What do these 3 men have in common? ‘Trickle Down Economics’ - Puerto Rico Daily Sun - 12/11/09

Open following link of an earlier posting on Topix about Caribbean Petroleum Company (CAPECO).

Being headquartered in a foreign country, it is difficult to take action when CAPECO violates local or federal laws. Legally, it is difficult to reach them. CAPECO is headquartered in Israel.

I have noted that some of the companies the Fortuño Administration is considering for Private Public Partnerships (PPP) are also headquartered in foreign countries. Do they present the same legal problems as CAPECO in enforcing our local and federal laws and regulations?

Am I wrong or confused when I say that George W. Bush outsourced many American jobs causing rust belts and unemployment? Could PPPs be outsourcing important areas of the management of our government to foreign countries?

What is being done to avoid selection a "CAPECO kind of partner"? Is this a slippery slope for Puerto Rico's government to take?

Check out this original source link plus the Topix posting of The Miami Herald story:

The Miami Herald -- Wednesday, 11.11.09
PUERTO RICO - Fuel firm flouted safety rules
The fuel company whose tank farm in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, exploded last month collected environmental violations and skipped inspections for years.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation/story/...

Why did the ELA, in its 57 years history, did not promote the development of small businesses?

Jorge

San Juan City Hall presents ‘Río 2012’ to potential private investors
By : MARIO SANTANA
mario@caribbeanbusinesspr.com
Edition: October 22, 2009 | Volume: 37 | No: 42

San Juan City Hall’s goal to draw attention of potential private investors to its ambitious redevelopment plan for downtown Río Piedras was met this week, at least with developer Alfonso Valdés.

Valdés, president of Maranello Inc., told CARIBBEAN BUSINESS that after he learned more about the Río 2012 plan, including the available municipal, Commonwealth and federal incentives, he became interested in participating. He was one of the private investors who attended a detailed presentation of the plan Monday.

“I’ll be looking closely at the RFPs [request for proposals]. For me, the presence of Mayor Jorge Santini, Lourdes Rovira [San Juan municipal executive director] and all the municipal department heads means total backing for the plan, said Valdés, who added that Commonwealth Housing Secretary Yesef Cordero said the plan has Gov. Luis Fortuño’s full endorsement.

“It is rare to see an organizational level like this,” he added.

Valdés’s company, Maranello, is constructing two projects—a commercial building and a housing facility for the elderly—a block from the area to be directly impacted by Río 2012.

The San Juan municipal government expects Río 2012 to generate more than $1 billion in private investment, as it envisions more than 2 million square feet of new construction, 1,124 new residential units, 166,340 square feet of new commercial space, 972,000 square feet of new office space and 1,500 new parking spaces, Santini said.

One goal is to attract 5,000 new residents to the Río Piedras urban center, he said, adding the construction work could generate more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.

City Hall published an RFP this week for an environmentally friendly public transportation center, a Río 2012 project Santini anticipated could reach the construction phase in January with a total investment of $13 million in municipal and federal funds. He also expects to begin construction next year on an energy-efficient, 10-story municipal building with 180,000 square feet of office space on Camelia Soto Street, at a cost of $38.9 million. Other developments, especially residential projects slated for rent and sale, will depend on private investors.

The incentives available to private investors include interim loans provided by the municipality with its HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds (HOME is a federal assistance program of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development aimed at providing decent and affordable housing, particularly for low-income families). Other incentives include exemptions in the payment of municipal patentes (business taxes) and real and personal property taxes, reduction and deferment of municipal construction fees, and subsidies for rental payments and for down payments and closing costs for homebuyers.

Anuncia Santini comienzo de Proyecto Río 2012
miercoles, 10 de octubre 2007



San Juan- Río 2012 es el nuevo mega proyecto planificado por el Alcalde de San Juan, Jorge Santini, para rehabilitar el sector riopedrense en el que se contempla la construcción de viviendas, oficinas y comercios con la intención de transformarla en una comunidad vibrante, segura y limpia, con la actividad típica de una ciudad universitaria.

Santini anunció el comienzo de los estudios que permitirán comenzar en febrero la remodelación de la Plaza Convalecencia como parte de las mejoras contempladas en Río 2012. Este proyecto nace como un Plan Maestro para convertir a Río Piedras en una ciudad universitaria, en la que se pueda disfrutar y celebrar actividades culturales y festivas en un ambiente sano y seguro.

El mismo, también contempla estimular la economía del sector repoblando las áreas adyacentes a la Plaza Convalecencia y atraer visitantes al área.

Según aseguró el Primer Ejecutivo Capitalino este proyecto es uno a largo plazo, donde la primera fase será desarrollada completamente por el gobierno municipal, en la que se renovará la Plaza de Convalecencia, así como el estacionamiento soterrado. Además, se construirá un edificio que albergará oficinas municipales para ofrecer un mejor servicio público en el área.

"Esta primera fase, estimada para concluirse en cinco años, demuestra nuestro compromiso a través de una inversión municipal de más de $10 millones. La Plaza de Convalecencia es el centro de este sector, donde en décadas pasadas se reunían los residentes, estudiantes y visitantes para disfrutar y compartir en comunidad. Este proyecto promete devolverle a Río Piedras su esplendor y su vida", enfatizó el Alcalde.

Asimismo, explicó que la segunda fase la comprende el desarrollo de 10 parcelas en áreas contiguas a la Plaza en donde se contempla la construcción de 1,124 unidades de viviendas en edificios de sobre cuatro pisos, que traerá a residir al área a sobre 4,000 personas.

"Estas viviendas tendrán precios asequibles para la familia promedio y serán un atractivo para empleados, profesores y profesionales. Además, se desarrollarán 166 mil pies cuadrados de espacios comerciales y 900 mil pies cuadrados de oficinas, con 3,000 espacios de estacionamiento", añadió.

Este gran proyecto tiene un impacto económico aproximado de 1,500 millones de dólares y además, estimulará la colaboración y el desarrollo con la empresa privada. El mismo generará 10,000 empleos directos e indirectos durante todo el desarrollo.

"El proyecto total está programado para completarse en 12 años y promete una renovación completa de la ciudad y no una promesa de campaña, sino una promesa de corazón. Una promesa de revivir a nuestro querido pueblo de Río Piedras, una promesa de convertirlo en una comunidad residencial activa, moderna y que sea el centro y destino de toda la región. También quiero que esta transformación se logre preservando la historia a través de los vistosos recuerdos de lo que un día fue Río Piedras, celebrando la alegría de los jóvenes y estudiantes, y acunando la nostalgia de los no tan jóvenes que puedan pasearse por el Parque de la Convalecencia y escuchar buena música y compartir entre sí "como en los viejos tiempos", concluyó Santini.

El Gobernador de Puerto Rico, Luis Fortuño, convirtió en ley el P. de la C. 1403, que viabiliza la otorgación de los títulos de propiedad a cientos de familias residentes en las comunidades que componen el Caño Martín Peña. De este modo, el Gobernador honra y garantiza el debido plan de uso de estos terrenos, a la vez que resuelve la controvertible ley que por los últimos cinco años las pasadas administraciones dejaron sin implementar.

“Este, sin lugar a dudas, es un paso intermedio en el proceso de hacerle verdadera justicia social a las comunidades del Caño Martín Peña. Con la firma de este proyecto, nos aseguramos de que se elimina, de una vez y por todas, las imperfecciones que tenía la ley original, que creó el Fideicomiso de la Tierra del Caño Martín Peña”, manifestó el Primer Mandatario. Cabe señalar que esta ley mantenía enormes lagunas, puesto que no tomaba en cuenta el apoderamiento individual de aquellos que componen las comunidades del Caño”.

Fortuño añadió que,“toda persona que le interese obtener su título de propiedad en el Caño Martín Peña, tendrá derecho al mismo. Nuestra administración está comprometida con todos esos residentes que por generaciones han vivido en esta comunidad y aún no son dueños de sus residencias ni de las tierras en que se erigen”.

El compromiso del Gobernador con este sector es incuestionable. Es de tal magnitud que, como Comisionado Residente, identificó recursos económicos y humanos para lograr cumplir con el plan de usos de terrenos y con el dragado del Caño. Una vez más, hoy, Fortuño reitera su compromiso con esta comunidad, asegurándole que trabajará mano a mano para que su desarrollo se cumpla de manera efectiva.

El Primer Mandatario hizo claro que con la firma de esta ley, de ninguna manera se desarticula o desaparece el Fideicomiso de la Tierra del Caño Martín Peña. De hecho, aquellas tierras que no sean transferidas a los residentes, pasarán a manos del Fideicomiso.

Sobre esas bases, el Primer Mandatario firmó la Orden Ejecutiva que establece la creación de un grupo de trabajo (“task force”), para revisar la nueva Ley, asegurar que el desarrollo integrado de esta comunidad, y atender todas las necesidades que hoy día tienen los residentes del Caño Martín Peña. Según la Orden, este comité rendirá un informe mensual al Gobernador.

El grupo de trabajo estará conformado por el Departamento de la Vivienda, Oficina de Gerencia y Presupuesto, Oficina del Gobernador, Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas, Departamento de Recursos Naturales, G-8 y el Municipio de San Juan.

La Perla de Puerto Rico
8:25 am By Jennifer Woodard Maderazo · Money| Politics| Puerto Rico| housing

2 Sep 2007 La Perla de San Juan Puerto Rico is a shanty town/slum/neighborhood with squatter roots made famous infamous by the arguable racist anthropological study La Vida by Oscar Lewis. As a child I was never allowed to go inside la Perla, located in prime real estate, in old San Juan overlooking the sea. My grandmother gave me La Vida as a gift, justifying why I was never to go to la Perla or any other Puerto Rican housing project. Tourists in all guides are advised not to go in la Perla. La Perla has a reputation for being dangerous, kind of like a Puerto Rican City of God , rife with drugs and dangerous crime. And while that may be true to an extent, La Perla is also a thriving community of survival rich with culture and history which makes plans for development a cause for concern.

Most reports indicate that la Perla has been all but abandoned by the Puerto Rican government and island services. The theory is that la Perla will fall into such a state that residents will leave (unlikely) leaving it open for development. Rumors abound that Donald Trump has his eye on the spot. The government itself has tried time and time again to buy out residents of la Perla, offering to send residents to official Puerto Rican housing projects, caserios. When that hasn’t worked the government has entered the neighborhood and taken houses under the guise of fixing the colonial el Morro seawall that surrounds la Perla. A “census” has been taken by the government to see who has titles for their tiny properties. Promises of money to fix the community have been made and taken back time and time again by the Puerto Rican government. But in the words of one la Perla resident, who probably represents the majority, if la Perla is gone, where are the poor going to live?

2008 News

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MICROSOFT AND THE "CONSEJO VECINAL PRO DESARROLLO DE LA PENINSULA DE CANTERA" JOIN FORCES FOR GIVING TECHNOLOGY TO THIS COMMUNITY
May 2008 / San Juan, PR

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As part of their alliance, Microsoft Caribbean and the "Consejo Vecinal Pro Desarrollo Peninsula de Cantera” celebrated the opening of a Cyber Café, with the purpose of providing technology to the students of the public school Manuel Elzaburu y Vizcarrondo and to the 10,000 residents of this community through the project "Líderes para el Mundo" (World Leaders).

Supported by Microsoft with a grant of $230,000,($80,000 in cash for the "Potencial Ilimitados" program (Unlimited Potential Program) and $15,000 for the software), the project "Líderes del Mundo" through the Cyber Cafe will emphasize the development of academic and professional skills in the youngsters throughout the use of technological tools like browsing the web and software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.

The Project “Líderes para el Mundo": Empresarios de su vida (World Leaders: Life entrepreneurs) is a conscientiously and supportive project developed with the goal of impacting 50 students of the Intermediate School Manuel Elzaburu and Vizcarrondo in Cantera and their families. Its main purpose is to enforce the youngsters as citizens and leaders throughout the education and no traditional areas; such as academic and technological skills, leadership, economic, emotional and social development, recreation, culture, civic-mindedness, voluntarism, and others.


The Cyber Cafe has 17 computers with Internet access and several software’s. It will also become as a place for communitarian investment, because it provides technological assessments for the elderly and community leaders. In June some technological workshops for kids, youngsters and adults in the community will be given. This will be possible thanks to the support of two Microsoft’s partners, Rock Solid Technologies, and Nagnoi. They will offer basic computer courses for the participants.

Ambrose Ramsahai, general manager of Microsoft in Puerto Rico, added that the close relationship Microsoft have with their partners enables their integration in social responsibility projects to help minimized the digital gap and create more impact in the community of Cantera.

Microsoft's compromise with the technological development of the community Cantera is part of the program "Potencial Ilimitados" (Unlimited Potential Program), intended to enrich and fortify the educative experience of Puerto Rican youngsters, from communities economically marginalized, through the access of information technology resources. With this Cyber Cafe they add 21 projects distributed by through the Island from Guaynabo to Ponce, and from Humacao to Mayagüez, including Vieques and Culebra.

Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States. 1989.
John F. Kennedy
Inaugural Address
Friday, January 20, 1961
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Heavy snow fell the night before the inauguration, but thoughts about cancelling the plans were overruled. The election of 1960 had been close, and the Democratic Senator from Massachusetts was eager to gather support for his agenda. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown that morning before joining President Eisenhower to travel to the Capitol. The Congress had extended the East Front, and the inaugural platform spanned the new addition. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Earl Warren. Robert Frost read one of his poems at the ceremony.
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Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens, we observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning—signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago. 1
The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe—the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God. 2
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world. 3
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. 4

This much we pledge—and more. 5
To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do—for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder. 6
To those new States whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom—and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside. 7
To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required—not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich. 8
To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge—to convert our good words into good deeds—in a new alliance for progress—to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house. 9
To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support—to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective—to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak—and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run. 10
Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction. 11
We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed. 12
But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course—both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war. 13
So let us begin anew—remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. 14

Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us. 15
Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms—and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations. 16
Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce. 17
Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah—to "undo the heavy burdens ... and to let the oppressed go free." 18
And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved. 19
All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin. 20
In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe. 21
Now the trumpet summons us again—not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are—but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"—a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself. 22
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort? 23
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. 24
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country. 25
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. 26
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own. 27

Ai, Jorge,?Que es esto? No tengo tiempo para leerlo.

NOT REALLY wrote:

Ai, Jorge,?Que es esto? No tengo tiempo para leerlo.

Por eso es que mis mensajes eran cortos....I thought it was a nice change of pace.

Tendré que volver a ellos...LOL

Jorge

Have we not learned anything from the failure of Communism, Marxism and all the other social experiments that seek to limit individual freedom? Recently the world celebrated the 20th anniversary of the dismantling of the Berlin Wall. I remember turning the news on and seeing crowds of Berliners chipping away at the last vestiges of a system that suppressed freedom for the good of a totalitarian regime. Ronald Reagan rightly called it the Evil Empire.
Michael Moore’s bank account screams HYPOCRISY when he decries the evils of capitalism while benefiting from the same. Capitalism, although an imperfect system, is still the best “ism” that helped make our country great. I look at Cuba and Venezuela as a perfect example of the alternative. Cuba’s suppression of human rights and private property has given way to a system of total control and suppression. For their forced devotion its citizen has been rewarded with toilet paper shortages and broken promises of a socialist utopia. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/11/cuba... Venezuela is the latest experiment of socialist reform. A few years of anti-capitalist rhetoric and restrictions of individual freedom, freedom of press, freedom of religion and private property rights is slowly transforming this country into a mirror image of Cuba. The latest example of Venezuela’s woes is highlighted in a recent New York Times report. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/11/world/ameri... This energy rich country’s power and infrastructure failures is another testament to failed government control.
Growing up in Puerto Rico and later in New Jersey I saw how families were weighed down by the very government programs that was supposed to help them. In contrast I saw my father embrace a capitalist system that promised nothing but freedom for those that wanted to feed their family from the sweat of their own brow. Freedom, self determination and hard work were sufficient for a man with a 4th grade education to succeed. He didn’t allow “free” government handouts to stand in his way. It’s amazing what one can do when the government moves out of the way. Mi padre es un ejemplo del borinqueño trabajador satisfecho con los frutos de su labor.
Today the Obama administration seeks to push us further into government dependency, higher debt and diminished individual freedom. His social programs will mortgage our future and our children’s future. Unlike Reagan who recognized “government is not the solution to our problems, government is the problem”

Jorge wrote:

<quoted text>
Por eso es que mis mensajes eran cortos....I thought it was a nice change of pace.
Tendré que volver a ellos...LOL
Jorge

Do you think JFK would have been a fan of Michael Moore?

Latuya wrote:

Have we not learned anything from the failure of Communism, Marxism and all the other social experiments that seek to limit individual freedom? Recently the world celebrated the 20th anniversary of the dismantling of the Berlin Wall. I remember turning the news on and seeing crowds of Berliners chipping away at the last vestiges of a system that suppressed freedom for the good of a totalitarian regime. Ronald Reagan rightly called it the Evil Empire.
Michael Moore’s bank account screams HYPOCRISY when he decries the evils of capitalism while benefiting from the same. Capitalism, although an imperfect system, is still the best “ism” that helped make our country great. I look at Cuba and Venezuela as a perfect example of the alternative. Cuba’s suppression of human rights and private property has given way to a system of total control and suppression. For their forced devotion its citizen has been rewarded with toilet paper shortages and broken promises of a socialist utopia. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/11/cuba... Venezuela is the latest experiment of socialist reform. A few years of anti-capitalist rhetoric and restrictions of individual freedom, freedom of press, freedom of religion and private property rights is slowly transforming this country into a mirror image of Cuba. The latest example of Venezuela’s woes is highlighted in a recent New York Times report. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/11/world/ameri... This energy rich country’s power and infrastructure failures is another testament to failed government control.
Growing up in Puerto Rico and later in New Jersey I saw how families were weighed down by the very government programs that was supposed to help them. In contrast I saw my father embrace a capitalist system that promised nothing but freedom for those that wanted to feed their family from the sweat of their own brow. Freedom, self determination and hard work were sufficient for a man with a 4th grade education to succeed. He didn’t allow “free” government handouts to stand in his way. It’s amazing what one can do when the government moves out of the way. Mi padre es un ejemplo del borinqueño trabajador satisfecho con los frutos de su labor.
Today the Obama administration seeks to push us further into government dependency, higher debt and diminished individual freedom. His social programs will mortgage our future and our children’s future. Unlike Reagan who recognized “government is not the solution to our problems, government is the problem”

Capitalism run amuck is dangerous. The recent financial meltdown is an example of how greedy capitalism nearly brought down the entire global economy into a mass depression and subsequent anarchy. Pure capitalistic opportunists would repeal all environmental legislation in favor of commercial interests and leaving us with environmental chaos. Government provides some checks and balances.

Puerto Rico is in a mess because the govt believed in socialistic ideals, such as the govt of PR is the largest employer on the island. Everything was,,''what can the govt do for me'' attitude, until now, the island is bankrupt!

The island is just above ''junk'' status according to S&P standards. And you people believe that the socialistic society of PR can continue like this,,no it cant!

Upfront Yankee,,,do you run your household in the red?? I bet you dont! Why should the govt, because in the end, it is my money and yours as well!

The govt of US and PR have failed us all, they spent our money, devalueing it, and destroyed our financial house. All parties are to blame,,even the democrats!

Imagine if the country had a budget surplus and a strong dollar,,we would not be in this mess, and we would not be having this conversation, but thanks to the politicians, we are!

Latuya wrote:

Have we not learned anything from the failure of Communism, Marxism and all the other social experiments that seek to limit individual freedom? Recently the world celebrated the 20th anniversary of the dismantling of the Berlin Wall. I remember turning the news on and seeing crowds of Berliners chipping away at the last vestiges of a system that suppressed freedom for the good of a totalitarian regime. Ronald Reagan rightly called it the Evil Empire.
Michael Moore’s bank account screams HYPOCRISY when he decries the evils of capitalism while benefiting from the same. Capitalism, although an imperfect system, is still the best “ism” that helped make our country great. I look at Cuba and Venezuela as a perfect example of the alternative. Cuba’s suppression of human rights and private property has given way to a system of total control and suppression. For their forced devotion its citizen has been rewarded with toilet paper shortages and broken promises of a socialist utopia. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/11/cuba... Venezuela is the latest experiment of socialist reform. A few years of anti-capitalist rhetoric and restrictions of individual freedom, freedom of press, freedom of religion and private property rights is slowly transforming this country into a mirror image of Cuba. The latest example of Venezuela’s woes is highlighted in a recent New York Times report. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/11/world/ameri... This energy rich country’s power and infrastructure failures is another testament to failed government control.
Growing up in Puerto Rico and later in New Jersey I saw how families were weighed down by the very government programs that was supposed to help them. In contrast I saw my father embrace a capitalist system that promised nothing but freedom for those that wanted to feed their family from the sweat of their own brow. Freedom, self determination and hard work were sufficient for a man with a 4th grade education to succeed. He didn’t allow “free” government handouts to stand in his way. It’s amazing what one can do when the government moves out of the way. Mi padre es un ejemplo del borinqueño trabajador satisfecho con los frutos de su labor.
Today the Obama administration seeks to push us further into government dependency, higher debt and diminished individual freedom. His social programs will mortgage our future and our children’s future. Unlike Reagan who recognized “government is not the solution to our problems, government is the problem”

Thank god someone here has intelligence!!!

yes,,govt is the problem, not the solution!

TJM wrote:

Puerto Rico is in a mess because the govt believed in socialistic ideals, such as the govt of PR is the largest employer on the island. Everything was,,''what can the govt do for me'' attitude, until now, the island is bankrupt!
The island is just above ''junk'' status according to S&P standards. And you people believe that the socialistic society of PR can continue like this,,no it cant!
Upfront Yankee,,,do you run your household in the red?? I bet you dont! Why should the govt, because in the end, it is my money and yours as well!
The govt of US and PR have failed us all, they spent our money, devalueing it, and destroyed our financial house. All parties are to blame,,even the democrats!
Imagine if the country had a budget surplus and a strong dollar,,we would not be in this mess, and we would not be having this conversation, but thanks to the politicians, we are!

Hi! TM:

What state are you from?

Jorge

NOT REALLY wrote:

<quoted text>
Capitalism run amuck is dangerous. The recent financial meltdown is an example of how greedy capitalism nearly brought down the entire global economy into a mass depression and subsequent anarchy. Pure capitalistic opportunists would repeal all environmental legislation in favor of commercial interests and leaving us with environmental chaos. Government provides some checks and balances.

I would place the blame squarely on individual greed, specifically on lax credit regulations and runaway government deficit spending both locally and federally. Contractual rule of law was bent into a pretzel during the housing boom while the government ignored warning signs. As for environmental concerns; capitalism is the best partner you can have as long as more importance is placed on valid human needs rather than radical environmental lunacy. When government taxation regulations and intrusion get in the way of my freedoms that's when they have gone too far. Capitalism will have its problems but giving up your freedoms to have a bureaucracy "give" you your rights is asking for trouble.

Latuya wrote:

<quoted text>I would place the blame squarely on individual greed, specifically on lax credit regulations and runaway government deficit spending both locally and federally. Contractual rule of law was bent into a pretzel during the housing boom while the government ignored warning signs. As for environmental concerns; capitalism is the best partner you can have as long as more importance is placed on valid human needs rather than radical environmental lunacy. When government taxation regulations and intrusion get in the way of my freedoms that's when they have gone too far. Capitalism will have its problems but giving up your freedoms to have a bureaucracy "give" you your rights is asking for trouble.

You imply you want less government and at the same time you say: "...while the government ignored warning signs." Now you blame the government, specifically the Republican government that was in power for 8 years under G. W. Bush. He was for less government and less regulation (he repealed a lot of environmental and other regulations that "impeded" commercialism. I will never believe that commercial world fueled as it is by greed has a conscience and will look after the environment or the rights of individuals except for the wealthiest, more powerful citizens.