To tell you the truth, if all of this crap were happening somewhere else it would hilarious. As it is happening at home, I'm a little concerned. Do those idiots over there (politicians, upper society, etc.) know what is happening in the rest of the world? Do they understand that all they're doing is painting a great big bullseye on the map right over Panama? Political strife is a key ingrediant to the "terrorist handbook" as a place of occupation. Do they understand that the words Panama and Argentina have become commonplace in the Farsi language? Whether people believe it or not this is a "world war" that we are fighting over here. It's not just about the USA.

sgmkevin

How can the government of Panama keep paying those exhorbitant salaries to medium and high officials in government while turning away from the reality that the working class Panamanian asks for assistance from abroad because he or she cannot find work. If they are lucky enough to obtain employment, the pay is not in line with the high cost of living. Do elected officials and government officials that make these high salaries compared to the people who elected them have any conscience concerning the welfare of the people?

Panama used to be a beautiful country (people wise), where you could walk throughout the city feeling safe and knowing there were humble people wherever you trekked. On my returns to Panama, my Colonense wife is afraid of places like Bambu Lane, Calle Cuarto, Chorillo, Santa Librada, etc., etc.

Greed and corruption will bring Panama down. Like correspondent Michelle Lescure pointed out: "Panama received all of these monies from the IMF for the welfare for the people of Panama and you do not know where these funds have disappered to."

Panama needs major, major reform. I remember when singer Rubén Blades was running for president of Panama, my relatives in Panama would say he would only give us music. To their disappointment, he could have turned Panama around when he made the statement that whomever was doing their job in the government did not have to worry about repercussions --- which is common in the Panamanian political scene.

Hopefully Panama will not follow in the footsteps of her sister nation (Argentina). I see that Argentina is asking Panama about fiscal cover-ups via the SAs of Panama. Panama should sign the treaty for information exchange and do away with Sociedad Anonima corporations.

Honesty, ethics, morals, transparency, justice: these values are what can save Panama.

A concerned citizen

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