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[quote=”charientist”][quote=”Imxploring”]Just some food for thought.[/quote]
There are some jobs that require you to work at any time on any day – but ambassador isn’t one of them, and even then observation of the Sabbath would allow some activities an ambassador is expected to do but not others.
[/quote]Could you describe what you mean by “activities”? While engaging in work activities would seem to conflict with his religious practices (although I believe his oath of office would require such if an emergency was to occur) I was wondering if fellowship is prohibited on the Sabbath?
By no means being an expert on the Jewish religion perhaps some of our Jewish members can help us understand more on the issue. Doing a little research it seems the “Shabbat” or day of rest would not conflict with the ambassador enjoying some fellowship with Americans at this event. Bringing his family would also be a lovely way of introducing himself to the expat community as well as letting his family meet some of the folks also living in CR.
I found this definition of Shabbat but perhaps there is more to the day than this explanation defines.
“The word “Shabbat” derives from the Hebrew verb shavat (Hebrew: ???????). Although frequently translated as “rest” (noun or verb), another accurate translation of these words is “ceasing [from work]”, as resting is not necessarily denoted. The related modern Hebrew word shevita (labor strike), has the same implication of active rather than passive abstinence from work. The notion of active cessation from labor is also regarded as more consistent with an omnipotent God’s activity on the seventh day of Creation according to Genesis.”
Some fellowship would go along way in making his transition a smooth one for both the expat community as well as his family.
[quote=”jkittay”]Thank you charliexcop, for a voice of sanity amidst a sea of disrespect.[/quote]
I’m guessing by Charlie’s username that he might have been employed in law enforcement at one time…. and that brings up an interesting issue…. had the new ambassador to CR chosen the same career as Charlie…. would we be as understanding when he said….. “Sorry…. I want the job but due to my religion I can’t go out on patrol on Saturdays”?
Remember… his appointment to this position as ambassador to CR didn’t just “happen”…. he actively pursued it… just as if he had pursued a career in law enforcement or any other profession that might require he make himself available on Saturdays.
Just some food for thought.
[quote=”pharg”][quote=”Scott”]I am not American but certainly believe that a ‘US Ambassador’ should be setting an example for others and showing his loyalty to the USA first.[/quote]
One of the founding principles of the USA is the separation of church[or synagogue] and state – that is, religion and politics do not mix. That same principle prevents religious Xmas displays on government property. If this news item is true, you have to agree that he is separating religion and politics, but in a very unfortunate way, giving a negative impression of himself and his commitment to the job… but on the other hand, most ambassadors are political hacks, not chosen for their statesmanship.[/quote]So very true…. especially for a plum posting like CR with a lame duck president with a limited term in office left. Looking at the guy’s resume I’m thinking he’s useful for a company’s image and looks great on a press release but has little impact on the firms he has worked for. Seems he’s good for a few years at most with no real consistency in field or industry. Makes you wonder. I guess all the campaign contributions helped too! His posting in CR will just be another glossy addition to his resume for when he gets picked for some higher political plum down the road…. but he better stick to banking since Saturdays and holidays are an issue apparently!
Or she showed her lack of respect for the court or any concern for the proceedings by doing the nasty in another room while her fate for her involvement in several felonies and the murder of a police officer was being decided in another.
A quick internet search will prove the above statement to be true….. ah the primal instincts…. they get you every time…. even when on trial for murder!
While respecting the man’s religious beliefs and qualifications he really is getting off on the wrong foot! His position and its responsibilities are a 24/7 gig! Having just been confirmed and placed this was the perfect opportunity for him to let all Americans in CR know what his level commitment was…. or in this case is not. If being completely unavailable 7 days of the week was an issue…. perhaps he, or the folks responsible for his appointment, should not have placed him in this position. He can always go back to banking…. they get all the holidays and weekends off!
Sad example and a bad start in my mind…. but not unlike the entire regime which sent him here in the first place.
No doubt they’ve improved. I can remember seeing them when they first started popping up in CR. Little cookie cutter boxes that looked like Monopoly houses!
Be SURE to go with larger septic drains and piping as well as heavier gauge electrical wiring and more outlets. Running additional phone and cable lines during construction is also a good idea. Some things can be added or improved later at minimal cost when funding allows…. basic infrastructure in much easier and cheaper during construction!
It’s often the things YOU Can’t SEE where builders cut corners and save themselves money. Unfortunately those are also the areas that wind up costing you a lot of money and heartache down the road.
Good luck on your adventure! Enjoy the experience and be sure to share it with us!
[quote=”sweikert925″]Scare-mongering again, eh Scott?
“An important fact to note is that foreign residential real estate held by a U.S. person for strictly personal use is not subject to the reporting requirements, nor is a second home abroad which is rented out while the U.S. resident is not there, but has the intent to reoccupy.”
[url=http://www.pridacpas.com/be-10-series-forms/]The BE-10 – Overview[/url][/quote]
To all the legal beagles out there…. first the $300 million provision only makes it mandatory that you complete all the sections on the form. Assets below that apparently do not absolve you on completing the earlier sections of the form.
And as for the home ownership issue. It does not address the issue of the home being held personally or by a corporation. As Scott pointed out, more conflicting and rather incomplete guidance on the issue. I’m sure there are law firms and tax compliance outfits that will give you different opinions on that issue.
Having said that the issue comes down your own opinion on what to do and whether to file. I for one have little faith or concern that Uncle Sam will be knocking on my door. He’s too busy issuing billions of dollars of tax refunds to identity theft scammers filing completely bogus tax returns. He tries his best to convince you he sees all and knows all…. I’m not buying that anymore.
Fit and finish to the standards and requirements of what most Gringos seek will add considerably to construction costs. Kitchens and bathroom upgrades add up quickly as does basic infrastructure (plumbing, electric, etc) improvements. Floor plans and room size are also a big issue for many folks.
Like it or not no matter what construction technique you use, if you want quality, function, and comfort you will pay for it. That’s just a fact of life. While there may be some ways of saving money in construction of your dream home, you get what you pay for in the end. So if budgeting becomes an issue at some point, be prepared for trade offs.
I think it might be easier to understand if you replaced the word “business” with corporation. As many folks hold assets in corporations (non functioning businesses, just a legal holding vehicle with no economic activity) in CR (ie a home or car) that is the issue. The US has reporting requirements for citizens that have an ownership interest in foreign corporations. Even with no “business” or economic activity that might generate income and subsequent taxes Uncle Sam wants this information from his minions.
Can you give us some ideas as to why one is superior other than the speed of construction? I know the cost of block construction is higher but I’d like to hear your input on the pros and cons to both.
American has been charging for checked bags for a while now. And the website is very clear on that. I only fly them in a pinch as I have found their assorted charges for baggage is a bit over the top, and as such folks try to drag all kinds of oversized carry on baggage on while boarding. Do yourself a favor and skip a company that tries to nickel and dime you while providing substandard service.
[quote=”sweikert925″]I have to say that it amuses me to be taking up arms on the side of the big bad capitalists while some of the usual hard right members of WLCR are on the side of the governments (which they frequently go out of their way to express their hatred of).
However.
While it is POSSIBLE that some tinkering at the genetic level of plants can produce unwanted side effects it isn’t a foregone conclusion that it will. Corporations like Monsanto are not in business to produce wholesome food for the world to eat. They are in business to make money. (Did some of you just now notice that?) Yes, it is possible that they will tinker with things in a way that fattens their bottom line without giving customers any real benefit, but that’s a feature of all capitalist enterprises. ALL capitalist enterprises have profits as their #1 goal, and anything else second.
As I stated before when this subject arose, corporations that poison their customers are rare because that is not a profitable business model. As I also pointed out, some of the same people who are up in arms about GMOs seem not to have noticed (or maybe just don’t care) that some of that non-GMO food is already laced with cancer-causing ingredients. And that is something about which there IS a scientific consensus. (How come that doesn’t concern you?) [url=http://www.freshfruitportal.com/2011/12/06/costa-ricas-pesticide-use-is-too-high-claim-scientists/]Pesticide use in Costa Rica is among the highest in the world.[/url]
Some of those same wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables you are eager to buy at the feria may well be dripping with pesticide.
I guess this may be the start or a realization for some of you that sometimes governments can be the good guys and sometimes private enterprises can be the bad guys.[/quote]
I’m not sure what the politicians in CR are thinking. Is it safety concerns over the possible effects of GMOs or the total control that companies like Monsanto exercise over food production once farmers begin using their products.
Seeing how the politicians in CR are giving away the place to the Chinese with little concern for the health and well being of the population, environment, or the economy I’m not very confident they really have a clue what they’re doing. This whole GMO issue might just be a feel good exercise in legislative conduct that none of them have a reasonably educated clue as to why they support or oppose it!!!!
[quote=”VictoriaLST”]Ahh paranoia.
I agree (again) with Pharg.
With the estimated population growth over the next few years, GMOs will probably turn out to be the only way to feed the world.
Anti-GMOs should start making decisions on who they are going to starve to death.[/quote]
Don’t think for a moment that those decisions haven’t all ready been made Vicky! At this point it’s all about market share, resources, and control. The Chinese influence in CR is growing and it’s NOT because they’re wonderful people looking to help out a third world country. This letter and the underlying issue is nothing more than the US looking to secure more control for a company like Monsanto in a country still able to produce food that, at some point, will become a weapon of control and compliance.
Funny how the letter makes no mention of GMOs being completely safe and environmentally friendly. Only mentions increased production and profit! Good old Uncle Sam appealing to one’s greed to get his way! 😀
[quote=”lillianwickram”]Pharg, there is an enormous difference between physically splicing plant material and developing hybrid species and supporting Monsanto in developing a plant that can withstand a pesticide. These are two completely different approaches. Are you treating these two approaches as similiar?[/quote]
It’s really not the issue of the technology or the methodology of developing hybrids or GMOs. You can debate that issue (safety and ethics) along with global warming for the rest of time. Instead it’s the TOTAL control multinational companies like Monsanto then place on everything related to GMOs.
