With reference to the Latin American situation, I have made comments and perhaps gave an answer to Professor Doug Cassel regarding his perception of Peru at the present.
It includes the judicial system and other relevant aspects of the atrocities committed against humanity during the era of the wanton terrorism; FUJIMORI, ET AL.
The situation in Peru can be related to the situation in many Latin American countries, that I prefer to separate into SUD AMERICA and the many small countries in CENTRAL AMERICA.
Most people get offended when one does not agree with the insulting simplification of the compounding of civilizations into groups. Indeed, it is very offensive when people relate to Mexicans as "A man sitting in the street with a big sombrero;" overlooking the large economy of Mexico that is so related to our economy in the USA that when an economic failure happens down there, it also happens up here, and vice versa.
The economies of the Central American countries, generally speaking (it is sinful to generalize, however I, sometimes resource to using it)are relevant to us in the U.S.A. more related to the economic aid that we provide (monies sent to support "LA MAMA O LOS NINOS"), especially to CUBA, or the fight against small revolutions and the standard dictators, that have included generals involved in the drug traffic.
While regarding SUD AMERICA, with many large very productive countries, we, Sud Americans, have the power of the production of needed goods. As an example I can mention Brazil and its tremendous economy that is able to sell airplanes to us and also large amounts of fruit juices; Peru practically gives to the world its national minerals and has been endowed with a succulent variety of products including gold, silver, copper, and URANIUM, not to mention the fish and the wood from the jungle.
The paper that I wrote and sent to professor Cassel (included at the end of the post) includes commentaries regarding the UGLY SITUATION OF THE POVERTY OF THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION in my native Peru, who are wrongly called INDIANS and that I INSIST ON CALLING THEM "CHOLOS;" BEING MYSELF a Cholo, WITH MUCH PRIDE OF BEING ONE, REGARDLESS OF HAVING THE SKIN A BIT LIGHTER THAN MOST OF MY FELLOW PERUVIANS.
It is amazing to realize that the discrimination among SUD AMERICANS, including with much emphasis on the discrimination that the ARGENTINIANS use against their own people; claiming to be, most of them EUROPEANS and calling "THE OTHERS" CABESITA NEGRA (black heads). What a generalized idiocy and arrogance. The most stupid and funny thing is that such aberration also exists in Peru, where one shade lighter of the skin or one more dollar in the pocket converts a CHOLO into a white man, or so they think.
In my native country, Peru, it has been reported (I wrote relevant commentaries regarding this subject also) that the misery is such that "HOSPITAL PERUANO OPERA CON HERRAMIENTAS DE FERRETERIA." In Huancayo, a mountain town, the corruption is such that the doctors have to use hardware store tools to operate on people, while EL MINISTRO acuses the regional PRESIDENTE of stealing the money for the medical supplies, and he in tern accuses another AUTORIDAD, and the sequence of corruptions never ends. Peruvians are so used to the CORRUPTION that they always have an answer for every crime or misdemeanor.
The President announced that before his term expires in 2011, he will reduce the poverty by 25 %. "PRESIDENT PLEDGES TO CUT POVERTY BY 25 PERCENT," Miami Herald Tuesday, July 29, 2008, page 7A, The Americas- Latin American Briefs.
It is very amusing to compare the situation in "SUD AMERICA," with the situation in THE MIAMI AREA. It is not unusual to read in the news or see on TV that one or another official of the government of Miami HAS BEEN INDICTED OR ACCUSED OF ROB ERIES OR MISAPPROPRIATIONS. And then, the ways of the politics in MIAMI are so similar to the ones, in this case I will term what we call SOUTH OF THE BORDER as LATIN AMERICA combining South and Central America; because, with few exceptions, the CORRUPTION of such part of the world can even be compared with the corruption in Miami or perhaps in New Orleans. But the illegal immigrants keep entering the USA with Wet foot/Dry foot or other, easy to use TRICKS, most acceptable under our illogical immigration system, which is a failure.
As I have previously said, there is the fear of calling A SPADE A SPADE and people are afraid of using the world "NEGRO" and instead, they think it makes it less insulting by calling them "AFRICAN AMERICANS." What a puritanistic pile of manure. I call myself a CHOLO and I am proud of being one.
When I was a child I was called a gringo; I was also called NEGRITO, chino, sambo, loco, flaco. However, there is one thing that we LATINOS have to be proud of, and it is that we do not get so easily insulted as my fellow Americans do; because, the color of your skin, despite the fact that IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE DEGREE OF CORRUPTION, while in practicality it does, according to the news more crime happens in the poor sections of cities where mixed races live, and more people in jail are "PEOPLE OF COLOR," such is so true as when we consider CUBANS DRIVING RECKLESSLY OR LATINOS IN GENERAL HAVING PARTIES AND THROWING TRASH AND MAKING INCREDIBLE NOISE WITH THEIR "boom, boom" MUSIC.
Thus I say, "DO NOT GET OFFENDED WHEN A PERSON OF COLOR IS IDENTIFIED AS SUCH, INSTEAD JUST HAVE THE COURAGE OF CORRECTING YOUR MISBEHAVIOR'S AND FORGET THE STUPID REGIONALISM or racial slurs, OF COURSE, SOMETIMES IT IS USEFUL TO REMIND PEOPLE THAT:
ACTING AS YOU USED TO DO IN YOUR NATIVE LANDS, SUCH AS CROSSING THE STREET WHILE THE RED LIGHT INDICATES OTHERWISE IS STUPID. I personally, do not care if my CUBAN friends get insulted because I have almost been killed several times by the CUBAN COWBOYS who while DRIVING LIKE MANIACS behave in an INSOLENT MANNER AND ARE DANGEROUS ABOUT IT, sometimes using the privilege of having a gun. And I say, WHILE LIVING IN MIAMI YOU ARE NOT LIVING IN CUBA OR IN LATIN AMERICA. THUS, RESPECT THE LAWS AND THE CUSTOMS OF NATIVE AMERICANS AND STOP BEING SO DISHONEST. WHAT A GENERALIZATION; IT IS SINFUL FROM MY PART
THE LETTER THAT I SENT TO PROFESSOR CASSEL:
Kind attention: Doug Cassel, Director of the Center for Civil and Human Rights
The Notre Dame Law School
doug.cassel@nd.edu
Dear Professor Cassel:
It is so important that a person of your caliber considers reporting the happenings in Peru. It is enlightening to learn that somebody is interested in the justice used in Latin America.
There are similar situations occurring in other countries; places where the brutality and human abuse have been considerable, under any circumstances, including the fighting against terrorism; IN A NON DECLARED WAR. That intrinsically has a very different meaning than the meaning of a declared war, where the Rules of Combat or the Rules of Engagement are totally different among civilized, law abiding countries.
After visiting Peru, my native country, almost every year since I left, I have had the opportunity of observing aspects of the massacres inflicted upon, mainly the indigenous population; the so-called CHOLOS. Thus, the issues and accusations against Montesinos and FUJIMORI, such LA CANTUTA and BARRIOS ALTOS as reported by the Peruvian press and the courts, are insignificant when one is aware of the acts of human abuse and wanton brutality committed during their regime; furthermore, during other Presidents/Dictator’s acts against humanity had also occurred and are kept in the shadows.
You just have touched the tip of the iceberg. And when one has visited the Soros Foundation in New York City and The Museum in Chorrillos, Lima, Peru a nauseating filling reaches the throat, and even the most callous person can shed tears of sorrow.
I have seen the pictures of people (natives mainly) being made to make their burial holes to be executed by the military; while the tortures incurred by the SENDERO LUMINOSO were even much more brutal and inhumane than the ones inflicted by the military, or the para military that was a diabolic force used by Dictators in most countries in Latin America.
When I was young and living in Peru, such criminals were called INVESTIGADORES; later on they took new names as SPECIAL FORCES, SEGURIDAD. The general public called them SOPLONES and other appellatives. Such person will kill and kidnap by orders of the many MINISTROS or the military. Everything in a calm, organized, criminal form, after having received training on how to commit such atrocities.
I have been informed, by retired officers of the armed forces of Peru of the indignities that their superiors made them commit in order to prove THE MACHISMO. However, such machismo has been used to brutalize and assassinate other Peruvians in a NON DECLARED WAR.
I have visited Peru and I pride myself to inform you that I know more about Peru than most of the so-called MINISTROS. I have seen the abuses that, until now, are committed against the CHOLOS. The abuses in the mines, the illnesses produced by contamination, the dissemination of their minerals that produce succulent fortunes TO THE POWER FAMILIES, THE MILITARY, OR THE NEW MEMBERS OF THE OLIGARCHY OF THE NEW “DEMOCRATIC ELECTED GOVERNMENT.”
While in the mountains in Peru, and after learning that more than 70 thousand Peruvians were killed during the era of the terrorism, mostly by the TERRUCOS and partly by the abusive military, the justice that is being applied to FUJIMORI/Montesinos is such a token of FAKE rulings that shows that Peru is not changing, that the process of law is infected and that such system only applies to a few. But the pomposity of the JUDGES and the Peruvian band around the succulent stomach and pantomime are the prime denominator.
The killings are only part of the crime, the human abuses and the TORTURE inflicted to women and even children is repulsive. Peruvians have the habit of forgetting and, therefore making heroes of people such as FUJIMORI, recognizing the futile principle OF:
“HOW DO YOU FIGHT TERRORISM?” My answer to it has been clear and concise:
‘TERRORISM MUST NOT BE FOUGHT WITH MORE TERRORISM, BECAUSE THE RESULT IS MORAL DECADENCE AND CHAOS”
Peruvian refused to learn from the past and are bought by packets of rice or a few dollars. It is because, being a beautiful and very rich country, the poverty that is rapidly graduating to misery prevails. While in Lima, the main object is how to obtain an income derived from illicit gain or by being appointed to a position using THE VARA or NEPOTISM and COMPADRASGO (to have a GODFATHER) are the rules and are accepted.
I thank you for having the integrity and courage to inform regarding the fake justice system in Peru. One has just to visit EL PALACIO DE JUSTICIA, a magnificent building that is decaying in which JUDGES have been found receiving illicit contributions. Sometimes the corruption in Peru resembles the corruption in MIAMI or New Orleans, with the difference that in the USA one has recourse; in Peru one does not. It has happened to us
Truly Yours
Alejandro “EL CONDOR” Arce
NOTE: Alejandro Arce a/k/a “EL CONDOR” is a bona fide American citizen, voter and taxpayer. He also holds Peruvian citizenship and ran for the office of President in the last elections.
Due to assault on his wife, we were advised that the police were the criminals and that we were the subject of a kidnapping; thus, we left Lima and reside in Miami, after living in Washington D.C. for most of his life.
Alejandro is an Environmental Toxicologist who, after working for several private laboratories, joined the U.S. Government. He has published many scientific papers and he has participated in the betterment of the City of Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Happy 4th of July. Let's Make America Better and Better
CELEBRATING OUR INDEPENDENCE DAY
Tomorrow we will be celebrating the Independence Day and we should be happy and thankful that we are a free country in which the rights of the people are respected.
What we have in America, as compared with most of the countries around the world is much better; perhaps not perfect, but by all means our life is easier and the benefits are immeasurable.
Where can you find a country in which anyone can move from the East to the West without requiring special permits or without having to put up with restricting regulations or controls every 200 miles?
Where can you find a country in which no matter what your situation IS there is always shelter and food and other types of assistance?
These are just a few things that are to our advantage and that we take for granted. We have unemployment compensation, food stamps, housing for the poor, medical attention for free if you take the time to find where the facilities are and what they can provide for you and your family.
Of course, most true Americans are proud people and do not look forward to use such assistance. The ones that find themselves in a situation of requiring help from the federal government, the states, the counties, or cities or charitable associations are not that many; and among them, many have a valid reason. But lots of them just do not make an effort to support themselves and make part of their daily living the use of the public assistance.
It is understandable that in any society there will always be people in need. However, when people believe that it is just as easy to request assistance rather than to find a suitable job, cities become isolated due to the burden and the poverty and misery grows exponentially.
Despite the criticism against the government, we have to realize that after September 11, our enemies have not cost us disgrace.
Our liberties have been reduced; not for the regular people but for the ones who, perhaps could present a danger to our security.
It does not mean that we have to change our free ways of life, it means that we have to be more careful and that it is our responsibility to safeguard our people and our country. Thus, some small sacrifices are not an imposition but a benevolent infringement on our freedom, such as the checking at airports and public buildings, some wiretapping of our communications that happens to the ones who present some kind of danger. It does not happen to regular people. At least it has not happened to me.
We have many enemies, that a re envious of our ways of life and our freedoms; regardless of the fact the many people from around the world hope to be able to enter America, even to become low paid workers. In most cases, even the lowest paid jobs and/or opportunities that such people encounter in the USA are much better than what they have in their countries of origin.
We, very easily criticize our ways of life and complain about almost every little inconvenience, but when one goes to the shopping mall and sees people spending money and buying products, not necessarily urgently needed, we do not see that part of our society with no money to spend. When we eat a tremendous amount of food, we do not think about how many hungry people there are in most countries. We just do not see things that we deem to be to our displeasure, but we are ready to criticize.
Of course there are many things that we can criticize regarding the U S A. Most of us are not in favor of having so many wars. Many of us are suffering because of the price that we have to pay for gasoline, but we drive large vehicles; many times with only one passenger.
Our economic security is in jeopardy due to the housing mortgage situation. And of course there are hundreds of things that make us uncomfortable, but on the average we live in luxury that most people around the world cannot afford. However, we do not criticize ourselves for the so expensive and poor education that we give to our children. Nevertheless, the majority look as an integral part of our education, the playing of football or basketball with little emphasis on learning languages or how to properly speak. We have to learn geography so we will not be presenting ourselves as arrogant, ignorant Americans who do not know where any capitol of the important countries or countries that are our allies or enemies are located; or their names. And of course there are too many arrogant people that claim that because of the fact of being born in the USA they are superior to other people without realizing that it is part of our pride to be Americans but that we should be better educated and better behaved than others if we want to be considered superior . . . Why and when is someone superior to others, anyway?
We have to learn that a country that is not unified is a country in trouble. We have to reunify ourselves and present to the world a front of strong but not abusive people. We have to present ourselves to the world as well educated, and well behaved people instead of arrogant bullies. We have to respect other cultures, despite the fact that they are different from ours. And then, we will regain our right to call ourselves the great American People that we deserve to be in one of the richest and most beautiful countries on the planet
Have a happy Fourth of July and enjoy your hamburgers, hot dogs and a good glass of beer.
Alejandro "EL CONDOR" Arce
A bona fide America, voter and tax payer.
Tomorrow we will be celebrating the Independence Day and we should be happy and thankful that we are a free country in which the rights of the people are respected.
What we have in America, as compared with most of the countries around the world is much better; perhaps not perfect, but by all means our life is easier and the benefits are immeasurable.
Where can you find a country in which anyone can move from the East to the West without requiring special permits or without having to put up with restricting regulations or controls every 200 miles?
Where can you find a country in which no matter what your situation IS there is always shelter and food and other types of assistance?
These are just a few things that are to our advantage and that we take for granted. We have unemployment compensation, food stamps, housing for the poor, medical attention for free if you take the time to find where the facilities are and what they can provide for you and your family.
Of course, most true Americans are proud people and do not look forward to use such assistance. The ones that find themselves in a situation of requiring help from the federal government, the states, the counties, or cities or charitable associations are not that many; and among them, many have a valid reason. But lots of them just do not make an effort to support themselves and make part of their daily living the use of the public assistance.
It is understandable that in any society there will always be people in need. However, when people believe that it is just as easy to request assistance rather than to find a suitable job, cities become isolated due to the burden and the poverty and misery grows exponentially.
Despite the criticism against the government, we have to realize that after September 11, our enemies have not cost us disgrace.
Our liberties have been reduced; not for the regular people but for the ones who, perhaps could present a danger to our security.
It does not mean that we have to change our free ways of life, it means that we have to be more careful and that it is our responsibility to safeguard our people and our country. Thus, some small sacrifices are not an imposition but a benevolent infringement on our freedom, such as the checking at airports and public buildings, some wiretapping of our communications that happens to the ones who present some kind of danger. It does not happen to regular people. At least it has not happened to me.
We have many enemies, that a re envious of our ways of life and our freedoms; regardless of the fact the many people from around the world hope to be able to enter America, even to become low paid workers. In most cases, even the lowest paid jobs and/or opportunities that such people encounter in the USA are much better than what they have in their countries of origin.
We, very easily criticize our ways of life and complain about almost every little inconvenience, but when one goes to the shopping mall and sees people spending money and buying products, not necessarily urgently needed, we do not see that part of our society with no money to spend. When we eat a tremendous amount of food, we do not think about how many hungry people there are in most countries. We just do not see things that we deem to be to our displeasure, but we are ready to criticize.
Of course there are many things that we can criticize regarding the U S A. Most of us are not in favor of having so many wars. Many of us are suffering because of the price that we have to pay for gasoline, but we drive large vehicles; many times with only one passenger.
Our economic security is in jeopardy due to the housing mortgage situation. And of course there are hundreds of things that make us uncomfortable, but on the average we live in luxury that most people around the world cannot afford. However, we do not criticize ourselves for the so expensive and poor education that we give to our children. Nevertheless, the majority look as an integral part of our education, the playing of football or basketball with little emphasis on learning languages or how to properly speak. We have to learn geography so we will not be presenting ourselves as arrogant, ignorant Americans who do not know where any capitol of the important countries or countries that are our allies or enemies are located; or their names. And of course there are too many arrogant people that claim that because of the fact of being born in the USA they are superior to other people without realizing that it is part of our pride to be Americans but that we should be better educated and better behaved than others if we want to be considered superior . . . Why and when is someone superior to others, anyway?
We have to learn that a country that is not unified is a country in trouble. We have to reunify ourselves and present to the world a front of strong but not abusive people. We have to present ourselves to the world as well educated, and well behaved people instead of arrogant bullies. We have to respect other cultures, despite the fact that they are different from ours. And then, we will regain our right to call ourselves the great American People that we deserve to be in one of the richest and most beautiful countries on the planet
Have a happy Fourth of July and enjoy your hamburgers, hot dogs and a good glass of beer.
Alejandro "EL CONDOR" Arce
A bona fide America, voter and tax payer.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Elections, are they clean?
ELECTIONS: ARE THEY CLEAN?
ANALYSIS AND APPRAISAL
It is very difficult, in our very capitalistic political environment,(Republicans as well as Democrats)to believe that when someone donates millions of dollars to a political campaign, such donor or organization will NOT REQUEST A PAYBACK OR A FAVOR from the candidate.
I remember, not long ago, during an election for councilmen for the City of McLean, Virginia, a very honest and well-liked by almost the whole community hardware store owner, lost the election due to the lack of funds. He decided that if the voting public was going to elect him to the City Council, they would do it as a matter of principle. It did not happen and he did not get elected. The excuses were numerous and none of them valid with regard to POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
Such election, for a CITY, NOT EVEN A COUNTY, position at that time, cost more than 100 thousand dollars. The salary of the Councilman was $8,000 per year. Now, how in a devil can the elected Councilman pay for the contributions?. . . Your answer, whatever is it has to be true, because it will be paid by improving the City, it will be paid by building more football fields, to ADVANCE EDUCATION, or it will be paid by . . . Let's say small favors.
In this present elections GAME, every time that it is published that millions, I repeat millions, not thousands, but millions of dollars contributed to each one of the candidates, such contributors are doing it because of principles or because they really believe in the cause that the candidates are fighting for.
There are no great differences between the candidates from one party or the other; obviously the two stronger parties, Democrats and Republicans, when it comes to money and it so patent that our elections are directly related to money, much more than principle.
We are directed to believe that one candidate or the other has in their hearts and minds the welfare of the general population, not a special group. Then how do we explain that big donors CONTRIBUTE JUST AS WELL TO THE DEMOCRATS AS TO THE REPUBLICANS, IN A SIMILAR WAY THAT ATHLETES CHANGE FROM, LET'S SAY THE REDSKINS TO THE DALLAS COWBOYS. Is it for love or loyalty, come on . . . For MONEY.
I have no great complaints regarding our CAPITALISTIC way of life. I live here and enjoy the fruits of capitalism. However, I never forget our SOCIALISTIC traits also, despite the fact that the word SOCIALISM is a dirty word among the majority of red blooded Americans.
Nevertheless, we have to remember that our Social Security, which in many cases supports our economy paying for wars and other NON-SOCIAL SECURITY ISSUES is a very clear part of what we have decided not to call SOCIALISM. Welfare, food stamps, some parts of education, and the little that is left of health assistance is Socialism, as are our libraries, post office, police and fire protection. Our Armed Forces are organized in a Socialistic general way. But we are so afraid to call our America a partly Socialistic country, that we totally ignore the word "Socialism" and its meaning.
We are appalled when we receive news from other countries and their ways regarding elections. If any one has the guts to explain HOW our elections are being run and when are the citizen's majority votes counted more than the famous/infamous delegates' votes I will have no reason to consult with a psychologist. Otherwise, we have made the elections game a joke and a great confusion that is so that when most of us approach the voting booths, our blood pressure raises and A LOT OF VOTERS try to GET THE HELL OUT THE BOOTHS to avoid confusion and stress.
There are explanations, of course. The delegates represent each state and there are as many delegates as the number of voters in such a State . . . So where is the confusion? It appears to be a clear issue that follows ELECTORAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, but does it happen as it is so clearly explained? . . . Give me a break! I have not found a single person who is clear regarding our election maneuvers or the way that we make such a mess out of something that should be SIMPLE and INEXPENSIVE . . . Do we really need such a large number of voting machines that many people dislike and cannot work? In states such as Florida, well known for IRREGULARITIES in almost every way of life, what an issue is related to regulations and authorities, voting is the most complicated pile of vulgarities and irregularities.
To start with, we, or I, will bet that perhaps we as a country hold more elections than any other country in the world. In my particular case, the great metropolitan area of MIAMI/DADE has more municipalities than any other part of the civilized world that I know. Almost every ten mills there is a Municipality with a Mayor, Councilmen, a Police Force and Bureaucrats receiving salaries, pensions and benefits. Hell, the Directors of the University HAVE A GREATER SALARY THAN THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. In the end, we the voters have to VOTE MANY TIMES EVERY YEAR and most of the time there is no time to learn which of the candidates will be more irregular than the previously elected one. But we pay and pay with poor benefits.
I should not complain because it also happened in THE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD (as far as the power of the country goes) Washington D.C., where its elected Mayor created a colorful panorama because of "SOME IRREGULARITIES" but then "THEY WERE ALSO ELECTED BY OUR FAMOUS POPULAR VOTE". . . I HAVE NOT MENTIONED Chicago or New Orleans . . . forget TEXAS . . .
NO, there is something definitely wrong with our system and the ones who were sacrificed are people such poor Al Gore (I am not a Democrat, thus please do not think that I am trying to favor either party). As far as I know, Al Gore was elected by the majority of the American voters, but he is not in the White House, is he?
Hilary Clinton confirms that her campaign cost her or her family or someone (usually unknown in such cases) millions of dollars. That, of course, she will not have to pay, someone else will of course do it. And Obama has a record of "CONTRIBUTIONS" in millions of dollars. It is being announced that such money, I repeat, Obama's campaign, millions of dollars are "THE DOLLAR CONTRIBUTION OF REGULAR PEOPLE WHO PERHAPS ARE USING THEIR FOOD MONEY FOR A RIGHT CAUSE" . . . I SAY, RIGHT CAUSE, MY FOOT. IT IS SO CLEAR THAT EACH ONE OF THE CANDIDATES COMPROMISES himself/herself by receiving big amounts of money from people or corporations or whatever, that IN THE END WILL HAVE TO ASK FOR FAVORS, SPECIAL LEGISLATION, OR OTHER NOT VERY CLEAR ISSUES THAT, PERHAPS GO UNDER THE TABLE.
McCain is also receiving great amounts of money and all of the donors claim that such LARGE AMOUNTS OF DOLLARS ARE BEING USED FOR CAMPAIGN EXPENSES. Expenses, who are they kidding?
A proper election is supposed to be run with limited funds. It was so ruled: BUT WHO OBEYS REGULATIONS? Not the poor hard working John or Jane or the rich industrialist. Rules are made to be broken, and broken they are.
SO WHAT IS IT THAT I AM TRYING SO DESPERATELY TO CONVEY TO YOU?
I SAY, LET'S STOP THIS SILLY PSUEDO PURITANISTIC GAME AND ADMIT THAT:
WE ARE A CAPITALISTIC COUNTRY AND WE ENJOY BEING ONE. AT LEAST I DO AND I WILL DEFEND
THAT WE HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SOCIALISM THAT HAS TO BE ADMITTED AS SUCH
AND THAT OUR ELECTIONS COULD BE BETTER RUN WHEN CONTRIBUTIONS ARE ACCEPTED WITH THE PROMISE THAT THEY HAVE TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR AND ACCOMPANIED WITH A SWORN STATEMENT THAT THE CANDIDATE PROMISES THAT HE/SHE WILL NOT GIVE SPECIAL FAVORS TO THE BIG CONTRIBUTORS, HIS FAMILY, OR HIS FRIENDS.
THEN PERHAPS WE WILL BE A TRUE DEMOCRATIC, CAPITALISTIC, SOCIALISTIC SOCIETY AND ANY OTHER ISTIC COUNTRY WHERE THE TRUTH IS HONORED AND WHERE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE DECIDED TO STOP DECEIVING THEMSELVES AND HONORING TRUTH, HONESTY, AND HONORABILITY.
Alejandro "ElCondor' Arce
A bona fide American citizen and a voting taxpayer
ANALYSIS AND APPRAISAL
It is very difficult, in our very capitalistic political environment,(Republicans as well as Democrats)to believe that when someone donates millions of dollars to a political campaign, such donor or organization will NOT REQUEST A PAYBACK OR A FAVOR from the candidate.
I remember, not long ago, during an election for councilmen for the City of McLean, Virginia, a very honest and well-liked by almost the whole community hardware store owner, lost the election due to the lack of funds. He decided that if the voting public was going to elect him to the City Council, they would do it as a matter of principle. It did not happen and he did not get elected. The excuses were numerous and none of them valid with regard to POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.
Such election, for a CITY, NOT EVEN A COUNTY, position at that time, cost more than 100 thousand dollars. The salary of the Councilman was $8,000 per year. Now, how in a devil can the elected Councilman pay for the contributions?. . . Your answer, whatever is it has to be true, because it will be paid by improving the City, it will be paid by building more football fields, to ADVANCE EDUCATION, or it will be paid by . . . Let's say small favors.
In this present elections GAME, every time that it is published that millions, I repeat millions, not thousands, but millions of dollars contributed to each one of the candidates, such contributors are doing it because of principles or because they really believe in the cause that the candidates are fighting for.
There are no great differences between the candidates from one party or the other; obviously the two stronger parties, Democrats and Republicans, when it comes to money and it so patent that our elections are directly related to money, much more than principle.
We are directed to believe that one candidate or the other has in their hearts and minds the welfare of the general population, not a special group. Then how do we explain that big donors CONTRIBUTE JUST AS WELL TO THE DEMOCRATS AS TO THE REPUBLICANS, IN A SIMILAR WAY THAT ATHLETES CHANGE FROM, LET'S SAY THE REDSKINS TO THE DALLAS COWBOYS. Is it for love or loyalty, come on . . . For MONEY.
I have no great complaints regarding our CAPITALISTIC way of life. I live here and enjoy the fruits of capitalism. However, I never forget our SOCIALISTIC traits also, despite the fact that the word SOCIALISM is a dirty word among the majority of red blooded Americans.
Nevertheless, we have to remember that our Social Security, which in many cases supports our economy paying for wars and other NON-SOCIAL SECURITY ISSUES is a very clear part of what we have decided not to call SOCIALISM. Welfare, food stamps, some parts of education, and the little that is left of health assistance is Socialism, as are our libraries, post office, police and fire protection. Our Armed Forces are organized in a Socialistic general way. But we are so afraid to call our America a partly Socialistic country, that we totally ignore the word "Socialism" and its meaning.
We are appalled when we receive news from other countries and their ways regarding elections. If any one has the guts to explain HOW our elections are being run and when are the citizen's majority votes counted more than the famous/infamous delegates' votes I will have no reason to consult with a psychologist. Otherwise, we have made the elections game a joke and a great confusion that is so that when most of us approach the voting booths, our blood pressure raises and A LOT OF VOTERS try to GET THE HELL OUT THE BOOTHS to avoid confusion and stress.
There are explanations, of course. The delegates represent each state and there are as many delegates as the number of voters in such a State . . . So where is the confusion? It appears to be a clear issue that follows ELECTORAL RULES AND REGULATIONS, but does it happen as it is so clearly explained? . . . Give me a break! I have not found a single person who is clear regarding our election maneuvers or the way that we make such a mess out of something that should be SIMPLE and INEXPENSIVE . . . Do we really need such a large number of voting machines that many people dislike and cannot work? In states such as Florida, well known for IRREGULARITIES in almost every way of life, what an issue is related to regulations and authorities, voting is the most complicated pile of vulgarities and irregularities.
To start with, we, or I, will bet that perhaps we as a country hold more elections than any other country in the world. In my particular case, the great metropolitan area of MIAMI/DADE has more municipalities than any other part of the civilized world that I know. Almost every ten mills there is a Municipality with a Mayor, Councilmen, a Police Force and Bureaucrats receiving salaries, pensions and benefits. Hell, the Directors of the University HAVE A GREATER SALARY THAN THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. In the end, we the voters have to VOTE MANY TIMES EVERY YEAR and most of the time there is no time to learn which of the candidates will be more irregular than the previously elected one. But we pay and pay with poor benefits.
I should not complain because it also happened in THE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD (as far as the power of the country goes) Washington D.C., where its elected Mayor created a colorful panorama because of "SOME IRREGULARITIES" but then "THEY WERE ALSO ELECTED BY OUR FAMOUS POPULAR VOTE". . . I HAVE NOT MENTIONED Chicago or New Orleans . . . forget TEXAS . . .
NO, there is something definitely wrong with our system and the ones who were sacrificed are people such poor Al Gore (I am not a Democrat, thus please do not think that I am trying to favor either party). As far as I know, Al Gore was elected by the majority of the American voters, but he is not in the White House, is he?
Hilary Clinton confirms that her campaign cost her or her family or someone (usually unknown in such cases) millions of dollars. That, of course, she will not have to pay, someone else will of course do it. And Obama has a record of "CONTRIBUTIONS" in millions of dollars. It is being announced that such money, I repeat, Obama's campaign, millions of dollars are "THE DOLLAR CONTRIBUTION OF REGULAR PEOPLE WHO PERHAPS ARE USING THEIR FOOD MONEY FOR A RIGHT CAUSE" . . . I SAY, RIGHT CAUSE, MY FOOT. IT IS SO CLEAR THAT EACH ONE OF THE CANDIDATES COMPROMISES himself/herself by receiving big amounts of money from people or corporations or whatever, that IN THE END WILL HAVE TO ASK FOR FAVORS, SPECIAL LEGISLATION, OR OTHER NOT VERY CLEAR ISSUES THAT, PERHAPS GO UNDER THE TABLE.
McCain is also receiving great amounts of money and all of the donors claim that such LARGE AMOUNTS OF DOLLARS ARE BEING USED FOR CAMPAIGN EXPENSES. Expenses, who are they kidding?
A proper election is supposed to be run with limited funds. It was so ruled: BUT WHO OBEYS REGULATIONS? Not the poor hard working John or Jane or the rich industrialist. Rules are made to be broken, and broken they are.
SO WHAT IS IT THAT I AM TRYING SO DESPERATELY TO CONVEY TO YOU?
I SAY, LET'S STOP THIS SILLY PSUEDO PURITANISTIC GAME AND ADMIT THAT:
WE ARE A CAPITALISTIC COUNTRY AND WE ENJOY BEING ONE. AT LEAST I DO AND I WILL DEFEND
THAT WE HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SOCIALISM THAT HAS TO BE ADMITTED AS SUCH
AND THAT OUR ELECTIONS COULD BE BETTER RUN WHEN CONTRIBUTIONS ARE ACCEPTED WITH THE PROMISE THAT THEY HAVE TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR AND ACCOMPANIED WITH A SWORN STATEMENT THAT THE CANDIDATE PROMISES THAT HE/SHE WILL NOT GIVE SPECIAL FAVORS TO THE BIG CONTRIBUTORS, HIS FAMILY, OR HIS FRIENDS.
THEN PERHAPS WE WILL BE A TRUE DEMOCRATIC, CAPITALISTIC, SOCIALISTIC SOCIETY AND ANY OTHER ISTIC COUNTRY WHERE THE TRUTH IS HONORED AND WHERE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE DECIDED TO STOP DECEIVING THEMSELVES AND HONORING TRUTH, HONESTY, AND HONORABILITY.
Alejandro "ElCondor' Arce
A bona fide American citizen and a voting taxpayer
Monday, June 16, 2008
Supreme Court. Could it be Reformed?
OUR SUPREME COURT/LEGAL SYSTEM
Our legal system is perhaps one of the best in the world. Will it be possible that some changes could turn it into an even better system?
Let's say that the Judges of the Supreme Court are elected or appointed by a system that would offer equal rights and opportunities to the majority of the American people. What will it take to achieve such results?
Bearing in mind that America at the present is composed of a very rich and enormous variety of people, to the point that in most of the populated areas one cannot identify who is an American or who is just "VISITING," just by judging with an open eye. We are country that has changed from a fairly uniform group of people in which the aims were also uniform, according to the social or economic position of the citizens which resulted in a fair government that offered contentment to the great majority. At the present, such is almost nonexistent and a great number of Americans are dissatisfied.
We do not have an idea regarding the aims of most people, but we learn of their individual needs; such as . . . "How much I will get." and "How little do I have or will contribute." The patriotic idea of a country in which all of us work for the same goal is almost gone. It is more the "Work for my benefit forgetting the country."
A system that will contain a selected group of high caliber people to represent all of our interests on the Supreme Court and who will interpret laws in a manner that will benefit the country as a whole rather than one special group or the other, would be very beneficial for all of us and hopefully will unite us.
It may sound like a UTOPIA, but it could work.
How will the system be established?
The Supreme Court could be made of citizens that will represent the aims and the most important desires of the majority group of individuals. I will say that the selection could be as follows:
The selected or elected Judges of the Supreme Court, nominated by the President and confirmed by Congress would have to recuse themselves from any political affiliation and show a clean, ethical, moral, and educational background. Thus, the group could be composed of:
A Law Professor of reputable background, known for his or her abilities to be impartial, ethical, and to follow what is known as "COMMON SENSE" rather than to have to follow laws that most citizens do not understand or comprehend, including lawyers who in many cases cannot interpret the law or the many addendums and regulations. In other words, the Law of The Land should be clear, concise and without obscurity.
A Medical Doctor who understands the needs of the citizens to live a healthy life using GOVERNMENT ADMINISTERED HEALTH PLANS "NOT FOR PROFIT." Such health plans could be offered to the many HMOs or Health Plans BUT WITH UNBROKERABLE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS THAT WILL FAVOR THE CITIZENS RATHER THAN THE INSURANCE COMPANIES.
A Professor of Philosophy and Ethics with a background in the every day life needs of the citizen THAT WILL OFFER SERIOUS ETHICAL AND MORAL POINTS TO THE OTHER JUDGES.
A Scientist versed in the fields of Engineering, Physics, and Environmental issues.
An Economist with no ties to big industry or other groups aiming to pass laws that will be able to establish rules related to the housing for citizens following GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES, rather than industry self-made rulings.
A Religious Person from any creed popular and respected by the majority of citizens.
A member of a Workers Association that is able to represent not only his syndicate or union, but who is able to look for the interests of the regular working citizen.
An Educator from a University, College, or High School or any other learning institution that will conclude that education is not necessarily related to playing with a ball or to graduate with a pink carnation, but to learn a task that will make the student WHOLE upon graduation from High School, College, or University. Placing importance on subjects such as morals, ethics, and honesty.
A person representing the UNEMPLOYED who knows the hardships of the poor and also knows their limitations. Thus, providing that the incapacitated, for whatever reason, will become the burden of the Federal Government rather than the burden of the cities and/or their citizens.
A Military Man, from any military rank including the troops, who has had experience in combat and with the foresight for determining when we should or should not enter into conflict.
I believe that a well balanced Supreme Court that does not have to necessarily be composed of lawyers, will be very beneficial for our country.
Our legal system is perhaps one of the best in the world. Will it be possible that some changes could turn it into an even better system?
Let's say that the Judges of the Supreme Court are elected or appointed by a system that would offer equal rights and opportunities to the majority of the American people. What will it take to achieve such results?
Bearing in mind that America at the present is composed of a very rich and enormous variety of people, to the point that in most of the populated areas one cannot identify who is an American or who is just "VISITING," just by judging with an open eye. We are country that has changed from a fairly uniform group of people in which the aims were also uniform, according to the social or economic position of the citizens which resulted in a fair government that offered contentment to the great majority. At the present, such is almost nonexistent and a great number of Americans are dissatisfied.
We do not have an idea regarding the aims of most people, but we learn of their individual needs; such as . . . "How much I will get." and "How little do I have or will contribute." The patriotic idea of a country in which all of us work for the same goal is almost gone. It is more the "Work for my benefit forgetting the country."
A system that will contain a selected group of high caliber people to represent all of our interests on the Supreme Court and who will interpret laws in a manner that will benefit the country as a whole rather than one special group or the other, would be very beneficial for all of us and hopefully will unite us.
It may sound like a UTOPIA, but it could work.
How will the system be established?
The Supreme Court could be made of citizens that will represent the aims and the most important desires of the majority group of individuals. I will say that the selection could be as follows:
The selected or elected Judges of the Supreme Court, nominated by the President and confirmed by Congress would have to recuse themselves from any political affiliation and show a clean, ethical, moral, and educational background. Thus, the group could be composed of:
A Law Professor of reputable background, known for his or her abilities to be impartial, ethical, and to follow what is known as "COMMON SENSE" rather than to have to follow laws that most citizens do not understand or comprehend, including lawyers who in many cases cannot interpret the law or the many addendums and regulations. In other words, the Law of The Land should be clear, concise and without obscurity.
A Medical Doctor who understands the needs of the citizens to live a healthy life using GOVERNMENT ADMINISTERED HEALTH PLANS "NOT FOR PROFIT." Such health plans could be offered to the many HMOs or Health Plans BUT WITH UNBROKERABLE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS THAT WILL FAVOR THE CITIZENS RATHER THAN THE INSURANCE COMPANIES.
A Professor of Philosophy and Ethics with a background in the every day life needs of the citizen THAT WILL OFFER SERIOUS ETHICAL AND MORAL POINTS TO THE OTHER JUDGES.
A Scientist versed in the fields of Engineering, Physics, and Environmental issues.
An Economist with no ties to big industry or other groups aiming to pass laws that will be able to establish rules related to the housing for citizens following GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES, rather than industry self-made rulings.
A Religious Person from any creed popular and respected by the majority of citizens.
A member of a Workers Association that is able to represent not only his syndicate or union, but who is able to look for the interests of the regular working citizen.
An Educator from a University, College, or High School or any other learning institution that will conclude that education is not necessarily related to playing with a ball or to graduate with a pink carnation, but to learn a task that will make the student WHOLE upon graduation from High School, College, or University. Placing importance on subjects such as morals, ethics, and honesty.
A person representing the UNEMPLOYED who knows the hardships of the poor and also knows their limitations. Thus, providing that the incapacitated, for whatever reason, will become the burden of the Federal Government rather than the burden of the cities and/or their citizens.
A Military Man, from any military rank including the troops, who has had experience in combat and with the foresight for determining when we should or should not enter into conflict.
I believe that a well balanced Supreme Court that does not have to necessarily be composed of lawyers, will be very beneficial for our country.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Overweight America, comments to Mayo Clinic Newsletter
Following is a letter I sent to the Managing Editor at the Mayo Clinic Newsletter:
Special Report – Achieving a healthy weight, June 2008
Your article in the June 2008 Special Report related to the serious ongoing problem of being overweight or obese is very interesting and I hope it will be the basis, perhaps but doubtful, for solving such an unsavory syndrome which is the result of so many factors; including but not limited to, the laxity of THE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, OUR ARROGANT DECADENT WAYS OF LIFE, AND THE GENERALIZED IGNORANCE REGARDING FOOD BY OUR REGULAR CITIZENS.
THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM BY FAR IS NOT TO JUMP UP AND DOWN USING VERY TIGHT GLAMOROUS GARMENTS IN AN EXPENSIVE EXERCISE ROOM. This newly created industry that is not giving us any visual results if one judges by the size of our waists and our gluteal muscles.
There is one very meaningful factor that has not been mentioned in relation to our overweight. I wish, you and your scientists will take it into serious consideration and explain and research and do something better than writing about it. And it is:
The abusive and poor work of our Government Agencies and their lack of understanding and dishonesty regarding the RATE OF ABSORPTION OF OUR FOOD AND THE ALLOWED AMOUNT OF EDIBLE POISONS THAT ARE PART OF OUR DIET. SUCH IMPORTANT FACTORS ARE NOT BEING TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.
I hope that you are aware that the particles in our food are so minuscule that they produce VERY FAST ABSORPTION. Thus, is our food over processed? At the present there is a new fad, well advertised, regarding WHOLE GRAINS instead of regular flours. Are these so-called “whole grains” any less easy to absorb?
If one of your scientists or dietitians read a label, they would be aware that the sugars, with sophisticated names and which the majority of people do not know the meaning of, such as HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP AND OTHER “JUNK” ELEMENTS ARE INCREASING NOT ONLY OUR WEIGHT BUT INCREASING OTHER ILLNESSES SUCH AS DIABETES. Do the regular people know the meaning of PROTEINS OR CARBOHYDRATES. I bet they do not know, but you can hear such words mentioned in almost every place.
Why is it then that in other countries people eat meats, and they eat breads and they do not have to be pushed to each “VEGETABLES and fruits?” And obesity is not a problem as it is in our America.
There was a time in which we called people denigrating names such as “GREASY GREEKS” AND WE USED TO JOKE ABOUT ITALIAN FOOD. What can we say now? Are we having the most healthy food, are the Italians greasy, or the Argentineans as obese as we are? But we waste so much time and energy, not to say dollars, on new useless diets, exercise equipment.
I wish you would make the public realize that it is the duty of our government, especially the Department of Agriculture, to regulate the amount of POISONS that we introduce into our food. And I will call poison something that is making us sick such our over processed foods, the great number of SUGARS and other junk that are allowed in our over-the-counter foods and even worse, is the food that schools give on a daily basis to our children, which results in obesity and diabetes at early ages.
Of course you can argue that no one points a gun at our heads and makes us eat over processed junk food. But just look at the results: HYPERTENSIVE MEN AND WOMEN AND LITTLE CHILDREN SUFFERING OF DIABETES, women that cannot fit into their pants, men with ugly, oversized stomachs, etc.
What can we say regarding the amount of greasy chesses that are an intrinsic part of our diets? The enormous size of our sandwiches, which generally speaking, have to have CHEESE? But unfortunately we have the divine right to get food from other countries, and adulterate these good foods into greasy foods and big portions. Why?
The government is not doing anything and the scientists recommend VEGETABLES and VEGETABLES as if we were ruminants rather than humans, instead of telling our glutton population:
STOP BEING SO ARROGANT, LEARN TO EAT PROPERLY. FOOD IS A SOCIAL AFFAIR THAT ONE SHOULD ENJOY RATHER THAN GULP IT IN AS FAST AS WE CAN.
Maybe it is time that we start to learn that we are not the kings of the world, that we are just as human as others and get down from the pedestal that we have built with abuses to ourselves and our waists.
Sincerely yours,
NOTE: Before I forget: Have you ever drunk lemonade that had FAT? I hope not, but when reading the label, I found out that the label lists 0 FAT. What a kind of idiocy and false advertisement is that? Maybe the manufacturers are simply following one of our insensible REGULATIONS?
Special Report – Achieving a healthy weight, June 2008
Your article in the June 2008 Special Report related to the serious ongoing problem of being overweight or obese is very interesting and I hope it will be the basis, perhaps but doubtful, for solving such an unsavory syndrome which is the result of so many factors; including but not limited to, the laxity of THE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, OUR ARROGANT DECADENT WAYS OF LIFE, AND THE GENERALIZED IGNORANCE REGARDING FOOD BY OUR REGULAR CITIZENS.
THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM BY FAR IS NOT TO JUMP UP AND DOWN USING VERY TIGHT GLAMOROUS GARMENTS IN AN EXPENSIVE EXERCISE ROOM. This newly created industry that is not giving us any visual results if one judges by the size of our waists and our gluteal muscles.
There is one very meaningful factor that has not been mentioned in relation to our overweight. I wish, you and your scientists will take it into serious consideration and explain and research and do something better than writing about it. And it is:
The abusive and poor work of our Government Agencies and their lack of understanding and dishonesty regarding the RATE OF ABSORPTION OF OUR FOOD AND THE ALLOWED AMOUNT OF EDIBLE POISONS THAT ARE PART OF OUR DIET. SUCH IMPORTANT FACTORS ARE NOT BEING TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.
I hope that you are aware that the particles in our food are so minuscule that they produce VERY FAST ABSORPTION. Thus, is our food over processed? At the present there is a new fad, well advertised, regarding WHOLE GRAINS instead of regular flours. Are these so-called “whole grains” any less easy to absorb?
If one of your scientists or dietitians read a label, they would be aware that the sugars, with sophisticated names and which the majority of people do not know the meaning of, such as HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP AND OTHER “JUNK” ELEMENTS ARE INCREASING NOT ONLY OUR WEIGHT BUT INCREASING OTHER ILLNESSES SUCH AS DIABETES. Do the regular people know the meaning of PROTEINS OR CARBOHYDRATES. I bet they do not know, but you can hear such words mentioned in almost every place.
Why is it then that in other countries people eat meats, and they eat breads and they do not have to be pushed to each “VEGETABLES and fruits?” And obesity is not a problem as it is in our America.
There was a time in which we called people denigrating names such as “GREASY GREEKS” AND WE USED TO JOKE ABOUT ITALIAN FOOD. What can we say now? Are we having the most healthy food, are the Italians greasy, or the Argentineans as obese as we are? But we waste so much time and energy, not to say dollars, on new useless diets, exercise equipment.
I wish you would make the public realize that it is the duty of our government, especially the Department of Agriculture, to regulate the amount of POISONS that we introduce into our food. And I will call poison something that is making us sick such our over processed foods, the great number of SUGARS and other junk that are allowed in our over-the-counter foods and even worse, is the food that schools give on a daily basis to our children, which results in obesity and diabetes at early ages.
Of course you can argue that no one points a gun at our heads and makes us eat over processed junk food. But just look at the results: HYPERTENSIVE MEN AND WOMEN AND LITTLE CHILDREN SUFFERING OF DIABETES, women that cannot fit into their pants, men with ugly, oversized stomachs, etc.
What can we say regarding the amount of greasy chesses that are an intrinsic part of our diets? The enormous size of our sandwiches, which generally speaking, have to have CHEESE? But unfortunately we have the divine right to get food from other countries, and adulterate these good foods into greasy foods and big portions. Why?
The government is not doing anything and the scientists recommend VEGETABLES and VEGETABLES as if we were ruminants rather than humans, instead of telling our glutton population:
STOP BEING SO ARROGANT, LEARN TO EAT PROPERLY. FOOD IS A SOCIAL AFFAIR THAT ONE SHOULD ENJOY RATHER THAN GULP IT IN AS FAST AS WE CAN.
Maybe it is time that we start to learn that we are not the kings of the world, that we are just as human as others and get down from the pedestal that we have built with abuses to ourselves and our waists.
Sincerely yours,
NOTE: Before I forget: Have you ever drunk lemonade that had FAT? I hope not, but when reading the label, I found out that the label lists 0 FAT. What a kind of idiocy and false advertisement is that? Maybe the manufacturers are simply following one of our insensible REGULATIONS?
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Do we have good Candidates?
At the present we still have three viable candidates for the Presidency of the most powerful country in the world (at least we still are). And looking at the election proccess objectively one has to wonder where we are in relation to other countries of the world, and that indeed we have one candidate worth our vote.
For many years The United Sates of America has followed a policy of Isolationism, that at this point in time is hurting us and is giving more power to other strong countries that day by day are taking the leadership that we had for many years.
There are many serious points that not one of the Presidential candidates has properly addressesd: I will mention the saltatory ones who are affecting our way of life regardless of our partisanship (democrat, republican, or independent) or convictions. It would be wonderful if our candidates address truly and without bias and due to the monetary contributions that they receive from many sources, the following points:
Our health problems
Our housing problems
Our education problems
The wars that we engage in continously.
OUR HEALTH PROBLEMS
Not one of the candidates is addressing one of the major problems that we are facing with our POWERFUL INDUSTRY which we erroneously are calling HEALTH CARE. Anyone who has had the disgrace of being hospitalized, or for what it is worth has had to use any medical services will vouch that the health care system it is a disgrace and a burden for the majority of citizens, either solvent persons or the large welfare or quazi-welfare patients.
It is an industry of which the Goverment, which is so afraid of being labeled as SOCIALISTIC has decided not to regulate, or to regulate in favor of the so-called HMOs. Therefore the government has created an unsavory industry whose main purpose is to realize a profit using our health and our little income, placing us in a serious uncomfortable economic situtation.
Example; When I use medical services of any kind, I am complelled to file forms for the insurance companies. The insurance primary company will pay one portion of the bill, the other insurance company will pay what the first one (generally speaking the famouns/infamous MEDICARE) does not pay. Then, the other insurance will take over and after many delays and tremendous amount of impossible to interprete papers will pay another portion. Of course, most of the so-called "PRACTITIONERS" will add a DEDUCTIBLE, that I have to pay. Such deductibles are, sometimes so large that it makes it impossible for many to pay for medications or our mortgage, therefore many sick people do not seek medial care.
At the end. despite the fact that one has many insurances, there will be a not clear and/or specific charge that only the Lord will be able to interpret. Thus, due the inability of our Congress to promulgate regulations that will simplify our health sytem, they endorse the creation of new NOT NEEDED industries which are the shameful Health Insurance Industries, that at the present are producing misery and pain to the citizens of the richest country of the world.
I have not even started to mention the unsavory DRUG INDUSTRY, mostly sponsored by the government which drug industry creates, almost every day, a new pharmaceutical which clearly specifies that it WILL HAVE AS MUCH UNWANTED EFFECTS AS THE CURATIVE ONES. Such dishonest industries have incalculable profits and we pay for these profits. But, since we are afraid of anything close to or which resembles SOCIALISM, we agree and suffer this abuses.
THE HOUSING PROBLEM
When anyone buys a home, the amount of goverment regulations are insurmontable and they can only be compared with the most confusing INCOME TAX FORMS that we fill out every year. The careful observer will be aware that the real estate regulations mainly, and not clearly, serve MOSTLY the purpose of protecting "THE LENDER."
There are so many types of lending outfits. Another industry created by our regulators that it is a nightmare to select which one will give us the BEST DEAL. The best deal is to make us believe that despite the fact that most hard working Americans who pay their bills and who pay dutifully their TAXES and who pay, pay, and pay, will encounter an statement that practically reads, YOU HAVE PAY ON TIME AND YOU HAVE NO DEBTS. THUS, YOUR CREDIT RATING IS NOT GOOD!
IS IT BETTER TO HAVE CREDIT CARDS FOR WHICH YOU PAY ONLY THE MINIMUM?
OH YES IT IS , YOU WILL BE PAYING USURIOUS INTEREST RATES, JUST AS SIMILAR TO THE ONES THAT YOU WILL PAY IN ANY UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTRY AND EVEN MORE. BUT THEN, YOUR CREDIT RATING WILL BE GOOD because you are using CREDIT and dutifully paying THE MINIMUM, but paying ururious rates, and it is important for your records.
So is it better to be a consciencious citizen and pay your bills on time?... Will anyone answer?
Try to contact the Department of the Treasury and they will send you very large bureaucratic responses by people who are suffering as much as you are (the people working for the goverment do not make salaries comparable to insdustry), but complying with their duties and indoctrination, they have the duty to explain: That you are being legally screwed and there is nothing you can do about it, despite the fact that such lenders get the monies that they will lend you, from the goverment, which is you.
As it is, we Americans are suffering, especially in Florida, from the continued loss of our property values or are being engaged in the unsavory lending GANGSTERISM of having to use the paying of interst only (THIS SYSTEM IS APPROVED AND SUPPORTED BY THE U.S. GOVERMENT) of which many offices are being managed by new arrivals from countries in which the credit system is similar to the Al Capone system of the past (without breaking your leg, at least). A REVERSE MORTGAGE IS EVEN WORSE AND IT IS AN OPEN ROBBERY, BUT IT IS LEGAL...There is nothing that we can do other than change the law itself.
Regardless of whatever explanation the Bankers or the Lenders will give you, even with a reverse mortgae that will make you lose your profit or lose your house or lose your soul you STILL HAVE TO PAY USURIOUS CHARGES until God takes you back. So, for the person for whom it is impossible to pay for essentials, using monies obtained from their property to survive is like committing suicide in a lengthy or short procedure that only benefits one of the many Bankers or Lenders that LEGALLY use your blood for profit.
EDUCATION
Once opon a time, while enticed to participate in a Parents/Teachers meeting at a high school in the wealthy neighborhood of McLean, Virginia, the place where rich people send their children, or high ranking government employees do as well, I suggested that since our educational system is producing a variety of results, such as very bright boys and girls who will go to college, and/or many who end also taking drugs, being disrespectful, arrogant, and poorly dressed, perhaps we should or could EMULATE the educational system of other countries.
My Lord, I almost was thrown out of the meeting and was close to being labelled a PINKO COMMUNIST. In our arrogance we still believe that we have a viable educational system. Maybe in private schools that cater to the ones who can pay for it, while the public schools have to be guarded by police because children will injure other children with weapons, but they know how to use expensive and ugly shoes, while therir parents delegate their authority or their parenthood to the teacher.
Our principal aim, appears to be that our children learn to PLAY WITH A BALL: football, basketball, baseball or any other thing related to athletism. There is a strong belief that sports are the solution perhaps for all of our problems. The larger the athletic field, and the more agressive the coaches are, seems to convince the parents that this school is the better choice for their child.
When a father decides to "BOND" with his young son. THEY THROW A BALL. It gives both of them confidence. Then the really good fathers GO FISHING WITH THE BOY. It appears to solve all our familly problems... Does it not?
Most of our children do not know how to read, don't know how to find other countries on a map, are terribly insolent and do not even respect their parents. (Of course, some parents are not respectable themselves). Fortunately, we still do not have to compete with children from other parts of the planet. We can call them names because we still believe that we are superior... But are we? Children do not learn manner, children do not learn responsibilty, they learn how to out smart others.
An important part of our education in our schools seem to be the graduation/prom with the pink carnation which leads to traffic accidents due to intoxication, etc.
THE WARS
Defending our country is, and has been, one of our most precious duties. We have defended ourselves from real enemies. We have also defended ourselves from such ferocious powerful countries such as "GRENADA."
How in the world do we admire so much a Pesident who invaded GRENADA, what a joke. At least Bill Clinton devoted his time to his Affairs and did not invaded GRENADAs. I am am afraid that the result of so many wars will be the shortage of men to marry the many VOLUPTOUS ladies who proudly bear the title of AMERICANA, whether they are Chicanas or Cubanas or whatever...But proudly, their men go to fight, get killed or kill someone and when they return, it is impossible to follow a normal life despite the fact that these young people go through the debriefing or whatever process the military uses to make us believe that a man who has killed is NORMAL after the debrifing.
One of the most pathetic results of such wars is the fact that we are running out of men to marry the many beautiful AMERICANAS. What is going to happen to the large number of these women? Well it is happening. We are turning into a country of SINGLE MOTHERS. It is acceptable and it will stay with us...... What is happening to the children who do not have a father?..... Well, we are differnt and we accept all kinds of aberrations. Furthermore, we are able to explain such aberrations.
We must not forget our rights. But is one of our most pewrful rights the one that allows us to make an ass of ourselves?
Who knows.... maybe the press can answer this question.
We have been suffering, poverty and misery, and we use billion of dollars to fight the enemies that will attack us at any time ...Is it the true?..... I have no an answer ...Why don't we ask the CANDIDATES and request that they give us a straight answer. If you have one, please let all of us know what the answer is.
Thus, NONE OF OUR CANDIDATES IS ADDRESSING THESE ISSUES, they are justifying it but they do not have a viable solution. Why... maybe they receive contributions from...... I will not end this discertation because I am afraid to be labeled as not being a patriotic American, despite the fact that I have burned my butt working in the research field leading to the production of new curative pharmaceuticals for illnesses, despite the fact that not having to bear arms, I have served America in the laboratory, while doing very dangerous, risky jobs for the benefit of all of us.
Maybe it would have been better if I took a rifle and went to......... Good bye
Alejandro "EL CONDOR" Arce
For many years The United Sates of America has followed a policy of Isolationism, that at this point in time is hurting us and is giving more power to other strong countries that day by day are taking the leadership that we had for many years.
There are many serious points that not one of the Presidential candidates has properly addressesd: I will mention the saltatory ones who are affecting our way of life regardless of our partisanship (democrat, republican, or independent) or convictions. It would be wonderful if our candidates address truly and without bias and due to the monetary contributions that they receive from many sources, the following points:
Our health problems
Our housing problems
Our education problems
The wars that we engage in continously.
OUR HEALTH PROBLEMS
Not one of the candidates is addressing one of the major problems that we are facing with our POWERFUL INDUSTRY which we erroneously are calling HEALTH CARE. Anyone who has had the disgrace of being hospitalized, or for what it is worth has had to use any medical services will vouch that the health care system it is a disgrace and a burden for the majority of citizens, either solvent persons or the large welfare or quazi-welfare patients.
It is an industry of which the Goverment, which is so afraid of being labeled as SOCIALISTIC has decided not to regulate, or to regulate in favor of the so-called HMOs. Therefore the government has created an unsavory industry whose main purpose is to realize a profit using our health and our little income, placing us in a serious uncomfortable economic situtation.
Example; When I use medical services of any kind, I am complelled to file forms for the insurance companies. The insurance primary company will pay one portion of the bill, the other insurance company will pay what the first one (generally speaking the famouns/infamous MEDICARE) does not pay. Then, the other insurance will take over and after many delays and tremendous amount of impossible to interprete papers will pay another portion. Of course, most of the so-called "PRACTITIONERS" will add a DEDUCTIBLE, that I have to pay. Such deductibles are, sometimes so large that it makes it impossible for many to pay for medications or our mortgage, therefore many sick people do not seek medial care.
At the end. despite the fact that one has many insurances, there will be a not clear and/or specific charge that only the Lord will be able to interpret. Thus, due the inability of our Congress to promulgate regulations that will simplify our health sytem, they endorse the creation of new NOT NEEDED industries which are the shameful Health Insurance Industries, that at the present are producing misery and pain to the citizens of the richest country of the world.
I have not even started to mention the unsavory DRUG INDUSTRY, mostly sponsored by the government which drug industry creates, almost every day, a new pharmaceutical which clearly specifies that it WILL HAVE AS MUCH UNWANTED EFFECTS AS THE CURATIVE ONES. Such dishonest industries have incalculable profits and we pay for these profits. But, since we are afraid of anything close to or which resembles SOCIALISM, we agree and suffer this abuses.
THE HOUSING PROBLEM
When anyone buys a home, the amount of goverment regulations are insurmontable and they can only be compared with the most confusing INCOME TAX FORMS that we fill out every year. The careful observer will be aware that the real estate regulations mainly, and not clearly, serve MOSTLY the purpose of protecting "THE LENDER."
There are so many types of lending outfits. Another industry created by our regulators that it is a nightmare to select which one will give us the BEST DEAL. The best deal is to make us believe that despite the fact that most hard working Americans who pay their bills and who pay dutifully their TAXES and who pay, pay, and pay, will encounter an statement that practically reads, YOU HAVE PAY ON TIME AND YOU HAVE NO DEBTS. THUS, YOUR CREDIT RATING IS NOT GOOD!
IS IT BETTER TO HAVE CREDIT CARDS FOR WHICH YOU PAY ONLY THE MINIMUM?
OH YES IT IS , YOU WILL BE PAYING USURIOUS INTEREST RATES, JUST AS SIMILAR TO THE ONES THAT YOU WILL PAY IN ANY UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTRY AND EVEN MORE. BUT THEN, YOUR CREDIT RATING WILL BE GOOD because you are using CREDIT and dutifully paying THE MINIMUM, but paying ururious rates, and it is important for your records.
So is it better to be a consciencious citizen and pay your bills on time?... Will anyone answer?
Try to contact the Department of the Treasury and they will send you very large bureaucratic responses by people who are suffering as much as you are (the people working for the goverment do not make salaries comparable to insdustry), but complying with their duties and indoctrination, they have the duty to explain: That you are being legally screwed and there is nothing you can do about it, despite the fact that such lenders get the monies that they will lend you, from the goverment, which is you.
As it is, we Americans are suffering, especially in Florida, from the continued loss of our property values or are being engaged in the unsavory lending GANGSTERISM of having to use the paying of interst only (THIS SYSTEM IS APPROVED AND SUPPORTED BY THE U.S. GOVERMENT) of which many offices are being managed by new arrivals from countries in which the credit system is similar to the Al Capone system of the past (without breaking your leg, at least). A REVERSE MORTGAGE IS EVEN WORSE AND IT IS AN OPEN ROBBERY, BUT IT IS LEGAL...There is nothing that we can do other than change the law itself.
Regardless of whatever explanation the Bankers or the Lenders will give you, even with a reverse mortgae that will make you lose your profit or lose your house or lose your soul you STILL HAVE TO PAY USURIOUS CHARGES until God takes you back. So, for the person for whom it is impossible to pay for essentials, using monies obtained from their property to survive is like committing suicide in a lengthy or short procedure that only benefits one of the many Bankers or Lenders that LEGALLY use your blood for profit.
EDUCATION
Once opon a time, while enticed to participate in a Parents/Teachers meeting at a high school in the wealthy neighborhood of McLean, Virginia, the place where rich people send their children, or high ranking government employees do as well, I suggested that since our educational system is producing a variety of results, such as very bright boys and girls who will go to college, and/or many who end also taking drugs, being disrespectful, arrogant, and poorly dressed, perhaps we should or could EMULATE the educational system of other countries.
My Lord, I almost was thrown out of the meeting and was close to being labelled a PINKO COMMUNIST. In our arrogance we still believe that we have a viable educational system. Maybe in private schools that cater to the ones who can pay for it, while the public schools have to be guarded by police because children will injure other children with weapons, but they know how to use expensive and ugly shoes, while therir parents delegate their authority or their parenthood to the teacher.
Our principal aim, appears to be that our children learn to PLAY WITH A BALL: football, basketball, baseball or any other thing related to athletism. There is a strong belief that sports are the solution perhaps for all of our problems. The larger the athletic field, and the more agressive the coaches are, seems to convince the parents that this school is the better choice for their child.
When a father decides to "BOND" with his young son. THEY THROW A BALL. It gives both of them confidence. Then the really good fathers GO FISHING WITH THE BOY. It appears to solve all our familly problems... Does it not?
Most of our children do not know how to read, don't know how to find other countries on a map, are terribly insolent and do not even respect their parents. (Of course, some parents are not respectable themselves). Fortunately, we still do not have to compete with children from other parts of the planet. We can call them names because we still believe that we are superior... But are we? Children do not learn manner, children do not learn responsibilty, they learn how to out smart others.
An important part of our education in our schools seem to be the graduation/prom with the pink carnation which leads to traffic accidents due to intoxication, etc.
THE WARS
Defending our country is, and has been, one of our most precious duties. We have defended ourselves from real enemies. We have also defended ourselves from such ferocious powerful countries such as "GRENADA."
How in the world do we admire so much a Pesident who invaded GRENADA, what a joke. At least Bill Clinton devoted his time to his Affairs and did not invaded GRENADAs. I am am afraid that the result of so many wars will be the shortage of men to marry the many VOLUPTOUS ladies who proudly bear the title of AMERICANA, whether they are Chicanas or Cubanas or whatever...But proudly, their men go to fight, get killed or kill someone and when they return, it is impossible to follow a normal life despite the fact that these young people go through the debriefing or whatever process the military uses to make us believe that a man who has killed is NORMAL after the debrifing.
One of the most pathetic results of such wars is the fact that we are running out of men to marry the many beautiful AMERICANAS. What is going to happen to the large number of these women? Well it is happening. We are turning into a country of SINGLE MOTHERS. It is acceptable and it will stay with us...... What is happening to the children who do not have a father?..... Well, we are differnt and we accept all kinds of aberrations. Furthermore, we are able to explain such aberrations.
We must not forget our rights. But is one of our most pewrful rights the one that allows us to make an ass of ourselves?
Who knows.... maybe the press can answer this question.
We have been suffering, poverty and misery, and we use billion of dollars to fight the enemies that will attack us at any time ...Is it the true?..... I have no an answer ...Why don't we ask the CANDIDATES and request that they give us a straight answer. If you have one, please let all of us know what the answer is.
Thus, NONE OF OUR CANDIDATES IS ADDRESSING THESE ISSUES, they are justifying it but they do not have a viable solution. Why... maybe they receive contributions from...... I will not end this discertation because I am afraid to be labeled as not being a patriotic American, despite the fact that I have burned my butt working in the research field leading to the production of new curative pharmaceuticals for illnesses, despite the fact that not having to bear arms, I have served America in the laboratory, while doing very dangerous, risky jobs for the benefit of all of us.
Maybe it would have been better if I took a rifle and went to......... Good bye
Alejandro "EL CONDOR" Arce
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Starting the use of my blog - communication via cell phone
Today May the first day of the month I have started using the blog hoping that someone will read my messages and ideas that will be in the fields of: Sciences, Politics, The Environment, and the rights of the people around the world.
After many years of working for the U.S. government, as a toxicologist I realised that many of us, the old timers were afraid of the computer and the many ins and outs that one has to learn in order to express his ideas and to use his knowledge; or perhaps intelligence, as if bureaucrats were endowed with some kind of intelligence.
My experience using computers is that they are a wondeful tool that is grossly misunderstood by most users.
For example, I have found out that sole information, especially in the sciences field is most inaccurate and misleading.
After finding hundreds of advertisements, one is not, usually able to have an answer that will clarify the pros and cons for the use of pharmaceuticals; even the simplest formulations sold under the counter.
Thus, I believe that book reading and conversing with other scientists still is just as useful or more relient than the computer which, many times will mislead you.
It is amazing to learn that we are creating a society in which communication as humans usually do is becoming an impossibility; between the computer "CONVERSATION" and the use of the great variety of telephone devices, to talk to another human is becoming a rare commodity.
Very annoying when one is in a public place and attempts to answer someone who is not addressing us, but is talking on the telephone gadget with no respect for the privacy of the humans.
On the other hand, using such instruments can be most useful when an emergency occurs.
Well , it is my starting and I hope I will not get killed by a jealous 'COMMUNICATORS" who are pathetically hung up on the use of instrumentation.
Sincerely yours,
Alejandro "EL CONDOR' Arce
After many years of working for the U.S. government, as a toxicologist I realised that many of us, the old timers were afraid of the computer and the many ins and outs that one has to learn in order to express his ideas and to use his knowledge; or perhaps intelligence, as if bureaucrats were endowed with some kind of intelligence.
My experience using computers is that they are a wondeful tool that is grossly misunderstood by most users.
For example, I have found out that sole information, especially in the sciences field is most inaccurate and misleading.
After finding hundreds of advertisements, one is not, usually able to have an answer that will clarify the pros and cons for the use of pharmaceuticals; even the simplest formulations sold under the counter.
Thus, I believe that book reading and conversing with other scientists still is just as useful or more relient than the computer which, many times will mislead you.
It is amazing to learn that we are creating a society in which communication as humans usually do is becoming an impossibility; between the computer "CONVERSATION" and the use of the great variety of telephone devices, to talk to another human is becoming a rare commodity.
Very annoying when one is in a public place and attempts to answer someone who is not addressing us, but is talking on the telephone gadget with no respect for the privacy of the humans.
On the other hand, using such instruments can be most useful when an emergency occurs.
Well , it is my starting and I hope I will not get killed by a jealous 'COMMUNICATORS" who are pathetically hung up on the use of instrumentation.
Sincerely yours,
Alejandro "EL CONDOR' Arce
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