Security and Militarization in Colombia
SUMMARY: I discuss the security and militarization climate in Colombia.
Public security precautions and militarization in the streets are something to get used to in Colombia. I haven’t seen anything like it in any other country I’ve visited. The security issues may be common across Latin America, but the militarization sets Colombia apart (well, I’ve heard Mexico’s similar but their cops wear ski masks). You become accustomed to seeing guns everywhere you go. All kinds of guns: revolvers, shotguns, assault rifles.
Why I’m Bullish on Colombia
SUMMARY: I detail why I believe Colombia will emerge to be a dynamic economy and one of the most influential countries in Latin America.
Sidenote for those who aren’t economics nerds, A ‘bull’ or ‘bull market’ refers to optimistic investments or expressing confidence. A ‘bear’ or ‘bear market’ refers to economic pessimism or lacking confidence.
EXCERPT: Brazil is the Latin American emerging market most economists drool over because of its size. But if we look at unrealized potential, Colombia may be the most attractive. Where does Colombia’s unrealized potential come from? Security. I’ve written extensively about the crime here. I’ve complained more than it deserves because Colombia’s undergoing a historic turnaround. … Read more
My Juanes Post
SUMMARY: I live in Colombia, and I blog, so I must blog about Juanes. Just this once.
Juanes is a Colombian musician who’s sold over ten million albums and won a record 17 Latin Grammy awards. He’s widely considered the most successful Latin musician of his generation. For his personal philanthropy, Juanes campaigns against anti-personnel mines, which are a serious issue in Colombia. Juanes was selected by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2005. … Read more
A Little Background on The Mick
SUMMARY: Some character development on The Mick is in order. This post has a slew of shorts about his past, his alcoholism, his taste in women, his slang, etc.
The Mick and I have been hanging out almost every day in planning a new business. I’m getting to know him pretty well. It’s strange, but I already consider him a good friend. I want to see him stay off the booze and out of trouble. I want to make a ton of money together. And I’d like to be able to send him back to Ireland someday. Maybe I’ll go too.
One reason we get along is that we have so much in common. It’s uncanny sometimes. If you could somehow tweak my personality wiring to de-emphasize education and ambition while strengthening alcoholism and drug abuse, then The Mick would be a spitting image of me in 20 years. … Read more
Aprovechadores vs. Those in Need
Alternate Title: Readers Attack – ‘Dumb american’ doesn’t care about ‘those in need’!
SUMMARY: I respond to my first hate comment in a rambling post about Latinos who take advantage of gringos, “those in need” in Colombia, and info and links about Colombia’s victims of internal displacement.
I don’t know what took so long, but below is my first hate comment.
Mike de Arequipa:
You really seem to care about those in need. I like how you handled the situation in the run down hostal in Cusco. It seemed to me that they were in need of a little cash but you were unwilling to forfeit a 150$ train ticket Aguas Calientes. You managed to frighten them, do more damage then the damage you had already done, and then flee the scene to blog about it in a jokingly manner. Bien Hecho! Do you have a name for this type of helping the poor. You are making a mess from city to city in your redneck fashion. Thanks for helping the generalizations about dumb Americans, you represent well! Can’t wait to hear more about your generosity.
