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 Editorials | Letters
 You Talkin' to Me?
We get a whole lot of letters about what we do at BanderasNews, and sometimes we even get some really cool ones that remind us why we do it!
This is not my usual kind of 'press release' for Becas or the Navy League or Toys for Tots. It is a more personal article about the visit to PV this March of a large group of Huicholes, who created a month long Festival which must have been a heavy committment for them.
Perhaps because I personally have been interested in their culture for over thirty years, I may be over-reacting to what I felt was a rather sad lack of interest and support by those in our our community who could have best given it. Hence this article which may spark a little interest in seeing things are better done - should another opportunity present itself. [see A Modest March for the Huicholes]
- Peter Gray
In this regard, [see Break in Chile] we must note that Chilean society remains very unequal. Around 15% of the population holds 50% of the country's wealth. If it is true that Chile is the South American example par excellence of economic growth (close to 6% a year since the return of democracy 16 years ago), the distribution of the related gains - in contrast - leaves much to be desired.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, according to the Federal Reserve, citing 2001 consumer finance surveys, 1% of U.S. households accounted for 20% of income, 40% of financial wealth and 33% of net worth, which was more than the net worth of the bottom 95% of all households put together.
Those Chileans don’t know how good they have it.
Elwood Anderson - Las Vegas
Great coverage - keep up the good work. This isn't going to go away [see La Cruz Marina Controversy Continues] until the government puts a stop to this illegal action. The economic impact for all of Mexico hangs in the balance if mortgage lenders pull out and/or new lenders refuse to come into Mexico. Lenders have finally thought Mexico to be a safe enough real estate market to lend millions of dollars south of the US border. Unfortunately, this is proving that it isn't, and lenders will run the other way, which would be a real shame now that it's just now becoming a reality.
The #1 concern any foreign national has in owning in Mexico is "is my investment safe?". The government has the chance to make the La Cruz Marina an example to say, "yes, we care, that's why we will protect the rights of the affected homeowners in La Cruz" or they'll have to say "no, greedy developers can do anything they want to private homeowner's rights - we're not going to get involved."
The choice is up to the the government officials, and unfortunately, it looks like it will have to be done on the Federal level, as no local officials are willing to do the right thing - remove the fill-dirt from the ocean and restore it to it's original state. Thanks again for keeping this in front of the people of Banderas Bay.
Doug@MortgagesInMexico.com
Dear Editor of BanderasNews:
 I'm writing because I read the article by Doug Bower [see Mexico and The Art of Creative Begging], and it offended me enormously. I feel the writer's tone is unnecessary. He talks about the poor Mexican like he is an expert on the matter and he complains of the way he's treated by Mexicans, or at least that's how it seems.
Doug's article conveys the sentiment that the only thing Mexicans do is ask Americans for money, and I find his attitude completely imperialistic and arrogant. I have personally been approached by American beggers in the streets of New York, which just goes to show that poverty and the need to survive is not a problem that's exclusive to Mexicans. There are poor people all over the world.
He also mentions that property owners that rent their houses are simply seeking an opportunity to take advantage of renters, which also seems to be a defamation of the Mexican character. Doug continues his article by commenting that Mexicans are always knocking on Americans' doors to ask them for money, and to be frank, I do not know of a single Mexican that does that - because there IS an educated class in this country.
I am a frequent visitor to Puerto Vallarta, recently returning from my 17th trip there. It is home away from home for both my wife and myself. We stay in a condo in the old part of town on Olas Altas right on Playa Los Muertos. It is such an eclectic part of town and so lively with activities.
 I read every website I can find about PV so I can keep up on what is going on in our favorite place on earth. I recently came across your website and love it! It is informative, professionally layed out and easy to navigate. I will be logging onto your website every day. Thank you for compiling such an informative and interactive website. The content is fresh and interesting, the advertising support is up to date and valuable. It is an overall great site.
My wife and I are still working fools but hope to retire in the next 5-7 years and make PV our winter home so we can get away from the cold Illinois winters. Thank you for providing us a way to escape reality and keep up on whats going on in Vallarta when we can not be there in person.
If anyone is going to PV for the first time and want info, please do not hesitate to email me, or if you are a frequent visitor like me and like to share your thoughts on great places to eat or things to do, also feel free to send me an email at ebush@grics.net.
Ed Bushman - Dixon, IL
My compliments to Dr. Vargas Llosa and his recent essay published in your newspaper. [Ref: How Latins View the US]
I am a Professor of International Relations also, based at a major university up here in The United States, and I found Dr. Llosa's explanation of the 20th century evolution of Mexican (and Latin American) alliance with North American institutions, as well as Rome, to be an insightful summary of what I myself have witnessed over 30 years studying, sometimes first-hand, the dramatic changes which have taken place both in the States and in Mexico since the revolution of 1910.
The author's conclusion - linking more civil society intercourse between countries as opposed to the ever-dominant diplomatic/Official path, is an idea which I would truly love to see occur in my own lifetime. I'm not too optimistic, but gear change has to start somewhere.
Timothy F. ("Paco") Palmer
Professor of History, Purdue University
W. Lafayette, Indiana, E.U.A.
RE this article [Iraq: The New Heroin Route], here's some history you'll enjoy: The Bush family's fortunes are based on drugs and death. The Walker side of the family made its bundle by owning clipper ships that went to China with silver and returned with opium.
I have a friend who served three tours in Viet-Nam in the US Army Corps of Engineers. He used heroin to escape from the horrors of it all. He told me heroin was sent back in body bags or inside the abdomen of bodies.
I doubt much has changed. Think of it as a signpost on the USSA's [not a typo] way out of Iraq-Nam, as it was for the USSR.
All best.
Joseph, 62 - near Sidney, BC
Do people not understand the dire state our Globe is in? It’s all well and good that we should respect people and try to keep them alive, but can’t anyone step down off their pedestal?
The Catholics are right that we should protect and defend human life, but at this point in the Earth’s timeline, there is no room for that. We should be thinking about the future and our children and their children.
If we continue to force people that don’t want to be alive to stay alive (I’m not talking about the Terri Schiavo’s here, I’m talking about anyone who wishes death upon themselves) then we have a bunch of people who don’t want to contribute to society and are a drain on the medical funds because of their anti-depression medications.
Furthermore, it’s a ridiculous notion that we must try to prolong everyone’s life to the point of idiocy…If they can’t drive, can’t make it to the bathroom on time, can hardly speak, and don’t want to be “cured” of their old age, why the hell are we forcing it?
And don’t get me started on pro-life-er’s because all their arguments against euthanasia and abortion are almost solely based on their own religious beliefs.
GET YOUR ROSARY OFF MY OVARIES!
J Franzen - jfranzen@financialamerica.com
My husband and I have just returned to BC after almost 2 weeks in Puerto Vallarta. We stayed in both the Marina and downtown, ventured north to Sayulita and South to Boca, and walked for many kilometers up and around the cobblestoned streets.
I was dismayed by the deafening noise and belching fumes of the buses that tear up and down narrow lanes that were designed to accommodate donkey carts and human feet. I realize that public transport is a necessity in any town, but would it not be possible to make just one street (the Malecon?) vehicle-free?
While we're at it, how about a timeshare-free zone as well? I'd rather take a walk through a mosquito infested swamp than endure the pestilence of Mayan Palace promoters who turn even the friendliest of visitors into paranoid, defensive speedwalkers.
Despite my gripes, I have fallen in love with this town and been totally charmed by those locals who greeted me with a smile and an invitation to find the many delights hiding around every corner, expecting nothing in return. Because of them, the roosters crowing at dawn, the churchbells, and the best food I've ever tasted, I'm already planning my next trip.
Heather Berger - berger.heather@gmail.com
 Regarding your article about the Rio Pardo Indians [see story], I was thinking that we could send a letter to the federal judge who opened the area to the Sulmap Sul Amazonia logging company, demanding the protection of the area and his natural habitants.
Perhaps it could be possible to contact some institutions like Human Rights, Greenpeace, etc, they could support a campaign about this matter. Please, let me know how can I help.
Thanks, and regards.
Flavia Barrale
contcom@attglobal.net
U.S. Democrats Are Not Innocent
Many of the comparisons between Iraq and Vietnam used by democrats are illogical. Our brave soldiers are volunteers, and not largely draftees as in the Vietnam War. In addition, the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq has now evolved into more of a "police action" than an actual war.
In his decision to invade Iraq, President Bush’s only mistake was to trust incorrect intelligence reports. But many from the U.S. Democratic Party made the same type of mistake. For example:
"If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to eriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program."
- President Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998
"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country."
- Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002 (Vice-President under Clinton)
"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is developing weapons of mass destruction."
- Senator Ted Kennedy (Massachusetts), Sept. 27, 2002
"I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force — if necessary — to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security."- Senator John F. Kerry (Massachusetts), Oct. 9, 2002
"He (Saddam Hussein) has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al-Qaida members....Left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons."
- Senator Hillary Clinton (New York), Oct 10, 2002
As you can see from the above, many democrats have very short memories when it comes to the judgments of leaders in their own political party.
Vincent Bemowski - (Writer) U.S. Politics & World Affairs
bemowskivince at sbcglobal.net
These letters are vital to us, as they keep us apprised of what our readers are thinking, and place us in a much better position to direct our future efforts accordingly. Please keep them coming to SoundOff@BanderasNews.com! -thx |
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