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Well put Alfred, and if we won’t stand for it, it will not happen…In WWII the Nazis used the Jewish value of being responsible for their “brother/neighbor” to coerce them into compliance. They told them that they had to accept their fate of being hauled away or their “brothers” would pay a dearer price and in the beginning many chose to accept the deportations because they could not imagine the unthinkable thoughts & desires that filled the minds of their gov’t leaders. It took the rebellious nature of youth and the desperation of a people to get them to finally say NO MORE and fight back every way they could. The world would have been a much better place if people around the globe would have said NO to the minor but known measures being implemented in Germany over it’s population–they were a sign of what was to come–I’m not equating cameras with Nazi camps, but I agree with Alfred that it’s those little baby steps in the wrong direction that can make us regret supporting choices that allow ANY gov’t such control over it’s citizens everyday activities. I don’t want government to have that right and I don’t want big corps to have it either! I refuse to go like sheep into the slaughter house on the pretext of stopping crime (or terrorism for that matter, but that’s topic for another post…).
In addition, no one has mentioned this on the forum and as a woman it makes me cringe–How much do you want to make a bet that some of those “public” movies which include good looking women end up in private or not so private hands for “personal” entertainment? Ticas better start wearing pants during the December windy season or they may find their derrieres on YouTube!
I have real Coelho and I do love his writings. May I suggest Fritjof Capra if you haven’t read him yet. I love to read and obviously, so do you and one more thing we have in common in spite of our differences. I also respect your insight! … :- )
Sprite, Do you know why when animal bites your forearm they don’t usually stitch you up (if possible)? Because there is not enough blood flow in these areas and germs left there from the animal’s mouth cannot be effectively cleaned out. Stitching the arm may be more esthetically pleasing and may give you a sense of confidence that all is better now, but it would actually waste the nurse’s time, the patients money and in the end and infection will most likely force the doctors to reopen the wound, at an additional cost and more pain to the patient, in order to clean out the underlying infection or the patient could stand to loose an arm.
Let’s say you’re right and they catch more thieves with this measure. Then what? Additional cost to take them in, to process them and ALL for what? For them to be right out that afternoon mugging someone else? Please–CR can’t try to put a Band-Aid on this issue–the underlying issues for the rise in crime need to be addressed so it can be controlled!
If you tell me that in NYC the cameras helped stop people from committing traffic violations, I may agree, but guess what, they were also able to call those people in, process them and the respective measure that had been violated had specific punishments (deterrents) that were enforced. Today people think twice about blocking the box of an intersection. CR needs to be able to enforce those deterrents or the cameras REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY WORK OR NOT will not provide a valid measure. A measure is not valid if it doesn’t obtain its intended goal. So the question is, and I don’t think it takes a genius to figure this out either, if they know they will not be able to enforce the law–because they haven’t been able to do this yet…Heck, my neighbor’s house was broken into in Guadalupe, his TV was taken and he caught the guy walking down the street with it on his shoulder. Guess what, the police took the guy in and the courts spit him right out because my neighbor couldn’t absolutely proof that was his TV. For God’s sake, the thieve was around the corner of his house and his fingerprints were inside my neighbor’s house!–So, what is the purpose (real goal) of so much surveillance?
I do agree that we should always be civil to one another, but I don’t appreciate cameras filming my every move. If I wanted to be watched that way I would move to Cuba.
Also, you might have not read my previous response–(so here it is again):
“Sprite: Yes, I can think of a few reasons, but in particular, Ticos/as love to make jokes out of gov’t politics, corruption and other improprieties. If you felt that your every word was being recorded and could be used against you (criminally)–well, you might not be so tempted to share them in public. When people can’t express their thoughts (whether we like them or not), what will happen to all of those repressed feelings? I would much rather have them release some frustration joking about their president, the system and corruption than letting it fester. Why adopt a measure that doesn’t accomplish its goals? When I went back to CR in 90’s they were installing circles/roundabouts and I wondered–if we’re removing them in so many place in the US because they were more trouble than helpful, why are they spending all of this money to install them there? Well, some have now been removed in CR, but after a lot accidents and a decent economic cost to CR. If we choose to adopt something, it should be measures that actually works and can “fit” within the context of Costa Rican culture.”Diego, It’s obvious you like to get a rise out of people–the reason I respond to your post is because I don’t agree with your idea of let’s obliterate everything about people I don’t understand without this meaning that I disagree with you on other issues. Every time someone responds unfavorably to you, you give them a label and/or assume an awful lot about the people that disagree with you. Like I said in my previous post, we are biologically inclined to “assume” about others, but our biology doesn’t have to be our destiny! What the heck did all of this have to do with the camera thread?
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I don’t have to interpret nor spin your words, here they are:“It has been government institution such as the colleges that have created all this destructive political correctness. They are the ones who are tearing down traditional values by promoting that:
Homosexuality is normal
Abortion is okay to use as birth control (tell me how many of you out there that have ever been a party to abortion has not regretted it).
Motherhood is waste of a woman’s life
….
For all you PC folk out there, listen up:
Homosexuality is perverse
Abortion is murder
And women should retain their femininity and bear children
….
I don’t know, maybe all you politically correct Gov types want tracking devises in your kids – What say you David M. I’m sure Rebe can make some politically correct sense of this conundrum. Do you want tracking devises in your children – do you even have children? I have several and I plan on having more and I hope they never have to make a stand against tracking devises in their kids.”
***********************************Even animals want the best for their offspring, why wouldn’t liberals or conservatives or whomever disagrees with you love their children and not wish them any harm?
The whole point is that I DON’T believe God died and left ANYONE in charge of passing all kinds of moral judgment on others. I think I’m flawed enough that I try my best, plenty of times I don’t succeed; therefore, I do try to follow very good advice:
“DO not judge lest you be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? ”
I’m sure you may have heard this before…
Diego, we ALL have “logs” in our own eyes. I can’t pretend to know yours nor you know mine. People that have known me for many years know my strengths and also know my weaknesses and I’m eternally grateful that they love me just the same–I choose to reciprocate. Sometimes, that may entail a friend letting me know that I have inadvertently or willfully offended an innocent (or not so innocent) bystander. How do you know who might have been reading that blog yesterday? Don’t assume you know what I think of you–I’m most certain you don’t or wouldn’t believe me if I told you. I actually do hope and always expect the best from people. Even when I have chosen to walk away for my own sake, I never stop hoping for them. I don’t always get the goodness I expect, but I don’t mind being disappointed because in the end everyone (including me or my worst enemy–not that I’m equating you with an enemy because I’m not) does their best and maybe next time we grow more and get to do better. Life has been patient with me, why can’t I choose to have some patience with myself and others? I do not pretend to be perfect so if you’re “watching me” for that you might not want to hold your breath–I’m sure you’re well aware that no one can be perfect, but we can all aspire to be our best and aspire great things from others. I “walk the talk” not because I’m perfect, but because I consciously make an effort when my ego would prefer I just obliterate someone…
Ha, ha, ha….In case anyone else is wondering, “chapulines” was a term given to any group of very young boys (gangs) that robbed people on the streets of San Jose a while back.(Their ages made it almost impossible to prosecute them.)–This is me sticking my tongue out at you Diego 😛
Diego, Woman have historically and evolutionarily carried on very profound friendships–Those are the people we count on in in times of need, shed our tears with and the ones we love to share our laughter and our complicity with too. Not that there isn’t a fair share of what you may term “cattiness” among women (that’s a whole other topic), but our friends are incredibly valuable to us. We’re good at creating and promoting relationships because it actually meant our survival and the survival of our children. I do not pretend to fully understand the friendship men share because I am not a man, but I can tell you that I also have wonderful male friendships and considering my Tico/a friendships are from 12-25 years old, I think that would qualify them as more than a “casual thing.” You pose a wonderful question, what is friendship? Well Diego, it’s what you and another person make of it and you can usually tell who your true friends are when times get rough–it’s at those times that your true friends come thru and find ways to bring peace and even joy into your life even if just by being there for you. I have been blessed with good friends in the US, CR and New Zeland. I make it a point to take good care of them and not take them for granted. The initial chemistry and fondness between acquaintances will wear off quickly if you do not tend to that relationship in CR or anywhere else–no big mystery there. The desire to create friendships is universally human and necessary for our well being. Please consider that you usually find what you’re expecting to find–ever hear of ‘seek and ye shall find’…? So there’s another good reason to be optimistic. I think Aaronbz will find what he’s open to and willing to see in others without forcing anything or creating a false expectation…Aaronbz will meet people in CR and time will tell if he has made any friends….I hope he allows himself this gift….
I couldn’t agree with you more Sprite! Plus Ticos/as are used to having friends scattered throughout the world. Many have studied abroad, visited other countries and even the ones that have never left CR have had the opportunity of meeting & befriending many people that come to their beautiful country. I’m sure that the “friend” stories are endless just as there may some other not so pleasant stories that some may have experienced. Again, for the most part, it will depend on how respectful and friendly you are to them. No one wants to feel less than anyone else and much less in their own country. Ticos/as write, email and my Tico/a friends and I speak on the phone at least once a month (and that’s not counting my sister)–that’s a lot of calls in 25 years! After your trip, you may need to consider phone service that can reduce the expense of staying connected with your new friends!:) Even the ones I don’t contact regularly are always thrilled when I come to CR and take the time to visit with me. They never seem to find enough ways to show their genuine affection–but you know what, I feel the same about them and they know that my home is also open to them no matter where I happen to live. Ticos/as gotta love them! 🙂
So true! If the chapulines don’t get them, the climate will! 🙂 Besides, even if the cameras did help “catch” some street thieves or assailants, then what? The system and the laws are the same and these people will be out on the streets with little or no punishment at all. As my dad would say, you can’t tell everyone to be careful and strain the mosquitoes out of the water and then make them swallow the camel. Catching them with cameras, which experience elsewhere does not support, will not deter crime. If the true goal is to deter crime, then there needs to be an effective legal system that actually does this and I don’t think Ticos should loose their civil liberties just so, God only knows who, has some info as to what is going on in the streets of Tiquicia.
Oh Aaronbz, I almost forgot something that takes a bit to figure out and may lead to misunderstandings. When a Tico/a sees you and invites you over for coffee/tea, but doesn’t provide you with their address, time, etc. Although they sound tremendously earnest and insistent upon you coming to visit, they are just being polite. I have a friend from Mozambique and her Dutch husband that used to get crazy with this. Don’t take it to heart, if they really want you to come over, they will provide you with the particulars so you can actually get there. A second invitation may be helped along if you bring something for the host/hostess or something yummy to share with the family during that visit (I think it would be considered gracious in most cultures). Take good care and remember that no matter how much you do research now, there’s no better teacher than actually being there… I’m so excited for you, I’m sure you will have a wonderful time. Pura Vida!
Sprite: Yes, I can think of a few reasons, but in particular, Ticos/as love to make jokes out of gov’t politics, corruption and other improprieties. If you felt that your every word was being recorded and could be used against you (criminally)–well, you might not be so tempted to share them in public. When people can’t express their thoughts (whether we like them or not), what will happen to all of those repressed feelings? I would much rather have them release some frustration joking about their president, the system and corruption than letting it fester. Why adopt a measure that doesn’t accomplish its goals? When I went back to CR in 90’s they were installing circles/roundabouts and I wondered–if we’re removing them in so many place in the US because they were more trouble than helpful, why are they spending all of this money to install them there? Well, some have now been removed in CR, but after a lot accidents and a decent economic cost to CR. If we choose to adopt something, it should be measures that actually works and can “fit” within the context of Costa Rican culture.
Alfred: I don’t take offense to being considered a strong person–they say that what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger–well, I’m still around and grateful for that gift. On this forum we may not all share some of the same experiences, but we obviously share some similar values (I know, it’s unusual that my immediate Cuban family wouldn’t be Catholic–life is a lovely mixture of things and diversity doesn’t detract, it enhances our lives if we let it). Volumes of books have been written on values and the question lies in what we consider to be “good” and important in our lives because that guides our moral judgment. No one grows without having created a value system of their own along the way. We share many sometimes they are in conflict with the actions & judgments of others, but I don’t pretend to have the “TRUTH.” We all guide our lives and our actions by what we hope are paths that lead to our own perception of what that is. When I was very young (4-5), my dad reminded me that our rights are wonderful things, but that we should always question and balance them when those “rights” start infringing on the rights of others. Stereotyping served our ancestors very well. If we were wondering through ancient woods and saw a new creature that “seemed” like a ferocious predator (based on our ideas of what that may be), it wouldn’t have been a good thing to sit and ponder anything about that animal–stereotyping it as dangerous and running as fast as you could to shelter would have insured your life and the ability to continue to pass you genes on to the next generation. All humans have a tendency to stereotype–we “fill in the blanks” about things and people based on our own schemas, but we can also question ourselves and wonder if our beliefs regarding love, compassion, justice and human dignity are being trampled on when we start to create a “monster” out of the other just because he or she seems different from us. Biodiversity adds immense value to any ecosystem and so does diversity in people and in thoughts. Be well and Pura Vida mi amigo!I leave you with something Alexander Pope said in 1733 and even though he clearly wrote it regarding men, I believe all of humanity can benefit to consider:
“Know then thyself, presume not God to scan,
The proper study of mankind is man,
Plac’d on this isthmus of a middle state,
A being darkly wise, and rudely great:
With too much knowledge for the sceptic side,
With too much weakness for the stoic’s side
He hangs between: in doubt to act or rest,
In doubt his mind or body to prefer;
Born but to die, and reas’ning but to err;
Alike in ignorance, his reason such,
Whether he thinks too little or too much.”And here are my all time favorite Bible verses: “Prove (test) all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” Thessalonians 5:21 (notice that’s personal advice)
I Corinthians 13:
“If I speak in the tongues of men and angels,
but have not love,
I have become sounding brass or a tinkling symbol.
And if I have prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains,
but have not love, I am nothing. …
…For now we see through a mirror in an enigma, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know as also I was fully known.
But now remains faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. ”Tsk, tsk Diego, you’re assuming again and you know what they say about that….I guess you were writing your post so you didn’t read mine. No spin necessary. You seem to find my life a point of interest and ground for assumptions. In order to de-mystify things let me say: I do NOT favor big gov’t, I have plenty of views that are not the “typical views”–some diametrically opposed to yours and others not so much…I can respect and enjoy someone’s conversation & company even if we don’t share identical views–You might want to give that one a try….I got married, planned my pregnancies and have a lovely 18 year old daughter that I love dearly. I got divorced and didn’t ask for alimony because I can fend for myself. I adore children and the feeling is mutual–haven’t met a kid I couldn’t win over yet. I would have had more children, except that I couldn’t. I gave up medical school due to my daughter’s health crisis and I wouldn’t change a thing because being a mother has been incredibly central to me and a gift in my life. I also have a few godchildren throughout CR & Cuba. That said, I do not equate having children with being a woman. How many barren women are you willing to call “NON-WOMEN” just because they couldn’t conceive? If they choose not to conceive, then hey, it’s best that they don’t because no child should be born unwanted? I am feminine, do NOT hate men, I’m still very good friends with my ex-husband and his family. I believe in the right for equal opportunities for men and women, NOT that men and women are identical except for some different “parts.” There are a million things that are different and a zillion that are similar between men and women. Just like there are many differences among different people, but in the end, doesn’t everyone deserve the right to be happy and loved or at least the right to give it a try? I also don’t think that God died and left me or anyone else in charge–As far as personal issues go, we all have ourselves, God/Life (or whatever you choose to call it) to face about our life decisions. Although I try to put myself in my neighbor’s shoes to understand his/her struggles and his/her choices, I would never pretend to know exactly how it feels to be him/her so why would I want gov’t determining what and how someone should be or feel? Wouldn’t that be the epitomy of BIG gov’t? Now, Is there anything else you happen to want to pick on while assuming something else about me…? I saw a difference in your posts today, oh well, that was short lived. But I’m an eternal optimist and I hold out hope. Anyway, Can we stick with gov’t actions?
Although I’m not for anarchy, we all have a right to enjoy life without Big Brother watching from every corner–especially if the intention of the cameras is to reduce crime and the measure isn’t valid because it doesn’t accomplish it’s goal. Let’s just hope no one starts to think those chip implants are going to solve anything either for people and not for animals. It’s actually giving pets tumors (see link). Once technology is invented, you can’t put the genie back in the bottle, but you can certainly choose not to invite it over for dinner. The founding fathers of US were wise to insure a system of checks and balances–Right now, it’s more about what’s going on unchecked and our right to the “pursuit of happiness” is one of the things that lays in the balance….All I can say is that I don’t think those cameras will last long in San Jose, I’m sure some chapulin will put them to better use 🙂
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/08/AR2007090800997_pf.html
Dear Aaronbz: As I drove home tonight I thought of all of the blunders we sometimes make when we visit a country we aren’t familiar with the culture, customs or language. Hopefully, these might serve to avoid you some potentially embarrasing moments. More than 2 decades ago there were some pretty big differences in expected behavior and clothing choices. For example, women weren’t expected to wear boots in San Jose (that is, unless you were a sex worker) and I went about with my long peasant skirts and cowboy boots until someone politely pointed it out–I was 19 and mortified. Today fashion is not likely to get you in trouble. Another thing that has somewhat changed in the larger cities, but still holds pretty true in the smaller towns is that when a gentleman takes a lady out on a date, he’s expected to be between her and the street side of the sidewalk. It’s a protection and an “honor” type of statement–another one I was oblivious too, but learned fairly quickly. Today in SJ you don’t see very young men & women keeping to that custom much, but you still see it with people in their +40s and in small towns.
If you stay to live in a small town, the park will be the “social gathering” place. If you’re in a bigger city, you might want to ask if the park is safe and who happens to gather there before you venture to make friends.
Costa Ricans are notorious for being pranksters, using slang and having sayings that you would not figure out unless someone has explained them to you. Here are some of those slangs and sayings so that you can understand what’s being said and I’ve suggested Mayela’s book which is also interesting. Please don’t try to use these words and sayings until you’re fully aware of their meaning, in what context and company they may be spoken (as some are considered more street language, others just for use with close friends and both of these catagories are not expected to be used during Sunday dinner)–another thing I learned in 1982-1983. At least this way you won’t be “detras del palo.” You mentioned that you speak Spanish, but some do have English translations. By the way, some have Diay! (=Well?/!) but it’s more commonly used as Idiay?/! Happy reading y Pura Vida!
http://cpi.nfls.ca/t_talk.php
http://www.puravidamae.com/sayings.htm
http://home.austin.rr.com/ticopage/page82.htmlBook about CR sayings:
http://www.tuanix.com/Literatura/Literatura_en_Costa_Rica/TabId/172/default.aspx?p=A00T00005003/0/5977Diego, very insightful–it never hurts to be kind to others and also to set boundaries–I’m so glad you said that.
Aaronbz: Chemistry between people happens everywhere and it’s always very subjective. If you’re open, accepting, respectful and friendly, they usually will respond in kind. When being generous, don’t go overboard, not only because this would be letting them take advantage of you (and it’s not necessary to make friends), but because there’s something that happens when a person feels indebted to you–an equilibrium is broken and they may just feel the need to repay you in not so nice ways. Ticos/as also don’t appreciate people that talk loudly to them, much less at them–even if your intent is not to quarrel. You may think you’re just excitedly speaking about something, but they will perceive it as you yelling at them. I saw a lot of Cubans learn this lesson during my first visit in 1982. Now once you’re with a group of close friends, the rules may change and things may get a bit more boisterous. As when a guest in someone’s home, take your cues from your hosts, remember that you are a guest in their country and that many tend to be on the conservative side of many issues so you might not want to start a conversation with a Tico/a you just met by criticizing Catholicism, bringing up abortion issues (abortion is illegal in CR) or the like. There are also a lot of progressive thinkers with varied views, but you will get to know them in bit by bit. Time will tell you if you’ve made friends during this stay, but I can tell you that I still have friends there from 1982 and I’ve made plenty of other true friends along the way. The US college students I took to CR for 10 years also made lasting friendships year after year and they continue to visit each other. That will depend on luck, you and the Tico/a you get to know this time around. I hope you have a wonderful time and are open to the possibilities….I don’t think you will have any problems relating to Ticos/as–you’re obviously a very respectful person…Pura Vida!I agree with Bob & Ione, If you have an emergency and can’t get to CIMA or Clinica Biblica, then let the ambulance take you to a public hospital. CR doctors & surgeons are some of the best and most work in both the public and private sector so you will have access to the best doctors no matter what, but that will not give you much peace of mind once you’re recuperating. You can pay extra to be put in a private room, but by no means is this going to equate the type of nursing care you would get at the private facilities. My dad had a stomach ulcer rupture while visiting CR and they did a wonderful job with the emergency surgery, but he hated every minute of the remaining hospital stay. I had surgery in San Juan de Dios because they had the best surgical equipment at the time, I paid extra to be in a private room and I still had to have a friend stay the night with me because the nurses left much to be desired. One kept trying to put the blood pressure sleeve on the arm that had the IV–ouch! I only stayed one night, but by the end I was just asking the nurses not to touch me. So if it’s not an emergency, plan ahead and use the wonderful private facilities available–it will save you a lot of grief.
One of the reasons CR receives so much international attention regarding biodiversity is not only because there are an enormous amount of known species per square meter in that little country, but because of the what is supposed that we still don’t know–from one celled animals to more complex arrangements. Columbia has much more birds in its territory than CR, but not more per square meter. It is the immense concentration of species co-existing in such varied types of ecosystems and Life Zones that are astounding.
Not only can many of the world’s species have beneficial aspects for humanity, but they have their own intrinsic right to exist (inalienable as Jefferson would put it–I also love much of the Jeffersonian thought I’ve read). Insects, fungi, land & water microorganisms are not typically on the forefront of popular conservation, but they’re also part of this amazing world we’re only a mere part of. You mentioned that we have a responsibility to take care of all life. Well, I agree. We’re creatures that have actually transformed our own evolutionary processes and the possibility of evolution of other species not only with our actions but with our technologies. We have and will continue to pay the price (good and bad) if we don’t fully grasp that the intrinsic right of ALL living beings to exist. Now, mind you, I’m not promoting Ebola sp. be dispersed throughout the world, but you can’t forget that IT got out because we invaded it’s space and there is a reason for it to exist. Who knows what it’s natural function may have been no matter how distasteful it may sound to us today. Relationships in nature tend to be geared for balance (and that doesn’t mean ALL equal in population/strength), it’s more of a dynamic balance. Some species evolve to function in a way that prevents over population and destruction of the whole ecosystem by keeping some in check. Maybe we need to consider Life more holistically than just revolving around us as humans or about the animals we take a particular liking to, but more with the humbleness that comes when facing the amazing strength of Nature or when you realize that as much as you may know, there is still SO much that we do not have answers to…..and wouldn’t it be nice if we could all get a chance to try to figure some of those things out before it’s to late. In the meantime, we all do what we can and hopefully we will be able to do more in the future–for Baulas and all of other species that are facing extinction on this planet right now without forgetting the social context in which these species live… Pura Vida Amigo!
