Archives for "Puerto Rico":

Willie and his "Rupture" on February 27, 2010 in Puerto Rico

I've been asked quite a bit in recent weeks how I feel about Caguas Mayor Willie Miranda Marin's recent speech on the state of the PPD. I didn't feel much of an impulse to write on it, as I didn't feel as if anything new was brought to the table. Maybe it's the fact that I'm not in Puerto Rico...

Hector Luis on Muñoz on Now on February 26, 2010 in Puerto Rico

Hector Luis Acevedo, former Mayor of San Juan, former candidate for Governor of Puerto Rico, renowned leader within the PPD, and a former professor of mine recently spoke at a Mayaguez ceremony in respects to the "father of Puerto Rico", Luis Muñoz Marin. Acevedo's speech addressed Puerto Rico's modern issues with writings from Muñoz Marin's memoires; a sort of "What...

"I Knew a Puerto Rican" on February 15, 2010 in Puerto Rico

There's not too many Latinos where I live, though there are a few "Mexicans" that have trickled in during the previous few years. (They are actually Hondurans and other Central Americans; I haven't met one formal Mexican as of yet.) I have yet to meet one Puerto Rican who lives within my City limits, though I have met a Dominican...

Subsidizing Wal-Mart on February 4, 2010 in Economics , Puerto Rico

I just stumbled upon an article in Primera Hora that stated that the Puerto Rican government was to provide more than $3 million in subsidy to Wal-Mart's pay roll. That's bullshit.First, Wal-Mart's Puerto Rican stores are probably the most successful of all of Wal-Mart's jurisdictions. In fact, EFE noted the head of Corporate Affairs for Wal-Mart Puerto Rico as stating...

Photo of the Day on January 17, 2010 in Photo of the Day , Puerto Rico

La Fiesta de la Calle de San Sebastian...

Graffiti in Puerto Rico on December 2, 2009 in Photos , Puerto Rico

Just uploaded a new gallery called "Graffiti in Puerto Rico". I'll add to it as I obtain more photos. It' s just seven measly photographs for now, but I'll be sure to add some more later....

"Puerto Rican" Architecture? on November 6, 2009 in Puerto Rico , Society

I have always had a high respect for Puerto Rican culture. It's food, music, history, language. Unfortunately, I had never stopped to take into account its architecture. Probably because it "doesn't exist". My recent investigation into the possibility of purchasing and rehabilitating a house in Puerto Rico has masturbated my interest in the field.A search for "Puerto Rican architecture" will...

Investing in P.R. on November 6, 2009 in Puerto Rico

In recent weeks I have increasingly begun exploring the option of purchasing an investment residential property in Puerto Rico. Particularly a "fixer upper". I:Like rehabilitating homesLike Puerto RicoLike the idea of passive incomeConsider myself a good property manager, and most importantly;Have begun developing an interest for historic preservation (or at least architecture that pays homage to the "historic")Why Puerto Rico...

Grandpa in the 1930s Census on October 20, 2009 in Personal , Puerto Rico

A few weeks ago I head down to my local library and tinkered with those family genealogy programs. I'm at a disadvantage with these things, as Puerto Rico has fallen under U.S. Census jurisdiction only for a short amount of time. I was fortunate enough to find an entry logging my grandfather when he was 9 years old.Click below to...

Lay-Offs Galore on September 30, 2009 in Puerto Rico

This is a sensitive subject, so I've been careful to assure that I have all my arguments straight. It's been about a week since Puerto Rico's press first started covering the central government's layoff of almost 17,000 public employees. Since then the front pages have been characterized by photos of angry protesters, sit-ins, student strikes, and citizens throwing eggs. I...

Puerto Rico, Sept. '09 on September 23, 2009 in Photos , Puerto Rico

Just finished uploading the photos from my recent trip to Puerto Rico back in early September. Unfortunately, it was only for a weekend and it was difficult to see everybody that I wanted to see....

Photo of the Day on September 16, 2009 in Puerto Rico

I was winding around a few roads that I am unfamiliar with when I come upon this home. I almost wanted to go knock on their door but it appeared as if nobody was home.It was the only house on the block with a flag on its porch. It had to be a Puerto Rican flag! I'm supposing that the...

American FBI and Puerto Rico on September 16, 2009 in Puerto Rico

Yesterday El Nuevo Dia covered a recent federal operation on airline employees involved in Puerto Rico's drug trade. I have a few comments.First, one of the first things that I notice is that all of the federal agents shown in the press - be they DEA or FBI - are Americans. Not light skinned or state-raised Boricuas, but authentic, blue...

Avenida Reform in Action on September 10, 2009 in Puerto Rico , Society

A few months ago I blogged about Puerto Rico's crowded avenidas and suggested that some slight modifications to parking and public sidewalks could result in a much more pleasant, pedestrian-friendly environment. I am pleased to see during a recent trip to Puerto Rico that the City of Caguas has recently implemented such measures. Though you can't see them very well...

Against Regionalization on August 7, 2009 in Puerto Rico

There has been increase discussion during the past few days among the Mayors and public officials of Puerto Rico concerning the "regionalization" of state government services. A number of people jump in joy at the idea, as it is perceived as an alternative for the state's sluggish bureaucracy, nepotist politicians, and unreliability. But I would argue against regionalization for a...

Bureaucracy in Action on August 4, 2009 in Personal , Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rican bureaucracy is ridiculous. Anybody who has read this site before knows that I spent most of my time ranting on about this topic. It has taken a sort of "on paper" back seat since I've been in the States, though yesterday I experienced its wrath, as I had to make a series of important phone calls to...

Acevedo the Lame on August 4, 2009 in Puerto Rico

Renown PPD leader Jose Alfredo Hernandez Mayoral recently attributed his loss in the 2008 elections to his adoption of a pro-autonomy stance. This is false. His loss was due to his poor performance and bad governance.Acevedo Vila was a terrible governor. Not only did he enter office with absolutely no platform (his "party program" was nothing more than broad references...

Bias in the DTOP on July 31, 2009 in Puerto Rico

Light night I wrapped up an assignment for my Quantitive Methods course. My subject of choice was Puerto Rico's state Department of Transportation and Public Works as well as possible bias in its distribution of federal funding. The findings were interesting indeed, as the ruling PNP party has spent its transportation stimulus dollars in a radically and bluntly biased form....

Solving Aguas Buenas' Traffic Problems on July 29, 2009 in Puerto Rico , Society

Downtown Aguas Buenas has always been plagued with serious traffic problems. The City's two-century old layout is its biggest obstacle, with the only way to fully solve the situation being to bulldoze the town and build it over again. Thin roads built for horses and carriages, cars pulling in and out of their parallel parking spots, and its "convenient" proximity...

Photos of the Aguas Buenas Caves on July 21, 2009 in Photos , Puerto Rico

My hometown of Aguas Buenas features a set of amazing natural caves. Unfortunately, this attraction is not very well known to outsiders and is not even frequently visited by locals. The caves have in recent decades become the site of hang outs, drug usage, cult rituals, and vandalism. A number of rare, endangered species as well as original indigenous glyphs...

Wal-Mart Puerto Rico and Job Creation on July 14, 2009 in Economics , Puerto Rico

I have always opposed the colonization of Puerto Rico by monolithic multi-nationals such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and similar companies. My reasons are endless, though I always wondered to myself whether or not Wal-Mart actually generated more jobs than it took away.  Utilizing very limited data from 2003 and 2006 (I couldn't find anything more recent), I established the following employee...

Much Change Needed in the PPD on July 7, 2009 in Puerto Rico

The Partido Popular Democratico (PPD) finds itself in one of its worst conditions since its creation in 1938. In 2004 the PPD won the elections by a hair, securing a win only after a series of court cases authorized the counting of a handful of controversial votes. The 2008 elections was even more of an embarrassment, as the opposition Partido...

To Be or Not to Be. That is the Answer. on June 24, 2009 in Puerto Rico

Status, status, status! The mere deadlock that is created by the Puerto Rican status issue is one of the primary reasons that I was turned off to it! Here we are, debating the 500 year-long question of our colonial status as our schools rot, people shoot each other, and the cities sprawl into every direction. Puerto Rico's newspapers have dedicated...

What's an Autonomista to Do? on June 19, 2009 in Puerto Rico

My first contact with Puerto Rican politics occurred when I was 12 years old. Sure, I know that Puerto Rico was different, but it wasn't until then that I fully understood our political situation. One summer while visiting Puerto Rico with my family, a friend of my grandmother's saw that I was wearing a red shirt and shorts and said,...

The Puerto Rican "Avenida" on April 27, 2009 in Puerto Rico , Society

Anybody who has lived or extensively traveled Puerto Rico is familiar with urban designs pictured above. Throughout many urbanized areas one can see congested and lengthy Avenues with private parking setbacks  pressed right against the street. Backing up to pull out of a parking spot requires obstructing not only one, but sometimes two lanes. The side lane tends to function...

Ley de Ceirre... Again on April 17, 2009 in Economics , Puerto Rico

For quite some time now there has existed the "Closing Law" in Puerto Rico. This law requires many establishments to close their doors on Sunday with the purpose to foment the day as a "family time" and to support small businesses. Some 24 hour businesses such as pharmacies are prohibited from selling certain items during this time due to the...

The Never Ending Story on April 17, 2009 in Economics , Puerto Rico

In recent months, Puerto Rico Governor Luis Fortuño has outlined his plans to lay off 30,000 public employees. This has caused a storm of resistance among unions, opposition political parties, and obviously public employees themselves. Labor leaders have decided to take the case to federal court in hopes to halt Fortuño's layoff plans.Back in 2000 the number of public employees...

Literal Translations of Puerto Rican Slang on April 12, 2009 in Humor , Puerto Rico

From a Dad forward:1. Forget about the fishes of color / Olvídate de los peces de color2. I don't care a whistle / Me importa un pito.3. I shit on the tomato's mother / Me cago en la madre de los tomates4. I care three cucumbers / Me importa tres pepinos.5. At the miles of "Chaflan" / A las millas...

Photo of the Day on April 1, 2009 in Puerto Rico

I always feel like... somebody's watching me. (And I got no privacy. Whohhhohh)...

Earth Hour on March 23, 2009 in Humor , Puerto Rico

"Earth hour". It's that environmentally-conscious effort at turning all of your lights and appliances off for one hour each year.I always thought that such a move was silly. Not because I have anything against green initiatives, but because the Puerto Rican electricity grid is so unreliable that our electricity goes out for a few hours each month as it is!...

Some Puerto Rico Videos on March 22, 2009 in Puerto Rico , Videos

Streets of CulebraSkies of Culebra...

Pictures: P.R. March '09 Trip on March 22, 2009 in Photos , Puerto Rico

Caguas Caguas' plaza Represent Caguas market Decorative manhole Me beloved sister. Somewhere near Cayey Culebra This photo was on the wall of the Culebra airport. Any amateur in Photoshop can tell that this fellow's image was cut out and pasted in front of another. Sky shot by Crystal After frolicking in the water for about 10 minutes, I cover...

Puerto Rico Photos from the 1940s and 1950s on March 21, 2009 in Photos , Puerto Rico

Found these absolutely wonderful Puerto Rico photos from the 1940s and 1950s on Flickr. I have literally spent hours rummaging through this collection. This is truly a treasure. It is still sometimes hard to conceive how quickly Puerto Rican went from the mule to the automobile. Understanding just how quick we were propelled/pushed/pulled into an industrialized, modern society explains many...

Proletariat, Bourgeoise, and the Mantenidos on March 19, 2009 in Puerto Rico

I just recently finished reading "Democracy and Socialism" by Arthur Rosenberg. I had picked up the book for 50 cents at a local thrift shop, and though the title was quite old, the subject was timeless. I have this terrible habit of reading a book, underlining key sentences, filling its margins with notes, and then stocking the book away only...

Puerto Rican Architecture on March 19, 2009 in Puerto Rico

Yea yea... I know that I haven't been very good at updating my page. I've been quite busy. Anybody who has my MSN contact on their buddy list could probably tell that by now. Those with my cellphone number probably didn't notice since I never pick up my phone anyway.I was in Puerto Rico for a short weekend trip. Months...

Recovery Plan Bla Bla on March 4, 2009 in Puerto Rico

Fortuño has recently unveiled his economic recovery plan and the PPD should be releasing their counter-proposal within days.After sitting on my ass for half an hour I've devised my own little list of things I'd do if I was king of Puerto Rico:Balance the budget - and don't do it simply by cutting back services. Operation and administrative costs (which...

Bored Guy at San Sebastian Fest on February 22, 2009 in Humor , Puerto Rico

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La Fiesta de la Calle San Sebastian on February 15, 2009 in Puerto Rico , Videos

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Photo of the Day on February 13, 2009 in Puerto Rico

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Photo of the Day on February 7, 2009 in Puerto Rico

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Photo of the Day on February 5, 2009 in Puerto Rico

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Deficit? No Re-election on February 1, 2009 in Puerto Rico

Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz has suggested to bar Mayors from running for re-election if they pass budgets with deficits. I would have to totally endorse such a proposition. I would extend the band to legislators who vote for budgets with deficits....

Balancing the Budget with Federal Funds on February 1, 2009 in Puerto Rico

Former PNP Governor Carlos Romero Barcelo and PPD Governor Rafael Hernandez Colon join current Governor Luis Fortuño in calls for Puerto Rico to be included in the federal government's stimulus package (El Nuevo Dia). The two believe that the stimulus package would be a great opportunity to help close Puerto Rico's $3.2 billion deficit.This is such irresponsible thinking on behalf...

The PPD's Anti-Poverty Plan on February 1, 2009 in Puerto Rico

The PPD have recently proposed its "Permanent Plan for the Elimination of Poverty". En El Nuevo Dia article outlining the propositions can be found here. I have a few things to say about it. First of all, poverty will never be "eliminated". Utilizing the 1930s definition of poverty, one could say that Muñoz Marín eliminated it from Puerto Rico. I'm...

Fortaleza.us? on January 13, 2009 in Puerto Rico

The Fortaleza website has been updated. The original site URL forwards to an obscure IP address that I'm guessing is temporary. At least until they can ditch the .pr domain for something more to the likes of the PNP Senate's senadopr.us.  The website is now blue with a Spanglish menu and his inaugural address in English. What a surprise....

Fortuño, Wave 2 on January 13, 2009 in Puerto Rico

Last week Fortuño announced his first fiscal and economic measures. Yesterday, four additional measures were seen by Puerto Rico's Congress. Though there were aspects of Fortuño's first wave of policies that I was warm towards, I have a problem with his second wave.For starters, the House ditched the current House rules and instead opted to utilize the Jefferson Manual. I'm...

Fortuño's 1st Fiscal Actions on January 9, 2009 in Puerto Rico

Governor Luis Fortuño announced yesterday a number of measures to curb Puerto Rico's fiscal and economic situation. Here's my take on each of them:1. The lay-off of temporary employees hired from July 2008 to the present moment: go for it. They are political favors, anyways. They are temporary slots and were hired by the PPD administration in a rush to...

Pierluisi Takes Office on January 7, 2009 in Puerto Rico

Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi inaugurated his office in Capital Hill yesterday morning. The newspaper demonstrated photos of Pierluisi cutting ribbons, standing next to preachers, and embracing family members. He has an ear-to-ear grin on his mouth while those around him gleam of victory.Fool. He reminds me of a juggling circus monkey.Now if there is one political position that I would...

The Return of the Comunidades Especiales on January 6, 2009 in Puerto Rico

PPD Representative Jorge Colberg (who I do respect for his earlier defiance of PPD President Acevedo Vila) has recently presented an initiative alongside Representative Hector Ferrer (who sucks ass), concerning an expansion of the Comunidades Especiales program. The program was created by the PPD's Sila Calderon administration and was composed of the creation of resident advisory boards in the poorest...

Puerto Rico's Police (from a Non-Expert) on January 6, 2009 in Puerto Rico

El Nuevo Dia announced today that the incoming PNP administration will be creating regional police forces, each with their own autonomy and budgets. The article is clear in showing that the regional police forces will operate alongside the state police force. Now I'm no expert in public security but I'm confident that this is not the way to go. The...

Dear Luis Fortuño, on December 29, 2008 in Politics , Puerto Rico

December 29, 2008 Hon. Luis FortuñoGovernorPO Box 9020082San Juan, PR 00902Dear Honorable Luis Fortuño,My name is Luis Gallardo and I have recently finished a four year term on the executive cabinet of the Aguas Buenas Municipal Government. During this time I have worked as the Director of Federal Affairs, Housing, and Urban Development for Mayor Luis Arroyo. I have had...

American vs. Puerto Rican Leisure on December 13, 2008 in Puerto Rico , Society

The concepts of leisure held by Americans and Puerto Ricans (and Latinos in general) are quite different. When I moved to Puerto Rico I went through the process of "loosening up"; adopting Latino time and the Latino lax. This transition was really not difficult, though it did take time for me to feel comfortable with arriving to locations a few...

Hector Ferrer Sucks on November 11, 2008 in Puerto Rico

I grew quite happy when Anibal Acevedo Vila resigned as President of the PPD. I believed his resignation to signal a new start in the party and a switch back to its progressive roots. Those who stood remained as the few remaining leaders of the PPD - Willie Miranda Marin, Alejandro Garcia Padilla, Jose Aponte Jr. - were all staunch...

Homegrown Driving on November 8, 2008 in Humor , Puerto Rico

I have grown used to the Puerto Rican style of driving. This includes treating stop signs as yields, treating yellow lights as green lights, interpreting the first few seconds of a red light as a yellow light, U-turning over medians, driving in reverse on a shoulder to back up into a missed exit, and parking on the side walk. Though...

Me on the Puerto Rico Elections on November 5, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Okay. Now for the creamy center:Puerto Rican elections.Boy. Where do I even start.First of all, I must say that I "told you so". I have always been a fierce critic of Anibal Acevedo Vila and everything that he has stood for. Not only was I one of the PPD who pushed for Caguas Mayor Willie Miranda Marin to take party...

Feds up in my Grill on October 30, 2008 in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN-- Un grupo de ocho fiscales federales estarán atentos a las elecciones puertorriqueñas del 4 de noviembre para garantizar que no haya fraude electoral y atender cualquier situación que se suscite ese día en los colegios electorales que pueda constituir infracciones a leyes estadounidenses, aplicables en Puerto Rico. El Nuevo Dia.Now that's quite upsetting. A federal "task force" to...

Burger King and Latino Marketing on October 29, 2008 in Puerto Rico

So I'm sitting in a Burger King waiting to meet with a professor so I can turn in an old report that required some fixing. A small flat screen monitor hung over my head playing songs from Ricky Martin, Carlos Santana, and Gloria Estefan. Such a stereotypical assumption on behalf of Burger King that Puerto Ricans as "Latino customers" would...

Pedro Rossello on October 14, 2008 in Humor , Puerto Rico

Saw this guy while inspecting my car this morning. He looked just like Pedro Rossello....

Con el IVU... on October 14, 2008 in Puerto Rico

For whenever Anibal Acevedo Vila claims that he's against the IVU. I saw this earlier this morning in the local Colecturia....

Reforming the SIF on October 11, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Caribbean Business ran an in-depth article on the State Insurance Fund (known as "El Fondo" in Puerto Rico). The article complains about the SIF's horrible service, bloated payroll, and sluggish bureaucracy. Here is some basic data:The SIF has received $678.9 million in income, paid for by private and public sector employers.The SIF is an autonomous government agency and actually earns...

Yap on the Reforma on October 5, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Former PNP Governor Pedro Rossello was once hailed by the stateside medical community as an innovative figure; praising him for his semi-universal health program. Under this program the Government would privatize its health assets and instead use public funds to directly purchase health insurance for Puerto Rican families. Rossello stated, "The goal is a transition from two separate systems, one...

Import Substitution Redefined on October 4, 2008 in Economics , Puerto Rico

I am not a big fan of the "trickle down" theory of economics. Though I do not doubt its ability to push wealth down the social pyramid, I feel that it is not the most efficient of methods to stimulate the economy. Sure, an extra $100 in a rich person's pocket might motivate him to invest even more in his...

Corruption and the State's Role on October 4, 2008 in Puerto Rico

The federal government in recent months has carried out a number of investigations and arrests on politicians from both major parties. These constant arrests that just seem to get worse undermine Puerto Rico's credibility. To think that such acts have been occurring for so long with little or no action from local law enforcement agencies, auditing agencies, and public officials...

My State Ballot on September 24, 2008 in Puerto Rico

This is how I plan to submit my state ballot in our upcoming elections. I shall explain:I am a member of the PPD, though I did consider marking the PPR logo to "help out" with their efforts to remain an official party. (Parties must reach a certain number of votes in order to remain registered). I am a strong believer...

Bump Bilingual Ballots on September 6, 2008 in Politics , Puerto Rico

Some American cat who has been living in Puerto Rico for 13 years has decided to take the Puerto Rican government to court in a move to obligate its State Elections Commission to print our elections ballots in a bilingual format. This guy claims that he needed to bring a translator with him to the voting booths during previous...

Puerto Rican Motels on June 21, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Motels.One of the things I noticed upon arriving to Puerto Rico is the abundance of motels lining the old main roads. "MOTEL BAMBU" and "MOTEL OK" signs line the road as one traverses to and from the Metropolitan Area. At first I brushed them off as motel motels (ya know; the U.S. equivalent of a one story cheap room and...

PNPPD on June 20, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Fortuño received much criticism from the PPD shortly after announcing his proposed government reform plan. After promising to reduce public expenses by $1.2 billion, the Management and Budget Office Director (Primera Hora), Governor Acevedo Vila (El Nuevo Dia), and Senate Minority Speaker Jose Luis Dalmau (El Nuevo Dia) all criticized about how such cuts would be brought about through privatization....

The Three Levels of Bueaucratic Evasion on June 4, 2008 in Puerto Rico , Society

Yesterday evening at the Economic Assistance Office at my University:Me: "Hello. I'm curious to know if you guys have any economic assistance available for the June courses."Woman: "No. We just ran out. But I recommend that you come tomorrow since we always have students who cancel courses last minute. Come early."This morning via telephone (since I was working "early"):<<After hearing...

Rossello the Leftist on May 14, 2008 in Puerto Rico

I have always complained that the PPD is a right wing party and often beats the PNP at being the most conservative of the two. Though both Rossello and Acevedo Vila believe in things such as privatization and market subsidies, Rossello believes in universal health and education. Rossello also has suggested the passing of a constitutional amendment which guarantees a...

Comunidades Especiales as Small Republics on May 4, 2008 in Puerto Rico

I had much hope for the Comunidades Especiales program when it was initiated almost a decade ago by former Governor Sila Calderon. The project had aims to empower poor and disadvantaged communities by allowing them to create formal resident juntas who in turn would coordinate with the Comunidades Especiales agency to decide which projects are a priority for the residents....

Taino Tattoo on May 3, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Very dope....

The Privatization Consensus on May 1, 2008 in Puerto Rico

I feel the same about Anibal Acevedo Vila winning as I do Luis Fortuño. The only difference between the two is found solely in the bureaucrats that they stuff into their agencies. Either way, bureaucrats are bureaucrats and overall policy would remain the same no matter which of the two wins. Both are monga; lacking the charisma of their party's...

The Manipulative Anibal on April 28, 2008 in Puerto Rico

I must say that this is one of the darkest eras within the history of the PPD. As a delegate of the party I am deeply hurt and upset over the occurrences of yesterday's general assembly. I have never been so displeased with the party and have been sucked of the little motivation I had left of winning the 2008...

Ka-ching! on April 25, 2008 in Puerto Rico

FAJARDO - Los alcaldes populares pidieron anoche a Aníbal Acevedo Vilá que renuncie a su candidatura a la gobernación, lo que deja al Mandatario sin el poderoso apoyo del liderato que mueve a la mayoría de la militancia de la Pava, confirmaron fuentes de El Nuevo Día.La propuesta de la Asociación de Alcaldes consiste en que Acevedo Vilá abandone su...

Just Kickin' it like a Jibaro on April 19, 2008 in Humor , Puerto Rico

George Dawson Flinter, former Venezuelan elitist who left the country after it gained its independence had relocated to Puerto Rico where he later wrote a book titled "An Account of the Present State of the Island of Porto Rico." His description of the rural peasants was quite entertaining:Riding out one afternoon... I was overtaken by one of those sudden showers...

The Acceptance of Violence in Puerto Rican Culture on April 16, 2008 in Puerto Rico

"Terrorist" is a word easily thrown around by Americans. I know because while living in the U.S. for the majority of my childhood and teenage years "terrorism" was a term easily slapped onto Timothy McVeigh, Osama Bin Laden, and other renown bad guys. The term is fiercely negative and people take offense when you refer to U.S. foreign policy or...

The Health Reform on April 15, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Yesterday El Vocero reported on the Health Reform program's projected $394 million deficit. The article also reported that for every 1,000 additional participants the program enrolls it needs an extra $1 million. Currently the program covers 1.4 million persons (out of a total population of 4 million) and at once served as much as 1.5 million in 2005-2006. For those...

+1 Autonomist to the Bunch on April 9, 2008 in Puerto Rico

El Nuevo Dia reports that PPD Hormigueros Mayor Pedro Garcia joined the Mayor of Guanica and Representative Charlie Hernandez in denouncing the Democratic primaries in Puerto Rico. One more for the bunch.One week ago: "Their names are added to my ever growing list of leftist and autonomist PPD. (I actually keep tabs on these things simply to remember who to...

Barriomulas on Acevedo Vila III on April 4, 2008 in Puerto Rico

A wave of anti-American feeling and autonomous impulse has descended upon the PPD during the previous few days. Even the most conservative of PPD members have been calling for the liberalization of Puerto Rico's association with the U.S. The autonomist PROELA is capitalizing on this situation and has supported the Governor while simutaneously calling for PPD members to evaluate the...

PPD Members to Boycott Primaries on April 2, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Angel Ortiz, former President of PROELA and former pre-candidate for Representative, Carmen Yulin, President of the PPD Women, the Mayor of Guanica, and Representative Charlie Hernandez have called on Puerto Ricans to refrain from partaking in the Democrat's Presidential primary to be held in Puerto Rico in June. Their names are added to my ever growing list of leftist...

Barriomulas on Acevedo Vila II on March 29, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila had turned himself into authorities yesterday morning and was release with no bail. Though he leads the list of the 13 charged PPD members (see a scan of the original charges here), he was not publically arrested, handcuffed, or charged bail. His associated, on the other hand, were charged $100,000 bail (El Nuevo Dia,...

Barriomulas on Acevedo Vila on March 27, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Chaos in Puerto Rico. The office, the hallways, and the radio is buzzing with rumors, speculation, and newspaper headlines. The Feds have filed 19 charges against Puerto Rican Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila for corruption and conspiracy against electoral and campaign reporting laws.Most PPD are making claims of political persecution on behalf of the Federal Investigators, citing the three year long...

Willie on Federal Dependency on March 20, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Caguas Mayor and potential future candidate for Governor Willie Miranda Marin has recently proposed a fascinating course of action towards Puerto Rican autonomy and economic self sufficiency. Miranda Marin proposes the creation of the "Self-Sufficient Puerto Rican Permanent Escrow", an agreement between the U.S. and Puerto Rico where the $6 billion spent on federal funds would be re-channeled towards a...

Public Layoffs and How to Go About It on March 20, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's monstrous bureaucracy is over-staffed. There are few public officials and citizens that debate this. Though there exists a consensus on the issue, few have suggested any initiatives other than early retirement programs. Nobody has dared to suggest layoff - a word that would quickly incite rebellion among the public sector's well organized unions.As hard as it is to...

Barriomulas on Hillary on Puerto Rico on March 18, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Hillary Clinton just released her platform for Puerto Rico. (You can read about it in El Nuevo Dia). Though not any better than Obama's plan, here's my critique:I would like to see Puerto Rico excluded from more federal funds. Federal funds are causing more damage than good. $2 billion more would be chaotic and only further fuel our dependency...

Acevedo vs. Bishop on March 11, 2008 in Puerto Rico

I found the following quote from Governor Acevedo Vila from the PPD website:Interestingly enough, it was Grenada President (and U.S.-branded Dictator) Maurice Bishop who said that first. Just read here. First paragraph....

Yesterday's Primaries on March 10, 2008 in Puerto Rico

53% of votes submitted in the at-Large senatorial race were for well known leftist or autonomist candidates. This is a very very good number for me. Of the 6 at-large senators that will move on to the November elections (of which anywhere from 4 to all of them will be default move onto win the elections due to the Constitution's...

Tomorrow's Primaries on March 8, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Tomorrow are the primaries for the 2008 Puerto Rico elections. My candidates for Representative are the following. (You can choose up to 6).Angel Ortiz. Former President of the autonomist organization PROELA.Luis Vega Ramos. Former President of PROELA and current member of the Autonomist Socialdemocrat Movement. Vega Ramos supported the "Free Association" option during the famous "5th Column Referendum".Jorge Colberg Toro....

Political Manipulation, Puerto Rico's Example on February 20, 2008 in Puerto Rico

I am currently reading "El Arte de la Manipulacion Politica" (The Art of Political Manipulation) by Joseph M. Colomer. I stumbled upon the book while rummaging through the University Library and quickly snatched it off the shelves and threw it onto my stack without giving it much review. I was not aware that the book concentrated on post-Franco Spain,...

Me on the Paseo Caribe on February 11, 2008 in Puerto Rico

Everybody in Puerto Rico is familiar with the Paseo de Caribe conflict. If not, read the last sentences of this Wikipedia article. I'm not too concerned with the "economic" aspect of taking the projects from the developer's hands. I could care less if large tourism and condominium developers were to grow fearful of "investing" in Puerto Rico; taking advantage of...

Public-Private Sector Blues on February 6, 2008 in Puerto Rico

The poor of Puerto Rico are often criticized for being mantenidos, dependent on state handouts and government subsidies. I must agree that this statement is very true, but people fail to see that the rich are just as eager to get their piece of the public purse pie. Common citizens make long lines in the hallways of our Mayor's town...

Baez Galib and Colberg Toro on November 16, 2007 in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN (AP) - Former Popular Democratic Party (PDP) Secretary General and Rep. Jorge Colberg Toro said Friday the party's governing board must decide whether Gov. Aníbal Acevedo Vilá can run for the reelection in the 2008 general elections.According to Colberg Toro, the PDP regulations expressively prohibit that people accused of any offense run for an elective post or occupy...

"El Tigre" Boo! on November 16, 2007 in Puerto Rico

Por iniciativa de los senadores Juan Eugenio Hernández Mayoral y Jorge de Castro Font, el Senado de Puerto Rico envió una comunicación oficial a "Su Majestad, don Juan Carlos de Borbón, Rey de España", en solidaridad con el incidente que protagonizó con el presidente venezolano Hugo Chávez la semana pasada. El Nuevo DiaSuch action is expected by Jorge de Castro...

Cotto Still Undefeated on November 12, 2007 in Puerto Rico

Last night was the Miguel Cotto vs. Sugar Shane Mosley match. I had the chance to watch it at "Ash" with Abby, Egui, Cata and DJ Codezero. I love these matches for they are usually followed by expressions of "nacionalismo lite" as a friend once said. Out of nowhere folks pull flags out and start honking their horns.  "Time to...

Platano Power on November 2, 2007 in Humor , Puerto Rico

Spotted this on my boy Xavi's myspace. Great....

Puerto Rican Development, Federal Funds, and "El Mantengo" on October 23, 2007 in Puerto Rico , Society

The speedy transformation of Puerto Rico from a rural agrarian society to a powerhouse of the Caribbean has always been a subject of my interest. I have studied the subject quite seriously and always remain keen to changes in the economy, politics, and social tendencies that effect our overall development. The fact that I work with numerous local, state, and...

Porto Rico en Inlich on October 23, 2007 in Puerto Rico

I have never thought too badly of San Juan Mayor Jorge Santini; sure he's a bit elitist but he hasn't been as unbearable as some of his party buddies. One fuck up not too long ago was the renaming of the Estadio Hiram Bithorn to the Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Today's issue of El Vocero notes that Santini wishes to rename...

The 15th Housing Congress of Puerto Rico on September 22, 2007 in Puerto Rico

Yesterday I had the opportunity to represent my municipality in the 15th Annual Housing Congress held in Carolina, Puerto Rico. This is the second time that I have attended the Congress and the 3rd time that a member of our administration has participated. It was refreshing to see some familiar faces and friends such as Miguel Ramirez of USDA-Rural Development,...

Prados Plaza Sucks on September 20, 2007 in Puerto Rico

I saw this a few minutes from my house. Noooooo! (fades into the abyss)...

Our Legislatibe Bureacracy on September 18, 2007 in Puerto Rico

A few days ago I received a piece of political propaganda from the offices of Senator Jorge Suarez - a young public official who both studied with me and resides in my senatorial district. Despite his compromiso with our municipality and his efforts towards achieving la unicameralidad, my candidate for this district has always been Nestor Duprey - one of...

Freestyle Mix Show on September 16, 2007 in Music , Puerto Rico

Starting Friday September 21 at 7:00pm freestylemixshow.com will begin transmiting the Freestlye Mix Show featuring yours truly as the host and DJ Predator as the Co-host. The show will be 80 minutes long as will be posted ona  weekly basis. It is conducted both in English and Spanish (actually a disgustingly bastardization of both) and will be available both in...

"Angel", the Film on September 16, 2007 in Puerto Rico

Local film director Jacobo Morales has blessed us with "Angel", a drama based on the subjects of Police brutality, revolution, and conspiracy. Hitting movie theaters about a month ago, if I remember correctly there are still a couple salas playing it. The movie's release had great timing, for during the previous few weeks at least three cases of police brutality...

Art Expo at Blackbox on September 16, 2007 in Puerto Rico

Last week while Dave was in town we had the opportunity to check out an urban art exposition at Blackbox; apparently a new location in el Viejo San Juan. Local magazine Noctambulo just finished publishing photos from the event. Check 'em here....

The Lie of Mega-Developments on July 31, 2007 in Puerto Rico

A group of environmentalists have seized a crane in the construction site of a mega-hotel due to conflicts over a nearby 16th century Spanish fort. Even if it wasn't for the Spanish fort, I would have disapproved of the construction for obvious green, anti-sprawl, and protectionist purposes. Despite the hype, tourism has done little for our island (the State actually...

The Sad State of Organized Labor in Puerto Rico on July 31, 2007 in Puerto Rico

The press has recently been discussing the possibility that Puerto Rico's teacher union might soon go on strike. While I haven nothing against the teacher's union, nor do I believe that their arguments are invalid (whatever they might be; I actually do not know), but I do think that it's a ripe opportunity to discuss organized labor in Puerto Rico....

Gentrification and Guaynabo on July 31, 2007 in Puerto Rico

Physical education teacher Hector Landrau yesterday filed his candidacy for Mayor of Guaynabo. I am not sure if he is the only candidate or if Guaynabo's Popular Party will be facing primaries, but I must say that I am pleased to see Landrau step up to the test. Landrau was accompanied yesterday by reknown PPD leftists and autonomists Cirilo Tirado...

Old Newspaper Clipping on July 24, 2007 in Puerto Rico

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Photos and Tourists on July 3, 2007 in Photos , Puerto Rico

I spotted this ad in an issue of a local tourism magazine released a few months ago (click it to see the full page scan). The ad depicts a series of events where a number of tourists near a group of local men who are playing dominoes. They take out their cameras to take a shot of the men but...

The Mega-Stores Debate on July 3, 2007 in Economics , Puerto Rico

The above article was in yesterday's El Nuevo Dia (click on it to see a larger scanning). I was surprised and impressed to see that Puerto Rico's small and medium businesses generate more than 800,000 jobs; a surprising figure indeed in a country with a population of about 4 million (factoring out youth, elderly, and stay home mothers, that number...

Our Problems and the Status on July 3, 2007 in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN (AP) - The Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party (PRPR) pointed out Monday that the group aspires to attain "reconciliation" from the  Puerto Rican people and that is why they will not back any of the traditional status proposals...Although he could not establish the specific measures the party would take to attain that reconciliation, Figueroa said the island's...

Puerto Rico Update on June 28, 2007 in Puerto Rico

Willie is constructing a new alcaldia:Although not a "green" building, the 51,000-square-foot New Government Center, as designed by architect Tom Marvel, will incorporate solar technology, in keeping with the mayor's own efforts to reduce the municipality's environmental footprint through the promotion of alternative energy sources. For example, Miranda Marín is creating a $5 million endowment, with funds from the recently...

Chemical Castration on June 20, 2007 in Puerto Rico

PNP Representative Luis Rivera Guerra has filed a motion to implement "chemical castration" as a punishment for sexual offenders (read PrimeraHora). "Chemical castration" is a process where a person's sex drive is eliminated in order to assure that the violation will not be repeated. In a sense, you are denying the criminal a right to a sex drive. I was...

What I Want For Puerto Rico on June 16, 2007 in Puerto Rico

From an essay that I never finished. I believe that I wrote this while on flight to Puerto Rico after a work-related trip: Anybody who has visited a developing nation can quickly tell that Puerto Rico has a relatively high quality of life in comparison to other Latin American countries. While statistics and public discourse might portray Puerto Rico as...

iTunes & Puerto Rico on May 23, 2007 in Music , Puerto Rico

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The Garden is my Machine on March 30, 2007 in Environment , Puerto Rico

This morning I made the two hour drive to Guanica where I caught a short boat ride to Cayo de Aurora, also known as "Gilligan's Island" by many. Gilligan's is a tiny island off Puerto Rico's south coast only reachable by a boat ride. Often wooden boats can be seen 'parked' on either of its coasts as locals barbecue...

17 Pictures: Una Sola Camara Protest on March 30, 2007 in Photos , Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN (AP) - Leaded by more than 20 trucks from the Teamsters union, thousands marched toward the Capitol with a single claim: the legislators must respect democracy and validate the people's will expressed in the referendum which favored unicameralism. The leaders of the organizations that had publicly supported the single-chamber system -businessman Adolfo Krans, Julio Muriente and several Popular...

Una Sola Camara Videos on March 30, 2007 in Puerto Rico , Videos

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"Un Dia Volvere" on January 31, 2007 in Puerto Rico

Yesterday afternoon while on a connection flight from Washington D.C. to San Juan, Puerto Rico I was sat next to a mid-aged Puerto Rican soldier. Not only did his haircut reek of the Army, but also he handled the items around him as if he had just gone from 100 to 0 in five seconds. It was obvious that...

The PPD and the Republican Party on July 2, 2006 in Puerto Rico

El comisionado electoral del PPD, Gerardo Cruz, sugirió en el fin de semana que su colectividad se una al Partido Republicano. Por su parte, el actual presidente del Partido Demócrata local, Roberto Prats, defendió "la larga tradición" de apoyo que ha ofrecido la colectividad nacional a los puertorriqueños y sus causas. El Nuevo Dia PONCE (AP) - As a...

Words from the Cape Man on June 14, 2006 in Puerto Rico

Into a plane hitting air pockets All the way to New York Frightened half to death like a runaway From a colony become an undefined commonwealth Of the free associated state of Puerto Rico; And I, a Puerto Rican, Now a "little white spic" With a dark uncle and Indian Grandmother. Into a roach-infested apartment In front of the Daily...

Puerto Rico Update on June 2, 2006 in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN (AP) - Gov. Aníbal Acevedo Vilá favors the gradual increase of the current minimum wage until reaching $7.25 per hour in 2009. PRwow Good. SAN JUAN (AP) - Popular Democratic Party (PDP) Rep. Ferdinand Pérez on Sunday proposed that the urban centers of Old San Juan, Santurce, and Río Piedras be exempt from having to pay the...

Vizcarrondo Out, More Autonomy In on June 2, 2006 in Puerto Rico

El Movimiento Autonomista Socialdemócrata (MAS) reclamó hoy que el escaño cameral que dejaría vacante el popular Carlos Vizcarrondo sea ocupado por un creyente en el desarrollo soberano del Estado Libre Asociado (ELA). El Nuevo Dia El ex presidente de la organización autonomista ProELA, Luis Vega Ramos, anunció ayer su disponibilidad para ocupar el escaño que quedaría vacante con la renuncia...

One More to the Bunch: Miranda on June 2, 2006 in Puerto Rico

Caguas Mayor William Miranda Marin joins with Baez Galib and other leftist and autonomist PPD in their lash out against the party. I am pleased to see so many prominent leaders take sides with Baez; if he were to be alone I am almost sure that he would have been expelled from the party. Read below and follow the...

2004 Puerto Rico Elections Posters on May 30, 2006 in Puerto Rico

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Rossello's New Book on May 15, 2006 in Puerto Rico

I just bought Senator Rossello's new book, "The Unfinished Business of American Democracy." Putting my deep down dislike for Rossello's public policy to the side, I have to say that this is the most unprofessional book that I have ever placed my hands on. While Luis Davila Colon's check-out counter titles at least follow the basic rules of margins and...

Culture and Youth Dependency on February 21, 2006 in Puerto Rico

Words from my Grant Writing seminar instructor."While working on various Head Start proposals I have had to take into account certain cultural traits. For example, in the United States young individuals feel a tremendous pressure to leave their house at the age of 18. "Go! Go study! And preferably in another state," most parents tell their children. When youth opt...

Airplane Entry 3, San Sebastian Street Fest on February 1, 2006 in Puerto Rico

La Calle de San Sebastian on Saturday had more attendees than any other year I have visited. In previous years, the jam-packed crowd occupied maybe a block and a half from the main street. Only then you could actually see the floor. This year I had to spend half an hour wiggling my way from the Christopher Columbus plaza to...

My Manifesto on Armed Insurgencies on September 25, 2005 in Politics , Puerto Rico

Once a nationalist sympathetic towards Latin American armed movements, and than a pacifist autonomist with deep respect towards democracy, I feel as if it is necessary for me to clarify my position on armed revolution in light of the recent rebirth (and popular acceptance of) the the terrorist Popular Puerto Rican Army (EPB.)I would first like to acknowledge that valid...

Rossello and the Senate Presidency on July 5, 2005 in Puerto Rico

By now you probably have noticed that I have yet to open my mouth on the whole situation concerning Rossello's ascension to the Senate Presidency. First of all I would like to say that I am not at all surprised. During the last few months the PNPs have been acting just like any other Latin American party and Rossello's tactics...

Puerto Rico's Gas Strike on July 3, 2005 in Puerto Rico

"The lines are long. The gas stations are crazy," an employee mentions to me around noon. "Huh?" I ask. "You haven't heard? Truckers are on strike and gas is scarce. The lines at the gas station are crazy. Elsa [our supervisor] went to fill up the official vehicle." "Oh." "Yea. I'm going to go get gas as well," she states.I...

U.S. Navy Mingled in P.R. Vote on July 3, 2005 in Puerto Rico

WASHINGTON (AP) - La Marina estadounidense contrató en 2001 a una compañía de comunicaciones por 1,6 millones de dólares en un aparente intento de influir el resultado de un referéndum en el que se escogería si mantener la isla puertorriqueña de Vieques como polígono de tiro, según documentos obtenidos por un grupo cabildero. El Nuevo DiaTranslation: In 2001 The U.S....

Tolls Go Up on July 3, 2005 in Puerto Rico

DTPW: Toll increase to help economy SAN JUAN (EFE) - Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) Secretary Gabriel Alcaraz denied Wednesday that the increase in the tolls is to finance the agency's payroll.Alcaraz explained that the increase will collect approximately $59 million for the Highways and Transportation Authority (HTA). PRWowToll prices go up.As a proponent of a true-cost economy...

Puerto Rico's Protected Classes on July 3, 2004 in Puerto Rico , Society

I have frequently vented on the subject of my dislike for Puerto Rico's "protected classes" system where doctors and lawyers are guaranteed their status. One can become a lawyer only rarely represent anybody. Instead they sit in a chair while placing their official stamp on the dozens of public applications and forms that need to be signed by a lawyer....

The PPR Strikes Again on March 11, 2004 in Puerto Rico

I frequently find press released from Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico (PPR,) a new local political party that has recently been making headlines. They have an excellent website, their organization skills are on point, and I've talked to the President on numerous occasions and can conclude that he's a sharp lad. The party is wonderful, but the sad reality...

The Caudillo of Puerto Rico on November 5, 2003 in Puerto Rico

When I arrived to Puerto Rico, the general feeling towards Governor Pedro Rossello was overwhelmingly negative. He was basically chased out of the island; a fact manifested when he left the island in self-imposed exile only hours after Sila Calderon took office. Now, I repeat: I do not have anything personal against Rossello. My distaste is only for his policies,...

The PPR and Third Parties in Puerto Rico on October 30, 2003 in Puerto Rico

A few months ago I read a small 1x2 inch newspaper article on a new political party called "Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico" (PPR.) Since new parties are founded every other week, I brushed it off. The party would keep popping up here and there, as journalists would ask the opinions of a member for a story related to...

A Debate on Puerto Rican Art and Culture on October 5, 2003 in Puerto Rico

In the response to the government's public art program (taken from the forum of an Art class of mine, held over the Internet.):    "Message no. 292 [Reply of: no. 284]    Author: MARILYN DIAZ CANUELAS    Date: Friday, April 25, 2003 7:44am    I believe that there are more important things where we    can use this money, which was used to create this...

Luis Muñoz Marin and Poverty on September 17, 2003 in Puerto Rico

When Luis Muñoz Marin formed the Popular Democratic Party in the early 1900s, Puerto Rico was a rural shit hole, where people starved, were infected with illnesses, and ran around muddy front yards barefooted. Inequality was rigid and a few relaxed while the masses toiled. Muñoz stepped up and beat the shit out of everybody's shitty quality of life, as...

Culture and Commercials; The Capitalization of Puerto Rican Culture on August 1, 2003 in Puerto Rico

Originally featured on soc.culture.puertorico and soc.anthropology. Today while driving home from work, I turned on the radio and heard something that quickly caught my attention. It was a commercial for a cellular phone company that went something like this: ::ring ring:: Husband: "Hey honey. I just got out of work. I'm on my way home right now." Wife: "Okay" ::ring...

Criollo Architecture on July 3, 2003 in Puerto Rico

Went to the famous outlets in Canovanas last week. While it's not my favorite spot on the world I do have to acknowledge that it's interior design and architecture is quite flavorful. It's a shame that other cosmopolitan institutions and structures (such as airports and other shopping centers) don't carry such a strong criollo flavor. I dig the whole old-world...

Observations on Cafreisms on July 3, 2003 in Latin America , Puerto Rico

"Cafre" is a negative term frequently used by Puerto Ricans. It's definition is quite difficult to ping, and there is no real translation in English. "Ghetto" and "tacky" are two attempted-translations that I have heard frequently. Still, none of them capture the essence of what it is to be cafre. When attempting to define "cafre" I do not say what...

Puerto Rican Identity on July 3, 2003 in Puerto Rico

Great article on Puerto Rican identify from Jibaritos.com:When you examine the USA-rican culture and the ISLA-rican culture, both cultures are based on the same roots that grow different DUE to the environments in which they develop......

Repost: Youth Subcultures in Puerto Rico on July 3, 2003 in Puerto Rico

Very old post of mine from PuertoRico.com:"He's a skater, she's a preppie, that guy over there is a goth". We all have taken note of the different "packs" and "clans" that surround us, but the lines distinguishing these different subcultures are not really highlighted until observed from the outside. Most preppies, for example, won't admit that they are preppies...

A Welfare State or a Sweat-shop Republic (Republished) on June 19, 2003 in Puerto Rico

The status debate has been the spotlight of our island's politics for all of Puerto Rico's modern history excluding a short period where the issue was put to the side by former Governor Luis Muñoz Marin. Muñoz put the status debate on pause, stating that socio-economic issues were far more important for the time being. This did not last for...