sábado, 31 de octubre de 2009

BORN ON NOVEMBER 3

By: Felipe Argote



50 years ago, a group of young students peacefully decided to walk our flag in the Canal Zone. Ezequiel Gonzales Meneses, from Cocle, a former student of the Instituto José Dolores Moscote, born on November 3, 1936 in Penonomé was one of them. He was beaten and arrested by the zonian police who did not speak Spanish. He was brought before a U.S. judge. He had no right to lawyer counsel as they used the laws of Louisiana. Panamanian lawyers were not recognized by the Louisiana bar, so they were excluded from exercising as lawyers in their own country.

The judge told Ezequiel in English that it was imposed a fine and banned him for life to enter the Canal Zone. Ezequiel Gonzales Meneses replied in Spanish that he would come back as often as necessary. The fine was paid in pennies collected by the Panamanian population.

Five years after, the ninth of January of 1964 Ezequiel Gonzales Meneses kept his word and with many Panamanians crossed the fence that divided the Canal Zone from the rest of Panamanian territory. The zonians not forgive this insult. Along with 20 other Panamanians he was killed during the night of January 9,  1964. He was armed with a Panamanian flag in his right hand and a determination not to live in an occupied country in the heart.

Today, as we walk with our children in the Causeway, when we sit down to eat at one of its restaurants, fly a kite in Amador or just walk around to see this magnificent visual spectacle that is Panama City from the other side of Bay, we must not forget that we owe in part to Ezequiel Gonzalez Meneses and other Panamanians who gave the most precious thing is the human being: his life, for the right to walk freely in the country without being detained by a foreign soldier.

GROSS DOMESTIC INCOME

By: Felipe Argote
Photos: Felipe Argote


I should mention again the curius characters who between them consider themselves "public opinion". If you have enough patience you can whatch those that not having anything productive to do, they present every day, evening and night on television and radio stations to discuss all issues without holding any. One morning I saw one, a lawyer with a very bad combo suit, which analyzed the issue of gross domestic product growth. He said panamanian GDP growth in more than eight percent was unrealistic Because inflation to be an eight percent, and developed a complicated mathematical equation ... 8-8 = 0 (eight least eight equals zero), one eliminate the other. So our growth was zero. Give me a break!


What else do we have to do trying to be informed, as the morning news programs have disappeared to give space to the reality shows that became fashionable by our brand-new minister of education where the presenter is disgusted, almost crying, and them become excited when he is able to remedy through a phone call from a public official of a problem or a humble citizen.

But I must not get out of the shaft. It is necessary to be alert as possible avoid these analysts who somehow have the magical gift of ubiquity (I swear that to avoid listening to Blandon I change channels and was also talking in the other).


In calculating GDP, the final data is already deflated price index, so it is an absurdity want discount it later. By definition the gross domestic product (GDP) is the sum of final goods and services produced by the economy of a country during a period usually of one year , calculated in money.

To achieve this number, there are three recognized methods:.

1. The expenditure Which add the final readings:

GDP = C (consumption) + I (investment) + G (government spending) + X (exports) - Y (imports)

2. The income of S (employee salaries) + G (corporate earnings) + I (government taxes) less subsidies.

3 The third is the value added

Where the value of each company's final production of intermediate goods are subtract. The sum of all values added is equal to Gross Domestic Product.


Mostly used the so-called real gross domestic product than the nominal difference that is already deflated or reduced the price index. This price index is simply the percentage by Which prices rise (or reduced, Although it is a Remote Possibility I mention it), prices from one year to another. Then there is Gross National Product is equal to GDP plus the net factor payments issimply the national net factor payments received from abroad minus the income of foreigners in the domestic economy (NFP) is what distinguishes GDP from GNP

The largest GNP in the world is from United States of America with$ 14,466,112 million, followed by Japan with 4,879,171 million, then follows China with 3,899,289 million, Germany with 3,485,674 million, a fifth England with 2,787,159 million. Then is France with 2,702,180 million, Italy with 2,109,075 million, Spain with 1,456,488 million. Then Brazil with 1,411,224 million and finally in the group of ten largest is Canada with 1,390,040 million. We see that U.S. GNP nearly tripled Japan and almost four times to China that is the third.


For those more interested in the subject say that Guatemala has 36,134 million, Uruguay 27,536 millions, Costa Rica 27,473 billion, El Salvador 21,361 billion , Panama 20,973 billion, Bolivia 14,126 millions, Paraguay 13,574 million, Honduras 13,026 million Haiti 6464 millions and Nicaragua 6126 millions.

Although China has quickly climbed to third place worldwide in terms of gross national product, remember that while the U.S. has 305 million and Japan has 128 million, China has instead of 1326 million people. Brazil, the only Latin American country in the list of 10 countries with greater production has 106 million inhabitants.

That's why we agree to see an indicator called the GNP per capita. This indicator measures the gross national product per person in a country simply by dividing the GNP by the number of inhabitants of the country. Thus, the order changed dramatically. Consider the following list of the fifteen countries with higher GNP per capita:

1. Liechtenstein            a
2. Bermuda                  a
3. Norway                   87,070
4. Luxembourg            84,890
5. Chanel Islands         68,640
6. Switzerland             65,330
7. Denmark                59,130
8. Qatar                      a
9. Sweden                  50,940
10. Netherlands          51,150
11. Ireland                 49,590
12. San Marino          46,770
13. Finland                 48,120
14. USA                    47,580
15. Cayman Islands     a

a. Position according to estimates by World Bank

The Latin American countries, including Panama, are obviously far from this figure, with levels of less than $10,000.00. Recall that these figures are annual and that means $ 10,000 per capita income of only $833.33 monthly. At these levels, according to figures from 2008, is Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil and Uruguay between $ 8,000 and $ 10,000. After more than $ 6,000 and less than $ 8,000 are in order for, Argentina, Panama and Costa Rica. With less than $ 5,000 are all others, with acute cases below $ 2,000 in the same descending order of Honduras, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Haiti. We can infer then that with the exception of countries with acute problems of income per capita, other Latin American countries do not have big differences. From a per capita income of $800 a month and a $400 monthly no greater difference when compared with the $ 5,300.00 in Luxembourg or even to United States $4,000.00

----------------------------------

a. Estimated figures
b All data are from the 2008 World Bank







THE BIZARRE PLANET

By: Felipe Argote
Photos: Felipe Argote


I remember in my high school days when I regularly being accused of playing basketball in class time, I DEFEND myself saying that it was not me who had been seen. That was my bizarre twin. Those were the days of comics In which the character of Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, Superman visited a planet where everything was upside down. The good guys were bad guys and the bad kind. Everything was upside down.

National holidays coming, a good timefor the media to criticize, Suppress, denigrate and insult children and adolescents. We'll see as critics of the way they dress, walk, talk, dance. They will peek into the crowd to some girl with her skirt too short to make it as an example. Seek, a teenage thug and will ask who was our first president. It is alreadypublished the long list of Prohibitions during the parade by the Ministry of Education. In Columbus,banned the use of sunglasses. I am sure they willalso prohibit the use of blocker for students to guarantee they not only have severe damage to the eyes but also suffer from skin cancer as punishment for wanting to be in the parades after months of practice.


Last Sunday I attended the contest ofmusic bands that drives the national lottery. It was developed in the worst possible conditions as the Authorities on his desk occupied one quarter of the available space. The remaining observers, parents, schoolmates that cheered her performance and public were interested in music huddled together in the space left elbow against elbow. Parents were scurrying through the crowd to photograph their children while the security guard reprimanded for passing the yellow line. In these circumstances few could appreciate the presentation of the bands. I know that these competitions in other countries is made in stages for the benefit of all present. There was not a half ny. There was no channel 2, 4 or13. The goverment's public cHannelwas not even,perhaps that it is supposed thats why they exist withour taxes. As the bands were of musicnot gangs and students showed their skills very good music that was not news. Moreover not even been mentioned in any news after the event.


Regardless of the conditions for the organizers were quite normal, I had the opportunity to see amid the pushing, bands of The Professional School Isabel Herrera Obaldia, Episcopal San Cristobal Institute and thel Fermin NAUDEAU Institute. I was impressed. I had no suspicion that the colleges along with its already well-known skill in war bands also have it in the music. All bands played at least three songs: a martial, another typical and the thir a popular song. I was touched by the originality of the Professional school and the good level of musicians and music girls, the Fermin NAUDEAU presented a very beautiful allegory with an impressive trumpeter. Episcopal San Cristobalpresented a classical interpretation seemed like a symphony orchestra without violins. It is unfortunate that conditions were not conducive to seeing the other schools. I know that the Episcopal won first place, Fermin NAUDEAU the second and third America Institute, but I have searched without success results in the other categories but I have not found in newspapers

This contest proves that I am not wrong. Most young people have great skills and are willing to exploit them and show them.


These contests raise self-esteem of young people and Therefore away from crime and vice. But as I said, this is not news. If any of these young people rather than presenting a musical instrument was presented with a gun all TV channels would be there for sureand the "analysts" such sympathetic characters who are in all television and radio programs all reviews (sometimes simultaneously), as experts taking aboutabsolutely all subjects of economics, law, sociology, health, transport, housing, you mention one, would be outraged, insisting on how bad it is our youth and that we must increase curfew and not repress them with firm hands, but with strongly firm hand. The same half responsible for twisting the reality, that only have programs for all types of violence and perversion, no matter the time of day or night, are the harshest critics of the young guys.

These same broadcasters sit with the moral stature to throw the first stone and call for the repression of all young people. Then presented to convey the parade and we will listen again: her comes the Professional Isabel Herrera Obaldia instead of Professional Isabel Herrera Obaldia they willagain pronounce the Richard Newman as Richard nium instead of Richard Noiman, they will talk about about the fOURTH of July Avenue instead of the Avenue of the Martyrs. But his moral willreturn intact to criticize young people. But what shall we do? This is a country on the Bizarre planet .







domingo, 25 de octubre de 2009

DOLARIZATION: GOOD OR BAD TO OUR COUNTRY

Written by: Felipe Argote
Photos: Felipe Argote


Very regularly I receive consultation on whether or not it is beneficial that Panama is a dollarized country. With the increasing weakness of the dollar, this question is becoming more topical.


Part of the responsibility of the price increase is because some products come from Europe surcharge payable because the change has come today to 1.5 dollars per euro. For American exporters this weakness is ok as it suits them place their goods by 33 percent cheaper.

Let's see this with an example. If a European buyer intends to purchase an automobile he will take his options from North American and European alternatives. Let's say he's torn between a Volvo and a Chrysler. The Volvo is at 50,000 euros and Chrysler at 50,000 dolars. The buyer evaluates its options and see that when buying the volvo or the Chrysler he can change their euros for dollars. By being the change in 1.50 you can get 75,000 dolars with the 50,000 euros that he had intended to buy a car. In that case if you buy  the Volvo will invest 50,000 euros but if price is your priority you will decide by the American Chrysler since the vehicle will be paid by $ 50,000 and he still will have another $ 25,000 in his pocket, which is switching to euros to 16.667 dolars. The U.S. exporter will receive their $ 50,000 in selling the car so it is not affected and instead is happy to make the sale because of its weak currency.

But our reality down to Panama is not an exporter, we are not even a producer. Our economy, we know is bound by 80% for the tertiary sector, trade, finance, transport.

To make the story more interesting, lets put this into perspective. Some countries are currently dollarized: Ecuador, El Salvador and Panama. Other neighbors who wanted to be dollarized but are disabled. To dollarize the first thing needed is to hold dollars. I remember some politician now enjoyed at the goverment emphasized the need for U.S. bases to remain in our country because otherwise, they argued vehemently, the Americans were to take out the dollar. As presented very well dressed in suit and tie some thought they knew what they were saying. The reality shows that had no clue about what they were talking. Did the  thought Americans sent out a container with dollars each month to ensure that we had enough cash? These politicians were convinced that if the U.S. bases where closed the soldiers would pass through town the night before asking the locals, passersby and handed them their dollars. Who graciously force citizens to be honest they would put their pockets upside down and bring them to their rightful owners, with the exception of course of those like Bosco Vallarino who were made U.S. citizens. Absurd.


In order to have a dollarized the country must have enough dollars. If you ever need cash to a Friday night you stop at an ATM and this expels him, instead of the actual request, a paper in which he excuses and regrets not being able to provide and where guarantees that on Monday meet you at the bank without fail, you probably next time holding U.S. dollars bury it under your pillow or better yet packages it and keep it in the fridge. This attitude will create scarcity and deepen an economic crisis in the country, carried out by a plural number of angry depositors. So the first thing that requires a dollarized country is to have enough source of dollar inflows. How do Ecuador El Salvador and Panama? Why not Costa Rica, with its 2 million foreigners who enter the year? Ecuador,  is unlike Panama an exporter. It is the largest world producer and  exporter of banana, is the largest exporter of shrimp in controlled environment, petroleum exports, which represented 42 percent of its exports and natural gas among other items. Not for nothing is one of the biggest users of the canal. When you export demands to be paid in dollars. This is enough to cover their dollar requirements. El Salvador, another country dollarized its currency gets remittances their citizens who migrate to Los Angeles, Chicago and North Carolina eminently. These immigrants send money to relatives who are waiting anxiously in their home country. But this system differs from Ecuador does not seem sustainable. The people who migrate feel responsible for helping their family at first, but after five years or have moved all the other family members or have acquired a new family in his adopted country. Therefore it is constrained from sending dollars, as they have new commitments. The only way to keep dollars flowing river is to continue migrating Salvadorans. But while El Salvador is a country with high population density, since it is the most densely populated in Latin America will follow the trend of the time no one left who send remittances. The last one to leave turn out the light. Panama is another story however. She has driven the dollar since it became a semi-colony in 1903. Today the coins are guaranteed not only by the trust, but at the time of the begining of the last century the dollar was backed by gold. It was necessary then an agreement to authorize the use of the dollar in Panama. So-called agreement was signed on Taft in 1904 that allowed the use of the dollar in Panama and the back of fractional currency Balboa prior deposit $ 500,000.00 by Panama on a U.S. bank, as collateral. Currently, this agreement has no practical meaning since 1973 because the U.S. does not guarantee its paper currency with gold and Panama ceased to be a semi-colony at the end of the century.


But the neoliberal model that governs the entire world is a fundamentally monetarist model. We see that the U.S. maintains a weak dollar pear benefit from export and gives more money to get out of the recession that suffers. Also takes advantage of its central bank called the Federal Reserve reduced interest by promoting economic recovery. We also see that the underdeveloped countries now better placed financially and Brazil which was also the first out of recession, or as Chile did not have among its plans anywhere near the possibility of abandoning its currency through dollarization. Not even Mexico in its higher dreams of being part of an integration project with the United States thought of dollarization. Ecuador is in the process of de-dollarization. If there is not the term I coined.

When dollarization, the country virtually resigned itself to an economic policy as it does not have a central bank or with money. So why insist on the goodness of having a dollarized country. The reason is not economic or financial ... is political. I think almost everyone that there is consensus in confidence in politicians that the Panamanians have a little machine to make money from using it responsibly. We scared the possibility that our politicians in the nocturnal night surreptitiously moving towards making machine money and emit the quantity of paper that they fit in their pockets, while rubing his hands with a mischievous laugh.

Then it is convenient, economically speaking, as a country have the ability to have its own currency for internal transactions. That would not prevent for instance require users to the channel, which could be paid in hard currency. Having its own currency to avoid the current inflation reached almost 10%, but like most Panamanians, just scares me to think of leaving the responsibility of giving the mouse caren of the cheese. We have therefore taken the attitude of the alcoholic aware of his weakness who ask his boss to deduct all the liabilities in advance to avoid having cash in his hands because he knows he will not meet its obligation of being a good father and she used it instead of vice that controls it. This is a good example for alcoholics as a responsible citizen, If you are not, you know how to manage your money without giving up his administration. There is nothing to be proud then, having no currency.

sábado, 17 de octubre de 2009

PARIS: AN OPEN AIR MUSEUM

By: Felipe Argote

With the collaboration of Gerald Carmen
Photos: Felipe Argote



Paris. The name reminds us of the Trojan prince which according to Homer's poem seduced and abducted Helen, wife of Menelaus, brother of Agamemnon, in turn, Resulting in the misfortune of Troy and its inhabitants. But Paris has no relationship with Troy, Achilles, Patroclus and Hector. Neither its name is linked with the chief Paris, who blew himself up along with the Patriarchs in their tribe in the stone of Vigia in what is now Chitre to avoid being chained by the Spanish soldiers, as was before Urracá.

The name Paris comes from a Gallic tribe called the Parisii that inhabited these lands 250 years before Christ until the Germanic tribes of the Franks dominated the site and grantme the capital of his empire in the fourth century.

In the city of Paris tells all in its wake thousands of human events. Every street, every building, every square, every monument are faced with events that marked its history. The first thing that moves us is to meet in the middle of scenario that tells Victor Hugo in his great novel Les Miserables. A passerby seemed to be Jean Valjean, while a traffic policeman was the picture of Javert, the circumspect and tenacious detective who chase Valjean.


All Paris is a great outdoor museum, the centerpiece, the Eiffel Tower, constructed in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel on the occasion of World's Fair rises imposingly in the Field of Mars with its nearly 300 meters high, facing the majestic river Senna. It is estimated that last year more than Six million people visited. The Arc of Triunf, built in the place now called Charles de Gaulle on the Champs-Elysees by Jean Chalgrin, by order of Napoleon Bonaparte to commemorate his victory in 1805 in the Battle of the Three Emperors in Which Napoleon defeated the Russian-Austrian coalition Led by Zar Alexander I.


The Place de la Bastille, where they exist before 1789 called the Bastille prison, taken by the people during the revolutionary epics days that began on 14 July that year. Here stands the monument called the July column 46.3 meters high, crowned by the sculpture's genius Auguste free Dumond. This monument, because of its place and its name is thought that commemorates the storming of the Bastille but was built by order of Louis Philippe of France, to commemorate the revolutionary days of July 1830.


Another stuff are the museums. The Orsay museum, which houses the impressive paintings of the impressionist Vincent Van Gogh and of course the Louvre that it was impossible to go in its entirety and had to settle for the privilege of observing the living room of the Mona Lisa, the Venus di Milo the Greek and Roman sculptures, the Hall of Egypt with the Sphinx, sarcophagi and mummies and the colossal Persians statues of Darius the Great.

The glass pyramid places in the yard and that serves as the entrance to the museum as well remember as Robert Langdon chasing clues in Dan Brown's book, I think it is itself a work of art worthy of being on any other place of Paris. The pyramid, a colossal build by architect Pei Leoh, Cantonese, even after reading the arguments of its apologists and Francois Mitterrand's own reasons, I think it is inappropriate to the surrounding Renaissance building.


The Louvre museum shows in its 68.000 meters of exhibition, 35,000 pieces of a total of 445,000 which it owns, in addition to the 1,400 pieces that travel the world in exhibitions.

Paris at night is magical, outdoor cafes, nightlife, to belonging and strangers. Thats why Paris is the point of greatest tourist attraction worldwide. It is a privilege to see it and live it. Unlike custom in other countries, the French make dinnera ritual . Nothing to sit and be happy if you're served quickly. Before requesting they serve wine, which can be savored leisurely in the middle of an interesting conversation. After at least a couple of drinks is requested dinner that comes in three dishes, plus dessert. We went for dinner not earlier than eight on the night and never finished the evening before eleven. But with the air full of motivation time passes very quickly. Paris is out of all been known. As the poetry of Ruben Dario ... and see her means you will never forget her.


Paris as a city, is the fourth economy in the world after Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. It is one of the engines of world economy and by consequence of the European Union.

Leaving the city of light, give my passport to the French police officer at the airport and trying to avoid a smile at him with his cup round cap and blue vest, the striking resemblance to Inspector Clouseau.

MARSEILLE: THE STREETS

By: Felipe Argote
Photos: Felipe Argote



Those who think that history is written only by the majority, are in my view, wrong. I do not want to be misunderstood. It is true that to develop great historical changes it requires the consensus of large segments of the population to embrace the cause. But of those, some would take more passion and be integrated in body and soul, others only indirectly support, a large number will be added only by their applause and cheers. And of course conservatives will want to keep things as they are and the minions willing to give their lives to defend the welfare of the masters. Those are the scabs.



Undoubtedly one of the movements that defined the direction of the path of humanity in a historical moment was the French Revolution. The Impoverished masses of the suburbs came to claim his place in history. In their sweeping decision broke with centuries of alienation and indoctrination and nothing less than the guillotine, then, to those considered as Representatives of God on earth. Guillotined King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, and eliminated the great privileges of the Catholic Church Which has become the largest landowner who charged for their account and under an assumed divine authority, high taxesto all citizens.


Only 500 volunteerscommander by Francois H. H. Mireur. They came to defend the revolution, the principles of equality, freedom and brotherhood threatened by Prussia and Austria who had just signed a military agreement to defeat the revolution and return to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, sister of the king of Austria, against the Will of the Democratic Assembly meeting in Paris, Which discussed the future of the Republic of France. At this assembly the sections of the nobility who Defended the restoration of the monarchy sat on the right, while the Jacobins, more prone to elimination of monarchy sat on the left. This generated the term used even right to the most conservative and leftist to revolutionaries.


On 30 July 1972 the volunteers who walked from Marseilles to defend the revolution, entered Paris singing what until then was called "War Song for the Army of the Rhine," composed by Captain Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle. But between the cheering, the people of Paris called it: The Marseillaise. From that time until the date, it became the anthem of the Republic of France.



Marseille was born as MassiliaA settlement of Phocaeans sailors, who became city-state 600 years before Christ. Even the Roman aqueducts are preserved after 2,000 years. Most of the people are catholic.Christianity is seems to beintroduced by Mary Magdalene, the companion to some of Jesus and Lazarus of Bethany, the same that was returned from the jaws of death. This city survived to the Black Death of 1347 that killed 90,000 people alone in Marseille. It was the cradle of French reinacense. Almost destroyed during the Second World War, now stands as the quiet waters of the Mediterranean who caress her feet whilepeople gather by the thousands in the many outdoor bars unpronounceable name of eating meals and drinking the excellent wine Which was introduced inthe fourth century before Christ, and Greenwich grantme you famous in France and the world.

The nights in Marseille gand the impression that it has always been this quiet, but a cursory review of history reveals otherwise. While this beautiful southern French city walks along the Mediterranean coast with his tousled hair blowing in the wind.

sábado, 10 de octubre de 2009

ELECTORAL CODE AMENDMENTS

By Philip A. Argote S.


About the electoral code reforms, there are some elements that appear to be the hinge between the problem and the solution, yet they are past the surface, sometimes I think that with the unhealthy interest of avoiding the heart of the problem so that everything remains the same.


Common to hear the complaint in the public that the electoral system trauma centers on the so-called patronage of political parties. That candidates for various elected positions is Increasingly promoted as a product, not offer alternatives or say any nonsense with such promise to win over voters, or simply are sold with the argument that will "fix" you. In my view, what really happens is that our society already Accustomed to double standards, harshly punishes fomalmente at least to the candidate who is accused of buying votes with cash. Vote buying in cash is very unpopular and morally sanctioned by society, but that same feeling if we do not see that buying votes is given in kind. If congressional candidate on television handing out chicken and toys in the Chorrillo or if the other candidates split the building's hams Libet is not only frowned upon but Punisher is not even as an illegal act. What difference could it if the vote is bought in cash or pay in kind? None. I personally believe that unless a crime is clearly established electoral sympathies purchasing through any type of payment is the food bags, zinc, blocks or any kind thr product in society as at present, will see the elections as a commercial transaction. Previously, voters were fooled so many times with the promise of a bridge where there was no river that finally DECIDED people on prostitution by charging prepayment. In this case no longer expect much of the Lawmaker, more or representative Because it was paid in advance.


I remember in the 1994 elections when a Substantial flow of low and middle class saw in the new alternative Ruben Blades against the old politicians on the one hand and those who breastfed the dictatorship on the other, I decided not to vote for the proposal Because in the final campaign, waiting for an assessment of the situation brainy and a serious proposal, equidistant from the old politicians who wanted to become a colony and those that Halper militarism, I found that the musical genius decided, as his own words, do what I did best: sing. It seemed an aberration than a presidential candidate would win converts among a party. Today, all closures of the campaign use the party as the axis and the speech is incidental. Politicians say anything that sounds nice right now Because what matters are the proposals, but who "fix" or relying on the premise that the Panamanians have short-term memory. What explains that after his death Guillermo Endara wants to be elevated to the top figure in Panamanian politics, the best president ever, the true father of our country? If that were true, and it is not ... How come none of these politicians who blew themselves up in speeches during his Spech barricade, supported him in the last election, to the point that his party disappeared Because it did not fill the minimum quota of votes. It seemed ridiculous honestly see the "pictures" of the Panamanian walking arm in arm as they sang the anthem of communal action, when Endara had more than a decade of having given up that party. As ridiculous as it turns out that the couple intends to change decades nortamerican calling the Balboa Avenue to transform itself to Guillermo Endara strip. I happened to be corruption Avenue Balboa Avenue to be ... as the new Minister of Public Works, the symbol of Panama City? How did being called by all the politicians in government today corruption strip and now they want to call Guillermo Endara Galimani strip. Would not surprise me that they removed the statue of Balboa Avenue that bears his name until today. Endara himself at his time already removed the statue of Magpie at the park of its name and sent it to Veraguas to put in his place the General Francisco Morazán statue. What statue would be in that place? Endara could be sitting next to Roosevelt as dreams Mayin Correa, to round the circle.



The alleged short-term memory of the Panamanian society is what explains why the Ministry of Finance directly allocate not less than $ 2.5 million to private consultants McKinsey to carry out the economic plan for the five years 2009-2014. Maybe not a year of campaigning were vehemently arguing that their candidate did not know how the economy works? Therefore I was the one to have the answers to Sustain Economic Growth, Reducing unemployment, Curbing inflation by lowering the overall price of the food basket by 30%, putting a line passing through the tough crime and solving the transportation problem. It now appears that after convincing 60% of the electorate that he had a foolproof business plan, take our tax money to pay a foreign company to explore and produce an economic plan Because there was no such plan.

In short, Undermined the electoral system of patronage, if not buying votes, leads to these results. Those powders bring us this sludge.

viernes, 9 de octubre de 2009

THE MARSEILLESE

By Felipe Argote


Photos: Felipe Argote



Those who think history is written by the great Majority are wrong. Not to be misunderstood, it is true that in order to develop the great historical changes need the consensus of large segments of society to embrace the cause. Of those, some will Undertake in-depth, others support the lead and Encourage but a greater number only support by cheers and applause. There will be of couse conservatives who want to keep things as theyu are readyto give their lives to defend the welfare of their kings.

Undoubtedly one of the movements that defined the direction of the path of humanity in a historical moment was the French Revolution. The Impoverished masses of the suburbs came to claim his place in history. In their sweeping decision broke with centuries of alienation and indoctrination and nothing less than the guillotine, then, to those former considered the repretives of God orNo earth. Guillotined the king and queen, Louis XVI and Maria Anonieta theiminating the great privileges of the Catholic Church Greenwich becoand the largest landowner and it charged for your account and to an Alleged divine authority, high taxes in the form of tithe to all citizens.


Only 500 volunteers came out and led by Francois Marseille H. H. H. Mireur. They came to defend the revolution, the principles of unity, freedom and brotherhood threatened by Prussia and Austria who had just signed a military agreement to defeat the revolution and return to King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette against the will of the House Democrats Gathered in Paris that discussion The future of the republic of France. At this assembly the sections of the nobility who Defended the Restorern of the monarchy sat on the right, while the Jacobins more likely to disposal sat on the left. This generated even used the term right to the most conservative and leftist revolutionaries.


On 30 July 1972 the volunteers who walked from Marseilles to defend the revolution, entered Paris singing Which until then was called "War Song for the Army of the Rhine," composed by Captain Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle. But between the cheering, the people called it: The Marseillaise. From that time until the datebecame the national anthem of Republic of France.


Marseille Messali born as a settlement that became Phocian city state 600 years BC. It survived the Black Death of the Middle Ages that killed 90.000 people just in Marseilles. Feu almost destroyed during the Second World War and now stands quit while the waters of the Mediterranean stroking the feet and the gene is concent by thousands in the many outdoor bars eating the unpronounceable name plates and drinking the wine has become famous in ancient France and the world.


The nights in Marseille Give the impression that it has always been like this but to review areas of his story reveals otherwise. While this beautiful southern French city walks along the Mediterranean coast with her hair blowing in the wind