Around and Above Boquete

 

Thought I'd share a few additional photos of familiar Boquete scenery...

TVN Special--President Martinelli's 3 years of Governance

This evening I watched the TVN Channel 2 's special program evaluating "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" of President Martinelli's first three years in office.   TVN has a reputation for being negative toward this president, and so I was curious regarding what would be  presented as well as how it would be done. 

I lost track of the time, but the show was at least 60 minutes long, probably more.  I think the station did a reasonable job of presenting both sides, and found myself actually more sympathetic to President Martinelli than previously. 

Negative criticism had to do  with allegations of corruption by family of the president or cabinet members in the president's administration; ie, ---the alleged money laundering in Mexico by a cousin of the President, the selling of Panamanian visas to person's of questionable foreign citizenry and the irregular release of persons suspected of narcotrafficking by the minister of immigration---(this under investigation since March) and the free adjudication of lands worth 12 million dollars to a florist represented by an attorney affiliated with allies of Martinelli.  This apparently was quickly questioned and the land has since been returned, with a lawsuit pending against Anabel Villamonte, the head of the agency that issues land titles, ANATI.   Shortly after this came to light, Ms. Villamonte apparently gifted 54 hectares of protected beachfront property at Juan Hombron to 14 individual corporations, some of which are run by the family of the Minister of the Presidency, Demetrio Papadimitriu.  There was also a scandal involving the provision of contracts for the construction of new Panamanian prisons to an Italian company.

During the program, representatives of the Martinelli administration---Frank De Lima, minister of economy & finance and Alma Cortes, minister of work (labor?) convincingly defended the charges regarding the Italian contracts. However nothing was discussed regarding the other issues mentioned.  At one point, Panama's ex-controller, Alvin Weeden, stated that Panama's supreme court judges  ruled according to President Martinelli's  wishes---something both De Lima and Cortes vehemently denied.  Mr. Weeden lacked credibility, in my humble opinion. 

On a more positive note, President Martinelli and administration were credited with accomplishing many beneficial projects, including the governmental distribution of  a $100 monthly income to persons over 70 years of age, the implementation of the new metro buses to replace the Diablos Rojos, the breaking of ground on the Panama City railway system, the provision of universal scholarships to Panamanian students, the implementation of roadway amplification in many parts of the country, the development of governmental housing projects in Curundu [a destitute area of Panama City], an increase in the minimum wage, the yellow color identification and regulation of taxis thoughout the country, and additional income and improvement in work conditions for the police.    Raul Mendez, with the Chamber of Commerce, also mentioned the positive influence created by economic growth as a result of  increased investment and improved infrastructure in the country's interior regions. Mr. De Lima mentioned that President Martinelli has also increased the amount of investment dedicated to public improvements over prior administrations---from 4 billion  to 13 billion.  He also commented on President Martinelli's strong work ethic and stated the president works 7 days a week non-stop.

From that point the program degenerated, in my opinion, into political posturing by both sides of the discussion table.  Alvin Weeden, ex-controller, and Ana Matilda Gomez, ex-procurator,  representing the opposition and Alma Cortes and Frank De Lima representing the President.  Mr. Mendez and the two television announcers presented as more neutral.  The opposition attacked the President's manner, personality and management style, bringing up personal issues that made them seem petty and less professional.   

At the end of the program, I was more impressed with the accomplishments of the President and his administration, while at the same time possessing a better understanding of why his popularity has taken such a strong dip and why he will continue to be under attack by opposition parties.  His management style---that of a successful business entrepreneur accustomed to doing things his way---has forcefully collided with what is considered appropriate for public administrators and bureaucrats.  Ms. Gomez suggested that she resigned after being told not to present President Martinelli with "technicisms".  She mentioned that what he referred to as "technicisms" were actually laws regarding governance procedures and process.   Her feeling was that he tended to run roughshod over the laws of the land in his eagerness to accomplish all the goals of his administration in his 5 year term.  This is a feeling that the opposition has been able to successfully convey to the Panamanian populace in these first 3 years of the President's administration.  Perhaps it has stuck so well because of the massive changes the country has been obliged to undergo in the first half of Martinelli's presidency.

Hopefully the momentum will continue to focus on the positive work to be done and there will be less attempts at corruption and personal gain by the party's politicians in the two remaining years.

July 3rd addendum:  Just read Don Winner's blog re: the three year benchmark for the present administration.  He, of course, sang the Cambio Democratico's praises, then ended his post with the following remark:

"And I should say I consider a certain degree of corruption to be a common denominator between all Panamanian politicians, so it get's eliminated when solving for "x". " 

How sad!    Perhaps it's true, I don't know and wouldn't venture to guess. But to address the assumption that it is true,  I would only say that this administration has been very unsympathetic to environmental issues.  Many of the transgressions have had to do with violation of the environment and protected lands.  I'd rather see business corruption than destruction of the country's lands and natural beauty.  Whenever there's the chance to choose between development and construction of resorts, parking lots, open pit mines, ---you name it, over protecting natural resources, it's a done deal that the CD will go with corporate interests unless stopped in their tracks by other people and processes.   That's my chief complaint with the current administration.  Otherwise, they've accomplished a lot.  My second criticism is the fact that life has not improved for the ordinary Panamanian.  Other than rare $100 governmental handouts, the average Panamanian wage-earner is being squeezed with record high tax and cost of living increases to pay for the "accomplishments".  

Affordable Care Act Upheld by Supreme Court

Wahoo!   This news just made my day.   Today the Supreme court declared in a 5-4 vote that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is constitutional.   The individual mandate was the primary issue in a lawsuit filed against the act by 26 states and a business group.  Twenty five of the 26 states were Republican.   The argument was that the individual mandate violated the Constitution's interstate commerce clause, which empowers Congress to regulate interstate commerce.  The basis of the arguement was that although healthcare is a form of interstate commerce, individuals who do not engage in commerce cannot be compelled to participate.  The fear was this act could open the door to further eroding of personal liberty. 

The Supreme Court ruled that individuals foregoing insurance coverage still actively participate in the healthcare marketplace because they will eventually require medical attention.  The decision not to get healthcare coverage affects everyone else because the cost of their free or subsidized care is passed on to the rest via higher insurance premiums and healthcare provider costs.    In addition, it leave the existing risk pool of insured Americans smaller and sicker, thus increasing premiums even more.

The justices also upheld the constitutionality of the expansion of the Medicaid program and declared that a penalty applied to individuals who don't obtain health insurance coverage beginning in 2014 does not prohibit consideration of the case beforehand.   This addresses the Anti-Injunction Act which prohibits anyone from challenging a tax in court until it has been paid.

Chalk another one up for Obama!!!

Panama Politics are a Pain

Recently I commented on a post written by Lee Zeltzer in his Boquete-based blog.  Lee was writing about incidences of political unrest that erupted in Panama City during National Assembly sessions.  If you were to watch TV footage of the incident, what you would see are suited politicians getting physical with each other, pushing, shoving, posturing. One man even wielded a police baton at his colleague(s).  In addition to that,  demonstrators tore down plastic partitions when the public observation area was closed off.  Riot police were involved in controlling the situation.  The session eventually was postponed a day or two.

In Lee's last post regarding "Political Unrest in Panama", he danced around the issue of an increasingly apparent political animosity toward current Panamanian president, Ricardo Martinelli.  What Lee basically said about the political unrest was that there are pros and cons to the activities of the current administration, and  there are allegations of corruption, but the most glaring problem is the national cost for the numerous infrastructure projects the Martinelli administration has implemented, and that “someone” has to pay for it.

 

After reading the article,  I decided to play devil’s advocate. I typed off a comment that if I were in a position to vote in the 2014 election, that I would vote for the current Panamanian Vice President, Juan Carlos Varela,  [an outspoken opponent of the current President].  I liked the way Varela responded publically during the indigenous mining protests, and in general I like his political presence from interviews I’ve watched on TV.  He is the leader of the Panamenista political party and not a member of President Martinelli’s Cambio Democratico party.    And he was instrumental in the formation, on June 15^th,  of the Front for Democracy, which is a coalition of Panama’s three other political parties.
 

The Front for Democracy was formed  to show opposition to the current administration’s actions pertaining to approval of bills allowing for the sale of government shares in electric and telecommunications utilities, and for extension of the Supreme Court from 9 to 12 members via creation of a Fifth Chamber.  (The law regarding establishment of the Fifth Chamber was conceived during the administration of a prior president, then later repealed by his successor.  The current political administration was trying to revive the Fifth Chamber and President Martinelli actually named three judges and alternates to this entity.  Apparently their function was to deal with analysis and interpretation of constitutionality matters.)

Vice President Varela commented on the union of the three opposition parties to form the Front for Democracy, stating  that "Democracy belongs to three million Panamanians, not to political parties…. the Fifth Chamber is the beginning of disrespect for democracy."   Other criticisms by other party leaders expressed that the President and his government  "is destroying the country's institutions, acting against the law; they are trying to give continuity to his government to continue in a dance of millions and extract  [the state] resources for their own interest. “   The opinion was that Ricardo Martinelli wants to build the Fifth Chamber as a structure of constitutional interpretation and analysis and do it in his own way for his party’s future electoral intentions.  Other comments included the belief that in addition to destroying institutions the government is auctioning off the national heritage, by selling the shares of the telephone and electricity companies, and the lands of the Colon Free Zone. "What is happening is that it seems they want to buy the goods of the Panamanian state cheaply.”  On the issue of appointment of judges of the Fifth Chamber, the leader of the Popular Party said the president is making an institution as he sees fit because he wants to open a path in his project to remain in power. "What is at stake is whether there will be elections, if there will be democracy, if there will be freedom of expression.”   The Panamanian  people were urged  “to defend our liberties from a person who was elected democratically but does not govern democratically."

I'm getting off subject, but thought the background info might be helpful….In any event, I impulsively posted my comment re: Varela  on Lee's blog to see what others would think or say about this particular politician who I sort of favor. 

A Panamanian responded to say he was undecided, but essentially believed most Panamanians vote not so much in favor of one party or politician as they vote against a particular party or politician.  His comments suggested that Panamanians often became disenchanted with the party in power and tended to vote to replace that party in subsequent elections.
 

The rest of the comments were from expats who very nastily and closed-mindedly told me I was inappropriate in expressing a political opinion and that I was NOT to get involved.    Expats are advised not to engage in political demonstrations or become active in grassroots movements.  I believe this is appropriate and good advice.  However, I think a lot of people are going overboard when they believe it is not okay to become informed of local issues or engage in political discussions with Panamanian nationals.   If the tables were turned, how silly would it sound to tell a US resident alien or foreign student or tourist that they are NOT to engage in political discussions or form a personal opinion regarding our government and / or an upcoming election?  When that becomes the rule, then democracy has definitely been disrespected. 

Below is a link to a Wall Street Journal article regarding the current situation in Panama.  A local expat, who is well-informed regarding Panama politics and very sympathetic to the current President and his administration, criticized the article as biased and misleading.  But despite his knowledge base, I frequently find myself at odds with his opinions.  I thought the Wall Street Journal article was informative.  There is also a video interview with the author on the same web page.  Ms. O'Grady's comments during the interview do seem a bit alarmist, though.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303734204577471082594621986.html

Below is a link to Don Winner's rebuttal of Ms. O'Grady's article. His bias is apparent. He strongly leans to the right in almost all his opinions,  and I'm told has a background in Air Force Intelligence.  This man is a strong proponent of open pit mining in Panama, which I have a rough time accepting.  But he does give a strong argument in favor of the current administration and feels the Wall Street Journal author didn't do adequate research before writing the article. He presents a different perspective.

 

Since I’ve been coming to Panama, I’ve seen the cost of living jump exponentially, and the public be taxed more and more to pay for infrastructure projects that are of questionable need.  I’ve seen little compassion for the environment.  I've been told of blatant attempts to seize control of lands and resources for sale to foreign corporate interests with little recompense to the Panamanian people.  Whether this is true and /or characteristic only of the current administration is something I have no way of knowing.  I only know the change has been very dramatic.   And interestingly enough, the President  renegged on the establishment of the Fifth Chamber.  The sale of government lands and shares of public utilities has also been halted.  The President reportedly has decided to cancel government subsidies for electricity,  and Panamanians are being warned their bills will increase and probably double in the coming months.

Truth be told, it’s really hard to determine truth from political propaganda in Panama, and I’m honestly glad I don’t have the added responsibility of voting in this country’s next election.  I just hope all ends well for this country that I have grown to love.

Documentary on Mining Conflict in Panama

A local expat recently shared this link to a documentary regarding the indigenous struggle against Canadian mining interests in Panama. The film covers the protests I reported on a few months ago and presents both sides to an old, but increasingly common story.

http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/TV%20Shows/The%20National/ID/2247454134/

Avocados are in Season

These were three for a dollar.  The smallest was the size of a softball.  Tried a new recipe suggested by a friend.  Avocados and  ripe pineapple in a plain yogurt and cayenne dressing.   YUMM !

More Panama City Photos

The first photo above is of El Cangrejo by day, taken from the same rooftop as previously.  The second photo is of the F & F Tower, an office building named after the real estate developer,  F & F Properties.  It previously was known as Revolution Tower, but the name has since been changed.  The architect is Pinzon Lozano.  It has 45 floors beneath the spire containing office suites of varying square footage.  Apparently the base of the tower is a regular-looking building not so much to the liking of many Panamanians.   Thinking that the next time I find myself in PC with time on my hands I may try to visit and see what I can see.  Here's a photo taken from the realtor's website.  Apparently there are a total of 52 floors, counting the base.



El Cangrejo at Night

Panama City can be very charming at night from certain vantage points.  Some of my favorite include the mezzanine level of the Metro Mall, the Amador Causeway, Casco Viejo, and the new Costera Sur.  The above photos were taken from a rooftop in El Cangrejo close to the Veneto Casino.  One of the drawbacks of having two equally favorite places is missing whichever one you aren't in.

San Francisco Revisited

Returned stateside a week ago and have been very busy.  Not much time to write.  Just wanted to post some new photos of old familiar stomping grounds.  The Bay Bridge is getting upgraded. They are adding a new curved section with suspension cables where that one dangerous section currently exists.  (Remember the truck that crashed and caught fire several years ago?)  Anyway, I'm not up on all the details, but snapped a quick photo of the new section.  Very different! 

 

Also visited the Palace of Fine Arts a few days ago, and am ashamed to say I wasn't clear on the reason for it's cosntruction until then.  I always thought it was built for a World Fair in the early 1900's.  I was pleasantly surprised to learn it was actually built in 1915 to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal!    It took four years to construct and was part of the 635 acre Panama-Pacific International Exhibition that ran from 2/20/1915 to 12/4/1915.  It drew 19 million visitors during that time.  It now houses the San Francisco Exploratorium.  The building and ground were being renovated when I lived in the city in the late 1960's.  It's quite nice to stroll though the grounds at this time....

 

I took this last photo as a professional photographer was setting up for wedding photos.  It was a gay marriage.  I love San Francisco!

My [Panama] Neighborhood Revisited

I posted photos of my Panamanian neighborhood on a previous blog, and really wanted to transfer that post over. But I didn't save the photos, and trying to add a copy of the photos from a copy of the post isn't working for some odd reason. One of these days I'll do another walk about and update my prior post with new photos. Some of the houses I photographed six months ago have undergone new ownership and significant changes in appearance, anyway.

I did want to mention a neighbor just 2-3 doors down, however. He's in the house next to the guitar player, and is busy sculpting away at some stones recently dumped on the roadside near the edge of his yard. Here are some of the projects he's working on...

The house itself is a virtual shack, but it's made so much more picturesque by the art pieces just sitting around for passers by to enjoy. It's been a lot of fun watching these figures evolve out of the raw stones originally placed there. I've spoken to him a few times about selling the pieces. He may eventually do so, but isn't so motivated at the present time. Their market value is out of my price range, in any event. Probably still a bargain by stateside prices... Ah well, for now, I can enjoy them for free as they just sit out there unfenced, unguarded, unprotected and unassuming.

Mike's Global Grill

I previously didn't frequent this restaurant based on reviews in Boquete NING regarding bad service and poor food.  Recently, though, I've been there twice with friends, once during the weekend and once mid-week.   I was very pleasantly surprised.  The restaurant has a warm, friendly atmosphere, the owners were attentive and very cordial, and the food was excellent.   Wait staff was also superb and the time from placement of food order to table beat Las Ruinas and Amigos by about 200%.

I'm not sure about the beef some people have with this restaurant, but based on personal experience I'd say it's unfounded.   I plan to frequent the place more and would encourage anyone who has been holding back for reasons similar to mine, to ignore the malicious reviews and see for yourself. 

Meet you there!

Good Morning Boquete!

It's an eventful Saturday in Boquete today.  A few days ago the pueblo celebrated its 101 birthday with a parade.  Now there's a pet show and parade scheduled for 10:30 am (hasn't started yet---still getting organized in true Panama fashion) and varied games scheduled for the town square later.  People are hanging balloons everywhere and it's a morning of activity and anticipation.

The weather has been absolutely wonderful for the last several days.  Sunny and warm most of the day---not too hot, just right!  Then cool down in the late afternoon and nice sleeping weather at night.

I'm becoming so used to this climate that when the temp drops to around 70,  I start to "freeze".  See photo Martha snapped last night around 11 pm at Amigos.   I'm trying to down 8 glasses of water a day as part of my weight loss program.  The jacket was compliments of another considerate friend.

Martha needs to update the chronometer on her camera, obviously.

Cross-cultural differences at Easter

This is the first Holy Week that I've spent in Panama.    I spent most of it with Panamanian friends who explained to and  guided me regarding this country's cultural and religious observances of Easter.   I was baptised Lutheran, but even so, with the separation of church and state such a strong issue in the US, even Lutheran religious practices have been "watered down" and I've never experienced many of them.

In the Lutheran church, as well as most Protestant churches, we have services on Good Friday to commemorate Christ's crucifixion. And some of us may fast or will only eat fish on Good Friday.  But the focus of all  Protestant worship during this time is the resurrection.  Easter Sunday is the most celebrated day in terms of worship, church attendance,  praise and inner reflection.  Even the secular sector gets involved with this day, and Easter comes second only to Christmas in terms of business exploitation.  Interestingly enough, this is not the case in Panama and probably not so in other Latin American countries.  Good Friday is the day that is more widely celebrated, and there are no Easter bunnies or colored eggs on Easter Sunday.  Business pretty much resumes as normal on Easter.

In Panama, government and businesses close on maundy Thursday around noon. The sale and/or consumption of alcohol in any business establishment is prohibited by the government.  Supermarkets can't even sell cooking wine.  On Good Friday, the commercial and governmental world comes to a standstill.   In every town or city in Panama, there is an evening  religious procession.  In Boquete, the streets are cordoned off around 6 pm, and the procession generally gets started later, around 8 pm. 

Having been impressed with the procession for the Virgen de la Medalla Milagrosa in Santiago last July, I was looking forward to Boquete's Easter procession as well.   It certainly wasn't what I expected, even though in retrospect it makes perfect sense.  Don't know what I was thinking...

Compared to the Santiago procession, which is a procession of praise, the Good Friday procession is one of mourning.  It is a symbolic funeral procession.  And, for me, it was macabre.  I discussed my gut reaction with friends, but few understood my point of view.  I could only mildly comprehend theirs.  Nevertheless, it was nice to be able to talk about and share our cultural differences.

My camera was hiding on Good Friday, so I couldn't take pictures. But the procession consisted of  four floats and a lot of people on foot with somber faces.  The first float simulated a crucifixion cross, and several bent-over men carried the huge monstrosity on their shoulders   A large sign in the shape of a heart was illuminated at the head of the structure, with the words Peace and Love written in Spanish.  The second float was a glass coffin with a religious image of a dead, agonized and bleeding Christ inside.  Between each float was a crowd of people who solemnly walked along and prayed intermittently.  The third float unsettled me the most.  It was a float of Mary, mother of Christ, dressed in beautiful gowns.  I didn't hang around for the fourth float, as it started to rain and get cold. 

Don't understand why I was bothered by the procession.  All I could think about was that the Catholic Church was brainwashing and exploiting the masses.  I usually don't harbor this attitude, but  I just felt that the coffin and the queen's robes were superfluous overkill.  Too much  melodrama.  Friends and I discussed [and disagreed with] the elevation of Mary's status.  My female friend's perspective was that  Mary, as Christ's mother, is a very important personage who didn't receive the acknowledgment, respect and importance  she deserved during Christ's time.  This friend thought the acknowledgment of the impact of Christ's mother was imminently important...  I pondered whether the Catholic church in Latin countries provides this idolized recognition to satisfy matriarchal social structures.  And although I didn't express these latter thoughts  aloud, it was interesting that a male Panamanian friend nodded in understanding when I asked why Mary was being paraded around in fine garments.  He didn't comment, however. 

The Santiago procession, which was Mary worship on steroids, didn't grate on me to the same extent.  Maybe I was too wrapped up in the picturesque-ness of that parade to ponder the significance of it all.  Being a closet feminist and mother myself,  I'm very surprised that I'm bothered by the idea of Mary adoration.  Why in the world would I criticize or discount Mary's importance?  Could it be because of a covert chauvinism in my own religious upbringing?  I haven't the faintest idea.  But it bothered me to see Mary dressed in a queen's robes and paraded along that way.  I'd love to speak with a religious psychiatrist or psychologist about this.    There is a Hispanic saying that I thoroughly enjoy---Cada mente es un mundo---(every mind is a world).  Maybe I need to explore my own a little more.

The main point to be made is that Panama focuses on the crucifixion of Christ. The closure of government and businesses, and the banning of alcohol in public places is part of the expression of mourning and deference.   For the day of resurrection,  which we celebrate,   Panamanians attend an Easter mass, after which life returns to normal.  Businesses open back up, alcohol can be consumed, and families return to eating meat. 

I have no objection to Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies, believe me.  But I appreciate the Panamanian observances for being more in tune with the true meaning of Easter.   Not thrilled about the Good Friday processions, though.  Que será, será.   

Feria de las Orquideas---Orchid Fair in Boquete

Sick over GOP Resistance to Affordable Care Act

I've spent several hours listening to the Supreme Court arguments regarding the constitutionality of health care reform as approved under the Affordable Care Act.  It was actually nauseating at times to listen to Paul Clement pull no stops in defending the insurance industry's interests under the guise of defending 26 republican states.   How can that man look in the mirror each day?  Maybe he doesn't....

The most obnoxious moment for me was when he said,  "I think there are other options that are available. The most straightforward one would be to figure out what amount of subsidy to the insurance industry is necessary to pay for guaranteed issue and community rating. And once we calculate the amount of that subsidy, we could have a tax that's spread generally through everybody to raise the revenue to pay for that subsidy."   

 I guess he worries about those HMO executives who earn a mere 14 million a year in salary.  If their companies were forced to provide guaranteed issue policies to the uninsured, they might see a drop in their profit margins and have to live like the rest of us.  If Medicaid is expanded in all states, via the aid of the federal government to the tune of about 90%,  please tell me why it's more objectionable to the GOP than bailing out the banks? 

I am extremely concerned about the pending supreme court decision.  If the ACA is defeated I think I will lose all  sense of pride and allegiance to my country.  It will be more than just a major blow.  I am just hoping against hope that the ACA is upheld. 

In one of the professional publications I receive,  there was a synopsis of the ACA written by John E. McDonough, DPh, MPA,  Professor of Health Policy and Management, Harvard University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.   I'm going to cut and paste it below.  After reviewing it,  I challenge anyone to find a rational reason to advocate its defeat. 


Title I. Quality, Affordable Health Care for All Americans

This title fundamentally changes the nature and operation of private health insurance in the United States. Beginning in 2014, no health insurer will be able to sell or rate coverage based on an individual''s medical history; most Americans will be required to obtain health insurance; and substantial financial subsidies will be available to low- and moderate-income Americans to help them afford the cost of health insurance. Most states will operate new "health insurance exchanges" to make shopping for health insurance easier. Small businesses and individuals can shop these insurance exchanges for competitive rates. Other important changes in health insurance, including the banning of lifetime and annual benefit limits, were implemented in 2010.

Title II. The Role of Public Programs

This title creates substantial changes to Medicaid, the federal-state program for many low-income persons. Beginning in 2014, all lower-income individuals will be eligible to enroll in their state's Medicaid program, not just those who fit into categories such as disabled, children, or parents. For the first time, Medicaid will become a more uniform national program with uniform eligibility and enrollment standards as well as quality improvement requirements.

Title III. Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Health Care

This title establishes new mechanisms to improve the quality of medical care in the United States by making it more efficient and effective, and more patient-centered. Medicare will be improved with the addition of new preventive benefits for enrollees; and the Medicare Part D drug benefit will be made more affordable by closing the coverage gap known as the "donut hole." Medicare's rate of growth will be lowered to provide about $450 billion in savings between 2010 and 2019, which should fund about half the cost of the ACA.

Title IV. Prevention of Chronic Disease and the Improvement of Public Health

Title IV is the most ambitious law ever passed to promote healthier lifestyles for all Americans and to prevent disease and disability. A National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council will devise a national prevention strategy, backed up by a $13 billion Trust Fund. Evidence-based clinical preventive services will be provided in most public and private health insurance policies without cost-sharing. Chain restaurants will be required to post the calorie content of their foods.

Title V. Healthcare Workforce

This title establishes a National Healthcare Workforce Commission to analyze and plan for workforce needs and to make recommendations to congress and the administration. Support is provided to expand the healthcare workforce, especially in primary care. Major expansions for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps are funded.

Title VI. Transparency and Program Integrity

Title VI provides new authority to federal and state agencies to combat fraud and abuse in Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance. Drug companies and medical suppliers will report most gifts and other gratuities to physicians for public release on a federal Website. The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute is established as a public-private entity to support research on comparative clinical effectiveness. New transparency requirements on the nursing home industry will provide information to protect and empower patients and their families. The Elder Justice Act provides a national framework to combat violence, neglect, and financial exploitation of senior citizens.

Title VII. Improving Access to Innovative Medical Therapies

This title directs the US Food and Drug Administration to develop a regulatory pathway to permit the development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of biosimilar biologic products, generic-like versions of biopharmaceutical drugs. It also ends anticompetitive efforts to keep generic drugs off the market, and offers drug discounts to hospitals and communities that serve low-income patients.

Title VIII. CLASS: Community Living Assistance Supports and Services

This title authorizes a new national and voluntary long-term disability insurance program to provide workers with daily cash payments and support if they become permanently and temporarily disabled. People who enroll in CLASS must pay premiums for a minimum of 5 years. The funding is flexible and can be used for a range of services. No tax money will be used to fund this program. Its only permitted financing source -- enrollee premiums -- must be sufficient for at least 75 years if the Health and Human Services Secretary is to launch the program.

Editor's Note: The Obama administration announced on October 15 that it was abandoning plans for CLASS. Congress is expected to quickly draft legislation to repeal the provisions of this title.

Title IX. Revenue Provisions

This section covers the financing for slightly less than half the cost of the ACA. Key provisions establish new Medicare taxes on high-income wage earners, as well as new taxes on pharmaceutical manufacturers, health insurance providers, and medical device manufacturers. Also included is an excise tax on high-cost, employer-provided health insurance; changes to health savings accounts and other individual health accounts; and a 10% tax on indoor tanning services.

Title X. Strengthening Quality, Affordable Healthcare for All Americans


The final title in the act is the "Manager's Amendment," which includes amendments and additions to Titles I-IX, reflecting the unusual legislative process leading to passage of the ACA. Additional changes to Titles I-X were approved in a separate measure called the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (HCERA) signed into law by President Obama 1 week after he signed the base law on March 23, 2010. This title also reauthorizes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which provides healthcare to American Indians and Alaskan natives.

Artist Exhibition and Auction

You are  invited to an exhibition of paintings by noted local artist,  Marjorie Freiburghaus, being held April 4th through April 7th,  at the chapel and adjacent locales in Valle Escondido,  from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

   

Ms. Freiburghaus has exhibited in multiple galleries in Panama City where she’s frequently commissioned  for private pieces.  She’s gaining popularity in Boquete, as well,  for her colorful abstract, scenic, and folk depictions. 

 

This event is a benefit to raise funds for oncology treatment.  Nineteen works will be displayed and available for purchase.   On the final day of the event, there will be an auction for any remaining pieces,  between 4 pm and 6 pm.

 

For additional information call:  720-2454 (Valle Escondido) or you can email me at summerscharlotte@gmail.com

Law 11 of 3/26/12---The Indians Won

According to TVN  local news sources,  this past Monday,  3/26/12,  President Martinelli signed and sanctioned  Law 11,  which also carries the signature of the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ricardo Quijano.   This law establishes a special regimen of protection of mineral, water, and environmental resources of the Ngobe Bugle comarca and its defined, annexed areas in accordance with Law 10 of 1997.  It further recognizes the soverignty of the indigenous over these resources.  The new law cancels and prohibits concessions for the exploration, exploitation, and extraction of mineral resources and prohibits the alteration of river mouths, channels, and tributaries.  It also prohibits private appropriation of water sources.  Any future discussion or proposals regarding the establishment of hydroelectric plants must be approved by a general, regional or local congress and later submitted to a referendum of all entities involved.   The new law also obliges any future hydroelectric projects to dedicate 30 per cent of the benefits locally,---5 percent to the indigenous community and 25 per cent to the affected people, be they indians or local campesinos [rural residents].  It also establishes regulations regarding which indigenous organizations and persons are authorized to make decisons for the community.   The law will go into effect as soon as it is inscribed in the Official Gazette. 

Apparently the law underwent two debates in the National Assembly before acquiring the Presidential signature, so it should pretty much be official unless this political party plays the same games as previously and fails to get the law inscribed.  Given all the national and international attention, however, it seems it would be very difficult to sweep under the rug.

A great victory for the indigenous, and for the environment!

A Good Time Not to Be "Rich"

There have been a string of violent home invasions in Chiriqui in the last two weeks---three of them occurring in the last 8 days.  Information and details of each incident have been kept very close to the cuff, but apparently the victims are being pistol-whipped and the homes robbed.  The last incident, two nights ago, reportedly involved attempted rape. 

A community meeting is being held tomorrow at the BCP Tuesday market to discuss the matter.  As one resident told me,  "Everyone and their dog will be there."  Not me.  I'll just wait for the Cliff Notes  version to trickle down and try to figure out where and/or how I should get involved.   At this point the criminals seem to be running the show.  They have been smart enough to not strike more than once in any area and are spacing the invasion sites in towns sufficiently far enough from each other to catch everyone off guard. 

To the best of my knowledge, the recent victims have been expats, and the homes have been in Volcancito, Los Nances (Caldera), Portrerillos and Las Olas (Playa Barqueta).  The Boquete expat community has been very vocal about guns for personal protection while  living in gated communities.

Uhhh, right.   What Panama needs about now--- more gun-toting seniors living in expat islands...

I don't understand why people from first world environments have to immigrate to poorer countries  to lord it over the locals, flaunt their privilege, and then loudly complain when they are victimized.  And don't get me started re: the most obnoxious man I've ever encountered anywhere  appearing at the El Rey Supermarket in David today to verbally abuse a poor,  uninvolved, unsuspecting  stock boy because he found a rotting peach amidst the produce.  I've never been so ashamed to be even remotely associated with anyone--if only by language and country of origin.

I'm sure there will be lots said in the local forums following tomorrow's meeting.  Frankly I wish all the people with the entitled personalities would take a flying fulcrum and get the hell out. 

I honestly feel for the unfortunate victims of the brutal attacks.  But, maybe if we would all just assimilate instead of alienate,  we wouldn't be having community meetings about dealing with such sequelae. 

Time to Update, I Guess

Just where does the time go? It's been about 3 weeks since my last post, and it seems like only 3 days. The Jazz Festival came and went. It was very successful despite indigeneous protest demonstrations that kept a lot of people from coming that had planned to do so.   I didn't go to the opening parade,  but did attend the jam session on Saturday night at Amigos and went to the Sunday performances.  Great music  both places.  Lots of dancing at Amigos...At one point I was holding my own with two twenty-something Panamanian lads.   Sunday evening had dinner with friends at a new Peruvian restaurant that opened where Culturas used to be.  This new place is a vast improvement over Culturas.  Hope they are able to stay in business.   The location has not had a good history.  But the food and ambiance was great, and I'd like to go again.  I think the name of the restaurant is Casona del Cuzco.   I recommend it!

Currently my time is being absorbed with house renovations and educating an Amigos de Animales rescued cat that I've named Romeo.   A sick friend has learned she needs to undergo radiation therapy, but is maintaining a positive outlook and making the most of things.  I'm trying to provide whatever support I can.   Have also taken on some volunteer work teaching English.   My days have been quite filled, and right now, boredom is appealing.  Will try to keep more current on the posts, however.    Romeo is learning not to scratch the furniture, and sends his hellos.

Local Sentiment re: Another Carnaval-Type Parade

Well, it seems my concerns about political incorrectness are misguided. I've spoken with a few Panamanian locals about the upcoming Jazz Festival parade during Lent, etc.  The overall response was that another parade and party-like celebration is just fine.   The best comment came from a Costa Rican man with a Chiriqui-born wife and children.  He said that religious matters were observed on Sundays, and that the only people who might take exception to the upcoming spectacle would be "a couple of priests and maybe a few old ladies."  It felt as though he were holding a mirror up in front of me!  But he had no idea what my personal views were and was just speaking off the cuff, so that's that....

I fear I'm turning into a grumpy old woman, and this is a wake up call.  Panamanians have their priorities right.  They like to party and they know how to enjoy life.   They don't take stupid stuff seriously and they try to be respectful of their fellow man-----unless their fellow man is a grumpy party-pooper.  In that case he's on his own.   Generally he's invited to join the festivities regardless.

Last Wednesday, there was a standstill in the negotiations between the Ngobe-Bugle community and the current political administration.  The Indians went back out and closed the Interamerican Highway at San Felix and one or two other spots.  Then a few people off the street were interviewed re: their reaction to the closures.  One woman said,  "I sympathize with the cause of the indigenous, as does most of the populace.  But the road closures at this time---just before Carnaval--is only hurting the populace.  The President and his cabinet all have money and can get around just fine.  It's the common man who is affected by the traffic jams.  It's the common man who won't be able to enjoy the Carnaval festivities."   Less than an hour later, the Indians opened up the road blocks and announced they would maintain a close vigil, but not interrupt traffic flow.  Negotiations would resume on 2/27/12, and if things didn't take a more positive turn at that time, they would react again with road closures. 

As I said, it's important to get your priorities straight.  I won't be at the pending parade, because I'm just not into acting silly that way.  But I've stopped worrying about being considered an ugly American.

Peaceful Protests in Boquete

Talks continue regarding mining and hydroelectric issues.  Yesterday's announcements regarding progress to date explained talks would be focusing on areas adjacent to the comarca borders,  which are home to many indigenous people, but considered unincorporated.  Below is a link to a short video regarding a peaceful demonstration held this afternoon in Los Naranjos, just outside downtown Boquete.


http://www.tvn-2.com/noticias/noticias_detalle.asp?id=68814

This should go without saying.....

but apprently needs to be said anyway.  This blog is a private and personal account of my experiences and impressions of Panama, a country I hope to immigrate to upon retirement. My posts are intended for family and friends, and occasional others who might happen upon the site and be curious about my subjective views. 

It is NOT OKAY to cut, paste, or copy  portions of my posts, change wording, and redistribute my writing in a way that gives the impression the content is either yours or your reporting of facts.   

I am no expert on Panama and don't want to represent myself as such.  I'm just someone who loves  it and is thinking of retiring in Boquete if things work out.  I express my positive and negative views, and admit they are entirely mine.  My posts are not intended to accomplish anything more than provide me a creative outlet and share a little of my time with those I care about. 

It's a Truce, not a Resolution

The expat community in Boquete, as well as many  Panamanians, are of the impression that an agreement was reached today that resolves the dispute between the indigenous peoples of Chiriqui and the Panamanian government.  Oh, if it were only that simple...  What did occur today was an agreement that the Indians would stop protests and begin negotiation if  the government met specific baseline conditions.  Below is my  translation of an article published by TVN-2,  Panama's national news station.

The Indians and the government reached an agreement today that puts an end to the protests begun by the Ngobe Bugle community more than a week ago.  The mediator, Montsignor Lacunza read  the Ngobe demands which are now part of that agreement.  Among these were the immediate release, without charge, of those persons detained and held in custody during the protests,  a return to their baseline status, urgent attention to those Ngobes who were injured or affected during the clashes, and permanent indemnification to the family of Jeronimo Rodriquez, who was killed during confrontations.   (My comment: Jeronimo Rodriquez is the 26 yr old man who was shot in the left chest.  In prior posts I wrote that his name was Guillermo Moctezuma and later Jeronimo Montezuma, because that's what the television stations originally reported.  Somewhere in the mayhem, his name was changed or corrected to Jeronimo Rodriquez.)  The Indians also demanded cessation of repression and persecution of the demonstrators, the Indian chiefs,  and members of the office of the National Coordinator.  This also included the dismissal of cases that were forwarded to the Public Ministry and dismissal of indigenous prisoners.   Petition was made for the re-establishment of cell phone service, immediate withdrawal of the riot squads,  and implementation of a thorough investigation by human rights organizations regarding what occurred during the demonstrations.  Additionally they want to maintain the Catholic Church as the mediator and have as observing parties the Evangelical Church, the Rector for the University of Panama, Gustavo Garcia de Paredes, and the United Nations representative.

Before signing the document, the chieftess Silvia Carrera,  expressed her gratitude to Montsignor Lacunza, who functioned as mediator in this conflict, and implored the government to keep it's promise regarding the pact. 

For his part, the Minister to the Presidency, Demtrio Papadimitriu, assured that the government will take measures to compensate the family of the deceased Jeronimo Rodriquez, and reiterated the disposition of the government for dialogue.   

Papadimitriu explained that today's agreement pertains to dialogue begun this morning   regarding the Mining Law as based on last year's agreement in San Felix relevant to the prohibition of exploration and exploitation of mineral and water resources on lands of the Indian comarca. 

The Minister also assured that they will proceed with the liberation of the Indians detained during the confrontations in David, Santiago, and Panama. 

For their part, the Indians promised to end the protests currently being organized.

Essentially what has been agreed upon is a "cease fire" while negotiations continue.  This initial agreement couldn't have come at a more opportune time.   The Boquete police had been forewarned that barring some kind of agreement today,  there would be another demonstration in Boquete center and the target would be the Boquete Police Station.  Several of the businesses in the area, including Banco Nacional,  boarded up windows and doors.  The police moved all equipment, records, desks and furniture from the police station to the Feria Building in preparation for the event.    What I found most interesting was that the required agencies and personnel were forewarned in Boquete, unlike what transpired in Volcan.    Panamanians have told me they believe the additional consideration shown to Boquete reflects an improved relationship the community has with the indigenous.  Volcan is a large agricultural area and the indigenous are farm laborers for agrobusinesses.  In Boquete the Indians are better assimilated. 

It remains to see what will happen regarding the issues at hand.  As I've previously mentioned, the Panamanian populace has been unhappy with the current administration for awhile now.   It's amazing what the indigenous have been able to accomplish with so little arms and so few numbers.   Tomorrow's scheduled Day of Protest would have been interesting  because it would have included many organizations and groups sympathetic to, but not part of, the Ngobe community's goals.  My guess is the current administration would rather this not be blatantly revealed.  It is also my guess that the result of future negotiations will be much more transparent this time around.    Hopefully they will go smoothly. 

Dialogue begins....

Much awaited talks began today at 12:30 pm in San Lorenzo at the Abel Tapeiro Miranda Professional and Technical Institiute.  President Martinelli was not there.  Present were Montsignor Jose Luis Lacunza acting as mediator,  the Minister of the Presidency--Demetrio Papadimitriu---, Minister of Government, ---Ricardo Fabrega---, and Secretary of Communications for the State, ---Luis Eduardo Camacho.  Also reportedly present were national assembly deputies  Jose Munoz (Cambio Democratico) Osman Gomez (Panamenista) and Crispiano Adames, Elias Castillo, and Crescencia Prado (PRD).

Representing the indigenous people were chieftess Silvia Carrera, and Rogelio Montezuma representing the coordinator,  among others.

At the present time there is no news regarding any resolutions or outcome.