cali373 has left 1206 comments

cali373 comments on $1,000,000,000 Tax on U.S. Exports to Colombia

bogotabrian I agree with you. Electronics are very expensive in Colombia compared to the US and Mexico. however Colombia should not just center on lower prices on US products but also Asian products. Remember competition descreases prices not less tariffs, even though less tariffs hellp.

cali373 comments on 13 cocaine labs destroyed in Colombia

Now only a couple of thousand more to go!!! except for the paramilitary labs. Those are ok.

cali373 comments on U.S. base is no longer welcome in Ecuador

jajaja

cali373 comments on Dollar hits 2-month high vs. euro

"nine inch nails", that may or not be an accurate prediction. Europe is enjoying strong currency and its largest trading partners are other European nations with a strong currency so exports are not declining. Now a continetal slowdown may result in lower oil prices because less oil will be needed to run the economies but Europe has never consumed oil like the U.S., China and India. Europe also leads the rest of the world in alternative energy and conservation. Which may help with oil prices. What I dont't understand is how a European slowdown will lead to a stonger dollar. A currency's strength has to do with supply and demand, not a slowdown of other economies. ADVICE: stick to Bloomberg and Barron's for quick financial advice. Stick too CNN and FOX if you want to know about Britney Spears

cali373 comments on Chavez and Recession in Bolivia

CatGirl. What is the news source of this article??? And what doe sit have to do with recession?

cali373 comments on U.S. base is no longer welcome in Ecuador

Big deal, the base will just be moved to Peru or Colombia. Has anyone ever thought how US americans would react to Foreign country's Military base in the continental U.S.?

cali373 comments on Colombian Contestant on American Idol

You know I spend time on here in order to get away from things like american idol. JAJAAJA. I do wish the guy good luck though. whoever he is.

cali373 comments on Dollar hits 2-month high vs. euro

nbenjamin I understand your arguement regardig a weak dollar, however the point where a weaker dollar has benefitted the economy has been surpassed and is no longer a benefit. The reason is that it is now more costly to purchase barrels of oil. this is not a thesis (?) it is a fact. Therefore driving up the cost of EVERYTHING! This is not good for US americans that have already been seeing "real wages" decrease since 1973. The increase in exports has not helped against the decrease in purchasing power. A weaker dollar is only a benefit when inflation is tamed. The Federal Reserve has been conveniently quiet about inflation lately.

cali373 comments on Bush Touts His Record(?) On Latin America--Serious,,,LOL

As oppossed to touting his record on anything else?

cali373 comments on Dollar hits 2-month high vs. euro

I hate to break it to some of you but the institution of the presidency does not have short term control on the value of the dollar. The Federal reserve has more control the US currency. The FED is also completely independent of the executive branch. What is true is that over the span of the last eight years of policy of spending more and taxing less, without significant growth in revenue, which means the country owes even more now and receives less to pay obligations. This has caused the value of the dollar to weaken. It will take more than 8 years to get back to pre-2000 dollar values where the USD was even with the Euro. but I hope it is less than that.

cali373 comments on Will vote in Bolivia spur separatism moves abroad?

What exactly are the autonomous looking for? I think it is just to control more the revenues coming from the gas reserves. Because of an authoritarian government? We are talking about a country that has had more dictators/caudillos then any other South amercian country. The difference is that now it is not a central government that favor the old Oligarch. Bolivia should never has been a country on its own but the east part of Argentina and the West part of Peru.

cali373 comments on Paraguay winner means more leftist leaders in Latin America

Goes to prove that the FARC strategy is not a goal that will be realized anytime soon.

cali373 comments on Deaths of Union workers

AFL-CIO Files Complaint Against Guatemala Over Union Violence http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=alcuAvbGzFnU

cali373 comments on Deaths of Union workers

For those that like to think of human lives in the form of numbers, like when less union workers have been killed than in previous years. Well since it is human lives why dont we think about it this: lets say we have 2 grandmothers (like most of us) and one gets killed by thugs and the police decide that other things are more important than investigating the murder, Well at least you still have the other one. Somehow that just doesn't seem right, does it?

cali373 comments on Colombia: Rebels tried to kill Uribe

Why is this considered recent news? thsi is old news? Is the pro-Uribe Colombian media trying to take away from real new like recent para-politic scandals. It is so obvious.

cali373 comments on Roundtrip Colombia, what is safe?

What is an american breakfast? two eggs on a bagel?

cali373 comments on Could you recommend a colombian city to visit?

Can't go wrong with Pereira.

cali373 comments on Good Restaurants in Santa Marta/Rodadero

Restaurants are not that great in Santa Marta

cali373 comments on I FOUND PEACE BETWEEN COLOMBIANS AND ECUATORIANS

Since we are in topic, why is correa an idiot? What has this U.S. educated PHD in economics do that made him an idiot? And please try to stay clear of the usuall baseless righ-wing propaganda and stay with facts.

cali373 comments on Liberalism and Socialism

I have to commend cerialkiller in proving a definitions of the difference between economic liberalism and political liberalism. however as I can see some of us cannot understand the difference here. As far as economic liberalism, in the past their has been dire consequences where free markets have failed and state intervention was needed to fix the markets which were supposed to fix themselves. Something happening on a small scale recently in the U.S.

cali373 comments on IN-N-OUT OR HAMBURGUESAS DEL CORRAL?

IN N OUT!!!!

cali373 comments on Laptop in Cartagena

I have seen people backpack from peru up to colombia with a laptop. it will get stolen from you just as easy as it will get stolen in the U.S. because of carelessness.

cali373 comments on What is A Paramiltitary Group?

It is safe to say that paramilitarism did not solve anything in Colombia but increase violence even though some would say that it made certain areas safe. This is false because it made certain area's safe from guerillas but not safe from everything else including the sadistic murderous tendencies of paramilitaries. In fact is just meant that Uribe had to deal with another illegal armed group (which of course he was involved with). He started legal paramilitary groups called convivirs in Antoquia which were later made illegal because their violent acts could not be controlled. But then again it is a direct result of the Colombian government's lack of response to the social conditions of Colombia. I don't undertstand how people can support paramilitaries for doing the same terrorist acts conducted by guerillas. Or support a stronger police presence and rule of law instead of rampant violence and illegal acts. Notice how things are better in Colombia now that their is less paramilitarism and more state security presence.

cali373 comments on What is A Paramiltitary Group?

The umbrella AUC paramilitary group was formed in the 80's and grouped together loose units of paramilitars units. Paramilitary groups IN RECENT HISTORY were primarely formed to protect the wealthy from guerillas. Even Pablo Escobar had his own paramilitary army (mas) against guerillas and then a paramilitary group (los pepes) were formed to take out Escobar's people. Paramilitaries were also formed to suppress union organizing and kill/disappear union organizers. You see in Colombia Unions are a target of paramilitaries whether or not they are infiltrated by the FARC. Throughout Colombian history paramilitarism has been around since independence formed by landowners (most conservatives) to consolidate power and land from colombians who had little land and landless peasants. ( read the story of guadalupe salcedo)

cali373 comments on Colombia: a frontier market that might surprise?

In the grand scheme of things a large population means nothing other than provide cannon fodder in a war. Colombia's 44 million people is a major issue. It is overly populated and it needs an economy to support 44 million which it does not have. Venezuela and Argentina has about half of that amount, except that Argentina's economy is much bigger. Venezuela's economy is about a quarter smaller but then again it only has about half the population. I agree the taxes as well as the banking system needs a serious overhaul, Something that Uribe the great has failed to do anything about, yet does not get criticized about in public. The media talks only about what he does, and not what he does not do.

cali373 comments on What are you doing to help the actual Colombian crisis?

Simon it is interesting that you mention the Colombian as the good guys while 51 members are in jail while they are under investigations for being involved with Narco-terrorists. check the posting here on PBH. As far as the civil conflict in Colombia, in 5, 10, 15 years from now we will still be discussing this topic because there is NO military solution to the conflict and only those of us that are NAIVE still don't know this, choose to ignore it, or just plain ingnorance.

cali373 comments on 51 members of congress under investigation for links with paramilitaries

I would think it would just be easier for to blow up the entire buidling these criminals are house, but that woud not be a gain for the rule of law.

cali373 comments on ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME, TO OPEN THE FORUM UP TO NEW MEMBERS?

YES REALLY!

cali373 comments on I FOUND PEACE BETWEEN COLOMBIANS AND ECUATORIANS

I Agree, I am going to ecuador this summer

cali373 comments on Preparing for the Inca trail

Well I was planing on flying from Colombia or Ecuador to Cuszo, but it is so Expensive! I wonder how long a bus trip from ecuador. but seems very long!!! i think I will go to galapagos instead.

cali373 comments on Nancy Pelosi & her death blow to FTA

Thank god its dead, long live Colombia and the U.S. The congress has not done anything good ina while. Let a new one be drafted under a different administration that would benefit Colombia better. The biggest trade deals has often happened under a democratic administration (NAFTA, opening China, Europe after WW2), so it is not a Democratic/republican issue but more that democrats usually criticise labor of the trading country. This is the way I see it, Uribe would have approved any trade deal Bush sent him, as a favor for the money he gets to support the civil conflict. So Colombia's interest was definitely compromised. A trade deal under a democratic administration will be better for Colombia and the U.S. and it will happen no matter what any one party politic person will tell you. Interesting how nobody mentions how denny hastert killed so many bills that democrats brought up. I guess that was ok.

cali373 comments on T-Mobile in Bogota and Barranquilla

Yes T mobile works, it uses comcel towers. but at $1.50 a minute it is much cheaper to go prepaid or use that thousands of "minutos" people.

cali373 comments on Chrysler, Ford and General Motors Support U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement

Robert Jorge Soybean (the GMO kind), corn (the GMO kind), rice (some is GMO), chicken legs (the anti-biotic injected kind), Beef, flour.

cali373 comments on Chrysler, Ford and General Motors Support U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement

In Colombia yes ALL unionists are considered insurgents and therefore a target for paramilitaries. However i don't think that Trade agreements should involve issues that should be resolved by the justice departments of individual countries. That is why China is so ideal. You have a problem, you disappear without a trace. you protesta and you will get gunned down without remorse. I wonder if the U.S. and Colombia would be better countries if they were more like the Chinese.

cali373 comments on Chrysler, Ford and General Motors Support U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement

WOW you guys sure are fair and balanced. A trade agreement that was drafted by the most business friendly administration that is supported by major financial and manufacturing industries. I COULD HAVE NEVER GUESS IT!! JAJAJAJA Unlike some out there, I would be thinking about how Colombia as a whole would benefit. Colombia will not benefit from having more less expensive cars on the road that the majority of the population cannot afford anyway, even at lower prices. Lower prices on computer equipment or domestic appliances, medicine and a more efficient infracstructure, not cheaper gas guzzlers!!! Usually big pharma is not looking to decrease prices on international operations that does not allows competition, which it what medical patents does. big hypocracy yes? It seems that some of us here are more interested in there own personal interests than that of Colombia.

cali373 comments on Robert Gates; Recognize the FTA for What it is(and isn't). Miami Herald

Grant it I agree that Plan Colombia money has helped Colombia just as it has helped the U.S. Military contractors which is the unofficial purpose of plan Colombia. Historically since WW2, the U.S. has approved "aide" which has benefited military contractors. The other factor that skews the results of Plan Colombia is that Uribe is the only president that has demanded results from his military. High ranking military officials of the past have only passed the time in order to qualify for a pension. What the FTA and plan Colombia have in common is beyond me. It is two different topics. It is interesting that the defense secretary has an opinion on trade agreeements. shouldn't it be the trade rep or commerce sec, but why a defense sec? Aren't there 4 wars to worry about? I am thinking Gates is one of the few that Bush has in his cabinet that actually qualifies to be in the cabinet.

cali373 comments on Paranoia is not an excuse

I have a different opinion. Most Colombians I have met have much sympathy for animals in general. Maybe they dont use a litter box, but one is not really needed. it is just good marketing that cause people (mostly in the U.S.) that certain things that we really dont need are needed. grant it, it is true that since Colombians are very superstitious (ignorantly), cats are not revered very much.

cali373 comments on

Markanthony I missed the where you directed your point. To which country or countries? Most nations of the world have social programs, including the U.S. and Europe, wow. i wish I had their standards. i am tooo greedy it is sickening yet that is the way we are raised here in the U.S. Maximize profits is king, then comes God.

cali373 comments on Mancuso: El paramilitarismo de Estado sigue vigente

Ok Mancuso, tell us something we do not already know.

cali373 comments on Economist Warns Latin America;Prepare For Day When the Boom Goes Bust

No, but I wish. unfortunately I do not have the time.

cali373 comments on Colombia ends contract after flap with Clinton aide ( "The Colombian government considers this a lack of respect to Colombians)

"Colombia will be the loser , if one of these two win. " How will it lose? It is not like the trade deal is a winner for Colombia if it is passed. A trade deal is needed and colombia can benefit, but no more than current trade with the US. "Plan Colombia was to help fight the war on drugs , and to imporve living conditions." I have written at least three papers for school on different aspects of Plan Colombia and the above statement could not be farther from the truth. I can tell you this after Spending HOURS on plan Colombia. But I have to agree that it is sold as the war on drugs.

cali373 comments on Economist Warns Latin America;Prepare For Day When the Boom Goes Bust

robi666 There is no other ruler besides the sea, huh

cali373 comments on Economist Warns Latin America;Prepare For Day When the Boom Goes Bust

Sorry folks, "american" is correct. Colombia GDP has been growing but booming, PLEASE. Ireland has been booming, Colombia just has a spurt of investment. However full employement is considered 95%. It may be economic technobabble but it makes sense if you study it. tomtom33, it could also be a bubble. But I do not think it is. A booming stock market does not equate to a booming economy . Contrary to the current world economic system a stock market is not needed so that an economy can grow. Investment, education and capital are needed, and all that can be attained without a stock market. Also there are wages but in economics there are "real wages". and real wages per capita have actually gone down in the US. In Colombia well, I cannot imagine it is better but I honestly do not know. I AM ALSO BETTING AGAINST THE DOLLAR, hey it is not personal , you wanted globalization, well now live with it.

cali373 comments on Bogota 1880s to 1950s

Since someone was on the subject. See the film "who killed the electric car".

cali373 comments on What is it exactly that determines who is considered a Gringo?

Havent we touched upon this subject MANY! times

cali373 comments on Organizers of the March 6 Protest Killed by Paras

Well msaucey Who else should we point to finger at, he is the public face of paramilitarism in Colombia. and according to Uribistas, there is no more paramilitarism.

cali373 comments on Organizers of the March 6 Protest Killed by Paras

Well msaucey Who else should we point to finger at, he is the public face of paramilitarism in Colombia. and according to Uribistas, there is no more paramilitarism.

cali373 comments on Bogota Eyes the Irish Model: WSJ, Monday, March 24, 2008

Another HUGE fact that Mr. plato "failed" to point out is that Ireland has a well established WELFARE STATE. That means that the majority if the population has access to publicly funded higher education and medical care!!! That make a huge difference to a society.

cali373 comments on Bogota Eyes the Irish Model: WSJ, Monday, March 24, 2008

No the E.U. usually does not get involved in the civil conflicts of sovereign nations, they are smart, but they definitely have the money do so. Plan Colombia is a pork barrel project which will only work depeding on who is president of Colombia. It works with Uribe but past presidents and Military officials did nothing good with "U.S. Aide". In 15 years we will still be talking about plan Colombia and the drug war and guess what. U.S. americans will still be snorting that fresh Colombian white powder.

cali373 comments on Bogota Eyes the Irish Model: WSJ, Monday, March 24, 2008

RAAAY I agree with you that one of the biggest assets in colombia are, the young, highly educated. There is only one problem, in proportion to the entire population of Colombia, there is not enough highly educated young people to create an economic boom like Ireland was able to. Chile has always invsted in education even under Pinochet. When it comes to education Colombia sits in the Colonial era. The people in power could care less about having more people able to access higher education, this is the way it has been since Colonial times. Uribe is no winner on the education front either, since he just keeps cutting education funds. There have been several protests due to his education cuts, i hav seen them, but you won't see them on Caracol or RCN.