Papachongo

We were there but ...

2005-06-09T11:49:00.000-05:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/09/AR2005060900148_pf.html

The link above is a statement about the future plans of Saudi Arabia. Do they sound familiar?
They want to do what? Reach costumers in the US. They want to do what with production?

All this statements are true of the plans and ACCOMPLISHMENTS of PDVSA prior to El supremo and gross introduction of politics into the company.

Maybe they will buy Citgo.

Just another sad day for Venezuela en general.

The War on Terror

2005-06-07T09:26:00.000-05:00

For those that have read my posts on other sites.
This article explains how I feel about the current state of affairs.
http://victorhanson.com/articles/hanson060305.html

Lo que es igual no es trampa!

2005-06-07T07:07:00.000-05:00

The situation in Bolivia keeps getting worse and part of the blame falls squarely in el supremo's door steps. It is funny that he thinks it is ok to strike indefinitely in Bolivia to achieve political goals. He has called the strike in Venezuela everything from a coup attempt to treason. I guess when you are planning and doing it is ok. When someone else is doing it to you, well you get the point. He also has been crying about a few thousand $ that Sumate received from the US but he has no shame in totally funding the Bolivian strike. It is ok for him and castro to be imperialists and interfere in other nations problems but the US is forbidden. Who would you like to interfere in your country? US or Cuba. For all that do not follow Venezuelan news that is not news that is just standard behavior for el supremo.

Trying to see the positive in a bad situation:

1- It appears that Brazil and Argentina depend to some degree on the Gas delivered from Bolivia. Will this be enough for them to wake up and do the right thing? The other option is scary, will they get a quick pay off by turning a blind eye in exchange for some concessions?
From the prior post and link it sounds like they can get a better deal in the long term by not supporting Morales/Chavez. It is clear that Chile will not support a potential unstable new government that may focus on external treats (f.i. Chile) to divert a nations attention. You know that the minute things are going wrong and Morales is in power he will blame someone else, that someone will be, as usual, the US but next in line is Chile.

2- This events will bring even more light into the actions of el supremo and his efforts to export his so called revolution. With the recent events and you can only hope we are reaching critical mass.

Warning for Chavez do not cry when it happens to you again b/c it will. He can not gut out PDVSA and expect to consequences.

The fight against chavez/castro in S. America

2005-06-06T11:18:00.000-05:00

This is a very interesting article about the potential developments in Bolivia and how it relates to the fight against the so called revolution of el supremo and his plans in S. America. I am not educated enough to give an opinion abut the potential for a break up. One thing is for sure Peru does not need another trouble region.

MCM

2005-06-02T21:11:00.000-05:00

http://www.elimpulso.com/Pages/VerNoticia.asp?fp=6/2/2005&id=16033

In the link above you can find the first interview of MCM. It shows that she has more class and brains that most of our goverment.

Miss Universe

2005-05-30T22:19:00.000-05:00

Can you believe the question that Venezuela got!!!
The question went something like:
Does your country have any problems and if so what would you do about it?
Her face dropped to the floor. This was a random question that was submitted by miss Mexico. When the cameras focus on her face she new that it was not the ideal contestant to get that question.
In a few words it was a disaster. Miss Venezuela was uncomfortable and gave a lame answer.
She probably knew that if she gave a real answer she was looking at jail time back home. At that point she tanked the question and her chances to win. Hey one more thing we can blame on El Supremo!!! I can not believe she got that question. Anyway I am moving so I will keep it short.

Mrs. Schiavo - Life and Death

2005-03-31T20:37:00.000-06:00

In my daily work I recommend, not infrequently, that we should stop "heroic measures". I am the bluntest of any of my cohorts when it comes to spelling out prognosis and my opinion of the usefulness of treatments. The truth is that technology has outpaced the understanding of most people and in the USA we basically feel as if resources are limitless. We can right now keep someone alive despite multiple organ failures. We can delay natures course for weeks to months but at the end nature will take its course. When I approach a case in which I think treatment is futile I do 3 things. First you get all the family together in one room and make it clear that things go best if the family is together on any decision. Second, always make it clear that the best interest of the patient have to be kept in mind for any decision. It is not about how they feel it is about the patient. Third, try to give all the facts about the case and percentages if possible. Take time to answer all questions and never allow one family member to try to explain prognosis to the rest of the family. Also you should know that most neurologist are extreme reluctant about making the call of being brain dead or on a persistent vegetative state unless it is clear cut case.

The decision about Mrs. Schiavo should have been made many years ago, most likely a few months after her initial incident. I will assume that the Gastric tube was placed prior to discharge as it is not uncommon in stoke cases that will move to rehab. At some point her prognosis should have been discussed, no later than a few months. By that time her chances of recovery should be clear and if true he should have made her wishes known at that time. Why the delay, if there was one, I really do not know and I will not speculate. My wife asked me what I would do at this point. I would have recommended to keep everything the way that it is since she was stable for YEARS!!. I would have gotten the family together to talk about what to do in case she got ill. She is at risk for infections from multiple sources and I think it would be reasonable to approach all involved about the course of action in the event of acute illness. I would say that it is appropriate to say if she gets ill we will not take her to the hospital and we will not treat her with extra fluids or antibiotics. She would be a Do Not Resuscitate. From all the reports in the news you have to ask yourself: Did her ex-husband have her best interest in mind? I find it difficult to believe that he did. He clearly had moved on with life and by all practical purpose he had another wife. It is sad that the families were so bitterly divided and that some people were taken to jail for what some would consider regular mouth care for any hospice patient. It is so sad that the issue went to the courts and congress. We can only hope that this case will cause people to talk about the issues of life and death and their wishes not only with spouses but will all close family members.

And the flight of ideas continues....

2005-03-18T16:27:00.000-06:00

Well El Supremo was in my town and his mouth diarrhea continues with no sign of improvement.

"Nosotros queremos seguirle mandando todos los días un millón y medio de barriles de petróleo y seguir haciendo negocio a Estados Unidos."

He knows without that he would not stay in power for 6 months.

"Yo no soy una amenaza, en América Latina es el hambre y la miseria. Nosotros estamos a la vanguardia en la lucha con la pobreza. No creo que haya otro país latinoamericanos que tenga mayores logros en la lucha contra la pobreza."

If you have to tell me you are not a bad boy, chance are that you are one. Look at the number of poor people and level of poverty. All have increased since he took over the government. Miguel documented this very well using their own numbers about one month ago.

"no permitiré que un grupo de rectores de la oposición en vez de asumir su responsabilidad con la educación de todos los venezolanos pretende utilizar las instancias como el CNU para sabotear la misión Sucre"

"hay gobierno en la historia venezolana que haya apoyado tanto y respetado la autonomía de las universidades"

Translation: I will take over all levels of education and indoctrinate the next generation. If you stand in my way .....

He keeps trying to tell us what he is and he is not. After being in the public eye since at least 1992, we know what you are all about. CONTROL, CONTROL and more CONTROL. We get it now.

Trasbarca(Mass transit) al cual se le destinaron 50 millones de dólares para la primera etapa y está calculado en el futuro inmediato la continuación de la obra. He promised

Translation: the ROBOlusion will continue!!!

The Greatest Leader?

2005-02-22T19:08:00.000-06:00

G. Washington

Why is the USA in place that it is right now?
Why has the USA surpassed England when it had started as another colony?
Why have so few former colonies succeeded in accomplishing the same?

This presidents day come and went with few people even considering why it exists. The Birthday of Washington is celebrated because in a few words; He was and will always be the Greatest President in the USA and maybe the world. He liberated a colony from imperial power. Well many others have done it, in the traditional sense and in more creative ways such as “El Libertador Simon Bolivar” or even Gandhi. He presided over the creation of the Constitution. A great document but others such as Bolivar have placed their ideas in paper and when read decades later you can still find truth and application. I would say in theory Bolivar's vision was second to none, he was a true visionary. What sets Washington apart from all prior and likely future leaders? Well it is his stature and his lack of ambition.

He was able to implement the American Constitution. He not only help mold the constitution with his presence but with the respect that he had earned from all people from the elites to the masses. He did it without even writing much if anything at all. He had more power than any other president in the USA will ever had or will have. The unreal and almost unthinkable thing is that he gave it up. That should be his most lasting characteristic. He placed the Constitution and the future of his country ahead of his ambitions. He could have stayed in power, people begged him. He could have stay in power and people would have accepted with joy. But no he stepped down and set up with that the legal and peaceful transition of power. I have never found a good explanation for his actions and the only one that makes sense is that he was the ultimate patriot.

Now if you look trough most other former colonies of Europe this has never happened and almost all have been controlled at some point or another by thugs. Look at my homeland, Venezuela. We have been lead by one form of dictatorship to another for most of our independent life. By the way we are no exception we are the rule. When we had a democracy; we had populist leaders concerned with their own power before the well being of the country. Now we have a self promoter, power grabbing and selfish thug. It is not new to our country and you can find his sort over most of the world. But from now on when you see a leader doing something ask yourself would G. Washington do what he/she is doing. If they are not, your country is going in the wrong direction.

Many countries and former colonies have natural resources. Many countries have had great people and human resources. Many countries have had good leaders but few or none have had great leaders that navigated the peace as well as the war.

If your constitution changes every other decade or year, your country is going in the wrong direction. If your constitution does not protect the separation of powers, your country is in trouble. If your constitution does not protect and hold individual freedoms above the powers of the state, you are in trouble. If your leaders feel that they are indispensable for your future, your country is in trouble. In short if your leaders are not trying at least in spirit to emulate George Washington and his example, you deserve new leaders. The answers to all the questions above boil down to the leadership of Washington. Happy Presidents day and happy birthday G.W.

2005-02-18T21:21:00.000-06:00

Freedom is what it is

2005-02-15T11:26:00.000-06:00

After the events in Lebanon, we have a bunch of people there talking about freedom, about a land free of Syrian occupation and influence and about transparent elections. Hey maybe Bush knew something the rest of the so called intellectuals did not. People want to be free and freedom is what is it contagious. Full support for the opposition in Lebanon, hopefully another Ukraine in the works!!!

The State of the Union Review- Democratic Response

2005-02-02T22:35:00.000-06:00

Boy what were they thinking about? First zero new ideas. Second, very weak response about SS. We know that the program is huge and the president just finished saying that 3 workers are paying for one recipient. So, Reid goes off on some exoteric explanation that just did not truly explain why he is against it. They ignore the attitude of most young people. Pelosi was just horrible. First she should seek a refund from her plastic surgeon (If it is Bell’s palsy please forgive me and consider prednisone and acyclovir). After the embrace by the two women and a deeply emotional moment she goes off on a left wing tirade about the War. It ignores what just happen and it ignores the pictures of the recent election. Even if she feels strongly about the issue she should be smarter; it is a non-winner right now. She should have adjusted her speech even if it was on the fly. It is like they had their message and are unable to adapt. Spell it out “we lost the election”. So why would you basically repeat all the same issues that Kerry used unsuccessfully. Get a clue!!!

The State of the Union Review- Domestic Policy

2005-02-02T22:20:00.000-06:00

Now, I will focus on the domestic policy side. He basically stuck to the plans he has stated previously. He gave a very good answer to all the critics with regard so social security. I am happy that he re-affirmed the concept of personal independence and a government that has a more focus role. I am against the government controlling people’s daily life. Controlling a significant part of my paycheck does that. Taking control of a small percentage of my paycheck should not be a treat to anyone. The smartest thing was basically taking the AARP out of the equation. By telling all people 55 and older nothing will change for you under-cuts all Democrats and AARP arguments. Now they are left with a demographic that already feels that SS will not be there for them. Bottom line for us the younger generation: We will have an account with our name and a balance that we can see everyday if we please. That lady’s and gentleman is something that they will have a hard time arguing against. I also noticed a republican attack at the bastion of modern democrats: the urban areas. The only small ideas and projects were targeted for that population. It also said as Republicans we will fight for the African American vote. The groundwork was placed last election with the African American Churches. Bush has shown that he is not a micro-manager and a big idea and overall leader.

The State of the Union Review- Foreign Policy

2005-02-02T21:56:00.000-06:00

Overall, it was a very good presentation by the President. I will focus on the foreign policy side. Everybody will focus on he said, I will focus mostly on what he did not say. Of what he said I was mostly surprised by how hard he went after Syria. I am happily surprised that he did. So Syria can now be official added to the tier one of axis of evil. It is long over due. They have supported terrorist and invaded a country (Lebanon) for far too long. The main reason that they are now on the front burner is their intervention against US forces in Iraq. Of note Syria is a far more attainable goal militarily than either Iran or North Korea. Well whatever the reason it was long overdue. Well the things that he did not mention are more important. What is going on with Pakistan? It was the only major ally that is not a democracy that was not fingered for more freedom. The situation in Pakistan must be very difficult and general does not need any more trouble. So, let’s hope that we can navigate that likely obstacle without significant difficulty. He also showed that the US is really focused on the Middle East. Thereby, he did not mention of Latin America or Africa. To my dissatisfaction he did not mention of some of the second tier axis of evil. Most importantly he did not mention either as part of terrorist support or energy plans the upcoming treat of Mr. Chavez. Granted at the pace Chavez is going; he will likely burn himself out. No mention of the genocides or basically religious wars happening in Africa.

Foxnews on Chavez

2005-02-01T18:36:00.000-06:00

The last point was about the restrictions of the new communication bill and they had a globovision reporter stating that they have restricted the news and commentary due the law. They contrasted the restrictions on private news outlets with the unlimited exposure that he has with his program "Alo Presidente". Overall less than what I though it was going to be. I do not know if it was cut short due to the Pope's condition. It certainly was less than advertised.

El Supremo's Psychiatric Evaluation

2005-02-01T17:32:00.000-06:00

Now I have promised that I would attempt to do some long distance diagnosing of El Supremo. Based on his public behavior and anecdotal evidence I think he potentially has Bipolar disorder. Now we must remember that this diagnosis or any other psychiatric diagnosis is never done without a full medical evaluation. It is also impossible to make a psychiatric diagnosis without ruling out substance abuse. In the case of El Supremo we have to add the necessary personality disorders which are sometimes difficult to discern from some of the Bipolar disorder manifestations. As I define Bipolar disorder I will place + by signs that we know to be true or have suspicion that are true. Please feel free to add some which I could have missed. Since El supreme has a bunch a “yes sir” around him they are unlikely to point this out to him. Ultimately this is to his disadvantage. This is done for the benefit of El Supremo and his health. The definitions given can be found anywhere and the ultimate source for diagnostic criteria for psychiatric illnesses is the DSM-IV.

Now for some definitions and potential findings:

Bipolar disorder is an illness characterized by a period of sustained disruption of mood, associated with distortions of perception and somatic functioning, and impairment in social functioning. A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that last at least one week.

During the period of mood disturbance, at least three or more of the following symptoms are present: inflated self esteem(++) or grandiosity(+++); decreased need for sleep(++); more talkative than usual(+++); racing thoughts or flight of ideas(++); distractibility(++); increase in goal-directed activity(+); and excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences(+++), such as spending money or sexual indiscretions.

Now there are at 2 types of Bipolar disorders. Type I is very disruptive to normal life, so he does not have this since he is functional. The last statement is true despite whatever anti-chavistas say. He is likely to have bipolar II disorder have a history of at least one episode of major depression and at least one hypomanic episode. The latter is characterized by a mood elevation that is abnormal for the individual but does not seriously impair functioning or require hospitalization.

Now we have to consider an array of other possible diagnosis that include but it is not restricted to:

A- Psychiatric and substance abuse: Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, abuse of alcohol, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, and personality disorders such as narcissistic, borderline and histrionic personalities may mimic bipolar disorder, and at times coexist with the illness.

B- Medical: thyrotoxicosis, partial complex seizures, systemic lupus erythematosus, cerebrovascular accident, human immunodeficiency virus, tertiary syphilis, or steroid-induced mood symptoms ( you may add this under substance abuse also)

Now the good news for El Supremo. We can test and treat most of the medical illness. If he is high on something, it is time to stop. We also have treatments for most psychiatric disorders. Since he probably has Bipolar I will say that we have an array of therapies to stabilize his mood. May advice is Lithium with psycho therapy. For any further advice please contact me at this blog.

Playing Harball with Chris

2005-01-20T16:32:00.000-06:00

Why do I keep watching MSM? I guess I am a news junkie and it is always better to know what the opposition is up to. Two days ago Matthews in his program was asking some people in his usual panel about Iran. He had the GUTS to compare all the western countries including his with Iran. How come we, France, Israel, Russia, etc are allowed to have nuclear weapons and not Iran? Who are we to tell them what they should or should not have weapons wise? And who exactly anointed us as enforces? On and on. What I need to understand is who gave this ignorant self-loathing SOB a Job. What kind of training does he have? Does he do any reading? I could go on and on about the reasons why I find irresponsible that someone with his access and influence (sorry I forgot he is not on Foxnews, maybe I was the only one watching) can get away with saying this things. Note to Mr. Matthews if he reads anything besides his own work and his Left wing friends, he may have know some of this info:

1- Read the news- None of the leaders of any of the countries you are concerned about put out signs " This person wrote some nasty about us, It is your religious duty to Kill him " http://www.thisislondon.com/til/jsp/modules/Article/print.jsp?itemId=16036330

2- None of those countries that you are so concerned about ask young people to strap themselves full of explosives go to civilian areas and detonate themselves

3- None of those countries support terrorist organization as defined by US/EU or any standard

Chris I am not going to include that they are firing on our soldiers by proxy at least that is a military target and a difference of you they know this is War.
Please think before you talk!! You do have a TV show that is suppose to be about educated opinion and experts at least try to act as an informed consumer.

The End

2005-01-18T14:14:00.000-06:00

Well today Los cardenales de Lara are officially out of the finals. After a very good regular season they were worse that anyone could have predicted. It is always true that pitching rules in the post-season. Well next year. I have been to baseball games in the US and Venezuela and I must say it is far more exiting back in Venezuela. The passion is unreal, the level of satisfaction with the environment can not be matched by the beauty of any building. People make the environment. I must be honest: I have to try Yankee stadium and Boston. Best sporting event I have ever been part of was the 91 finals Cardenales-Leones. It was just so sweet. Now that I think about it " I know how Boston felt"

Bottom of the First

2005-01-16T20:15:00.000-06:00

I have always been outspoken and this is just another step. Most of the time it has serves me well but not always. I came to the US almost by mistake. I was ready to start collage in Venezuela and that was my plan when I started my last year of high school. My dad gave me the chance to move to the US and I said why not. It has been a great ride. I must say that I love this country. I love the opportunities it has given me. I love the fact that my children will grow-up here. I am proud to call myself an American not in the sense that we used in Venezuela but in that of citizen of this the greatest country. I can not imagine another place were you can become part of the social fabric in less than a generation. I love this country so much that it bothers me when the natives complain so much and never stop to see the privileges, rights and opportunities that we have here. It bothers me when we give every other country the benefit of the doubt but never the US. Do not misunderstand I love my place of birth because it is what it is. But I have chosen to be an American not b/c my parents were here when I was born. I made an educated decision. Only my weeding day and the birth of my kids are more important than the day I became a US citizen.