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I echo namvets post I have the same feelings as both Alfred namvet and OTTFOG we all agree we have issues with the US but we are here to discuss costa rica. Our heads aren’t in the sand about the US it’s just we want to read post and discuss issues related to CR in the posts about CR. If we want to discuss US issues on here we can start a string related to that/those issues. Not to keep repeating myself or my fellow members here but we are here for Costa Rica information. Yes there are unhappy people as it was stated that will never be happy unless they are bashing the US and I doubt if they are even happy then.
But hey fellow members join in this string with your thoughts this is a string that you can bash the US if you desire to without taking away from a point or topic related to Costa Rica.
One last thing I believe and know; I believe most of the people on here Love Costa Rica I know I Love Costa Rica.
While many may never relocate there and some may never even visit some of us will move there and some will continue to visit on a regular basis so allow us the oppertunity to learn and teach on here.
Also let’s not forget this site requires work and maintenance. This is done by Scott Oliver and maybe some others he deals with so we need to be loyal to him and buy stuff sold here at the very least & interview his recommendations so he can earn a living for his hard work. Scott didn’t ask me to say that he didn’t know I was going to say it and may not even like that I said it but if you use this site as a way to learn remember Scott is the reason it is here. Thank you Mr. Oliver.
I TYPE TERRIBLY AND SPELL WORSE I HARDLY EVER USE PUNCTUATION SO PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR THAT BUT GET THE MEANING OF MY WORDS BECAUSE THAT IS WHY I TAKE THE TIME AND PUT FOURTH THE EFFORT.
Thank you,
SteveEdited on Jan 26, 2007 22:49
Hi Grb: I took a little break from this string to see what others may say and I am glad to read your post. I agree with a lot of what you state like how 25% of US voters have 1/2 a clue what politics are about. I have found that hispanics have a much greater knowledge of politics and a greater commitment to it as well. I spoke with many Cuban Americans Mexican Americans Puerto Ricans and others all who were very dedicated to change through voting the value of their vote and just a general knowledge of the election process. I have known some hispanic activist also they formed their own block of voters to have clout with elected officials to make changes for their people. There is strength in numbers and the middle class has lost touch with that we can make the changes needed in our country if we elect the right people but that is difficult with only the 25% you mention. I have said in other posts that our voters don’t have a clue about who they vote for or why they support their canidate. I have heard people vote for a canidate because they liked their looks or their name scary isn’t it. Hopefully that will change through education I see the MTV generation trying to teach the importance in voting so I have hope.
As far as taxation as you brought it up I agree we are over taxed especially the middle income family units because they don’t know how to take advantage of the system. You can read about the top 1% of earners and the amount of tax revenue they contribute by working the system. A 100 million dollar annual income can get away with paying less than a 50,000 annual family income pays in percentages and even in real dollars in some cases. There are some people that believe that they should pay their fair share of taxes and don’t avoid them but they are few and far between. If it weren’t for the middle class our country would be in real trouble we do the work and pay the taxes. I can add a lot more to this but will stop here I may continue on this subject later.
As far as our youth is concerned I agree this is real scary the past generation and this generation of under educated lazy people with an entitelement mentallity that has been created by their parents may be in very big trouble. They sure as I am sitting here won’t be able to carry the burden of supporting our social security system never mind them selves unless something drastic occurs. That is why we have so many technical jobs being outsourced. Even our teachers are under educated and can’t use the english language properly never mind teaching it. We have pictures on the cash registers at cash registers so people working them can ring up a sale. Math and science learning is at an all time low but what scares me the most is our children don’t have a clue what analytical thinking is. Their brains have never been expanded to free think. They have excellent hand eye control from the video game lifestyle they exist in. Even our manual labor force is dwindling due to the lazyness of this generation. We have people full of rage that complain about the condition of our country but they forget they caused it. On the bright side it is all repairable we have a great foundation to build from if we ever decide to get back to the basics and start educating our most valuable asset (our youth) we will turn it all around. Once we stop the attitude that we are owed things and go back to earning them. When we realize while we were asleep the rest of the world cuaght up and we live in a global economy that we are not the leader we once were we can get back on top. It won’t be easy but it is doable as long as we don’t quit. Parents need to parent teachers need to teach and government needs to govern as we did for 200+ years. Complaining doesn’t do it actions do. My children who are adults today are capable earners with a knowledge of our political system because I didn’t rely on our schools alone. I put in the time and effort I wasn’t at a country club playing golf or traveling or out drinking I was home parenting. That’s my contribution to the future I’m not asking for a pat on the back or recognition I’m just explaining what I did that worked for me maybe someone will learn from it and pass it on so our recovery can happen. Either way I will be in Costa Rica living out the twilight of my life.
Edited on Jan 26, 2007 22:16
I do believe that Costa Rica has it’s own Stock Market although I am not certain. I remember reading something once but I could be wrong.
As far as your other issue I believe that Costa Rican real estate will have to follow a US downturn only because US investment will slow at best. I have heard mixed results however, I was informed that developers are not dropping prices and in the cases I looked at I was told sales are still strong. I don’t know if that is fact or marketing but I do know for a fact when I asked a developer to lower his price on a Santa Ana condo they wouldn’t and they said buy before the end of January or they move up more. That is based on my own experience with just one developer. My gut tells me if I wait prices will have to drop due to a slow down in sales. I have nothing but my gut instincts to back that up. If I am wrong and I very well may be wrong I will be paying a higher price if I can even get the type of unit I want in the development I want. I will have a much better opinion when I am in San Jose mid February looking at and negotiating with other developers in the area. My gut and instincts are strong for me because I am basing them on US trends and my beliefs they will spill over into Costa Rica but without local knowledge and first hand experiences or a way to see what new sales numbers are it’s just a guess. A guess that may cost or save me money but a guess none the less. I wish I had a working crystal ball or better yet a way to know what is on the market what has sold in the past 6 months and at what prices what the listed price vs the selling price would all be helpfull. I know this also which needs to be stated; while Costa Rica is a small country it has sections that may vary with their market trends such as the pacific coast and the central valley one could have strong sales and short supply while the other may have a weaker sales number and larger supply. All of the above needs to be considered if you are ready to buy in the near future and even in the long term. All just my humble opinion.
Edited on Jan 26, 2007 19:03
I want to thank all of you for joining in this string. I knew my feelings weren’t unfounded or just me seeing it that way. I am not here to bash Costa Rica in any way I am relocating there very shortly and I want to learn as much as I can from other ex pats that are living there currently. Whether they came from Europe Canada or the US and even from Tico’s that read this. I also don’t wish to attack this site or other members because like me most of you post good honest information whether fact or opinion based on your experiences. I do wish to keep the US bashing where it belongs on a string that starts out about the US. This way I can skip them if I choose to or jump in if I prefer.
Special shout out to you namvet thanks for your sacrafice and service.
Please all other members please give your opinions even if you disagree so we can beat this to death and move forward with Costa Rican living and loving.
And here I thought I was the only one who had these feelings about scottbenson. I knew I wasn’t that smart it’s refreshing to read others see and feel as I do on here.
Although it makes me sad and scared to learn about this type of injustice anywhere. I know one thing for sure as I am sure so do most of you a few bad apples and imperfection is expected everywhere. While this may exist in Costa Rica it shouldn’t be a black eye to the entire country or their entire system. But I am glad to learn about these facts to know what I need to beware of and protect my investmenst and myself from. Thanks for keeping this focused on facts with a small diversion.
For the Record I love Gringoticos posts and Kimyoa650 too they have always been informative and with the best of intentions. Kudos both of you. diego special KUDOS for you great post thanks for sharing
Edited on Jan 26, 2007 18:23
Scottbenson: I am not misinformed at all in fact I am very familiar with the gaming industry taxation on gaming in the US and internet gaming. I worked in the gaming industry for over twenty years. The laws referencing internet gaming were not put in place over federal taxation. If that were the case the federal government would allow internet gaming in all 50 states that use Nevada gaming sites since these nevada companies pay federal taxes. Gaming is one of the most regulated industries in the US. Not including native american casinos there are at least 9 other states that have legalized casino gaming. Each of those states have their own gaming regulations and tax structures, The laws governing internet gaming are federal and state regulations none of which were put into place for tax reasons or to harm Costa Rica’s sport books. They were instituted to further regulate the industry and control interstate and intercontinental gaming. The regulations on the gaming industry is an atempt to keep organized crime and other unsavory people out of the operation of gaming companies. The United States regulations and laws to not allow interstate gaming via the internet mail or wire service are the laws that were broken by the Costa Rican Ceos that’s why they were arrested not for any US tax laws or regulations. This is fact not opinion nor words typed without merit. When you talk about the US controlling money leaving the US for oversea gaming then please explain why the US allows its citizens to go to Canada on a daily basis to gamble there. Why there are casinos being built in Maccau as we are typing owned and operated by US owned companies Cruise ships docked in Miami that go to the Bahammas daily strickly for gaming. Or are you stating that its just Costa Rica that the US doesn’t like. Every word I typed is documented fact and can be checked if you wish to take the time.
There are discussions in the US about tax loss due to internet sales but these losses are in line with taxes lost due to mail order shopping. As of today there are no taxes due on any sales made via mail order or the internet when the orders are made out of state or out of the country.
As far as you later comments on the long arm of the US and how they will use it for their best interests doesn’t make much sense to me either. Every country looks out for their best interests, however, the US does many good things for other countries in the world but I have never read you mention anything about that. How many loans to foreign country have been forgiven by the US how many US tax dollars have been given to countries in need? Is you statement accurate when you say the US government states how much they will pay for bananas and other imported fruits or maybe some US companies importing state prices they are willing to pay. If the US has so much control on imports why are we paying high energy prices can’t the US say oil will be bought at 20 dollars a barrel. We grow bananas and pineapples in the US and maybe the US goverment pays farmers not to grow them to assist other countries who are dependant on US imports of these products thus the price regulations. I am not 100% sure on these issues but I will do a little research. I use to have a better handle on them but I haven’t kept up on what we import and what we stop our own farmers from growing or selling. Once I get back up to speed in those areas I will get back to you. Although I know I can never change your views on how terrible the US is. I know you view the US as the big Satan even though the US has done so much in the way of good along with the bad that it has done. But at least we will talk in facts just like we did on the internet gaming issue which you incorrectly quoted or twisted when you weren’t fabricating facts.
scottbenson: You’ve made some statements I don’t understand. First how does the US influence business in other countries. The US has its own laws which set standards for products and services sold in the US. This isn’t about taxation of foreign companies. Scott can sell his books free of tax in the US via the internet. If Scott’s book depicted child porn it would be illegal for sale in the US and if he sold and shipped a copy into the US a warrant for his arrest would be issued within US borders. This would be done because he broke US law.
With regard to Sport Books operating outside of US borders the US government and its law enforcement agencies have no interest in how they conduct business or taxing their profits. However, once one of these Sport Books accept wagers from inside of US borders they have broken US laws and are subject to arrest within the US. Their funds are also subject to being held if they are on deposit in a US or US affiliated bank as are any of their other US held assets.
That’s the only power the US government has over foreign companies. If a foreign held company ships sells or provides a service within the US in violation of US law they are subject to those same US laws. You can’t ship cocane into the US via the internet from a country that allows the sale of cocane or child porn or animal porn or unsafe products or pirated knock offs and so on. That is not the US going into Costa Rica to get involved in protitution or anything else that is legal in Costa Rica as long as it remains out of the US. Now interpol and other multination police agencies do join forces across the globe to enforce crimes against children and narcotics but not the things you mentioned. The CEOs you mentioned arrested in the US had indeed broken US laws and were arrested on US land they were given due process under US law. They were not arrested for none payment of taxes or even accused of not paying taxes.
Your argument that this was started by some activist holds no water and is just another conspiricy theory. Fact this was the result of US laws on the US books prohibitating accepting gamimg bets from within US states which prohibit them. Simple as that.
Brad: Don’t miss my entire message I never said the US is not interfering. I said the Military isn’t there to interfere The job of interfering is that of the US intelligence community. The military’s job in those cases is to keep the money machine turning.
Now back to the Superbowl; You state that the US Deparment of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation is sitting in Costa Rica. Please explain for what purpose. The FBI has no juristiction in Costa Rica. The FBI is a Domestic law enforcement agency they can do all the investigating they need to do into illegal internet gaming from inside it’s own borders. They can research ownership of Costa Rican Sport Books from inside the US borders. They can issue US arrest warants for Costa Rican sport book owners and managers who break US laws inside US borders & which can only be executed within US borders. I’m not disagreeing with you because I have no facts to say you are wrong I just don’t understand your statements. Please explain in more detail what they will be doing there. I know we are seeing things similiarly and we both agree its all about money and the US government wanting their share or not allowing it. As I wrote in my previous post and you agreed I know what law enforcement does in the US during Superbowl. Those actions are all about the money not public safety which is what law enforcement is suppose to be about.
Edited on Jan 26, 2007 11:04
How do we go from can I work in my own business in Costa Rica to the problems with US litigation issues. I know the US issues they have been in the news for years as has medical costs malpractice issues and so on. What I don’t know are the Costa Rican laws or practices. Can we for once stay on point and run the issue that was started into deep details so I can learn. I want to learn from experiences in Costa Rica about Costa Rica’s issues. Whether it is the law in fact and the law in enforcement. And so on with every issue we raise about anything Costa Rica let’s keep it Costa Rica and not US issues unless they are related. It seems over and over someone finds a way to bash or find fault with the US. Scott maybe you could start a sister site called Screw Costa Rica learning let’s just bash America evry chance we can.
Brad I have no idea what you are talking about the US military isn’t in any country to interfere they are there because the military is big business. The spooks may be there to interfere. Once the military is deployed or stationed it’s all about the dollars. US Defense Contractors supply these foreign bases with everything from beds toilets to the food they eat keeping americans working in the US and paying tax dollars. Never mind the weapons ammo vehicles planes these defense contractors provide support satalite management do I need to keep going or is the picture clear. Don’t confuse the intelligence community with the military. Intelligence cause the conflicts the military makes sure it expends enough money to make it worth while. The casualties are just a biproduct that we try to keep to acceptable levels. It’s not war or peace or morals or even US policy it’s business BIG BUSINESS. When the economy needs a boost we have a conflict. Once we are economically stable we negotiate a peace. Sometimes we just let others have the conflict and supply the materials not the personell (military) (for example See Israel). It’s all dependant on how much money we need to generate.
What happens on the superbowl? Tell me what you believe is going to happen rather than waiting and seeing. Then we can see if your predictions are correct.
I know what happens in the US during the superbowl Police raid as many of the illegal bookmaker joints and arrest the people working in there and confiscate all the money they find. Its another way of adding to the cities revenue stream.
When you talk about addiction remember an addict will find the vice whether legal or not. Thankfully only a few people that gamble are addicted still too many when you look at the effects on their families or on the individual addict. Outlawing something because of addicts is as foolish as outlawing alcohol because of alcoholics, it was tried in the US early in the 20th century all it did was force it underground and make the American Mafia, the Kennedy family fortune and other criminal empires. The samething is happening with illicet drugs the addicts demand has created the new criminal empires both in and outside the US. Illegal gambling whether via the internet or not is being controlled inside the US by the criminal eliment within the US and also outside the US by many of the same people. That’s not to say every or all Costa Rican Sport Book operations are owned or controlled by US criminals.
I am certain that the US government doesn’t like people making money from things they can’t collect tax on. Once they can’t/aren’t collecting their share of the of the revenue they go all out to shut it down. Just like the drug trade and their so called war on drugs. If these drug dealers were paying taxes see how quickly the war ends. The US military leaves Columbia and the FARC are their friends. Vices aren’t a civic issue it’s a money issue. That’s why Lotteries are legal in so many states they figured out how to make money from it. Same with book making in NYC they have off track betting, lotteries, daily numbers all gambling that was once illegal but now legal under government control. The government makes a fortune from the drug industry (Big Pharma) the reason that other drugs are illegal they aren’t made in US labs so they are untaxed. That is the reason internet purchases of medications are fought so strong they come in from Mexico and Canada at cheaper pricing and lost US tax revenue so it can’t be good in the US government’s eyes. They don’t say that they say the FDA is protecting us.
Taxes aren’t probably the # 1 reason They are definately the #1 reason !!!
I don’t know that the US closed down any of the sports books in Costa Rica. What I do know it is against the law to gamble on the internet in all but 1 state in the US and the federal government enforces violations of those laws.
Nevada has legal gambling when you are in Nevada you can place your bets via the internet to any internet site in Nevada that is online. As a Nevada resident I can place my sports bets at several Nevada casinos while I am in my home state. If I am traveling outside of Nevada I cannot legally place a bet at any of those same sites even though I have an open account with the casino.
I guess that is the same laws they have used in the US to address the online sports books in Costa Rica. If I am in Costa Rica I may gamble on line with the sports books located there. Unfortunately these Costa Rican sports books do not have enough business without US residents gambling and since they can not legally bet online from the US several sports book operations closed down due to lack of business.
Personally my views on gambling is it should be legal everywhere and especially on the internet but it isn’t so many US internet Poker sites in Nevada also closed down because they couldn’t get the needed business from just Nevada residents. Gambling and other vices when legal are victimless crimes when they are not legal many of these vice crimes are no longer victimless as in Prostitution you end up with pimps drugs and other evils that you will never find in a legal operation. Same with Gambling you end up with book makers breaking legs loan sharks doing the same and so fourth. Thus my feelings about keeping harmless vice crimes legal. There isn’t a place I know of that you can’t find these vices when they are not legal they support criminals when they are legal they give tax dollars to the communities. But hey that’s just my opinion.
Good afternoon mediatica:
Thank you for your insight I appreciate you taking the time to address my concerns. Unlike many others who may be looking for a home I know exactly what I want and where I want it. I want a 2 bedroom condo in the central valley either escazu or santa ana I could go into the exact detail but I don’t feel this is the environment to do that is.
I will be in Costa Rica in the middle of February and will end up either being in contract or closing on unit.
I have an agent to work with when I am there that was recommended to me as being knowledgable fair and honest. We have communicated via email and will enter into an agreement after we meet and iron out all the details of an agreement.
I believe in dotting all the Is and crossing all the Ts up front so there aren’t any misunderstandings.
Hi Alfred:
I hope you are enjoying you day off. I wanted to share my email address with you, you can find it a little down on this board under the title “Help is the Political Climate Changing in CR” I think it will be cool keeping in touch off the board too. Our lives are so similiar. Thanks for you good wishes for my son. Anyway I am going to wait and see if we get some more input from other members before I write my next post here.
