letters

I would like to respectfully but strongly disagree with your piece on the CSS titled "Social Security Fund walkout highlights increasing labor strife" in the most recent PANAMA NEWS (Volume 9, Number 13).

I refer particularly to the following sections of your piece:

"International lenders and private insurers and health care providers want to privatize Panama's public health care, retirement and disability pension systems. A number of people in Mireya's inner circle, for example her advisor Alvaro Antadillas, who owns a private kidney dialysis clinic, would stand to gain from such a move. The labor movement vows a general strike if any such thing is attempted."

* * *

"The Moscoso administration's latest ploy was to pass a CSS budget that didn't provide for contractually mandated pay raises, an item with a $29.9 million price tag. Weeden emphasized that the CSS has increased its payroll in the past few years --- which it has, as the economic crisis has sent many patients who used to pay for private care into the public system --- and, as expected, blamed Jované. Jované and the CSS employees proposed a $29.9 million loan from the fund to meet the shortfall, but Weeden and the ministries of health and economy and finance objected. The three private business representatives and the three Moscoso administration appointees on the CSS board boycotted a vote on the proposal, which left a majority of those voting in favor but less than the six of 11 board votes needed to approve the credit. Enraged workers blocked Weeden's car as he tried to leave the meeting".

It is strongly implied in these paragraphs that the Government's actions in regards the CSS stem from a desire to privatize the CSS and to pick off the tastiest morsels from its carcass. As per this line of reasoning, this being done in conjunction with Panama's private sector, who would presumably stand to gain from this supposed CSS privatization.

I have heard this argument before from Jované himself, and I beg to differ.

Though I cannot vouch for the current Moscoso administration and/or its cronies, your line of reasoning implies that there are persons in the private sector of the Republic of Panama with an urge to get into the health care business (and I have strong doubts about this, after the America and San Judas Tadeo hospitals went broke, and were actually purchased for a pittance by the CSS), at least in certain parts of the Republic of Panama (and I stress this last point, because the CSS is a national operation, while investors usually invest money in a specific project in a well-defined part of the country).

However, even if such an interest as you imply in your piece exists (and it could conceivably exist), such an interest is not applicable to all of the Republic of Panama, and such business interest would at best be circumscribed to a small group of speculators/investors. Taking the rationale of your piece to its logical extreme, one would be lead to believe that there is a massive cabal between Government mucky-mucks and/or hangers-on and the totality of Panama's private sector (as represented by the three organizations with a seat on the CSS BOD). As a member of that private sector, I didn't get my marching orders from the cabal leaders on this.

At best, this line of reasoning seems paranoid to me and is basically an excuse to disregard private sector critiques of Jované and/or current and historical CSS mismanagement.

In addition, your line of reasoning essentially assumes that there are no matters which the private field can do cheaper and better than CSS can (even CSS supporters agree that there have been cases where outside contractors have provided better and cheaper services than the CSS can do in-house --- if not, check RCM's debate on this matter of last week, in which Dr. Carlos Abadía explained that this had been the case for food services within CSS's main complex while its cafeteria was being remodeled over a six-month period, something to which CONATO's Guillermo Puga agreed).

Finally, all Government officers that I heard on the matter recognized the obligation to pay the pay increases approved by law. The quest was whether to pay such increases by tapping CSS reserves (as requested by Jované and co.) or by getting such money from non-executed parts of the current CSS budget (during the Jované administration, CSS has never executed more than 84 percent of its budget). Ultimately, this was a case of both sides just drawing a line in the sand over a minor matter to get their jollies in (in the end, I believe monies were going to come from the same place, because an additional credit or reassignment of monies would still mean that a big chunk of CSS's budget would go unused).

With all due respect, I believe your political prejudices were showing on this piece.

Just in case somebody wants to tar me as a neo-liberal fiend, I actually do see a role for the CSS in Panama's economy, and made my small contribution to improving the CSS's financial crisis in an article published in THE PANAMA-AMERICA on July 3rd, 2003 titled CSS and Hydrodams (see http://www.elpanamaamerica.com.pa/archive/07032003/index.html ).

Juan Ramón Vallarino J.

"The California community leadership" strategic planning reflects the kind of socioeconomic partnership implemented by other Central American countries with their Diaspora's in USA, as discussed in articles written by Dr. Orozco from the Interamerican dialogue group in Washington, DC.

Implementation of the much sought after initiative is a welcomed one and represents a step in the right direction from those in Panama. Yet, given the population count of Panamanians living in New York and close-by states on the East coast, together with their organizational capacity to host a similar event during the same trip, I see no reason for the group not making a stop on the East coast.

Socioeconomic inclusion in the affairs of Panama is a goal of many Panamanians around the USA, EXCLUDING none. At best, such an event could have been hosted at the recent Panamanian reunion in New York which has Panamanian participants from around the USA.

It is still time for those on the East coast to pool their resources and request a similar intervention. In New York there are more than enough folkloric group to make such an event a memorable one, given creed to the saying: PANAMA Y TODA SU GENTE PRIMERO.

Raymond A. Grant
Falls Church, VA

P.S. Given the success of the California initiative, I still believe that a similar event should be organized by those in Panama in collaboration with our Diaspora in USA in November and it should include the components outlined in the "PAISANOS" proposal disseminated.

I am glad to see that the Rwanda genocide is finally coming to light. I was stationed at Howard AFB from 93-96. From Howard AFB we deployed to Entebbe, Uganda with our Pacer Coin Arial Reconnaissance C-130 that we were using to find drug labs in Latin America. We were to find the arms depots and film the slaughter of what is now millions of people. We shot fifteen miles of film in the several months I was over there. No, that is not an exaggeration on the amount of film.

If Aura Emerita Guerra de Villalaz is going to charge anyone for anything then the UN should be charged first. Why was nothing done? The US had Air Force and Army troops ready to strike and Marines and Sailors on ships. New Zealand also had troops in Uganda. The UN just sat by and let people die.

The UN and the world were against a US invasion of Iraq. What are we going to do, sit around and watch the people of Iraq suffer and die at the hands of Saddam? We can tell the people of Iraq did not support him by the way they surrendered. They didn't even put up any more of a fight than the PDF did.

If the UN wants to try somebody, they need to look at themselves first.

Shannon DeFeo
Texas

THEE SUPREME EMPIRE OF GOD'S HEAVENLY KINGDOM REACHES OUT UNTO THE SONS OF MEN & ANGELS DE'HAVONA'HEAVEN... HOLY ROYAL THRONE-SEAT UVERSA, CAPITOL OF ORVONTON SUPERUNIVERSE THEREOF... EVEN STAR SYSTEM SATANIA

AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE-FREE AT LAST EUREKA!!!

Saith Thy Almighty God El Shaddai Kether The GODHEAD Trinity De'Paradise...

I-Chang Ha'MessiachShel Al'Yis'rael Gen.17:1.

Unto Mr. Okke Ornstein and the Panama Newspaper & Owner, the People of Panama and Republic thereof...

All Global Government Officials and All Cosmic Kingdoms including Planet Earth'Urantia'Shan...

Subject Matter: Man's Treachery. The Godless and the Godly. There is ONE former colleague that hath been able to point out more than a single fact that is not true, please see your e-mail to "San Cristobal Clients" 5-31-2003 Sat. from okke@Ornstein.org *This Mystery of Intrigues and Death Introduces GOD'S Arrival Proclaiming "ASHTAR" The Stellar Star of Bethlehem Pointing Our Way Out of NO-WAY unto the Very FACE of God. Gen.32;30. By Divine Order of Thee Melchizedek this is done. Book of Hebrews Read It! God Thee Universal Heavenly Father Infinite Holy Ghost Spirit shall Not keep silent! Ps.50:1-23. So Mote It Be. HOLY STRENGTH & ALMIGHTY FURY BEFORE THE THRONE OF THE MOST-HIGH GOD!!! Ps.83:18 Rev.10:1-11. Mote It Be So.

Dear Cosmic Network Crossover Recipients N' Jesus Almighty Supreme Supernatural Most-High Most Holy Name of Names: God hath chosen this venue to effect the breath of Life from the Cosmic cube of space (Rosh Elohim Thee Aliem), the finite crossover into Infinity: All things, creatures, persons and places Ad Infinitum. Selah. By Thy Holy Faith Be Ye Healed:

*All this cosmic drama coming to an End! Yea, I AM come with Blessings and Divine Retribution. You are playing out a cosmic role God hath made your mission long before this world began. At the risk of life, limb and family you have dived into the Abyss, As It Is Written: This too shall pass! You were told by My Beloved Messiah that Mr. Tom McMurrain, San Cristobal Land Development, and family were cured by God on 6-6-2002, "If there is fraud found in you or your company or your family, you and them shall be destroyed by the Holy Hand of GOD Most-High!!!" You Mr. Okke Ornstein were chosen in this End Time to personally witness to God in the earth. Please see July, 2003 Tarot Scope www.mrdynastyempire.org

The report that God helped you write completed the revelation of My Words NOT Coming Back Void, it is your report that brings these words of God to fulfillment 12 months to the date. That's why GOD thanked you on 6-8-2003 e-mail from: jehovahmarkham@yahoo.com Mr. Ornstein you too are GOD'S servant, and he who would be great in My Kingdom shall be the greatest server of All.

Saith GOD THE BUSINESSMAN, You are our servant of this kingdom in order to fulfill God's curse on man. Like over one hundred businesses at our site this supernatural message is unto them also. Thanks to you and The Panama News, we protected our customers and none were taken. Amen. By The Hand of The Holy Ghost Infinite Spirit of Truth this is done.

All of us shall fulfill our destiny and fate at these end times (transform unto the kingdom or perish). Mr. Ornstein when you left your message at our Saint Paul, MN office you asked me to contact you via Mental Telepathy well your wish is commanded of God: Behold: The Supernatural Mirror Reflections of the Soul of Brother Ornstein; there is caution against indecision, pretense, ignorance, lack of cosmic victory at present, fear of death and change, divorce-separation, false love in your future, possible loss of worldly goods, catastrophe, overthrow of existing ways of life, old notions upset, selfish ambition is about to come to naught, some loss in a pending lawsuit, lack of faith, ill health, weakness, obstacles to be overcome, decadent desires, restlessness and desire for change, an unethical victory, displeasure, adversity, disruptions brings about spiritual (Ascension) change for the better! Keep thy Holy Faith in Jesus and GOD shall see you through this case against you and the Panama News. Isa.35:1-10.

GOD Thy Sovereign Magistrate "YHVH" YODHEHVAUHEH shall preside over your case with the government of Panama and SCLD as Supreme Absolute Ultimate Magistrate N' Holy Spirit & Truth. Since GOD Himself is the "Only" Judge He shall go before you and make the crooked way straight, He shall have vengeance on your enemies, that's why God himself shall handle your case supernaturally from his throne on high with his feet in the earth as his footstool. Ps.110:1-7;Mt.7:1-6.

Time Space Platform of the Sovereign of Sovereignties...

Almighty Supreme Court of Uversa-Holy Royal Throne Seat...

cc: All Eternal Light Beings in creation and those on the Way Paradiseward...

Superior Court De'El Christos Michael Imran MaCom'Ruff Dynasty Empire
Of God Jesus Our Lord Cosmic Savior... Presiding Magistrate
By Divine Order of Thee Melchizedek Celestial Father
www.mrdynastyempire.org

"Welcome unto the multiplicity of inner worlds of GOD, inner dimensions, astral traveling; Behold: "SHIN" The Trinity Royal Holy Flame of Infinity" by Messiah Our Christ Father Jeova' Jesus Thee MaCom. Welcome to the EsotericWorlds Ruled By God Thy Theocratic Government of the Religion of the Cosmos.Selah. Deut.6:4.

Survivor Phoenix is one of the premiere spoiling and speculation sites in the Survivor community. In addition to the discussion forums, we have a comprehensive library of information pertaining to the last few seasons of Survivor. Yes, we are as obsessed as you implied in one of your articles. I want to thank you for the info you have provided to the Survivor community about the filming of the next series in the Pearl Islands. We are waiting with great anticipation for your next edition and the promised pictures.

I did like the fact that you contrasted the Survivor obsession with the focus on the people of Panama. One of the best parts of early research on the show has always been the time spent learning about local culture. I am spending much time reading through your archives. I have traveled extensively in Mexico and South America (even lived in various Latin American countries) and look forward to a trip to Panama at some point in the future.

I have added a link your site to our Links page:
http://resources.survivorphoenix.com/postnuke/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=Web_Links&file=index&req=viewlink&cid=23

Thanks again for all your efforts. They are appreciated by the lunatic fringe.

Genna (VolcanicGlass)
Survivor Phoenix
http://resources.survivorphoenix.com/postnuke/html/index.php

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