.

]]> By: tim perry http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30143 tim perry Fri, 23 Nov 2007 11:37:22 +0000 http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30143 Just read your post. I am currently anchored in the middle of NY harbor. I lived in Panama for over two and a half years in Punta Paitilla to be exact and even on occasion went to the Union Club there. So I saw both sides and the truth is money has nothing to do regarding character. I have known some very moral rich and conversly some very noble poor. I also lived in Haiti for four years and there was far more ethical poor there than ethical rich. It is the family beliefs that structure ones future behavior unless there is some sort of life changing intervention. Anyway I left Panama in 2001 and this sunday will be returning for the first time since then so I am really interested in seeing what Panama is like today. I will be checking your blog every couple of days and look forward to the next one. Just read your post. I am currently anchored in the middle of NY harbor. I lived in Panama for over two and a half years in Punta Paitilla to be exact and even on occasion went to the Union Club there. So I saw both sides and the truth is money has nothing to do regarding character. I have known some very moral rich and conversly some very noble poor. I also lived in Haiti for four years and there was far more ethical poor there than ethical rich. It is the family beliefs that structure ones future behavior unless there is some sort of life changing intervention.
Anyway I left Panama in 2001 and this sunday will be returning for the first time since then so I am really interested in seeing what Panama is like today. I will be checking your blog every couple of days and look forward to the next one.

]]> By: Don Ray http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30136 Don Ray Fri, 23 Nov 2007 01:02:49 +0000 http://www.chiriquichatter.net/blog/2007/11/22/why-does-panama-have-so-many-poor/#comment-30136 Hi Dan. Thanks for taking the time to comment. With your qulifications in mind, here is the URL for the post. http://primapanama.blogs.com/_panama_residential_devel/2007/11/why-does-panama.html Hi Dan. Thanks for taking the time to comment. With your qulifications in mind, here is the URL for the post.

http://primapanama.blogs.com/_panama_residential_devel/2007/11/why-does-panama.html

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