Wastelandlive has left 713 comments

Wastelandlive comments on Colombia FARC rebels: We'll never disarm - Summary

Fine... hunt them down and kill them. Shed not a tear for the lads... they'd shed none for you.

Wastelandlive comments on Everyone recomends finding a good attorney, but.............HOW???????????

Are you American? If so, another route is to contact citizen services at your embassy... they have a list of Colombian attorneys that they will provide you. They will be unwilling to recommend one over the other, or be involved in any way. However, they do rift attorney's from the list who are shown to give poor service... so there is an incentive for those participating attorneys to be honest and competent.

Wastelandlive comments on Tribute to Rubito......

What's with all the hand wringing and Nancy boys? Rubi rocked. Who cares if he offended people? Can't we all take care of ourselves? Geeze... I love this forum. I've read it for... what... four years now? I don't imagine I'll stop anytime soon. But the waves of nice police really annoy. I'd like to toss the monkey on a pike. Just my opinion Peter, but if you toss the spice you'll destroy the stew. By the way - greetings all. Mexico is not Colombia, BTW. Can't hold a candle to it. I'd trade some teeth to be in Bogotá celebrating the latest diplomatic and covert blow to the FARC douchebags right now... Uribe rocks. Best president since Eisenhower.

Wastelandlive comments on State Department double standard?

Nope. You´re strike me as a smart guy, but you are tad mistaken here. As I said, your assesment is about useful a starting point as a mission statement. And I think you´ve done a pretty good job of describing a mission statement.

Wastelandlive comments on

Kum ba ya my Lord, Kum ba ya...

Wastelandlive comments on State Department double standard?

Right. (Without the sarcasm.) It's not a bad starting point Terry. Neither is a corporation's mission statement. It's probably as accurate, too.

Wastelandlive comments on State Department double standard?

"You seem to be questioning all my statements, then turning around and agreeing with all of them by the end of your posts..." Oh, I wouldn't characterize it that way. Are you feeling defensive Cheerful Terry? Ya, you gave me a link that describes the services and Embassy provides. It would be passing naive to imagine that that list describes the purpose of an embassy. An artful dodge, but a dodge nonetheless.

Wastelandlive comments on State Department double standard?

Well, come on Terry... Obviously providing a cash advance for an illegal activity isn't part of State's mandate. But you seem to be mirroring Sanandressi debate technique. 1) You haven't answered my question. I'd love to hear that. Are you afraid somebody is tracking your online ID? 2) You're responding to complaints about poor service regarding basic tasks that the Missions ARE supposed to provide - by law - by conflating those services with things they are not. Obviously, the Missions aren't banks, travel agents, or baby sitters. That would be called a "straw man." And yes... I agree with you. I traveled all my life mostly without even an awareness of the State Department. I think in '90 I got a replacement passport at a Consulate in Munich, and in 2001 I went to the embassy in Panama seeking to cash a check because - having lost everything but my passport and checkbook - I had no other way to get by. The Consular Officer I met refused to help: fortunately, the Coast Guard detachment was far more responsive, and everything worked out, at my expense. I now know, years later, that yes, the Consular Officer actually did have the power to help... he wasn't as well trained in the rules of his own bureaucracy as he should have been, and justification for loaning me the funds I needed was there... I could have paid immediately by check, which is much the same as... cashing a check. So it goes.

Wastelandlive comments on State Department double standard?

He he he he... That's the truth. Of course, helping out distressed Americans is *nominally* one of their jobs... and I'd like to see them try a little harder. After all... they'll give us a loan to get home if we need it, believe it or not, they will help - not coddle - travellers and even residents who haven't researched their destination properly, been robbed or swindled, or are just otherwise down on their luck with no other recourse... could they not confirm and cash a check in an emergency? But you are, of course correct. The answer is, they won't. Or at least the Consular Officer I met wouldn't... Mostly, because he wasn't paying attention. He was more focused on that specific purpose you note...which _I_ note you have avoided describing. What would you say it is Sr. Cheerful Terry?

Wastelandlive comments on State Department double standard?

Wow... Sour grapes? Do you think? One can see your sense of personal responsibility in everything you write: S: "I had taken the Foreign Service Officer examination 6 or 7 years earlier along with 30,000 others worldwide. I was denied the next step process of oral interview. Most of we 30,000 were as well." In otherwords, you failed the test. Which is why you weren't hired. You know S, I have my own issues with many of the things that you challenge. I see eye to eye with you on affirmative action, for example. I'd like to see that changed. And I suppose what you are describing is nepotism... but it's an odd kind of nepotism that you describe. It applies to spouse's of FSO... nobody else. For example, if you had a brother, an uncle, a friend in the Foreign Service... it wouldn't help you get hired in the least. But if you were living over seas and your wife was working at a mission, ya, they'd try to find a job for you... I find your refusal to see why this is in DOS interest willfull and just a little bit childish: S: "If the trailing spouse cannot give up their jobs here in the United States to follow hubby or wife then the hubby or wife should quit the State Department and do something else." Yep. And many do. And you're right... there are plenty of people eager to take their jobs. But those people won't come with the experience and the training that those they are replacing had. That's the hole in your logic. You seem to imagine that it doesn't matter, that you could just leap in and replace a diplomat of 5 or 10 years experience. You can't. It does matter. And it will take a big investment in time and money before you can be effective, which is why State pursues this policy. It's cheaper to pay a premium to the spouses... Believe me, anybody who's had the pleasure of working for a Federal Agency will tell you that they are not throwing around money and benefits because they are worried about the tender feelings of their employees. It all comes down to simple management science: what do we have to do to keep the talent we need? So far as you're tales of lousy customer service? I don't doubt them for a moment. And I agree that its gross. I'd love to see it fixed. I first understood in 2002, when I went to our embassy in Panama for help in cashing a check - not to borrow, or beg money, just to access my own funds - that those missions aren't really there to help Americans. They try... but that's not their purpose. I'm curious S... what do you think those embassies and consulates are there to do? What is their main purpose?

Wastelandlive comments on State Department double standard?

Well... I don't think we have any consulates in Colombia. Just the embassy in Bogota... and how many citizens? Geeze... it's a big embassy. I'd think breaking 100, when you include DOS, ICE, DEA, FBI, ATF, trailing spouses, etc., etc. It's BIG.

Wastelandlive comments on State Department double standard?

Lastly, I'd just have to say I find it kind of amusing that you want to get a bunch of Americans annoyed with their government for not providing them work opportunities in Colombia. WTF Sannandressi... if you want to live in Colombia, why not direct your litigious attitude at that government? Demand a job and a living wage from them? How much welfare do you expect in this life?

Wastelandlive comments on State Department double standard?

All good points. I can see it both ways. That the diplomats themselves are paid an American salary isn't in any way troublesome... but how about the random expat who wants to work a job normally given to local employees? Why does he get paid less that the spouse of a diplomat for the same job? It seems problematic to me, because all the equal opportunity laws and equality of pay laws that apply in the states seem to apply to Federal agencies... I'm sure they've found a way legally to justify paying two different Americans two different wages for the same job, but I don't get it. I'd love to talk to the lawyers. The reason they do it all about moral and retention. Believe me Sanandressi, the Department isn't willing to pay a trailing spouse more because it feels bad about the "hardship." That's a very incomplete explanation. It's willing to pay the trailing spouse more because if it doesn't, a lot of those young diplomats will make it to their second and third tours, see how far they are falling behind their double income friends, realize how tired they are of dealing with a depressed, underemployed spouse, and choose their marriage and prosperity over their career with the State Department. In otherwords, State looses somebody who it has probably vetted very carefully, for whom it has purchased an expensive background check, and whom it has not simply trained in the law and craft of diplomacy, but put through a very expensive language training program. Let's face it... if you take that job - which doesn't require a clearance or much training - and you get pissed off and quit over the low wages, State won't loose much at all. State will just replace you with a 100% fluent Colombian who is ecstatic to have the opportunity. If State doesn't make the Diplomats spouse somewhat happy, it likely loses both of them. The reason that you are roughling a lot of feathers is that you have a point, of course, and those guys don't want to see the benefit dissapear and live with the consequences. That could happen, I suppose. But for the time being, I guess if you want the big bucks, you'll just have to get in line to become an FSO or FSS, or marry somebody who has done so. Good luck!

Wastelandlive comments on Crisis inmobilaria en Colombia como Espana y E.U.??

Well, no kidding. I believe that I as calling this about two years ago... before the credit crises. One more time: when property values have no relationship to the rent that they can generate... i.e., the cost of the investment no longer reflects it's future earnings, you are looking at a bubble. Buy now? Naaaa... nobody calls these things when any accuracy... but I still feel pretty safe in saying that things are going to get a whole lot worse before they get better. Big speculators are getting hit now. Before it's over, even prudent buyers will be getting shook out of the tree... With any luck, I'll be back in Colombia just in time to pick up some bargain basement SWEET construction in Cartagena... But is it worth it anymore, or has the town gone to shiite?

Wastelandlive comments on Real Pirates of the Caribbean

You don't feel the need? You have been toying with me Sirrah... prepare to be boarded.

Wastelandlive comments on

I think the most offensive thing in this thread is referring to Club Nautico as a "Yacht Club." Seriously... yacht clubs all over the world are insulted...

Wastelandlive comments on Real Pirates of the Caribbean

Well, there's something we can agree on. There are all kinds of fixer-upper good deals in that area... amazingly, people leave them at Isla Grande in Panama - AT ANCHOR - indefinitely. There, at Club Nautico, in the boatyards, the Yachtclub in Panama... there is many a sad tale. And they're not bad deals... the seller will have to take a HUGE discount, unless he wants to pay somebody to move it or move it himself. Owners can be incredibly stubborn, and sit on their hands while their boats wither away in the tropical sun, completely unrealistic about the true value of their boats... then after a few years, the pendulum swings and they just want to unload them. Find a few that you could see yourself owning, and completely low-ball the owners. (Who you may have to work just to find.) Repairs will be cheap, because local labor is dirt cheap... but you MUST be able to work on your boat and manage such projects yourself. You should enjoy such work, because it won't be easy putting such boats right again. Don't expect to find much expertise and quality work in the area. And much specialized gear will have to be imported. But in the end, you could have a nice live aboard at a fraction of what you'd pay in Miami, or Los Angeles. Now... so far as your thought that as Captain of the vessel you have the right to secure your passenger's safety by any means necessary... Don't get carried away. Maritime law is indeed unique, and interesting, and there are vestiges of other centuries there... but no, being "Captain" doesn't automatically grant you the right to carry arms on-board, anyplace you wish. Generally, the rule is that you may possess them. Certainly in international waters there is no authority to tell you otherwise. But you must clear a nation's customs as soon as you arrive, and when you do, their laws will kick into effect... and those laws vary. In some nations - you keep them. Others want to examine them, and count your ammunition. Other nations will take them away, and give you a receipt so that you can reclaim them when you leave. There are exceptions even to that. If you sail into a port in Mexico, the Mexicans might well put you in jail just for having them, even if you declare them upon entry to the customs officer in a completely honest fashion. This isn't really in keeping with tradition, but the Mexicans are completely serious about gun running... after all, how do THEY know where you were before, or where you were planning on going? They'll point out that it was YOUR responsibility to know Mexican law before you sailed into Mexican waters. That could get complicated. For example, there is also a body of law about your right to run to any port for shelter in a storm or some other emergency. What if you do so in Mexico, and you have guns on board? I honestly don't know how that would work out, but I wouldn't want to fight that battle. It's a responsibility. And again, acquiring them is something else. I've never heard of a scenario where you have special rights in purchasing weapons because you are Captain of a vessel. I think you'll have to go somewhere where your right to purchase is obvious regardless... like the US. I don't know what countries - if any - in your area have liberal laws regarding the purchase of firearms.

Wastelandlive comments on Real Pirates of the Caribbean

:) What, you think I'm a chick? No worries Doc... it takes a little bit more than that to rattle my cage. The debate over sailing with or without arms is an old one, and experienced cruisers fall on both sides of the argument; I understand this well. I simply wanted to answer your question. Guns were never an issue for me in Colombia. Like many cruisers I knew in Cartagena, I had them. I never declared them. Nobody asked. I declared them in Panama, and a few other countries. A couple islands took them from me and returned them upon my departure. But Colombia - at least then - didn't seem to care. Perhaps they feel it just as well that cruisers go armed... But _acquiring_ arms in Colombia is another story... Colombians can legally acquire them, but it is difficult, and very expensive. I have my doubt that a foreigner would be granted the license. And I think you'll have a hard time finding the appropriate weapons. I have no doubt you could buy them illegally, but that's a transaction I'd be reluctant to get involved with. You certainly won't be able to fly back with them from a quick round trip home... clearing customs would be something else altogether. I suppose if you want to go down that route, a quick sail to Panama might be your best bet... but I never tried it myself. I just don't know. Best of luck.

Wastelandlive comments on Real Pirates of the Caribbean

Oh - And Slguy? Ya. I'm a sailor. If you're really curious... dig deep and read some of the comments I've posted here over the years. Yes, as a matter of fact, I do know exactly what I'm talking about. You? My answer wasn't meant to be half as flippant and condescending as your post... but it appears that you took offense at it anyways. That's really too bad.

Wastelandlive comments on Real Pirates of the Caribbean

"Cartagena area is considered safe." Sure... I lived there for years without problems. Of course while I was there, a catamaran was boarded, the captain held at gunpoint, and the vessel stripped... in the bay. I believe that gentleman was in transit from Vikingos to Club Nautico. Oh - and another boat was boarded, the owners held at gunpoint and robbed outside of Santa Marta. They eventually limped into Cartagena for lots of moral support. Venezuela? A couple in Puerto la Cruz was boarded, robbed, the wife (elderly) raped, bouth bound to the boat, and the vessel scuttled with the expectation that they would drown. They survived, fortunately. This all happened during the two to three years that I lived in the region. Here's the thing... nobody is claiming that it's a daily occurance. But when it happens to you... ya, it sucks. And you might die. For those who counsel that guns on board are dangerous... well, that's a personal decision. They have a point. For example, there was a story about a guy who resisted in Brazil. He was shot and killed. They might have simply robbed him, had he not resisted. Do you trust your own judgement, skill, and discipline? If not, maybe guns aren't for you. But the pirates will have them. Yes indeed.

Wastelandlive comments on Urgent legal advice

Pretty much. Some loser who can't pay his rent and is squatting in a home where he's not wanted probably knows lots of bobos in Medellin, nothing more. Seriously. Give the narcos some credit... they've got better things to do than nanny some punk.

Wastelandlive comments on Real Pirates of the Caribbean

Clever. Being at sea - alone - is a vulnerable position. Doc... what region are you in? What nationality are you?

Wastelandlive comments on Real Pirates of the Caribbean

Yup. It's difficult or somebody who's never been a sailor to understand the threat of piracy. Out on a boat, there's no calling the police. There's nobody passing by to raise a voice or help out... you're on your own there. I always cruised with firearms: all three, rifle, shotgun, and pistol. I used the shotgun once to deter an approaching launch with about five men onboard that I encounterd off the coast of Panama... whatever their intentions were, they understood that I didn't want any, and went elsewhere. Frankly, the British understood the threat best: summary trial and hanging. These shit islands that do fuck all about crimes against cruisers, cultivating thier resentful attitudes that "Your rich, you have a boat, you can afford it... we're poor, so don't complain..." Well... they deserve no boats. Colombians get it. I'm thinking back to sometime in the nineties - when GAULA rounded up a couple of pirates in the outskirts of Cartagena and laid out their bodies (I think they must have died while resisting arrest) for the victims to see in Club Nautico. That's the way to do it.

Wastelandlive comments on Can I request a translation?

Nope. "Joder" means "Fuck," plain and simple. It's not even cute, like "coger," or "tirar."

Wastelandlive comments on Can I request a translation?

"Gilipollas?" Improve my Spanish, please...

Wastelandlive comments on Can I request a translation?

Hell hath no fury, and all that.

Wastelandlive comments on John Gilletti

Poorbuthorny, "Fact: These people rented a house that was not in foreclosure." Really? "Fact: John told them that it would be going into foreclosure. He did not steal their money. He did not screw them over. They had a choice to stay or move. They chose to move and call the newspaper and make a big deal over nothing." Are you sure those are facts? Tell me... why do you take his word over his tenant's? Is it because he writes repeatedly, "Everyone that knows me here or there, knows that I am square biz?" Life experience tells me otherwise... Now, where is the swindling, where is the theft, where is the con artist? OK. Have you noticed how quiet Mr. Gillettij is about WHAT he does with the rent that he's earning on borrowed assets for which he is not paying his debts? Then... have you noted how outraged he is at the notion that his "bitch" tenant might dare not pay the rent? See any inconsistency there? You're the experienced guy who knows all about equity, and has a stack of 2nd mortgages for sale 20 cents on the dollar, no? Have you not figured out that the entire market is impacted by this behavior? Welcome to another financial crises. Mr. Gilleti would love for you to believe that he - and people like him - way over-leveraged, and now skimming off the top and moving their assets off shore so that when the bank finally comes to collect on its debt, it finds nothing much except a trashed house worth 70% what it loaned - are simple victims in this disaster. They'll be needing a bailout, of course. And who do you think will pay for their bailout? "Half the county is in foreclosure, and it's my fault?" Yes, Mr. Gilleti, it is your fault... not the county's foreclosures, but YOURS.

Wastelandlive comments on

No Raay... Not a jab at your comment. Nothing of the sort. A jab at the referenced video which is comical, and demonstrative of the intellectual discipline of the kind of people who fabricate this kind of "news" and those who search out its validation.

Wastelandlive comments on

This is one of the most hillarious "editorials" I've witnessed. Where does the fringe find this stuff. "The Real News Network?" How about "burned out lefties searching for validation." Geeze. Not biased, them... noooooooo.....

Wastelandlive comments on John Gilletti

PS. (To the deleting mod.) You thought THAT was out of line? Wait until you've been swindled, stolen from, and screwed... It WILL happen. Few of us escape life without feeling the sharp end of the stick... usually from a con artist sharper and more charming than this bozo. THEN ponder your judicious use of your censorial powers.

Wastelandlive comments on John Gilletti

In other words... Yep. Pretty much guilty as charged. Thanks for the time.

Wastelandlive comments on John Gilletti

Interesting. Nowhere in his passionate defense does he simply say, "The accusations in that article are not true. I'm not renting out homes in foreclosure and lying to my tenants about it." Nope... just lots of "You must have too much time on your hands," and "You post too much, and just want to bash," and "The news is sometimes sensationalist, sometimes wrong." All of which is beside the point, even if true. Interesting thing, human nature. I guess the first lesson is, live with integrity. The second is, keep your conversations on the internet anonymous. The third is, if you're going to lie... don't lie like a little child trying to mince words. Go for it like Slick Willie: "I DID NOT HAVE SEX WITH THAT WOMAN." That's more convincing. At least until the stained dress turns up.

Wastelandlive comments on Lousy (PBH) landlord hurts families

Sounds like a real douchebag. It's sad that Colombia attracts such scum. It deserves much better...

Wastelandlive comments on Medellin Mansion & Medellin Estate for Sale

Don't you hate this mentality? No price given. Anywhere. Bahh!

Wastelandlive comments on just wondering

Pledge, You can do this. A Colombian could stretch that money for a long, long time. It all depends on what you want. You're own pad? Why not try being a roommate for awhile... live as cheaply as you can. And yes, you can find work teaching English. 20K an hour is pretty aggressive in that while you could easily do that one-on-one, you're unlikely to find a full time position that will pay you at the rate. (Classic consultant/contractor's dilemma). But you can live on what you will earn... I'd encourage you to give it a try. Leave yourself a cushion. Go to Medellin, live as cheaply as you can (i.e., don't be buying the rounds when you go out.) Find work teaching English, and see how things settle out. If you burn down to 5K AU, and you haven't found a way to make it work, call it a great vacation and go home...

Wastelandlive comments on Colombian paramilitary warlords extradited

Webmanco: "A few millions of dollars, 200 more low key colombians to extradite, and those above mentionate could do 5 years and been granted USA citizenship." No, they couldn't. That would be against the law.

Wastelandlive comments on Jobs in Colombia

Rhydewithdis, question: have you done what you are suggesting he could do? Do you know somebody who has done this? Not an attack. Just an honest question.

Wastelandlive comments on Chavez and Recession in Bolivia

Pithy. Pertinent?

Wastelandlive comments on Chavez and Recession in Bolivia

This isn't all that complicated. Lots of regions in the world tire of carrying the tax burden of their respective nation, and would be just as happy to cut ties and move on. Milan would love to get rid of Naples, for example. Lots of West Germans were never all that excited about reuniting with - and rebuilding - East Germany. Every region of Spain seems to want to be independent... it makes you wonder how Spain holds together. What is unique about Santa Cruz is that their grievance is particularly strong. They are not only supporting most of Bolivia (an economic basket case) off their wealth, but Morale's policies are reducing their productivity. He's killing the golden goose, as it were, because while he is a man with a strong sense of social justice, he has no real knowledge of economics. So Santa Cruz wants to secede. It's not very realistic, and the proponents of independence probably know this, but it is their best instrument for advocating the policies that they prefer.

Wastelandlive comments on Chavez- Is there reason for the paranoia?

This whole thing is risable. Ya... the US army is coming apart at the seems as we struggle to keep a lid on Afghanistan and Iraq... but we're going to invade... Venezuela! And Uribe is making real progress against the guerilla, but they are still unwilling to negotiate. So this is a perfect time to attack a wealthier, more powerful neighbor in a naked war of aggression! Ya! Let's just turn the FARC into an official ally of Chavez, open the taps, and let the weapons pour in... that'll work! How can anybody read Venezuela Analysis with any seriousness? It's not even up to the level of National Enquirer. It's especially sweet how these boneheads hamfistedly try to smear any credible political opposition that Chavez has left. Next he'll be issuing a warrant to arrest Governor Rosales. Geeze.

Wastelandlive comments on Colombia changes debt denomination to pesos

I'm rusty on this stuff, but I think that "converting" the debt - vice paying it off with cash reserves - means borrowing pesos - by selling debt to Colombians - converting them to dollars, using them to pay off dollar denominated debt. The problem with this, of course, is that it increases the demand for pesos. A strong currency is one man's blessing, another man's curse: as the peso goes up, exports go down. Unemployment goes up. Domestic demand goes down. It's an interesting balancing act. FTA "very, very close to closing negotiations" (in quotes, and according to both governments!)?!!! I'm surprised to read that. The read here from Washington is fat chance. Perhaps after the election? Where are you reading that?

Wastelandlive comments on

I'm not even sure how the author can hope to be taken seriously. "In a rule-of-law State, which constitutionally forbids the death penalty, a State cannot just bomb, even the worst criminals, without being accused of power abuse or of a disproportionate use of its legitimate punitive role. In a rule-of-law State, the judicial police must give the proofs it collects to the investigating bodies, respecting the confidentiality of a case and not releasing the information out to the winds..." He wants Colombia to deal with the guerilla soley on law enforcement terms? They can't simply be bombed, they must be arrested, tried and convicted in a civil court? Does that really merit a response? Wierd. Holier than thou meets Alice in Wonderland.

Wastelandlive comments on

Eng65... first thought: never take advice about women from women. They don't really consciously know what they want in the first place... how are they going to tell you? If you pull 7's and 8's in Canada, you should do at least the same in Colombia, and in all likelihood better, given the economic advantage. My guess is that your personality and emotional IQ are just fine: that's the problem. You can't communicate that without the language skills. You've got those in Canada, not in Colombia. It's hard to have game if you can't speak the language... how are you going to tease a lady? Make her laugh? Subtly communicate your personality and what makes you valuable without sounding insecure or arrogant? Pass her tests while remaining unflappable, manly, and good humored? Hard to do. Members here will tell you its all about the money, but they are exaggerating. Prosperity and security are, I'll admit, a big part of the equation... but Colombia is not Mars. Those facets still only form a part of your sexual capital. Work on your Spanish, and your game. Even the prepagadas want to charmed, amused, and challenged.

Wastelandlive comments on

How's your Spanish?

Wastelandlive comments on New marina in Santa Marta (this is for you Slguy)

Take the Armel. You'll never regret it...

Wastelandlive comments on Poll; Majority Of Venezuelans Say Chavez Was Key To Easing Crisis in Colombia

In other breaking news, known Chavista MiamiMike denies the existence of hot chicks in South Beach. "Everybody knows that chicks dig me," MM was quoted as saying leaving a swank club on Ocean Blvd, "but it's like a desert out here. I couldn't get a dog to lick me if I tied a pork chop to my head. I'd try Colombia, but that fascist Uribe has outlawed hot chicks. I'm putting my money on Venezuela... nothing as sexy as a socialist in a bikini!"

Wastelandlive comments on Colombian Paramilitaries and the United States:

Geeze, where do these people come from? No, DeathNova, that's not "we'll documented." It's not even poorly documented. It's suspected. It's implied. It is, of course, an article of faith to conspiracy theorists and self-loathing anti-American Americans. And then there is the school or realists who don't believe it or disbelieve it... but feel that the Search Block had to do what it did, and they don't much care if we worked with them. But no, it hasn't been proven.

Wastelandlive comments on No Free trade with Colombia

What do these politicians have against Colombia? It's funny... sometimes I think that people don't understand America's economic power. Even now, when it seems we have made a complete shambles of our economy... well, consider: we are still the worlds largest economy. We - or better said, many among us - want free trade with the world... but a particular nation? Is it really important that we have free trade with Colombia? Why? It's not, really. It's very important to those sectors that will benefit in Colombia, but to America it's hardly a blip on the radar. So why would these politicians oppose it? Well, if you want to look like you are taking a courageous stand on human rights, while at the same time signaling the anti-free traders that you sympathise with them (and want their votes), then Colombia is your place to take a stand: not much downside, lots of upside. I'm not sure I have a strong opinion either way. But, as always, its about politics, not policy. Colombia is in a tight spot on this one.

Wastelandlive comments on Chavez to buy 3 submarines from Russia

Wow. We criminalize refined coca products, thus making them thousands of times more profitable than an unregulated market would... But you're worried that we're enriching Hugo buy buying that oil that keeps our economy afloat. OK. Sure. I'll try to carpool to work, and I'm sure that Hugo will be forced to forego his arms buildup. For whatever that's worth. Seriously Mike, what do you think he's going to do with some 2nd generation attack boats?

Wastelandlive comments on another translation request yes!

Strange... I always thought that "Don" and "Doña" were reserved for nobility... used almost tongue in cheek in today's parlance. I wouldn't even refer to the President as "Don." Save that nonsense for the sycophants and brown nosers.