MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Maduro's protection in the hands of the Cuban security and intelligence services
Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro is increasingly leaning on the protection and support of his Cuban backers, amid mounting global pressures to leave office, according to several senior U.S. officials. Adm. Craig Faller, head of U.S. Southern Command, told U.S. senators on Thursday that Havana “owns the security around Maduro and is deeply entrenched in the intelligence service.” Read full article
Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesConrads Enrique Massot and Terrence Hill
Feb 09th, 2019 - 09:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Latin American workers and peasants! A danger is creeping over the beloved socialist government in Venezuela. A Yankee imperialist coup is about to overthrow their heroic leader, who has a unanimous support of all progressive celebrities and Democratic Socialists. It compels us to produce Party-approved ¡VIVA MADURO! slogans and visual agitation, to be printed in thousands of copies, displayed and chanted enthusiastically at Party-organized spontaneous rallies in your neighborhoods, schools, factories, and collective farms.
Comrades! Struggle to keep the countries of winning democratic socialism pure! Do not allow capitalism to destroy their hard-earned, hard-fought economic equality!
Who are we to impose our Western imperialist values on these suffering minorities? Their glorious Marxist leaders have all been democratically and unanimously elected by 150% of the people, with a 100% turnout. Remind yourselves that they are on the right side of history, and the Glorious Progressive World of Next Tuesday is just around the corner. It's simply taking a little longer than we had anticipated a hundred years ago.
REF: “Maduro's protection in the hands of the Cuban security and intelligence services”:
Feb 09th, 2019 - 11:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0A clear sign that he is on his way out!
o))
Feb 10th, 2019 - 12:30 am - Link - Report abuse 0Latin American workers and peasants don't believe :o))!
Maduro will not abandon our revolution! Marxist-Socialism will prevail! Latin American workers and peasants! After our dramatic win during In the glorious Maduro's election, we are soon sending Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on a flight to Caracas so that she negotiate and find an agreement close to work as she embarks upon her mission to bring glorious Socialism also to America.
She will assure Comrade Maduro that she wishes to see the volcano covered with snow as this will keep the lava nice and cool and prevent eruptions while helping to fight global warming.
TWIMC....
Feb 10th, 2019 - 02:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I Think that young..., intelligent and pretty AOC is currently very busy combating lucifer in her own Country...
Quite probably though we soon will witness a mediation by the Argie Vicar of Jesus Christ on Earth...
Let's hope it is as successful as that 1978 mediation of the Polish Vicar of Jesus Christ on Earth...
That one saved our arses...
Literally...
Motherland Russia!
Feb 10th, 2019 - 02:47 pm - Link - Report abuse -1https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5fbYJMEyes
God save the American Czar! Cesar!
Brasilero
Feb 10th, 2019 - 04:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Very appropriate civil war to reflect on the brutal reality...
One battle THINK might enjoy: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1FI3vpdcKlU
One battle Shicureo & Think shall always remember...
Feb 10th, 2019 - 04:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QPQvV_TkVHI
Estimado THINK
Feb 10th, 2019 - 06:15 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Each time I drive from our home to Aconcagua I past the enormous statue where El Libertador of Argentina, Chile and Peru won the monumental battle.
https://foursquare.com/v/monumento-chacabuco/4bb77948941ad13ad0b920e3/photos
“El 12 de febrero de 1817, el Ejército de Los Andes a las órdenes del General José de San Martín, libró aquí la batalla de Chacabuco, que condujo a la Independencia de Chile en este lugar, efectivos de la Divisón del Centro, comandados por el Brigadier General Bernardo O'Higgins, derrotaron a los batallones de realistas al mando del Brigadier Rafael Maroto”. (Still, he's sadly rarely taught about in our national curriculum.)
Regarding our energetic, enthusiastically enlightened and enormously entertaining youthful Socialist I'm beginning to think she may be a cunningly as well as diabolically planted “Manchurian candidate” by wily Republicans.
Ocasio-Cortez's “Green New Deal” looks like it was surreptitiously drafted by our friends at Hill & Knowlton. A writer from the Wall Street Journal wrote: “If a bunch of GOPers [Republicans] plotted to forge a fake Democratic bill showing how bonkers the party is, they could not have done a better job. It is beautiful.”
By the way, also I happen to have a single highly compact Teutonic version of your monitoring technology. Although it's operable in interior and exterior environments, it's programmed as well for exclusively fertilizing and irrigating our garden.
@Chicureo
Feb 10th, 2019 - 06:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0What's wrong with the green new deal?
Capitán y terrateniente Shicureo...
Feb 10th, 2019 - 07:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 01) What a lucky shot..., I picked an historical location that remembers our eternal brotherhood..., just midways between your home port and your fundo...
2) Regarding our energetic, enthusiastically enlightened and enormously orthodonticed youthful Socialist..., you're beginning to fall for those antique Wall Street Journal's antics... Antics that mostly only work on antique momios nowadays...;-)
3) If your compact Teutonic mutation of a picho is soiling in his garden..., we have a clear sign of that poor soul being grossly understimulated...
Get la Nana to take some loooong walks with the armer Schweinchen...
And I mean it...!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Mr. DemonTree....
(El Think..., anxiously raises his hand at the back of the class..., repeating...: May I...? May I...?)
DemonTree
Feb 10th, 2019 - 08:21 pm - Link - Report abuse +1There's an old saying: “Si los deseos fueran caballos, los mendigos montarían”
Speaking seriously, it's far beyond obtaining. Quoting directly with factual information from Representative Casio-Cortez linked here:
https://web.archive.org/web/20190207191119/https://ocasio-cortez.house.gov/media/blog-posts/green-new-deal-faq
At first glance it's objectives seem to be admirably altruistic:
A job with family-sustaining wages, family and medical leave, vacations, and retirement security
High-quality education, including higher education and trade schools
High-quality health care
Clean air and wate
Healthy food
Safe, affordable, adequate housing
An economic environment free of monopolies
Economic security to all who are unable or unwilling to work
The last point (“unwilling to work”) causes me to not like it, but overall it seems to be an enlightened goal for any governance. However, when you carefully examine in detail what the “Green New Deal” proposes, it really does make me think it was surreptitiously drafted and by a similar it was surreptitiously drafted as a false flag by someone like Hill & Knowlton, to drive public perception away from liberal progressive ideas.
When you read through the actual proposal, you'll note its objectives for the United States is to be free of carbon emissions within 10 years without the use of nuclear power. It calls for almost every building in the United States to be replaced or retrofitted in green fashion. It calls for universal healthcare, free college education, the goal for replacement of jet travel where possible with high-speed trains, replacement of “every combustion-engine vehicle, government-provided jobs, family and medical leave, vacations, retirement security, and the reduction of cattle. It also calls for total “economic security” for anyone unable or unwilling to work.
It's the kind of stuff that Hugo Chavez promised his people...
ESTIMADO Think
My model joyously chases rabbits autonomously.
In Chicureo...?
Feb 10th, 2019 - 08:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Estimado THINK
Feb 10th, 2019 - 08:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Your reference to my Dackle as a ”Teutonic mutation of a picho and a Schweinchen has caused your demotion in rank. That's why Mr. DemonTree was answered first.
Our parcela de agrado, in Chicureo is close to the Hacienda Guay-Guay. Lots and lots of bunnies to chase for my Wunderwaffe.
And yes, that's why I originally thought after reading the WSJ article that it was a parody, but apparently the above comes directly from ACO herself...
@Chicureo
Feb 10th, 2019 - 09:29 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.”
KInda old fashioned, we ought to update it for the 21st century.
Re the green new deal, none of those sounds too impossible individually, except the 10 year timeline to be free of carbon emissions. Although, reading the plan, it's not zero emissions but zero net emissions, and existing nuclear plants would continue operating. (It's decidedly unfortunate that the anti-global warming campaigners also hate nuclear power.) Still seems... 'optimistic', shall we say.
Most rich countries have universal healthcare, family and medical leave, and generous vacation time, and even poorer ones like Argentina and Brazil can afford free university education. Japan has the high speed trains, the UK is planning to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2040, and America already has Social Security for retirement. What does that leave? Jobs for all, except those unable or unwilling(!) to work. I don't think any country has achieved that, and why would anyone endorse the latter, at least until automation has progressed a lot further than currently? If there is no demand (that they are capable of filling) then what do you have these people do? The proverbial dig holes and fill them in again?
@Think
I still don't know what you're on about, and guessing is doing no good.
Hmmmm...
Feb 10th, 2019 - 09:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You said “Garden” before...
But..., over an acre..., with visiting rabbits..., for such a short legged thingy..., is ok...
Speaking about Guay Guay...
No teneí ningún roto porahí que recoja toda la basura tirada en las cunetas de la homónima avenida...?
(I luuuuuuuuuv Google Street...;-)
Estimado THINK
Feb 10th, 2019 - 11:57 pm - Link - Report abuse +2If you used a satellite view you could perhaps find my abode with solar panels installed on my roof... If you see a ferocious Dackle chasing a terrified bunny you'll be certain.
DemonTree
As I first mentioned, I agree that the key objectives are all positive for good governance. Society has a responsibility to serve those who are truly needy. You can take Denmark as a wonderful model of what could be the ideal balance of capitalism and socialism in Europe. I know they pay an outrageous high rate of taxation, but they receive an equatable return.
The problem is however when you try to implement an impracticable, ideological, irrational and idiotic set of goals that contradict themselves.
Just transforming a nation carbon free without nuclear energy in a decade is incredibly ambitious. Chileans have aggressively adopted wind, solar, hydro and geothermal energy into our power grid, but the majority of our electric power is hydrocarbon based. Zero carbon energy in a sustainable massive scale is currently unobtainable.
The AOC plan is impossible to finance. The taxation required is far beyond even what the Scandinavians pay.
Anyway, she's the Wunderwaffe of the Republican Party.
@Chicureo
Feb 11th, 2019 - 12:35 am - Link - Report abuse 0Every house in that area has a swimming pool in its nice green garden! No water shortages in Guay Guay, even though outside the fences everything is dry brown dirt.
Which of AOC's goals do you think contradict themselves? Even if 10 years is impossible, America should be able to do better. As far as I can see none of this has been costed, it's more of an aspirational thing which the Democrats are unlikely to adopt. But if it gets people thinking about what is possible, that's a good thing. Americans so often sell themselves short, thinking they couldn't manage ordinary things like universal healthcare and free education.
Shic...
Feb 11th, 2019 - 01:05 am - Link - Report abuse 0Just checked the Sentinel-2 L2A High Definition photography of Shicureo from the 08/02/2019 through my complimentary subscription to EOS.com...
Not one single bloody teckel..., pelo duro o largo..., at see nowhere... Not in Sendero..., Candiles..., Rios..., Fuente..., Portones..., Guay Guay..., ManquehuelV... or Canquen...
You wouldn't have send this olde, frail Argie on a wild rabbit chase..., would you...?
Canging the subject..., and in relation to your previous link to me..., just to show you that the Danes can be as bad as the Yanks when deceipting our friendly German big brothers...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4RTfy2_9Wl8
(Please note the classy Totenkopf on the German Leibhusars busby... The SS were quite modest in comparison ;-)
Estimado THINK
Feb 11th, 2019 - 01:39 am - Link - Report abuse 0I was surprised as I thought the SS invented the menacing symbol for uniforms.
Murderous Vikings those Danes. I remember visiting the Maersk Chile office here in Santiago with an impressive painting of the Danish frigate Jylland in their reception.
I would never put you on a rabbit chase, but you do know your resourceful Scandinavian cousins use them to nerd sheep? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qeuL5IGimCQ
DemonTree
Just try Googling the mainstream's media speculation of the costs of the AOC GD...
You surprise me Shicureo...
Feb 11th, 2019 - 01:56 am - Link - Report abuse +1I know you milicos do not learn a lot in your academies...
But at least you should learn a bit of your own countries history ...!!!
Try to Google...: “Husares de la Muerte, Chile”...Or better yet... watch this auld Shilean movie...:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Pql_Jrzmvwo
(Pay special attention to the drinking scene at minute ~08:00...The Shileans had good beverage taste in the good old days...)
Chuckle..., chuckle...
@Chicureo
Feb 11th, 2019 - 09:57 am - Link - Report abuse 0It's all very vague. I saw estimates of $2 trillion and $5.7 trillion for the zero carbon aspect, which is a lot, but compare it to the ~$2 trillion (and 500,000 dead) spent on the Iraq war due to America's dependence on oil. That doesn't include the social policy aspects though, and from what I've heard a basic income would be unaffordable for any country (except small petrostates, possibly).
Not to mention to our aviation interested Shilean FACHO* sailorman friend a little thingy as the F35 Fighter project...
Feb 11th, 2019 - 11:38 am - Link - Report abuse 0~1.5 Trillion Dolaros Gringos for..., what...?
*(FACHO = Fuerza Aerea Ch.........................cureO.)
Estimado THINK
Feb 11th, 2019 - 12:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0In reference to my video, I'm inspired that (with the exception of our northern frontiers) we could easily manage our primary threat using the same aggressive strategy the Scandinavians have already demonstrated with highly compact attack units electronically disguised by an adaptic camouflage system. Our invaders would retreat like the docile foolish sheep they've now become and our defense budget would be enormously reduced.
DemonTree
Even entirely switching tax revenues used to fund the US military, the AOC GD would need far more revenues. In an interview, AOC proposes enormous quantitative easing. (Printing more money)
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/the-green-new-deal-would-run-up-massive-debt-thats-already-how-we-pay-for-perpetual-war
Hmmmmmm.....
Feb 11th, 2019 - 02:01 pm - Link - Report abuse +1No comment about Shile's own Husar de la Muerte con calaveras en las solapas..., Manuel Rodriguez..., drinking mate before going to Mendoza to organize his beloved Shile independence...., huhhhhhhhhhhhh?
Me calling your Überhund with those biiig..., sweet eyes*..., an armer Schweinchen must have offended you...
In English that would translate as ***“ Poor Little Sausage ”***... more than appropriate por a little Aryan Salchicha forced to live in a Mischling household..., don't you Think...?
* https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/books/2016/01/13/marty-feldman-igor-xlarge_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqNJjoeBT78QIaYdkJdEY4CnGTJFJS74MYhNY6w3GNbO8.jpg
Estimado THINK
Feb 11th, 2019 - 05:01 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Kindly abstain from slandering my Überhund in this discourse because he's very sensitive despite his proud Teutonic heritage. Despite living in a mestizo household he's no quiltro...
I did note one of our great heroes of independence sipping on his bombilla in an interesting movie that I was unaware of its existence. Personally, I was just never able to acquire a taste for the stuff nor later when I experienced Brazilian Chá.
After being inspired by the Green Deal and having my eureka eco-friendly brilliant idea of using Nordic trained attack bunnies to scare off sheepish invaders I've now added another natural psy-ops clever eco-tactic to get inside our across the cordillera enemies’ heads to think they're under machine gun attack.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tGyLwj_OPQA&time_continue=64&ebc=ANyPxKpNTv66QIPEh22tKSB2BLBl-kUehNAZvPb3SiTzgwCE9PQXpKSe3OEaZalIAYbOdMV0r0TyV2ktFSoY0fjkGePdDLlU3Q
It certainly would cause me to drop for cover and would put terror into a battalion of invaders.
@Chicureo
Feb 11th, 2019 - 05:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Interesting how the green deal is considered unreasonable but funding endless wars in the same way is eagerly embraced. Let's suppose the whole thing is too expensive, how about implementing parts of it? Free education, universal healthcare, or family and medical leave? Or an affordable investment in green technologies and making homes more energy efficient? For that matter, how about free university education for Chile?
Re your video, the next one was even better: Man punches kangaroo in face :)
DemonTree
Feb 11th, 2019 - 07:02 pm - Link - Report abuse 0A beautiful cool day here. It's almost like being at the coast and I'm back to enjoying drinking a lovely Cabernet.
My new green defense deal is based on non-violent deterrence of my peaceful country's borders. Placing terror into in the hearts of brigades of my enemies does not include vicious boxing kangaroos that crosses the line of nonviolent resistance.
As you'll note I'm not in disagreement with some of the green deal proposals. I sincerely agree good governance needs to focus on improving the lives of its citizens. And I do also think that moderate social improvements are obtainable.
But, when university students are questioned: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MoziALuwbtg&ebc=ANyPxKpbzeyZ97mZh-cfmBJOqXI1GoJBerA0lkdnizhVzyhA85A5LHvuExW9si8iX7CzfIssdEyIMK5pfBTak6DFU1H_VW7BaQ&time_continue=231.
@Chicureo
Feb 11th, 2019 - 08:23 pm - Link - Report abuse +1The Green deal 'sounds' absolutely wonderful.......on paper. I don't disagree with the goals, just wonder how - $$$ - they will be achieved. The only one I find kind of nuts, is the 2nd part of “Economic security to all who are unable, or 'unwilling' to work”.
As for AOC, she is indeed a lunatic...an undercover Republican ? that'd be great !
Reading your remark “Each time I drive from our home to Aconcagua I past the enormous statue where El Libertador of Argentina, Chile and Peru won the monumental battle”, reminded me of Adm.Cochrane's “Narrative of Services in the Liberation of Chili, Peru and Brazil, from Spanish and Portuguese Domination” (2 vols). If you read it, you'll get a totally different picture of San Martin....the (not-so-nice) mentality of a politician, a coward and a thief.
But that was Cochrane's opinion, who knew him personally and had to count on his cooperation (land forces), even though it left a lot to be desired”.....Find it totally credible, as Cochrane had no reason to lie, would benefit nothing by writing about it - decades later - (all backed up by letters) but nevertheless, everyone believes what they will.
@DT
Most rich countries have universal healthcare, family 'n medical leave, 'n generous vacation time, and even poorer ones like Argentina and Brazil can afford free university education”
Whoa !!! Brazil's free university education is limited, to State & Federal Universities. In 2016 there were 8,050,000 university students, with 82.3 % matriculated in private universities, which translates into only 1,425,000 getting free tuition, 'n 6,625,000 paying.
Regarding AOC's proposals, the 7 goals Chicureo listed are great (all except one)...who wouldn't want all that ? But too expensive to atack all at once...if you want to eat an elephant, you need to slice it into small pieces.
The “rich” ('n “organized”) countries are already on the right path, but what abt those that can't even organize a piss-up in a brewery ?
Jack
Feb 11th, 2019 - 09:11 pm - Link - Report abuse +1Lord Cochrane was historically quarrelsome with anyone getting into his way. In fact, almost all the liberators of independence were guilty of bickering, slandering and trying to destroy each other. You have to be careful in Venezuelan and Argentine society to place any shade upon either José de San Martín or Simón Bolívar as they're almost considered saints here. It's unfortunate Chilean historians, such as Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna demeaned Cochrane's role in the war.
It's finally cool today and I've been enjoying a San Pedro 1865 Cabernet that cost me about $7. Not the most economical or the best but really consistently good.
@Chicureo
Feb 11th, 2019 - 09:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Good thing Chile has no vicious boxing kangaroos, then. Although I should think the sharks and jellyfish do a better job defending Australia's borders.
Those university students said similar things to me: 10 years is too short a timescale, and why would we want to support those unwilling to work? As for the high speed rail, it's an interesting idea, but fares tend to be expensive. Fixing up America's existing rail network to make it practical for passengers would be much cheaper and would show how much demand there is.
As for the social changes, Chile has some kind of national healthcare according to Wikipedia. Do you think your system could work in the US?
PS. I'm on a diet so I shouldn't, but I had a glass of wine because of you. You're a bad influence!
@JB
You mentioned private universities, but didn't say they were such a large share of the sector. Still, the top universities seem to be public, so you're not losing out - as long as you can pass the entry exam.
“if you want to eat an elephant, you need to slice it into small pieces.”
Lol. But I agree. As a whole her plan is way too ambitious, but implementing it gradually - minus the more outlandish parts - would be a good idea. However, as it stands some of the social parts are necessary to the 'green' sections, as the rapid changes would disrupt livelihoods and communities otherwise.
And I no longer think the 'rich and organised countries' are on the right path. The UK is engaged in a massive act of self-sabotage, the EU has all kinds of problems thanks to its insistence on austerity, and I don't even know what the Americans are doing.
Shicureo...
Feb 11th, 2019 - 10:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I don't know much about Sr. Cochrane other than he got his name on a nice lake down here...
So please tell me...
How did,Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna demean Cochrane...?
By telling that he was a mercenary......................., what he was...?
Or...
By telling that after leaving Shile because you didn't pay him his wages..., he went to Brasil where he is disliked to this day...
(Jose Sarney..., on an official visit to London, when he was President of Brazil, went to Westminster Abbey, where Lord Cochrane is buried....
He is reported to have exclaimed: “Corsario. Piso e piso com gosto! E um sujeito pelo qual merece so o despreco e o meu asso.” ( “Pirate. I stamp on him with pleasure. He was a character that only warrants my disrespect and condemnation” ).
Chicureo
Feb 11th, 2019 - 10:17 pm - Link - Report abuse +1“Lord Cochrane was historically quarrelsome with anyone getting into his way.”...I know, that characteristic comes through very strongly, but only because he had no patience with people he thought were dragging their feet, or skipping their duties ('n they usually were).
I also know that San Martin is a saint in Argentina (having been born there), but it's hard to see him in the same light after reading Cochrane's opinion of him. And between San Martin and Cochrane, I’d choose the latter, any day.
I'm only discussing it with you, because I know you are a Chilean, and a naval officer, 'n as such, are less prone to worship San Martin, like the Argentines do.
BTW, don’t know whether you saw, I posted info on wine to you under “Lula, in new conviction, sentenced to...” (my heart bleeds for him....not)
Have to envy you....an 1865 cabernet would cost me US$ 30 ...at that price, very enjoyable (LOL).
DT
The top Uni in Brazil, and LatAm, is the USP.....not all State/Federal ones are as good as they used because a lot of them have been allowed to deteriorate, academically and financially. But today, in São Paulo, if you want a solid degree, it's either the USP or 10 or so private ones.
If AOC's intention is to get people thinking, she managed....but she consistently avoids mentioning how she intends to do it....might as well say we should establish a community on Mars.
Ok, today, even the once-upon-a-time 'rich' countries are facing problems....I personally think that LESS ideology - which is what opposes everyone, and obstructs real social progress - and MORE common sense, would help.
I've said this b4, 'n don't really want to get into a discussion over it, but you know what I think - austerity has moments when it is essential, and trying to spend your way out of recession (not just to get over a hump) is not the way to go...people have been accustomed to bad habits for too long, but are loathe to change them, even when presented with the bill.
@JB
Feb 12th, 2019 - 11:37 am - Link - Report abuse 0The Times university rankings list 4 others located in São Paulo in their top 10:
State University of Campinas
Federal University of São Paulo
Federal University of ABC (UFABC)
São Paulo State University (UNESP)
I think those are all public? It looks like only one in the top 10 is a private university. Anyway, why d'you have to stay in SP? Rio isn't that far away and Itajubá is even closer.
“she consistently avoids mentioning how she intends to do it....might as well say we should establish a community on Mars”
Yes, pretty much everything she says seems more aspirational than practical. All very well for ordinary people or random celebrities, but now she's in politics she needs to realise it's her job to find ways to make them practical. However, I do think we should establish a colony on Mars; if humanity is to survive in the long term we need to expand into space.
“I personally think that LESS ideology - which is what opposes everyone, and obstructs real social progress - and MORE common sense, would help.”
I agree, but unlike you I think austerity is the ideology that needs to go. You say bad habits must be changed, but what are you referring to? In Greece it's fairly obvious what the problems were (borrowing beyond their means, widespread tax evasion, inefficient labour regulations), but what about the UK or France?
Jack and DemonTree
Feb 12th, 2019 - 04:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I have to warn you both trying to debate with Señor THINK regarding relevant historical iconic heroes we conceptualize as being noble. In fact, we both stand on diametrical opposites of accepted reality depending on our ideological views.
As an example, that big beautiful Patagonian lake he refers to is named Pueyrredón and we Chileans call it Cochrane. Their part of the lovely place is named after an obscurely infamous recognized pederast Juan Martín de Pueyrredón, who was just like most disagreeable Argentine Frenchmen that unsuccessfully violently quarreled with the altruistic British who were nobly assisting the liberation of the foreign occupied so called Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata region. De was so despicable, he was eventually exiled by his own countrymen. For some reason Argentines actually later named half a lake after him. Go figure...
Regarding the quixotic Green New Deal now advanced by AOC and endorsed by at least five of the major Democratic candidates for president, there was an interesting historical quote of a quote:
After reading an especially radical platform agreed upon by the British Labor Party, one Tory wag described it as “the longest suicide note in history.”
Sort of says it so well, with such few words...
Changing subjects, I've been following several televised reports about today's events in Caracas and Venezuela. Very interesting!
Errrmmmmmmmmm..., hermanito...
Feb 12th, 2019 - 04:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0- Descending in direct line from an auld clan of Viking & Varangian soldiers of fortune..., I have some difficulty conceptualizing MERCENARIES as “Iconic Noble Heroes”...
Tuff cookies at work and caring fathers at home..., ok...
But iconic noble heroes abroad...???
Pleeeeeeeease...!?!
Estimado THINK
Feb 12th, 2019 - 06:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Corsairs with a license is not the same as a common pirate...
I remember watching an Errol Flynn movie as him as a valiant corsair attacking the Spanish Armada and explained to my very impressionable young daughter that the benevolent English were just trying to assist those heavily over loaded galleons by reducing their excess cargo, but those hard headed Iberian imperialists wrongfully misinterpreted the altruistic intentions and violently got instead into a senseless canon exchange. (As young as she was, my girl understood the irony.)
History as you imagine it, has always belonged to the victor...
TWIMC...
Feb 12th, 2019 - 06:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0In me humble opinion..., the only way to regard a Foreign Mercenary (as good a Mercenary as it may be...) as a Noble National Hero..., is to share the Mercenary's basic principles...:
1) It's just another job...
2) Personal winnings are my Motherland...
3) Money my God...
Like the difference between a good wife & companion through forty years and a young prostitute round the corner...
That was..., quite evidently..., what the Shilean authorities realized after the Ancón episode...
Capisce...?
Chicureo
Feb 12th, 2019 - 07:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Thx for the warning, but don't worry....don't think I'll be debating with the Chubut turnip any time soon, but its interesting to learn San Martin had close ties with a pederast....might explain his temperament, 'n one of the reasons Cochrane disliked him.
I doubt the turnip even knows why Cochrane became a mercenary, 'n his “he went to Brasil where he is disliked to this day...” is pure bs - shows how little he knows abt Cochrane's 'adventures' in Brazil, 'n the fact the turnip quotes Sarney's sick opinion, just confirms it.
After Cochrane defeated the Portuguese - their last stand was Maranhão - he claimed his payment....D. Pedro I, in dire financial straits, couldn't pay, but instead rewarded him with the useless title of “Marques de Maranhão” (Sarney's home State, which he,'n his father b4 him, plundered)...Sarney's might feel sore because he probably descends from the Portuguese, who were kicked out, 'n did not want Brazil to gain independence.
But Sarney, 'one' of Brazil's biggest all-time crooks, only isn't in prison due to his connections and his advanced age (89).
DT
The Unis you mentioned are public.The State University of Campinas, known as Unicamp, and the State of São Paulo Universitry - UNESP, are, like the USP - University of São Paulo, all run by the State of São Paulo. The UFABC, in SBCampo, was having financial problems, which reflected on all the rest....don't know how it's doing now, but it's not a patch on the SP State Universities....it is ranked 37th in Brazil.
You don't HAVE to remain in SP, but when a student needs to move towns, expenses start add up. Rio, as MG (Itajubá) may be neighboring States, but not very close to the city of SP.
Bad habits ? how abt populism, wreckless overspending, consistently producing deficits, huge loans to cover them, compromising future admins (principal 'n nterest paymts), corruption...if you aren't prepared to apply 'a bit' of austerity, how do you plan to balance accounts ? print money ?
Estimado THINK
Feb 12th, 2019 - 08:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I had to google the Ancón episode as I only faintly knew about a smidgen about the controversy. Simply an argument of a Scotsman with an argumentative Irishman over someone else's treasure. I did find the fascinating historical text describing the quarrel. (page 74) I loved the comment about “free from the presumption of arrogance of the inhabitants of Buenos Ayreans” (bottom of page 79)
You continue to educate my mestizo ignorance of my country's own history.
Oh by the way in reference to your earlier salutation: Wa-Alaikum-Salaam
https://books.google.cl/books?id=V2hBAHD9BOUC&pg=PA74&lpg=PA74&dq=chile+Ancón+episode...&source=bl&ots=7BN9f3SOZ2&sig=ACfU3U1rjnKaHN16dHeQK81KlDrMm3MmNA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjvrY6-87bgAhUKE7kGHacQDu4Q6AEwEnoECAkQAQ#v=onepage&q=chile%20Ancón%20episode...&f=false
Tell me..., hermanito...
Feb 12th, 2019 - 08:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0What do you Think..., a Shilean Martial Court charge would have been..., if the same “Ancón episode” had been perpetrated by a regular Shilean officer instead of an irregular Anglo mercenary...?
What do you Think same Shilean Martial Court's veredict and punishment would/should have been...?
By the way...
Over two hundred years later..., there are legions of Argies that would luuuuuuuv to be free from the presumption of arrogance of the inhabitants of Buenos Ayreans..., many of us..., Buenos Ayreans ourselves...
Estimado THINK
Feb 12th, 2019 - 09:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Despite your pitiful slander, Lord Cochrane remains my favorite naval hero.
I pity any unfortunate to go before any Courts-Martial as the guilt was preordained just 30 years ago here in Chile. They would have probably hung him by his noble neck.
Almost all our brave anarchist hero revolutionaries were guilty of just about everything against all authority, including against the Vatican. You know that.
Those Buenos Ayrean Porteños still haven't figured out what they really want, but they'd really appreciate some economic stability.
Slander...?
Feb 12th, 2019 - 10:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Slander would have been..., if I had called him a Mercenary and he wasn't..., but he was...
Slander would have been..., if I had said that he took all that silver from the Shilote/Argento liberation army at Ancón and he hadn't..., but he has...
Slander would have been..., if I had said that Brasilian president Sarney tramped despectively over his tomb at Westminster and he didn't..., but he did...
No slander..., just multi-documented, undistorted historical facts...
Capisce...?
Estimado THINK
Feb 12th, 2019 - 10:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You've beat this poor dead horse with a stick far beyond my simple protests.
Do you know why the Liberator of the Andes is not buried in a non-sacred part of the cathedral where he's entombed? Lots of interesting stories about those patriotic Widow's sons...
Having empanadas here for dinner. Same bottle left over from yesterday and pleasingly far more mellow.
@Chicureo
Feb 12th, 2019 - 10:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I think I'll leave debating the historical heroes to you and Jack. You know my 'ideological views' are more similar to Sr Think's than yours.
And are there more than five Democratic presidential candidates already? That's a refreshing change from last time, maybe they'll be able to come up with someone decent.
@JB
It's normal to go to university in a different city in the UK. Google claims you can drive from SP to Itajubá in under 4 hours; I applied to universities that were further away than that. Would it be cheaper to attend a private university at home or move to a different state if you can get into a public one there? Those who don't live near a university must have to move if they want to go, like everyone in my area.
”how abt populism, wreckless overspending, consistently producing deficits, huge loans to cover them, compromising future admins (principal 'n nterest paymts), corruption”
You think Britain did all that before 2007? And they *have* been printing money, they call it quantitative easing.
The other way to balance accounts is to grow the economy faster than the debt, but austerity tends to shrink the economy. For an individual, making savings is the prudent thing to do, with few drawbacks, but for a country it's a risky choice with the potential to make things worse or better.
Me dear Shicureo....
Feb 12th, 2019 - 11:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0In my humble opinion..., a military hero is one that doesn't let his comrades down.
Under that criteria..., we can call Horatio Nelson an hero... (Not at all the greatest though...)
Under that criteria..., we can't call Mr. Cochrane that...
All that money he stole for the upkeep of his comrades in arms..., in the middle of a war..., did..., as sure as Amen in Church..., cost many of them their lives...
-To further picture what I Think a military hero is...., please find attached a link to a little known romantized movie about a Spanish Captain..., quite well interpreted by that good Argie/Dano/Yankee Actor called...: Viggo Mortensen...:
(I DO specially like minute 08:00... It's soooo Über-Hollywood cool...;-)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=herbXyBQqNg
Estimado THINK
Feb 13th, 2019 - 12:36 am - Link - Report abuse 0Having a civil debate with you is frustrating. Every time I post a jewel, you come back with something better. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7FgqBQamzus
Mr.Chicureo...
Feb 13th, 2019 - 01:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0-I'm not worthy...
When a young musical genius as Mozart enters the room..., one better shuts up and listens...
The same is the case when a young political genius does...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lFhgXP2lze4
Ps...:
1) I would like to Think that it was that beautiful Iberian musical poem* at the last minute of my Alatriste video that triggered you into the mood of remembering young Wolfgang...
* (La Madrugá - Abel Moreno Gomez)
2) AOC was clearly speaking about multi-millonaire Mr. Trump in the above video...
But every word she said applies also to multi-millonaire Mr. Macri and multi-millonaire Mr. Piñera..., don't you Think...?
@DT
Feb 13th, 2019 - 05:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Sure you can drive SP/ Itajuba in 4 hours....been there (my wife's in-laws live in Itajubá), but who wants to face that every weekend on Brazil's highways ? fact is, studying away from home is added expense.
Depending on fees of a private university, might be cheaper to move elsewhere to go to a public one, but suppose it comes down to how ambitious you are, or if you are content with just “any” diploma.
I'm aware of what 'quantitive easing' is, but please note....I am referring to Brazil, and you wander off into what happened in the UK...you've got to analyze Brazil from a perspective of how things work here, NOT the UK..
“The other way to balance accounts is to grow the economy faster than the debt”...
You don't say ? Again, talking of Brazil...Federal public debt has passed 75% of GDP.....and increasing. To grow the 'economy faster than the debt' is easier said than done. It implies in heavy investment - public & private - which requires, respectively : funds - which are scraping the bottom of the barrel - and confidence, which has somewhat waned over the last few years. Who risks their money in a dubious business environment ?
To announce what should be done is easy, to achieve it is something else. Besides, it requires a succession of honest governments to complete the cycle....hard to come by, in Brazil.
On an individual scale, turning things around is easy, you have to rely only on yourself.
Chicureo
Too bad Stink's efforts to 'slander' Cochrane only demonstrate his lack of knowlege. First he implies Cochrane let his men down...tut-tut ; Second, “All that money he stole for the upkeep of his comrades in arms”.....very noble action indeed ; But the question is why did he “steal”, or rather, “take what he needed” for the upkeep of his men ? because those who employed him, did not send him money, nor paid for his services ?
Doesnt say much for his employers, who were ? 'n how abt the “great” San Martin, fleeing to Spain with his loot ?
Estimado THINK
Feb 13th, 2019 - 06:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Interesting observation why I chose the Mozart piece to make an example.
(I really don't know, but it's possible...)
As far as AOC, she's a refreshing black swan that's landed upon the Democrat political swamp shaking up her mainstream party. It's reported a group of “furious” New York Democrats is reportedly plotting AOC with a primary challenge to make her a “one-term congressperson.”
Republicans are celebrating by forwarding her Green New Deal to a Senate vote, which has upset a lot of Democrats. (As it's been said: “Socialism is like a nude beach, it sounds great until you get there.”)
By the way, regarding the video, you do realize the Clinton organization was far more guilty of the political manipulation of funding that AOC describes.
Finally, you are clearly wrong about Piñera, he's not a mere multi-millionaire, he's been instead a billionaire for many years. Upon a few occasions, I've enjoyed conversing with his bohemian brother.
Jack
Don't worry, our hero still remains my favorite naval hero.
Hermanito ALLENDE la cordillera...
Feb 13th, 2019 - 06:50 pm - Link - Report abuse 0You say...:
“Socialism is like a nude beach, it sounds great until you get there.”
I say...:
Well........, have you ever been to one..., Shicureo...?
Great fun... actually...!
Estimado THINK
Feb 13th, 2019 - 07:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Topless on various vacations, but nudist no. I have had however received numerous extraordinary and salacious descriptive accounts from my disappointed friends who have. Sometimes your dreams become complete nightmares when you finally realize them.
Nightmares, as it was for Allende and currently for Maduro...
...and Juan Guaido still floats in the twilight of success or disaster...
Jack
Today I'm into A decent Viña Santa Rita 120 Reserva Carménère that cost a little over $4.5 by the case.
@JB
Feb 13th, 2019 - 08:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Who wants to go home every weekend when they're a student anyway? Apart from making friends, trying out new hobbies, and having fun, you need time to do your assignments, and lots of people have to work. Since you grew up in the biggest city with the best universities there was no need to look further afield, but people elsewhere in Brazil have to move if they aren't content with 'just any' diploma.
“I'm aware of what 'quantitive easing' is, but please note....I am referring to Brazil”
I didn't think you weren't. I was pointing out that though they use a euphemism, they are still printing money. And I wasn't talking about Brazil, but the 'rich and organised' countries that nonetheless have problems. You seemed to think austerity was the price for bad habits (meaning overspending?) in the past. So what did the UK do wrong?
As for growing the economy, no it's not easy, or automatic; money needs to be spent where it can do the most good. My main point is that cutting spending can be counterproductive, it's not the safe option it might seem. There are plenty of recent real word examples, since the ideology was adopted so enthusiastically in Europe. Compare the much stronger growth after 2007 in the US (with no austerity) vs the UK (with austerity). Or compare Argentina's rapid growth after their default to Greece's 10 years of misery. But at least Greece lowered their debt, right? Not so much. In 2011 it was 172% of GPD, and by 2017, it was 178% .
@Chicureo
“I have had however received numerous extraordinary and salacious descriptive accounts from my disappointed friends who have.”
Sounds like they went for the wrong reasons. It's not supposed to be a sexual thing, but more about freedom from inhibitions and accepting yourself as you are. Or just getting an all-over tan. ;)
Wooow...
Feb 13th, 2019 - 08:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Topless..., huhhhhhh?
- Did you know that in the Land of Freddom...: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr8ljRgcJNM ..., topless was forbidden until 1937...?
MALE topless..., that is...
Estimado THINK
Feb 13th, 2019 - 10:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Maybe we should get away from discussing points from a historical perspective and just get to the bottom of the point. (Or hill as the joke goes)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=otHObN-6TKU
I still remember my mother's disgust and my father's admiration for the sirenas from Mendoza strolling along the beach in their “scandalous” modern two piece bathing suits... The “Garota de Ipanema” was in my dreams...
Jack
Sometimes a little modesty is more attractive than the naked truth, but what do I know. I never had the body or the personality to wear one of your sungas, much less go au naturel...
You want to go to the bottom of the point........, huhhhhhhh...?
Feb 14th, 2019 - 01:43 am - Link - Report abuse 0To use your very own two last “Examples”
I Think you have been playing Salieri/Caesar for most of your conscient life..., its time to let your Mozart/Augustus out...
Total..., Yá estás jugado..., hermanito...
Comprate un buén Margaux..., aunque valga 300,000 pesos y tomátelo con un paisa...
Solito y tranqui..., uno de estos días..., agarrá la 5 y andate a tomar un trago a Playa Luna...
No tenés un carajo que perder..., Ché...
Capisce...?
That's a shame Chicureo. Even if you think you're not perfect, neither are 99% of people, and nobody cares anyway. Think's advice has my vote.
Feb 14th, 2019 - 09:38 am - Link - Report abuse 0@Think
I suppose you'd have no problem wearing a 'sunga'?
DemonTree
Feb 14th, 2019 - 12:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Your comment is somewhat unclear. Could you explain?
ALL
Venezuela still floats in the twilight of success or disaster...
Meanwhile, the crafty legitimate Russian news service carefully exposes the truth behind the USA's covert operation of inserting Juan Guaido as President.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=87Hc1Bs8OXg
@Chicureo
Feb 14th, 2019 - 02:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0What's unclear? I think lots of people worry too much about how they look, when no one's perfect and no one else really cares. Sounds like you're one of them.
Re Venezuela, that's an interesting question. Do you prefer to trust RT on this, or the despised 'main stream media'?
DemonTree
Feb 14th, 2019 - 03:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Perhaps it's just a simple inbred cultural modesty and reflecting my philosophy of aesthetics. Perhaps, because of my old fashioned notions of what I see as beautiful and the ugly...
I consistently suspect everything from all sources. I made a successful career of questioning the veracity and the purpose of information. Dig you see the movie: “Wag the Dog”? https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wag_the_Dog
I assume that Juan Guaido has authenticity, but then again there's a conceivability of a subtitle falseflag ops as RT reports.
To be precise..., which is the base for most succesful careers..., Shicureo...
Feb 14th, 2019 - 04:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0RT ain't “reporting” nuffin'...
RT is conveying info from a Sandnigga luving Yankee Jew called Max...
https://grayzoneproject.com
https://grayzoneproject.com
@Chicureo
Feb 14th, 2019 - 04:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Maybe. It's strange that Chile is so conservative when Spain and Italy are mostly very relaxed.
I hadn't even heard of the film, but it seems alarmingly relevant, both then and now.
Is your 'history of questioning' the reason you're so cautious now? I've noticed you seem to prefer giving other people's opinions to committing to one of your own...
Estimado THINK
Feb 14th, 2019 - 06:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Thanks for the Grayzone website link. There always will be radical Judeo-Marxists like Trotsky, or in this case Blumenthal defending the radical leftist ideologies.
“Juan Guaidó es el producto de un proyecto de una década supervisado por los entrenadores de élite de Washington para cambios de gobierno.”
Reminds me of perhaps a brilliant “public relations” misdirection promoted through a sympathetic independent journalist amplified by RT all crafted by the Russian Special services (Russian: Спецслужбы России)... who knows?
I read the extremely well written letter by the former busdriver of which the last paragraph is classical prose:
“Like you, people of the United States, we Venezuelans are patriots. And we shall defend our homeland...to join our call for peace, let us be all one people against warmongering and war. Long live the peoples of America! Nicolás Maduro”
I also enjoyed the “US Congress member Ilhan Omar asked Trump’s new Venezuela special envoy Abrams if he would oversee genocide and war crimes as he did in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.” She and AOC are certainly consternating Democrats frightened about their image being viewed as too far left...
DemonTree
We Chileans are generally far more reserved than our Argentine neighbors.
The “Wag the Dog” jewel is entertaining as well as worth watching and gives you an enlightened parallax view of what you assume are informed by the media.
I've actually been open about my perspective regarding just about everything, but I remain open to evaluating the radical diametrical views contrary of mine.
Meanwhile, I just have seen at this exact moment the Globalist Eurocrats seemly to have succeeded in destroying your national right to self determination. I again have the opinion that the Eurocrats bullied your negotiation team. Never the less, all Europeans will be negatively affected by this disaster. What can your PM and Parliament do now? They seem trapped correct?
Chicureo
Feb 14th, 2019 - 06:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“Viña Santa Rita 120 Reserva Carménère”...nice ! yesterday I opened my last bottle of “White Haven”, a very elegant Sauvignon Blanc from NZ (in the US, $ 14,99)... Last week I opened a great Chilean, “Tabalí, Reserva Especial, 2011 - 91 points Desorchados” (74% Syrah, 14% Merlot, 12% cab sauv)....but I'm sure I paid more than you would have, in Chile.
Talking of nudist beaches, while in Abidjan (years ago), I was taken to one (by my agent...I thought we were going to a normal beach. When I got there, I was ok with the principle, but pretty soon it became embarrassing, as the young girls swam in the opposite direction to me....got fed up, went to the bar for a beer, where I got talking to the barman, an Englishman... he told me that 1 km down there was a 'just' topless beach ...much better, but I still believe in what one of my uncle's in BA used to say, “I prefer to undress my women myself”.
DT
Ok, supppose it's true some people might like to remain in small towns for the weekend...
When “I” refer to austerity, I'm talking of tightening one's belt when the financial situation isn't all that good. I am not suggesting cutting all 'n every expense, 'n definitely not the essential ones...such as public services, paid for with taxes, but trim the fat 'n take measures that generate revenue....which include trying to grow the economy....each situation requires specific measures, I'm aware there is no “one formula for all”.
Yes, “cutting spending can be counterproductive”, when it affects productivity...on the other hand, with a Congressional budget (81 senators, 513 deputies) of R$ 10,5 billion for 2018 , or abt US$ 3 billion, don't you think there's room for a bit of 'austerity' ?
In 2013 Dilma saw things were getting hairy, but she made only a few cosmetic changes which had no practical effect, only to be able to announce she'd made cuts. Here, they'll cut productive investments before cutting their own salaries, benefits, privileges.
Jack
Feb 14th, 2019 - 08:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Anything from Tabalí is highly recommendable and I suggest you buy. (The Reserva here will set you back here about $8+). All their reds are very good. Last week, “She who must be obeyed” uncharacteristically bought an entire case of Tabalí Viognier, but I've not had the chance to try it yet. Is is however was a serious indication that's she on to something.
Most of its grapes come from the Limarí Valley which has been become one of the newest and better places for both reds in the upper altitudes, with whites like Chardonnay. The largest wineries, Santa Rita and Concha y Toro have heavily planted in the severely drought stricken Coquimbo area that was documented in the DW video THINK linked.
The area also produces superb olive oil that is as good as anything Italy has. It's also the primary producing area for Pisco. We buy all our olive oil and goat cheese produced from there.
On another note: I see that the Democrat party is having a meltdown about this afternoon's announcement that Amazon is abandoned choosing NYC as their new headquarters. The mainline Democrats convinced the company to locate there and the more liberal Democrats like AOC complained so much about the impact, Amazon changed their mind.
Shicureo....
Feb 14th, 2019 - 09:09 pm - Link - Report abuse 0***“ The area also produces superb olive oil that is as good as anything Italy has”***...you say...
Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooot....?..., I say...
The green..., ugly monstef of rambling Shilean Nationalism frothes out of your keyboard again...
You sound almost as one of those insufferable arrogants from Buenos Ayres..., you know...
What the heck do you know about Italian 37 DOP's Olive Oils...? What' will be your next...?
That the Shileno 3 varieties of cheese are as good as anything France has...?
That the Shileno Pisco thing is as good as anything Perú has...?
That the Shileno Chicks are as pretty as “You know Who's”...?
Geeeeeeeee!
@Chicureo
Feb 14th, 2019 - 11:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Explains where Guaido popped up from so suddenly when no one ever heard of him.
Not sure what you mean about the 'Eurocrats'? It was the Brexiters in her own party who refused to vote for May today, but the bus is still speeding towards the cliff with her foot jammed on the accelerator.
@JB
Lol, you sound like Londoners who believe civilisation ends at the M25. Did you never want to try living in Rio, or in another part of Brazil? IME getting away from home is half the point of going to university.
“When “I” refer to austerity”
All well and good, but it's not what our government did, or what the IMF is forcing on Argentina, and certainly not what the EU forced on Greece. What makes you think Guedes means it the way you do, and not like those other countries? Sounds like there are more savings to be made in Brazil, but eliminating waste and corruption aren't austerity in my view, even though they save money. Austerity is about trying to cut spending below income, and generally does mean cutting public services, and/or raising taxes.
@Think
Only three varieties of cheese? Seriously?
TWIMC...
Feb 14th, 2019 - 11:36 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I read in the comment above a comment about “what the IMF is forcing on Argentina”...
Curiously today... the high rank visiting IMF delegation..., quite unexpected..., called my boy Kicillof and asked for an immediate meeting...
Two whole hours they were in his little office...
Things are moving fast..
Chuckle... chuckle...
Estimado THINK
Feb 15th, 2019 - 12:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0Oh just calm down...
First, many of your Argentine women are certifiable goddesses in their 20's and then they begin incessantly in a continuous harangue about everything while slowly morphing into the typical Calabrese nonna they transform in their 40's...
Secondly, my long suffering nonpareil partner has an inimitable skill to guide me thru a delicious buffet of delicacies such as really superb olive oil, goat cheese, olives and fairly decent jamon “Iberico style” all domestically produced.
We learned at a food tasting a long time ago, the Italian oil we bought imported to our country was mislabeled as extra-virgin and 100% Italian. Instead of the cheap industrial diesel domestic stuff we used to produce, Chile is now specializing in cold pressed exceptionally extra-virgin olive oil that's winning world recognition.
https://www.chileoliva.cl/es/co_noticia/aceites-chilenos-premiados-en-concursos-internacionales-de-aceite-de-oliva-durante-1-semestre-2017/
We use your safflower oil for frying.
Peruvian Pisco is superb. You already know my respect for an Argentine asado and prefer your “champagne.” Personally I consider your empanadas superior as well, so calm down...
DemonTree
Don't take THINK very seriously. We have far better bread and several choices of domestic and imported cheese.
It's really sad about the situation in the UK. I'n my opinion Brussels has been a bastard with you. The UK is in a zero sum game. It would probably be better to remain at this point, but that would be difficult as it's reported.
There is a detailed bio on Juan Guaidó in Wikipedia and the articles I've read lead me to believe he's legitimate. “He also completed two postgraduate programs in public administration at George Washington University in the United States” may have raised a few flags.
Anyway, you know I'm highly bigoted against Marxism..
Completely calm..., down here..., hermanito...
Feb 15th, 2019 - 01:32 am - Link - Report abuse 0Firstly.... about our respective lasses..., I only wrote about prettyness in their “best before” date... Not about their degree of hysterism..., in wich ours also excell...
Secondly... Local Importers have also a responability,,, captain... or do you Think that the weones buy a liter of “Olio Extavergine di Oliva 100% Italiano” for ~25 cents of an €uro..., sell it to the consumer at 10 €uros and don't know it is adulterated...?
Just try a middle-high quality oil like the following : https://www.eataly.net/it_it/olio-extra-vergine-di-oliva-affiorato-1-l-dinoabbo ... and tell me if we in South America have something similar...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr. DemonTree....
As a matter of fact..., having done hundreds of crossings to my Shilean brother nation..., their choices of cheese in their Patagonian shops was almost always the same..: Cremoso..., Fresco and Gouda..
And usually..., a couple of those variants were sold out...
Things are a little better nowadays...
@Chicureo
Feb 15th, 2019 - 12:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“There is a detailed bio on Juan Guaidó in Wikipedia”
Indeed. Created on the 6th January, the day after he was chosen as President of the National Assembly. I presume his comparative lack of baggage was one the reasons the US decided to support him. And I'm sure you'll agree he must have had a prior agreement for support with the US, given the speed with which Trump recognised his 'presidency'? He would hardly have declared himself president without the assurance of international support.
As for the UK, when I considered the various options before the referendum, I concluded that none were better than remaining. Unfortunately events have proved that correct. It's too bad that so many of my compatriots still refuse to face the unpleasant reality.
@Think
The 'Anglo' posters on here would say that all Argentines are hysterical...
“Cremoso..., Fresco and Gouda”
Ouch. But as far as I recall the choices weren't great in Argentine Patagonia either. The Carrefour in BA had a decent selection, similar to the cheeses we get imported from the Continent, but I didn't notice anything uniquely Argentine. Right now we have the best of both worlds in the UK; a good selection of homegrown cheeses plus a wide array of European ones.
RE the IMF, not sure what you're implying. They suspect Kicillof might be economy minister again soon?
Did anyone notice that Putin is about to take his hands off from Maduro's “joystick”?
Feb 15th, 2019 - 12:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Estimado THINK
Feb 15th, 2019 - 05:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Your example looks like a light golden nectar of the goddess of Hestia, but if one can truly be satisfied by our national high end production, it makes little sense to buy the very expensive imported stuff. Have you tried avocado oil? We also have a very decent alternative to Jamon Ibérico, labeled as “7 Cubres”...
DemonTree
Venezuela seems to be in stalemate. Maduro is now accusing the USA has been poisoning humanitarian aid.
By the way, I've confirmed THINK's correct observation about Chile having only 3 types of cheese. https://nuevo.jumbo.cl/quesos-y-fiambres/queseria/especiales
“She who must be obeyed” regularly shops at our local Jumbo supermarket...
Your country definitely has an incredible selection of wonderful cheeses.
Chicureo
Feb 15th, 2019 - 06:35 pm - Link - Report abuse 0It's a pity the price of good wine here is off the charts, however, the best cost benefit ratio today, are Chilean 'n South African wines...but at $ 8 for Tabalí Reserva, I'd drink it every day.
We get good olive oil here - Portuguese, Italian (not the fake stuff), Turkish, and “Deleyda' from Chile....soaking it up in bread, delicious.
DT
”Lol, you sound like Londoners who believe civilisation ends at the M25”....not exactly....the USP campus was about 5 min drive frm home (bus,15 mins), so no need to consider moving away to study. In the mid-70s I was offered a transfer to Rio (Petrópolis really) but after spending two weeks there on a trial, I decided against it...no life after 7pm, an hours drive down the hill to Rio (which was already not-too-safe). Besides, salaries in SP were usually higher.
“What makes you think Guedes means it the way you do, and not like those other countries?”
First of all, we don't have the IMF breathing down our necks ; second, Guedes' economic philosophy follows that of the “Chicago boys” (Milton Friedman), same as mine. The first reforms need to address the eliminatation of immoral privileges, cut waste, spread the tax burden more evenly and enable reduction in the public debt and interest payments... with cash in the till, investments can grow again, and the private sector will have a better environment to invest in as well. It's obvious he will face some resistance, as 3 main groups are against anything that changes the status quo : civil servants (who up to now have benefited in detriment of the private sector), the unions (trying to justify their existence, without the slightest concern for the future), and of course the PT (against everything as a matter of principle). And, Congress will not vote anything they consider too radical.
Rational savings, versus uncontrolled spending, afaic, is a form of austerity.
Corruption may be the single most expensive cost to Brazil, so fighting it needs to be a priority
Shicureo...
Feb 15th, 2019 - 07:33 pm - Link - Report abuse 0***“ if one can truly be satisfied by our national high end production, it makes little sense to buy the very expensive imported ”***..., you say...
I completely agree with that point..., as I suppose you will agree that it is quite a different point than your previous that read...:
***“ The area also produces superb olive oil THAT IS AS GOOD AS ANYTHING ITALY HAS...”***
Strange you mention avocado oil...
One of my biodinamic neighbours gave me a tin of it some time ago...
Speaking about oils she mentioned the essentiality of all those Omega 3..., 6..., 9 or whatever fatty acids...
Clearly remember Thinking at the time..., that the only essential Omega for me is a Speedmaster Professional... (Hexalite glassed..., of course ;-)
Anyhow..., it turned out that oil was excellent to fry the most knusprige Wiener Schnitzler...
Yummmmmmy...
@Chicureo
Feb 16th, 2019 - 12:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Are those cheeses imported or made in Chile? Another thing I noticed while visiting was how many things claimed to be manufactured in your respective countries. It's a novelty as sadly virtually nothing is made in Britain these days. Also I've never even tried avocado oil, what's it like?
Vz has been a disaster for a long time. It's sort of ironic that after years of Maduro complaining about US sanctions, they are finally suffering under the real deal, but I'm afraid the international meddling will just make things worse.
@JB
It's convenient having the best university so close, and certainly saves money, but didn't you want to get some independence? Can see why you wouldn't want to stay in Petropolis, though.
“First of all, we don't have the IMF breathing down our necks”
Good thing Lula paid off the debt, huh? But I've never heard anything good about the 'Chicago boys' - only that they experimented wrecklessly with other people's money and lives, and sometimes it worked and sometimes it ended in disaster.
There must be a lot to cut in Brazil, with all the corruption, but the pension reform will be the biggest saving. You must have friends and relatives who aren't retired yet, what do they think about having to work more years for less money than you got?
@DT
Feb 16th, 2019 - 03:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Sure was convenient having the campus close by....but what sort of independence are you referring to ? altho living at home, I came and went as I pleased.
“Good thing Lula paid off the debt, huh?”
That is where you are wrong....take a look at :-
https://www.jornaldacidadeonline.com.br/.../a-grande-mentira-do-pagamento-da-divid...
in 2008, Lula simply “internalized” the (foreign) debt.....no miracle, he simply swapped one for the other, doubling the internal debt. Besides a purely populist move, it was highly irrational : he got rid of a debt - with the IMF, paying 4% interest /year - to take on one with the local banks at 19,5% interest /year....must say, a 'great' move. That's when the interest payments started to bite into government revenue....and the average 'Joe' couldn't see through it.
Depending on how many years some of my friends still have before retiring, they may have anything from one to 5 years extra to work (transition period), but - they will still be able to retire at 62 (women) or 65 (men), if those are the ages that'll be approved - if they've completed the minimum contribution period of 30 years (women) and 65 (men), and, with the SAME pension I got.....they realize it's essential if they hope to receive their pension when the time comes...those who are against it, or refuse to even try to understand it, are those who in some way are greatly benefiting from the current status (mainly civil servants, their unions...). By the time people reach 65, most will have been working for at least 40 years, so they'll receive the current top pension for the private sector (around R$ 5,600/month), The reform's main goal is to eliminate the absurd privileges in the public sector (for which there is no reason to maintain), get rid of fraud (quite common), trim the fat and balance the accounts, and into the bargain, reduce the fiscal deficit.
I don't see any other way to approach the problem, (basically) ignored for the past 25 years.
Most teenagers routinely live with their parents when attending university. Latin families tend to remain together than Europe and North America.
Feb 16th, 2019 - 08:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Lunch today was a salad of nectarines, pluots and goat cheese with lemonade.
Chile produces a number of good cheeses and also imports a variety of exotic ones from Europe. Food labeling All the avocados and grapes we export have very specific traceable information that reflect precisely when and where the product was packed.
Madame Defarge has had me gang-pressed for almost the past 24 hours into slavery in making mermemlada jams from the fruit trees in our garden. Nectarines, plums, and peaches are all ripening too quickly and we have been busy.
Good quality avocado oil has a neutral, almost slightly with a trace of almond flavor that has a high temperature resistance for cooking. It's expensive for frying and Señora Defarge prefers using Argentine safflower oil because it's excellent for that purpose.
When she fries with olive oil, she'll add a small amount of vegetable oil to raise the smoking point if that makes sense. (It's a major crime I'm my household to burn garlic or olive oil.)
In other news, it's interesting that Richard Branson has announced the launch to raise $100 million in 60 days for the people of Venezuela.
@JB
Feb 17th, 2019 - 12:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0“what sort of independence are you referring to”
Being responsible for looking after yourself, as well as the freedom to come and go as you please, which I don't think very many teens have. Making your own rules and running your own life without oversight, for good or ill.
Living at home may be the norm in Latin America, but it's not in the UK. Different universities specialise in different subjects and the chance that the best one for you is in your hometown is minimal. But given how big South America is, there must be lots of people who don't live within commuting distance of a university and also have to move.
“he got rid of a debt - with the IMF, paying 4% interest /year - to take on one with the local banks at 19,5% interest /year”
You know the IMF isn't considered a lender of last resort because of their high interest rates, but due to the onerous conditions. If their loans really were advantagous, then Guedes would suggest taking out another one to repay the local banks, right?
“with the SAME pension I got”
They'll get it for fewer years, after working more years and paying more in. But it probably is essential if Brazil is not to go bust. I guess you have no friends in the public sector who will lose out more?
@Chicureo
I googled pluots, still not sure what on earth they are. Maybe you could persuade your wife to try making some fruit wines instead of turning everything into jam? Sounds pretty cool, anyway, I wish it was summer here.
I've also never tried safflower oil. What we get here is rape seed oil, bright yellow fields full of the stuff every spring. I think there's a EU subsidy, so maybe that'll all change next year. I've never noticed it having a particular flavour.
How is Branson planning to get the money raised to the people of Venezuela?
DemonTree
Feb 17th, 2019 - 01:24 am - Link - Report abuse 0Pluots is a hybrid that's 75% plum and 25% apricot. They resemble plums with smooth skin, and a similar shape and texture. Far more flavorful than most plums.
We also have one Aprium tree which resembles an apricot with plum traits and three apricot trees that were harvested earlier.
I tried making beer and artisanal wine years ago and it was a dismal failure.
Richard Branson has planned “Venezuela Aid Live,” a concert featuring some of the biggest names in the Latin American music industry to be held in on the Colombian border:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-14/branson-plans-live-aid-style-concert-on-venezuela-s-border
Shicureo...
Feb 17th, 2019 - 02:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Your poooor..., loooong suuuuffering misus...
She is just doing what's best for you...
(Don't show her this one ;-)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XwL54c8QCpE
Estimado THINK
Feb 17th, 2019 - 07:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I can easily relate to him...
...Besides forcefully gang-pressing my pitiful poor suffering soul into her maniacal mermelada casera passion, ...she also knits...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lDA_ZbiY3CQ
DT
Feb 17th, 2019 - 07:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Lived with my parents but as of 18 had to earn my own cash - for clothes, books, entertainment...- teaching English was well paid (in USD to avoid a yearly discussion re inflation). In 3rd year Univ got a half-time job. Was far longer hours than the English lessons, 'n paid less than half, but I needed the experience. Made my own rules, as long as they didn’t conflict - too seriously - with my parent’s. A month after graduating, ‘n with a job at Ford Motor Co, I moved out. Agree, not all had it as convenient as I did, but then again, I made sure I entered the University I chose.
I know the IMF imposes ‘onerous’ conditions, but Brazil wasn't being particularly penalized by them…it was earning sufficient strong currency (agribusiness, commodities) to pay the debt without imposing ‘austere’ measures. But Lula, ‘n many before him, usually focused on the IMF as the villain of all problems, which never stopped them from going back. When Lula internalized the debt, at far more ‘onerous’ conditions than those of the IMF, he simply ‘failed’ to mention he had ‘bought’ it, at the expense of the internal debt, at an interest rate 5 times higher…in those days there wasn’t much transparency. It was clearly an unnecessary, populist move…and expensive. But he sold it as a genius move.
Brazil’s can still be fixed w/o the IMF, so why would Guedes resort to it ? ('n today's local interest rate is 6.5%, not 19.5)
Re pensions, you still haven’t unstood : I had to contribute for at least 35 years, which I did, 'n more - chose to retire b4 65, 'n was penalized...today, they should still be able to retire at 65 with full pension, with 35 years contribution (basically same conditions as mine), so where’s the snag ? If they choose to retire before 65 (‘n be penalized), that's their choice.
Have a few acquaintances in public service : they'll go through a transition period (longer for those starting now, shorter for those closer to retirement by the old rules…no one will “LOSE”.
Jack
Feb 17th, 2019 - 07:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Where did you acquire your English, did you grow up in a polyglot household like I did?
Shicureo....
Feb 17th, 2019 - 08:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Don't be a whimp...
She is surely a sweet..., tolerant..., evolved Frenchie Marianne with the Shileno touch...
The perfect woman...!
Like this one...: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fpuMLM1rT94
;-))))))))))))))))
Chicureo
Feb 17th, 2019 - 09:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0On my fathers side, my grandfather was Scottish, married to a Englishwoman. On my mother's side, exactly the opposite. My mother was Canadian. I grew up speaking English at home, and English & Portuguese at school. At home, until about 10 yrs old, my parents would speak Spanish with us, but Portuguese eventually became more important than Spanish. I studied French and Latin for 6 years, the former helping later when I went to French-speaking West Africa, and the latter was more of a culture thing. So yes, reckon it would be a polyglot upbringing.
@Chicureo
Feb 17th, 2019 - 09:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Pluots sound weird, but must be nice to have all the fruit trees, even if you do get roped into making jam. My Dad tried to brew beer when I was a child and it exploded. Put me right off.
@JB
Sounds like you were in a good situation, and very convenient. Not everyone is smart enough to get into their first choice of university. But I'm glad I had to move away from home, I think it was good for me. Besides, I did a few things I'm not proud of and I'm happy my parents weren't there to see. ;)
Re the IMF debt, all the articles I can find from the time say it was going to be paid from reserves, and that it was only paid off two years early anyway. The IMF had nothing bad to say either:
“Last week the IMF executive board approved its latest review of the current agreement with Brazil. “The impressive track record of programme implementation, together with the continued pursuit of sound macroeconomic policies and steady progress with structural reforms are clearly paying off,” said Anne Krueger, the IMF's first deputy managing director.”
It sounds like Brazil was following the IMF's conditions in any case, but getting rid of them does give you freedom over your own economic policy.
“why would Guedes resort to it”
I don't think he should, especially if Brazil can borrow cheaply elsewhere. But if his reforms don't work - and quickly - he may have to, same as Argentina did.
As for pensions, if people can still retire before 65 then what will actually change? And the public sector includes the military, which must be why that block aren't big fans of the reform. There seems to be some infighting going on there.
“no one will “LOSE””
If you were told your pay was being cut in the future, would you say you were losing out? If yes, then why are pension benefits any different?
Jack
Feb 17th, 2019 - 10:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0It changes a child's perspective when they are exposed to that kind of enviroment. It certainly affected and enriched my life. We opened the white I earlier mentioned and it is outstanding. A good buy if you see it reasonably offered in Brazil.
Estimado THINK
...thankfully without the mustache...
She's uncharacteristically wonderful to live with as long as you completely obey her.
Without a doubt, I definitely married upwards to her social class and superior cultural intellectual brilliance.
By the way, “She who must be obeyed” has an uncanny resemblance to the late actress Billie Whitelaw and the video I posted was first discovered a long ago by my daughter, who thought it was an incredible parody...
My daughter actually dare calls her mother ML (enme-eleh) behind her back in tribute to Madam Lafarge. And yes... “She is not amused” either...
Now Russia too joins the orgy! How long can Maduro bear the love making?
Feb 17th, 2019 - 10:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0FROM: Reuters:
REF: “Gazprombank freezes Venezuela's PDVSA accounts”:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-politics-gazprombank-idUSKCN1Q60BK
:o))
Feb 17th, 2019 - 10:43 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Deeper and deeper we're following into the history making dark hole that's fascinating...
...are the Russians protecting their banks and assets or supporting Maduro?
***“Superior Cultural Intellectual Brilliance”**** ... huhhhhhhhh...?
Feb 17th, 2019 - 10:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Do you recall that..., previously in this thread..., we debated about Heroes..., and Mozart...?
Oddly..., yesterday..., a far away acquaintance of mine..., got posted a Youtube audiofile where those two topics were incorporated in a..., for me..., interesting context....
As there ain't much going on down here..., in rural southwestern Chubut on a Sunday afternoon..., It would be interesting to hear the opinion of a Shilean Momio and/or a Shilean ML about the Intellectual ramblings on those subjects from an Argie Commie...
Just 10 minutes to exercise the few sinapses one has left ..., if you don't have nothing better to do..., that is...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ABMoEwFSr14
Estimado THINK
Feb 18th, 2019 - 01:10 am - Link - Report abuse 0You may not believe this, but I've never heard of, read or listened to the profound thoughts of Alejandro Dolina. I listened to a couple more of his interviews on You Tube. Thanks for sharing.
My lack of cultural appreciation awareness becomes far more evident as each new personal discovery of what to surprising or disappointingly learn as well as to sincerely appreciate the enrichment of my life. My life's companion has taught to have joy, one must share it. Happiness is best when you openly accept and exchange the beauty around us.
Je vous en prie...
Feb 18th, 2019 - 01:16 am - Link - Report abuse 0@Chicureo
Feb 18th, 2019 - 10:37 am - Link - Report abuse 0REF: are the Russians protecting their banks and assets or supporting Maduro?
I don't know where you got THAT from! It's = freezing the Venezuelan assets = joining the others to impose sanctions. In short, Maduro's goose is well-cooked. His days of giving Blow-Jobs to Russia+China are OVER!
:o))
Feb 18th, 2019 - 12:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0To simply answer your question, yes.
You know I despise Marxists and want the Maduro regime to fall, but the world media right now is being manipulated to show a far worse situation than what's actually happening there. Clearly over half the population still retains a sustainable standard of living, most certainly the military and police are receiving their daily needs.
Nothing, and I mean nothing a country like Russia can be believed to not have several alternative reasons for their reported actions. They are playing three dimensional chess right now with PDVSA and Gazprombank, you can never predict their strategy other than to win.
The USA, China, and others are running multiple outcome scenario OPTS to manipulate world opinion and closely monitor the military's thinking. The Russians, Chinese and USA are all certainly tracing individual military soldier cellular telephone usage, daily individual small bank transactions, etc...
There's a lot of covert intel gathering going on right now that's beyond your imagination. The Mossad was recently caught using RFID transmitters for over a decade to trace their enemies : https://m.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hamas-claims-Israel-sent-bugged-shoes-to-spy-on-them-580897. Similar intel is being used in Venezuela today.
Well...
Feb 18th, 2019 - 02:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Now I see why you call her...: “She who must be obeyed”... Wise choice...
(Minute...: 00:41... ;-)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pcV9ceH4UvE&t=29s
Well, the political revolution right now is happening in the UK. THINK's video seems to be appropriate there today. Also another automobile plant closing...
Feb 18th, 2019 - 04:20 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Also today, Trump is going to make an interesting statement about Venezuela...
Estimado THINK
Far more subtle aggressive, ML used to be an enthusiastic fan of watching the telenovela “Mujeres asesinas” and I suspicion she studiously took notes.
:o))
(corrected URL)
https://m.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hamas-claims-Israel-sent-bugged-shoes-to-spy-on-them-580897
I luuuuuuuuuv this Brit Brexit Description...
Feb 18th, 2019 - 04:31 pm - Link - Report abuse 0https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HaBQfSAVt0s
Estimado THINK
Feb 18th, 2019 - 05:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Absolutely brilliant explanation by John Oliver of what Brexit is all about. What's really sad is what he parodies is actually reality.
If you review my earlier comments, I've expressed my opinion that the British negotiating team endeavored their strategy about as aggressively lame as Neville Chamberlain accomplished against Joachim von Ribbentrop.
Meanwhile, while Theresa May has placed herself into a “zero sum game”, Jeremy Corbyn is experiencing a minor Labour Party revolt. Then of course, you now read that the European parliament is predicted to polarize away from the middle with both Macron and Merkel almost becoming “lame ducks”...
DT
Feb 18th, 2019 - 06:10 pm - Link - Report abuse 0After moving out, I remember thinking “if I’d known it was so good, would’ve moved out earlier” ($ permitting). Look at the debt payment fm any angle you want, but it was far fm necry, or financially-wise. With foreign currency pouring in (exports fm agri, comms), wasn’t difficult to comply with IMF rules…as to “freedom over your own economic policy”, 1st of all, there were no noticeable changes, ‘n 2nd, internal debt/interest payments skyrocketed…IF there had been a surplus of foreign reserves, ‘n part had been used to pay it off - w/o jeopardizing the country’s ability to pay off other loans, ‘n provided the reserves weren’t invested/earning more than the interest on the debt - ok, but that was NOT the case. Financially-speaking, it was a bad swap.
IF the pension reform is approved (won’t be easy) it’ll be a good start to balance the accounts. With the proposed reform (which Congress will surely alter), if you want to retire before 65, ‘n have contributed for a minimum of 15 years (I think), you can, but will have the benefit reduced proportionately to (your age ‘n) the number of years you contributed...much like before, and how it affected me (age wise).
The military has announced it’ll respect whatever is decided – they will probably have to serve a bit longer, ‘n some ‘privileges’ will also be cut. The fact is that the time has come to face the problem…had it been done 20 years ago, none of this would be happening. The cuts will target politicians retirement with full salary after 2 mandates (8 years), civil servants’ absurd benefits / privileges not practiced in the private sector, widespread fraud (people with no right to a pension, but getting one) etc….the average worker will not lose out, ‘n they form the vast majority, which has been subsidizing the public sector’s binge for so long. The retired civil servants have acquired rights, can’t be touched, but new civil servants will no longer retire on (on average) 6 times what the private sector does.
Sr. Chicureo...
Feb 18th, 2019 - 07:01 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I would like to ask you a little favour...
Could you tell me if you, in Chile, have “heard” anything about a couple of Argies called...:
CARLOS STORNELLI.
MARCELO D'ALESSIO?
Just a simple yes or no..., before googleing...
Would it be too much to ask...?
Su seguro servidor...
El Think...
@Chicureo
Feb 18th, 2019 - 07:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0REF: “There's a lot of covert intel gathering going on right now that's beyond your imagination”
Thanx! Obviously; because Venezuela is a traditional hub for all kinds of not-so-legal activities which involve trillians of $; who wouldn't want to have a piece of the cake?
:o))
Feb 18th, 2019 - 08:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Oh, there must be only a few thousand entities hovering around the failing state like expectant condors...
...let us see the Trump bread and circus speech today...
Estimado THINK
No, nothing! I didn't see anything in El Mercurio or on TVN.
I did google and read: El abogado Marcelo D'Alessio, el acusado de extorsionar a nombre de Carlos Stornelli, declaró y fue imputado por “asociación ilícita” …
Do you have anything I should focus upon?
Thanks...
Feb 18th, 2019 - 08:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0With a bit of luck..., and a lot of work from the Thinking people in Argentina..., this case will seriously affect this year presidential election...
Yes, it seems Macri is not going to survive another election...
Feb 18th, 2019 - 09:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0...do you think your countrymen will re-elect your ex-president?
...you know, like the charming swarthy Partido Justicialista from La Rioja, once married toCecilia Bolocco?...
@JB
Feb 18th, 2019 - 11:52 pm - Link - Report abuse 0“if I’d known it was so good, would’ve moved out earlier”
Exactly. There are advantages to living with parents but it's nice to have your own space. I guess there're no student loans in Brazil which makes it more difficult.
“internal debt/interest payments skyrocketed”
Did they? I tried looking up Brazil's debt and IIRC correctly it was still falling at that point, but it didn't separate internal and external. Besides, foreign reserves were high and increasing, so I don't know why they wouldn't use them.
Here's an IMF report about it, which praises both themselves and Lula:
https://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/articles/2007/112107.htm
On pensions, the FT says the planned reforms are pretty radical - minimum retirement age of 65, 40 years to qualify for the full pension, and a defined contribution component - that's the sort of crappy pension scheme we have. Returns are usually disappointing and depend hugely on timing vs the stock market, which is out of your control.
That's not the final version, but be glad you got to retire while things are still good. With a falling birthrate, my generation will be screwed no matter how much we save.
Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!