31
May 09
It would be hard to determine what are the reasons –should one call the issues instead- that have led the second most powerful political force of 2006 into something of a popularity warp zone. The PAC´s convention held last Sunday was for sure material of great scrutiny by the media, but due to it´s membership dispositions one of relative poor attendance by the electorate, and this wouldn´t be the only one factor in a list of several unsatisfying vectors.
A new party known as PAP or AP (Party of the Patriotic Alliance) led by Mariano Figueres –brother of the ex president of the same family branch- and disenfranchised liberacionista Rolando Araya Monge rises now claiming to truly convey the message of the national movement clearly identified with the opposition to the free trade treaty with the USA. The PAC thus rely now on its party´s overstated appeal and that of his newly appointed 2 times presidential candidate Otton Solis. The struggle that crippled the shine of the same cannot be traced only to the split between Solis and Campbell but much longer ago to the mishandled rejection to the results of the election to which Arias made the presidency by the grip of mere numeric luck.
Even if Solis carries with him the ideals that make the backbone of the Social Action Party, the arguments as to the permanence of a brotherly and agreeable bond between its members could be as easily dismissed as Epsy´s “caucasianness”.
Most recently Campbell argued the Convention would not only prove unsatisfactory in demographic scale alone –due to their obsecate setting which rules out the admittance of any vote from any other citizens rather than those coming from those who did inscribe themselves in a somewhat obscure and ultimately ineffective process- but also in equal opportunities as the very electoral sheets did not regard the input of their visually impaired. A recourse presented before election day to impede the vote reception due to arguable result issuance was dismissed on early as well.
Cambell´s and Macaya´s (who was he anyways?) fore-sung defeat did not necessarily point out the party´s general immaturity as a political massive force but in fact the relative easiness with which it appears to deal with it´s internal problems, dismissing the small problems in direct forfeiture of their supposed principles, and the arrogant posture of it´s politically engorged personas. Cradles of mud don´t seem to live up to their messiah promises as often as it becomes involved with politics.
30
May 09
Laura Chincilla may be as clueless about the factors that seem to make her less agreeable before the local gay community as probably Ricky Martin is about his sexuality –no statements made-. However, the reality of the matter points to the following: as far a fandom amongst the homosexuals in Costa Rica, Johnny Araya and Otton Solis get all the smileys.
Before a set of questioning presented to all pre-candidates to the future 2010 elections, Chinchilla appears to have answered in the most “inconclusive and evasive manner”, or so claims Aberlardo Araya, leader of the local group called Movimiento Diversidad.
Chinchiclla expressed herself to be greatly at odds with the repercussions of her words in regards to the “gay marriage issue”, -“I do not understand, my position has been the same of always and does not set itself different from those of other candidates¨- said she, ever so… clearly.
And however right she might have been in declaring that Movimiento Diversidad does not represent the majority of the costa rican gay community, the matter remains, while failing to address their utter disposition or opposition to the reform to the constitution which would allow gay men and women to marry –and/or also to the simple amendment that would entitle homosexuals to the same rights as regular heterosexual couples in regards to loans and rights over death or disease- their preference can be gained all all-together lost, which explains why the fine threading on the theme.
28
May 09
Minor de Jesus Calvo Aguilar, better known as Padre Minor will be released from jail this coming Monday, this due to a special recourse granted by the Criminology Institute of the Justice Ministry.
The once poster-boy of the costa rican catholic counter-reformation of the mid and late 90´s had his public image greatly damaged by a series of scandals that ranged from factual accusations of mishandling of funds –very thing which ultimately led him to spend time in San Sebastian prison center- as well as allegations of sexual misconduct with an under aged boy in the politically incorrect park of La Sabana.
The special provision with which Calvo was gifted is a special form of “probation” that determines the inmate to be allowed to spend 5 days-a-week sleeping at home while he needs present himself at the premises of the Adaptación Social building in Guadalupe and spend the night for the two other days. If this was to be violated in any way –expressed the judge- he would be returned to the conditions of his penance for the remainder of his 8 year sentence for fraud.
In the meantime, Minor Calvo will spend his regular labour hours in the Ecclesiastic Archives of the Catholic Church, same entity that has wished not comment on the case except to declare their desire to help in the atonement process of their fallen star.
22
May 09
The diligence with which the Catholic Church continues to render its influence over social aspects of the national way of life fickles little even when the count of its adherents diminishes with every year that passes to other religious flocks and Atheism. Birth control and the sexual over-exposure of teenagers are not however the only topics over which Monsignor Barrantes daily rules upon but as the trend has demanded also: the crisis is in vogue!.
And precisely on this particular some tension had been raised in past days between President Arias and the local Catholic “high command”: The Church had declared the measures of Plan Escudo wanting and failing to aid in the daily struggles of our people to deal and overcome the crisis –perhaps the one fitting deed the enclave of Saint Peter has committed itself into if not also the only respectable social endeavor in my own personal view-, however paradoxically Barrantes claimed the government had failed to come up with a plan that would successfully stand for the interests of all different groups in Costa Rica. ?
Oh my!, but if ever I saw the Church wishing defend the rights of all members of the flock and not just of its own. President Arias however did not fail to respond at the precise moment with something of a sharp quasi-classical remark: “I´d like to know how much money is the Church spending in helping the poor”. Touché.
In spite of all respectable subjects of discussion raised hereby, the always reliable and ever-watchful eye of Mayi Antillon´s Ministry of State Information has somewhat reshaped and toned down the character with which the President had so “rudely” addressed the situation. Now, they wish only underline the comparable work of both the government and religious entities to halt the recession and aid the community during these so perilous times. Don´t we all wish sometimes real life politics resembled more a Reality TV? (unless one thinks of course of the laughable scenarios of say, the Nigaragua Parliament?).
18
May 09
Robespierre himself felt the cold blow of the repercussions of turning politics from a popular to a personal agenda even back during the dawn of the French Revolution, for it appears not great multitudinous gain is obtained before a rational humanitarian nerve becomes greatly stricken in the process. France is to this day all but the exception to the rule I´ve defined myself as the “Oh how the League of Nations Issue persists to this day”.
Costa Rica among other members of the Temporary Security Council of the UN pledged their voice of criticism to the stagnant situation of violation to the Human Rights Chart in Western Sahara, while France stood alone in opposition due mainly to an “inappropriate use of terms applied to the crisis”. It is unknown to me what exactly are the interests of France in permitting the claimant rule of Morocco to the Spanish ex-colony and the continuation of the unsustainable situation of over 150,000 refugees in the deserts of Argel but while “diplomacy” mandates over the future of this fated strip of land no solution appears in sight.
While the UN ultimately ratified the maintaining of the body in charge of preparing an eventual referendum in Western Sahara for local autonomy, France questioned and showed displeasure in the term “Humane Dimension” of the crisis included in the final document, preferring to have it be instead “Humanitarian Dimension”.
The eternal flow of “technical problems” in the editing of primary relevance texts has had a staggering legacy in day to day politics in the world for quite some time; and even thou world leaders persist in demanding patience and trust in their capacity to conciliate over matters as serious as these, sometimes I can´t help but feel that direct Medieval action is required –hoping to wipe any concepts of irrationality normally attached to the term and not wishing fall into the same senseless discussion over conceptual correctness- the strength of the anger of masses is the one thing that makes full-suited whisky-chugging diplomats retake notion of their duties. Is there an alternative?
22
Apr 09
While in the past weeks I indulged some on the critique to the Tico Modus Vivendi and their particular approach to the national religious holidays –however identified I personally felt to the season this year particularly- I wish have no other partial view but that of outright upsetness… again.
Firstly I had been presented on the 12 o`clock news, and later, also written on the papers: it appears as if several local families turned to the few –and already heavily burdened- homes for the elderly to dispose of their…party pooping old and handicapped, supposing of course –and probably rightly so- they wished see themselves freed from the arduous and unbearable task of having to worry for them while they go enjoy the pleasures of natural frugality.
Such a plainly amorous and warm note immediate caught my eye and ear and it seemed unfeasible to me anyone would dare present so unholy a thing during a time when Ticos are already known to squander and belittle the few remaining principles which the season had always pressed to strengthen. But of course!, wholesomeness of character has never been our forte, yet, I believed of all permissible hedonism, none could ever be so blatant as to strike directly to one of our most desecrated minorities: the elderly.
It amused me to have reporters bathe with reprimands the few fools who engaged in such objectionable a-thing, and in my very human heart an uncanny sense of violated justice arose like ashes fly lightly with a sudden breeze. Evidently those responsible for the centers raised their voices to the heavens calling for anyone who reckoned the possibility –or should I say ignominy- to refrain from doing so as, they had not the resources not the patience to tolerate the grievance to the institutions and their souls.
Shame on you! (i do hope some of you read it!)
22
Apr 09
Nicaragua blows chances for direct trade agreement with the EU once more. It appears the macro-economic dream of a joint Central American effort towards regional integration and the benefits of its persuasion before larger and stronger trade partners will never be realized; this while the aged and belligerent postures of such figures as Ortega continue to meddle with the progressive views of much more developed economies of countries such as El Salvador and Costa Rica.
And even when the shift towards a more populist approach to government has recently also regained the affections of the peoples of our region –with the natural implications on the international affairs charter of the Americas- the growing small and middle sized entrepreneurs long for a broader horizon of market opportunities.
The EU has agreed to renegotiate the clauses of the agreements where local produce of milk, beef and other such sensitive items had been constant object of discord and thus soften their regularly rigid postures before what could become a fierce quality competitor. The opportunity therein appears too attractive for even the most hardened of Left-wingers to continue in their incessant demand for fairer equal trade conditions, or so it would appear to me in all agreeable common sense.
This is not the first occasion when in fact Nicaragua has burdened the table of international negotiations, the precept it appears, would not be that of solely objecting the circumstances that would clearly leave then in disadvantageous stand before competition but THAT of upsetting the scene for the only goal of gaining spotlight for their political inclinations.
During the fore-coming 23rd and 24th of April, Costa Rica is to rejoin the negotiation with the European Commission to try and approach a much desired covenant.
14
Apr 09
(On Vice president Biden`s visit) Most definitely the most productive and honest of all North American visits since Kennedy´s, yet greatly insufficient for immediate counter-measuring on all issues the Bush administration “unwillingly” fostered.
While policies –in and outbound- intended to fight terrorism occupied the stage, extremely dangerous affairs grew and developed into the voragine of chaos that has consumed the first months of Obama`s presidency, and as he himself has shown prowess in political multitasking –pragmatically so, some may say- the one clear result to this day is none but the ever-radiant image of a president who IS standing for what he said… regardless of the time it may take him in fulfilling either one goal.
As far as Costa Rica and its place of relevance among the renewed list of US financial aid recipients… acceptable would perhaps befit it best, yet, that same word would likely fit any other nation for Obama has decreed International Love.
A more determined approach is required for Latin America and the United States would err greatly if assuming to leave its south-end neighbors deal on their own. While B.O. was headed NATO´s way, Biden was sent for tequila and coffee, hopefully not so equally pertaining to the actual vision of their overall international affairs agenda.
17
Mar 09
As reported by the national financial authorities, our economy has retracted about 4.5% when compared to the January period of 2008. This would mean in practical terms that our country hasn’t faced so threatening a premise in about 17 long years.
The Costa Rican motto has always implied the carefree –if not going too far and wishing call it careless instead!- character of its people, but while having heard nationals who reside in California explain how it was impossible for them to find a job there and turning back home to make 4 or more times LESS income in similar activities make me somewhat weary.
The national employment market has already become burdened by the national rate of unoccupied peoples and yet, an international influx grows to make the final cut even larger. The circumstances thus that have made Ticos in the past refrain from exploiting in vanities while during Holy Week would seem now not to strike the religious but their pocket consciences instead.
Calm and provisioning is widely advised and I find this directly coincides with the regular seasonal diet: canned tuna, reluctance for red meats, fasting and chiverre marmalade. Austerity means thus now more than it did last year, and maybe, just maybe we’ll find the roads to our beaches less congested this year during Resurrection Sunday.
17
Mar 09
Just as it was witnessed by public protest at the Manuel Benavides and Castella Schools, the factual action offered by the governmental institutions to aid in the integration of the challenged and handicapped in Costa Rica still has a long way to go, and this doesn’t simply strike the area of public services but also and more gravely: their possibility to make a decent living.
A recent study has shown how IN REALITY, the chances the aforementioned citizens have to score a job and gain the honorable means to make decent living are utterly scarce, if only accidental and charitable in public measure.
Still many bus companies refuse to implement the addition of wheelchair support and construction works –especially of the small commercial impact zone- continue to neglect the laws that force for the inclusion of special access lanes to their entry gates. The phenomena well covers the entirety of our country in a similar fashion and the event of actually finding the requirements properly applied particularly in public sites makes for permanent remembrance and admiration.
The problem can easily be justified by the little attention paid by the responsible agencies to mandate and survey the provisioning of the lawful decree; as well as in the general public disregard for the same measures. Where tourism demands ever more strongly for our infrastructure to comply with the demands of a varied list of backgrounds and circumstances it seems laughable such healthy and necessary arrangements remain unattended.