Re: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
Dear Nancy
How to think?
The biginning is in school normally ......with civic, history,
geo-politic. And about the all world. America is not the world but a part of
the whole world.
That is not because you leave differently, or with another skin, ect... that
you are not good.
In school not option A, B, C or D but really learn your lessons . Not just
a good guess.
You learn that in school and in all your life with the LIBERTY to think. It
is not someone with a big mouth or beautiful words that tell you how to
think or because he is rich.
Center wich teach people how to think? OK but free, since here nothing is
free !
Normally all international channel TV should have been free. TV for rich and
poor.
So anyone can lessen what other country think about each other. It is very
interesting and sometimes SURPRISING.
Since American love to watch TV . A Free teaching TV. To learn the
important language (even English sometimes you have adult that are a shame
because they do not know how to read), what is good for your health, how to
read the ingredients for food, To do not leave for eating but eating to
leave, why to do not offer for christmas gun for your children........ect.
How to fill out your tax form. 15 Minutes film on every country in the
world. So if you don't have the money to travel you can see how it look like
and how people live and their customs.
Some type Like home and garden TV. With fun things and no commercial ads.
Being sponsered by red cross, human right.........NO POLITIC OR LOBBIES
(petrol, weapons, cars, churchs, pharmacies, salt, sugar.....)
HELPING you to TRY to do not be conditioned. Maybe I am wrong, but maybe
not.
Evelyne.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nancy"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 12:26 PM
Subject: Re: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
> Nancy,
>
> One of my favorite entrpreneurs is "Gen'l" William Booth who believed
> social charity in Victorian England was lacking. This was quite a
> statement given how superior Victorians thought of themselves when it came
> to charity. He acted on his beliefs, and started the Salvation Army.
>
> If I read you right, you are saying education is USA is lacking. Well..
> what are you going to do about it?
>
> John
>
> Isn't there a more important message underneath all this rubble? Why is
> pornagraphy such a huge and growing business? American's idol is
> American Idol.
> Why did the majority of the country support Bush at the beginning of this
> unjust murderous financially sucking war? Now after this war has done
> its
> unfathomable
> damage, it is sad that the majority are now opposed to it. Too little,
> too late. What is needed in this country is more centers
> which teach people how to think. Maybe someone can come up with an idea
> that will make people so motivated to read, contemplate, examine issues
> with
> the same
> momentum that they have in running home and sitting in front of the
> television fillng themselves with garbage. Doomsayer, I don't think so.
> This is reality.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Hamons, Melanie"
> To:
> Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 6:57 AM
> Subject: RE: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
>
>
> Our prisons are country clubs compared to other prisons around the world.
> I
> think if we had a prison exchange program, alot of bitching by prisoners
> would be quited to a great degree.
>
> It doesn't break my heart to see people live a better life in jail then
> those people they calously hurt when they were free. I think prisons
> should
> go private. See how many fewer repeat offenders their are when prison
> actually SUCKS!
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: spiers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:spiers@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of
> Chris
> Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 12:38 AM
> To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: RE: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
>
>
>
> Prisons are big industry - towns beg to have a prison built near them
> because of the jobs and money they bring in. they are also sources of very
> cheap labor, and to punish a prisoner he/she can even have what wages they
> did manage to earn fined away I have heard. Not only does big business
> avail
> themselves of this windfall but plain citizens can hire cheap day labor
> from
> the prisons. Breaks my heart what we are doing to our people, to our
> country.
> chris
>
> --- On Mon 05/22, John Spiers < john@johnspiers.com > wrote:
> From: John Spiers [mailto: john@johnspiers.com]
> To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
> Date: 22 May 2006 15:03:43 -0000
> Subject: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
>
>
>
>
> Folks,
>
> USA is # 1 in everything, and USA is # 1 in the world for incarcerating
> its
> citizens, with blacks
> jailed at a rate 700% higher than whites, and minorities make up 60% of
> our
> prison
> population. Nearly one in twenty black men are behind bars, (not to
> mention
> blacks on
> parole, awaiting trial, or burdened by conviction after time served),
> according to US Justice
> Department figures.
>
> http://tinyurl.com/nnn5s
>
> I am assured blacks have a higher rate of conviction because they commit
> more crimes. I
> think the explanation is simpler. But what bothers me is what with blacks
> proving such
> excellent competitors in sports and entertainment, I regret so few are
> competing in business.
> Of course, being a convict is a serious disadvantage to competing in
> business. And thus
> convicted, we are denied the good of blacks' competitive efforts in
> business.
>
> Drugs are the #1 violation leading to prison in USA, and I've already
> pointed out my view that
> this is merely war on pain relief.
>
> A free market in medicine is the solution to "drug abuse" but that is
> unlikely. But the more
> people self-employed, the more likely a free market will occur. Of
> course,
> government would
> find another war to fight, as once in England the govt made war on glass
> windows. I am not
> making this up.
>
> John
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Compete on Design!
>
> www.johnspiers.com
Saturday, May 27, 2006
USA #1 in Prisoners
Friday, May 26, 2006
Language and Freedom
RE: [spiers] Language and Freedom
Since when did the Senate vote to forbid ALL other languages? How does one
get from "voting to make English the official language" to "no one may speak
any other", as the letter to the editor insinuates?
***Indeed, people are getting out of hand. But the fact that there was a vote
for a change, means they wanted change. From what, to what? I agree no one
wants any real change, and personally I think this gratuitious insult to a group
that is tightly integrated into our economy (simply to change the topic from
Iraq, something both parties are ashamed of) is very risky business.***
As for John Spiers' claim of "Head on down the list and the freer the
country, the more languages commonly spoken", name me a country that has
more languages spoken than the U.S., where immigrants from every corner have
come in and made communities. I live in the same corner of America as John,
and I know the Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Somali
languages are spoken.
***Yes, but... mustn't change what i said... "commonly spoken" is key, and I
happen to think USA is one of the freer countries. My objection is to change
from what we have, which is an idea our government is toying with, with emphasis
on 'toy".***
Hysteria over setting English as the default language is ridiculous. I hear
no similar concern over Canada's insistence on English and French as the
national languages. People don't avoid Canada because they think "well, I
must speak French there as well as English, right?"
***d'accord!***
And John, "govt-controlled press"? Please shut the talk radio OFF. I don't
care what the broadcaster's political persuasion was, that Kool-Aid did NOT
do you any good.
Andrew Ittner
***Andrew,
you are kind to caution me on my pop-radio input, but I assure you, I have cut
back my media intake substantially after I figured out that all media is govt
controlled. Since you are in my neck of the woods, I give the example of the
Seattle Times, under the Blethens. When Blethen was campaigning against the
inheritence tax in Washington state as part of the state's war on small
business, wherein the state takes roughly 1/2 of anything over $1.5 million left
by the dead. Well, as Blethen learned the hard way, this tax kills small
businesses, whose advertising was the last profitable area for newspapers. Most
local newspapers around USA simply sold out and took the money, but Blethen
wants to keep the newspaper in the family, but cannot keep it viable if
government workers keep destroying small businesses.
The tax was about to disappear, giving Blethen some hope, but the Gates family
got behind the tax and it is back. I pointed out to Blethen the irony of the
Gates family promoting a tax that takes 1/2 of anything over 1.5 million that
someone may leave behind to heirs, and at the same time the Gates family has an
army of lawyers to assure the Gates assets are untouchable. (I think it was
Wilde who said it is not enough to succeed, everyone else has to fail...).
Well, my comment precipitated a comment by Blethen... Blethen had hired Gates,
Sr, the lawyer, to do the exact same thing for the Blethen's, that is make the
Blethen fortune untouchable. So we have the funny situation of superwealthy vs
super wealthy in the debate, although both will be immune to the harm of the
tax.
What does this have to do with govt control of press? Well, down to dwindling
small biz ads to stay in biz, newspapers are dependent on govt subsidized paper
and ink to stay profitable; newspapers get exemptions from EPA hazardous
material rules, they get exemptions from child-labor laws, exemptions from
vehicle safety equipment laws, exemptions from sidewalk vending laws (I could go
on with exemptions), govt is a huge buyer of ad space. Newspapers are allowed
to forgo the obligation to run the ads if the newspaper will contain govt policy
promotion in the editorial pages. (If you do not have to use ink, paper and
distribute the ads, you save money). We know that pundit columnists take money
from govt to write opinions.
Now, this can have a demoralizing effect, to the point newspapers print stories
writers simply make up. And according to the govt TV show NOVA, sometimes they
print stories apparently no one wrote. The example given was the Times of
London printed a by-lined story on the fate of the fellow who stood in front of
the tank at Tien An Men before the disaster there in 1989. Following up on the
story, NOVA interviewed the reporter who said he did not write the story, did
not know anything about any of the content, was not on the story anyway... and
confided sometimes stories appear under by-lines simply to give them
credibility. Could it be total fabrications are concocted and then planted
under reporter's names? Yes! Well, who, why...when?
In one sordid instance I am familiar with, a high-school girl working as an
intern was given a few by-lined articles in the Seattle Times. She hoped to be
a writer, and what a wicked introduction to the world of the press! Now, to be
sure, the articles were engrossing and germaine, but a by-line for a cub
reporter? And further, being an intern she was not paid. Well, someone ratted
out the Times to the union, who forced a payment out of management.
But after that sketch of the subsidies and the exemptions, plus the pressure to
sell out under the government imperative "get big or get out!" do you really
believe our political masters take no advantage of the leverage they carefully
constructed for themselves? I judge the press govt-controlled in USA. As to
radio and TV, well, one must get a license for those, a highly politicized
process, not to mention the fact that "radio" and "television" are inventions,
and the conceit that there is a limited supply of spectrum is sheer nonsense
enforced to limit free speech in USA.
And on a fine point, we do not have censorship in USA, per se, the particular
method is merely to control distribution. The ideas are out there, it is just
unlikley you'll ever come across them. Good enough for govt work.
Now who am I to complain? The fact that the govt controls the press in USA
means I can charge superpremium prices on information that would otherwise be
relatively inexpensive. Further, I can bet that I can make money on my money by
buying into presses oveseas that the govt does not control, and make a good
profit on the unfair advantage that big govt leverages on the people.
If I am wrong, I lose my money. I am pretty sure the press is govt-contolled in
USA.
John
> -----Original Message-----
> From: spiers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:spiers@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of
> Aaron Van Arsdale
> Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 12:25 AM
> To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [spiers] Language and Freedom
>
>
> I couldn't agree with you more on this. This is one of those
> recycled non-issues that seems to reappear in the spotlight every
> several years. You may recall that California, among other
> states, voted to make English its official language a while back.
> To what end? Nada! It doesn't change anything.
>
> Here are a couple items plucked from the SF Chronicle that add
> to the point.
> First is a Letter to the Editor, followed by a link to an article:
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
>
> LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
> Tuesday, May 23, 2006
> Our native tongues
> Editor -- Hearing the news that the Senate has voted 63-34 to
> make English our official language, I can only reply, "Bravo!"
> This is no time to be blasé. Speaking English needs to become a
> cause celebre. English should become de rigueur in every U.S.
> school. The Senate deserves our kudos for going mano-a-mano with
> this bete noire. The best way to address the angst of
> non-assimilation is to deliver a legislative coup de grace that
> renders every foreign language absolutely verboten. Now that
> singing our national anthem in a foreign tongue has become a
> criminal faux pas, shall we address that other great threat to
> American unity -- the Catholic Church, which persists in the use
> of Latin. I'm sure the senators would agree that, henceforth,
> Mass should be celebrated in English -- God's language -- and we
> should crack down on such linguistic fellow-travelers as
> pharmacists, doctors and scholars. If they don't like it, let
> them move to Latin America. GAR SMITH Berkeley
>
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>
> Loving the mother tongue
>
> http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/
> 2006/05/23/EDGDOIJL2H1.DTL
>
>
> John Spiers
> Folks,
>
> As the govt-controlled press presents "Mexicans" as USA's main
> problem, to change the topic
> from Iraq before the election. I heard a radio personality
> talking about some movement to
> make English mandatory in USA, or whatever.
>
> It occurs to me there is a correlation between polyglot and
> freedom. The freer the country,
> the more languages are spoken. For example, Hong Kong is
> probably the freest place on
> earth, and it has two official languages, Chinese and English,
> although they speak Cantonese,
> not Chinese. After that, just about every other language from
> around the world is spoken by
> residents of hong kong, collectively.
>
> The oldest free country, Switzerland has three official
> languages: German, French and Italian,
> and just about everyone everyone also speaks English. Canada has
> a couple of official
> languages. Singapore has several generally spoken languages, and
> of course the Vatican has
> probably the most languages spoken, although the official
> language, Latin, is a dead
> language!
>
> Head on down the list and the freer the country, the more
> languages commonly spoken. I
> see no real threat that English will become the official language
> in USA, because as soon as
> the elections are over the topic will be Iraq again, and
> "Mexicans" will disappear as a topic as
> fast as "homelessness" disappeared when Clinton became president.
>
> John
Competing on design
Re: [spiers] Competing on design
Mel,
I am asking myself that, as I am working on one of those "bigger" things. The
competing oon
design is exactly tyhe same... I saw an ad for a single engine airplane with a
detachable cabin with
a parachute attached. No more crashing, the cabin blasts from the airplane and
gently floats to
the ground.
Now, do we work on one tiny part that enables the whole? Do we work on the
parachute, the
explosive jettison, the aerodynamics of the part that separates. I think the
answer coomes as one
proceeds down the path... I know this is not a good answer, but perhaps you
should study case
histories... Apple, Dow, MCI, etc.
And pose to the list what you find. This is a good area of inquiry. And it
will be supercharged if
you have decided on the problem you plan to solve.
John
On Fri, 26 May 2006 10:49:02 -0000, "nuhmmie"
> Hey John,
>
> A while ago, you had proposed of an alternative perspective
> to "thinking too small" as in small items. You mentioned private
> drilling technology or cures for diseases.
>
> I've replied a couple of times but never received a response.
>
> How does one compete on the design of these 'bigger' ideas? I need
> help in understanding how to attain the perspective.
>
> Thanks
> mel
Competing on design
Hey John,
A while ago, you had proposed of an alternative perspective
to "thinking too small" as in small items. You mentioned private
drilling technology or cures for diseases.
I've replied a couple of times but never received a response.
How does one compete on the design of these 'bigger' ideas? I need
help in understanding how to attain the perspective.
Thanks
mel
Thursday, May 25, 2006
rich dad poor dad thread
Re: [spiers] rich dad poor dad thread
Hmmmm. Well, I wasn't really thinking of you because you aren't making
the claims of those I was thinking of. And you don't have 17 other
books we need to buy to really get it or insist we need personal
coaching at $6000/pop to stop being a loser. [LOL]
I was thinking more along the lines of them showing a certified balance
sheet of all of their deals in the area they are "expert" in rather
than a tax return (without the tax write offs included, only costs,
fees, time, income from each deal, etc.). This would be a simple matter
to back up their claims. What would be interesting, as in the case of
Amway and the "Masters of Deception" book is if they make very little
profit from their deals.....it would mean they are making most of their
income from their seminars and books and tapes. Nothing wrong with
that, of course, as long as they are up front about it. Besides, you
already told us how much you make....$250/hour. Not bad at all! Also,
you are still doing it for a living, unlike some of these people.
Anyway, I don't get the guru "get rich now" feel from you at all or I
wouldn't be participating. Your book and online classes wouldn't be so
specific but would. You would "sell the sizzle rather than the steak"
if you were more like these guys and crossed over to the dark side
[LOL].
Richard
On May 25, 2006, at 7:55 PM, John Spiers wrote:
> Ric,
>
> You'll know I've sold out when you see me at 3am on cable TV being
> interviewed by Kevin
> Trudeau selling my book "Get Rich in Import Export on eBay, Now! for
> Free!" That will occur
> about 10 minutes after he asks me.
>
> In the meantime, I am keeping costs associated with particular efforts
> so that I can show what
> I invested in a particular project, as part of a series of "case
> studies" I hope to post here for
> people to review.
>
> there may be a reason for not showing audited financials, though:
> nobody fully understands
> the tax code. One CPA will handle a given set of books one way, and
> yield certain results,
> another CPA another way.
>
> I can imagine if I were to release my audited statements, I would be
> approached by other
> CPA's who would claim they could get me better results (more money
> back). I'll ask my CPA
> (not that I'll do it) how he would view my publishing my tax
> statements.
>
> John
> On Thu, 25 May 2006 12:36:10 -0500, Richard Ingels
> wrote :
>
>> Pardon me for butting in and not addressing your question itself but
>> rather commenting on the reference you used.
>>
>> I think that Rich Dad/Poor Dad made his fortune off of self-help
>> books.
>> I am amazed at how few of the financial/real estate gurus release any
>> of their personal financial info to prove that they have done what
>> they
>> are teaching and continue to do it in today's market. Teaching how to
>> do it is big business and it always falls back on the consumer that
>> they are a loser if it doesn't work out...(or buy another book or tape
>> or personal consulting so it will work). The Amway expose' previously
>> mentioned in this forum is an example (that was fascinating to read
>> about). I think that the grid he talks about is very good to
>> conceptualize the different approaches to income, but the rest of the
>> books (and I've read them all) seems to me to be a good way to make
>> the
>> authors rich even if there may be valid general ideas without a lot of
>> concrete specifics.
>>
>> Again, sorry to jump in uninvited but I thought this would be an
>> excellent topic with regard to our approaches to running an import
>> business. From what I understand, our products always have a life
>> cycle
>> and so we will always be self employed during our times of developing
>> new products and markets with periods of being a business owner and
>> entrepreneur when things are moving well, and that is part of the fun.
>> Maybe someday with enough money put away then we may chose to get off
>> the grid entirely but during our import days we move among 3 of the 4
>> sectors.
>>
>> Richard
>>
>>
>> On May 24, 2006, at 5:21 PM, olivia fisher wrote:
>>
>>> John,
>>>
>>> Can you expound on this point you stated many times: Self
>>> Employment
>>> is a lifestyle.
>>>
>>> Once I maket my product, am I self employed? Rich-Dad, Poor-Dad
>>> book I am reading (for another point of view) states that one doesnt
>>> want to be self employed forever, but rather, be a business owner and
>>> ultimately an entrepreneur.
>>>
>>> Olivia
rich dad poor dad thread
Ric,
You'll know I've sold out when you see me at 3am on cable TV being interviewed
by Kevin
Trudeau selling my book "Get Rich in Import Export on eBay, Now! for Free!"
That will occur
about 10 minutes after he asks me.
In the meantime, I am keeping costs associated with particular efforts so that I
can show what
I invested in a particular project, as part of a series of "case studies" I hope
to post here for
people to review.
there may be a reason for not showing audited financials, though: nobody fully
understands
the tax code. One CPA will handle a given set of books one way, and yield
certain results,
another CPA another way.
I can imagine if I were to release my audited statements, I would be approached
by other
CPA's who would claim they could get me better results (more money back). I'll
ask my CPA
(not that I'll do it) how he would view my publishing my tax statements.
John
On Thu, 25 May 2006 12:36:10 -0500, Richard Ingels
> Pardon me for butting in and not addressing your question itself but
> rather commenting on the reference you used.
>
> I think that Rich Dad/Poor Dad made his fortune off of self-help books.
> I am amazed at how few of the financial/real estate gurus release any
> of their personal financial info to prove that they have done what they
> are teaching and continue to do it in today's market. Teaching how to
> do it is big business and it always falls back on the consumer that
> they are a loser if it doesn't work out...(or buy another book or tape
> or personal consulting so it will work). The Amway expose' previously
> mentioned in this forum is an example (that was fascinating to read
> about). I think that the grid he talks about is very good to
> conceptualize the different approaches to income, but the rest of the
> books (and I've read them all) seems to me to be a good way to make the
> authors rich even if there may be valid general ideas without a lot of
> concrete specifics.
>
> Again, sorry to jump in uninvited but I thought this would be an
> excellent topic with regard to our approaches to running an import
> business. From what I understand, our products always have a life cycle
> and so we will always be self employed during our times of developing
> new products and markets with periods of being a business owner and
> entrepreneur when things are moving well, and that is part of the fun.
> Maybe someday with enough money put away then we may chose to get off
> the grid entirely but during our import days we move among 3 of the 4
> sectors.
>
> Richard
>
>
> On May 24, 2006, at 5:21 PM, olivia fisher wrote:
>
> > John,
> >
> > Can you expound on this point you stated many times: Self Employment
> > is a lifestyle.
> >
> > Once I maket my product, am I self employed? Rich-Dad, Poor-Dad
> > book I am reading (for another point of view) states that one doesnt
> > want to be self employed forever, but rather, be a business owner and
> > ultimately an entrepreneur.
> >
> > Olivia
Basque...el camino por santiago
Re: [spiers] Self employment is a lifestyle
Pardon me for butting in and not addressing your question itself but
rather commenting on the reference you used.
I think that Rich Dad/Poor Dad made his fortune off of self-help books.
I am amazed at how few of the financial/real estate gurus release any
of their personal financial info to prove that they have done what they
are teaching and continue to do it in today's market. Teaching how to
do it is big business and it always falls back on the consumer that
they are a loser if it doesn't work out...(or buy another book or tape
or personal consulting so it will work). The Amway expose' previously
mentioned in this forum is an example (that was fascinating to read
about). I think that the grid he talks about is very good to
conceptualize the different approaches to income, but the rest of the
books (and I've read them all) seems to me to be a good way to make the
authors rich even if there may be valid general ideas without a lot of
concrete specifics.
Again, sorry to jump in uninvited but I thought this would be an
excellent topic with regard to our approaches to running an import
business. From what I understand, our products always have a life cycle
and so we will always be self employed during our times of developing
new products and markets with periods of being a business owner and
entrepreneur when things are moving well, and that is part of the fun.
Maybe someday with enough money put away then we may chose to get off
the grid entirely but during our import days we move among 3 of the 4
sectors.
Richard
On May 24, 2006, at 5:21 PM, olivia fisher wrote:
> John,
>
> Can you expound on this point you stated many times: Self Employment
> is a lifestyle.
>
> Once I maket my product, am I self employed? Rich-Dad, Poor-Dad
> book I am reading (for another point of view) states that one doesnt
> want to be self employed forever, but rather, be a business owner and
> ultimately an entrepreneur.
>
> Olivia
Basque...el camino por santiago
RE: [spiers] Self employment is a lifestyle
Olivia,
One of the questions I am often asked at classes, or by people considering the
class, is: "How
much can you make in international trade?' The question always struck me as
strange, and I
was not sure why. Over time I came up with the answer, "it pays $250 an hour."
Which,
doing some calculations on what I made and what people I worked for made, seemed
about
right.
Then of course I had to qualify that with "when you are working." There are
plenty of people
in my biz making far more than me, but they work far more. This last trip to
Hong Kong I
worked maybe 20 hours in those two weeks, the rest of the time I was in museums,
checking
out the bird market, argued politics with professors, swimming in Repulse Bay
(won't do that
again...), observing the jaguar in the zoo, overworking my tailor, joined in on
a sports club
for a game, and dined, dined, dined. And wandered all over the place.
The reason I can do this is I am self-employed. Since there are so many
problems not
attended to, there is no limit to self-employment. The best place to start in
self-employment
is in a field you love, and spot a problem to solve there. Then, you are doing
what you love,
living your work, and the "work" part is rather unnoticeable, since you enjoy
everything you
do.
Employees give up part of their lives to earn money to pay for a given
lifestyle. Employers
will not and cannot give one enough to pay for an entire desired lifestyle, and
they certainly
cannot give you back the time they take from you.
I enjoy discussing in Guangzhou the properties of yak hair in handknotted rugs
with someone
I just met from Qinghai, and working with a designer to turn that into carpets
no one else is
doing. Or whatever else I am doing.
And ones lifestyle can change over time. When I was young I spent all my money
on booze
and broads, and the rest I just squandered. Now it's private schools for my
white-gloved
Christian daughters and Salvation Army donations.
It's never about the money, it's about the work. And my lifestyle is if I want
to see a jaguar, I
do that today. This isn't just me, it seems to be the ethic of everyone I meet
self-employed.
Thus, when someone asks "how much can I make?" I am perplexed. Why do you care
about
money? Get to work!
Now the irony is, as we work doing what we love, and not caring about the money,
where we
invest our money does very well... does very well not because we are so clever,
but we, being
in business, are in conversation with so many others that collectively, we make
good
decisions.
Now, don't get me wrong, I would not wish my life on a dog. The ups, the downs,
the
struggles, the real world just sucks! In the lyrics of that great Negro
Spiritual: "Nobody knows
the trouble I've seen..." But I authored all my problems. (Perhaps the lyrics
ought to be
changed for me: "Nodody knows the trouble I've been...") On the other hand,
there is NO ONE
I would trade places with. I am embarrassed for the people who wet themselves
or go green
with envy when they see Bill Gates around Seattle. Paul Allen's primary
residence is on the
same Island I live on, and he sure does not eat any better than I do.
So when I say it is about lifestyle, I am just recognising what seems to be true
of the self-
employed.
As to Rich dad, poor dad, I am not familiar with that phenom, but by your
description he
seems to be offering separate definitions for self employed, a business owner
and an
entrepreuneur. I am not sure what the distinctions would be, I hope I am all
three. And,
contrary to him I wish to be self employed forever, and I assume I start and an
entrepeuneur,
not end up there. I have seen him briefly on TV, and my sense he was about
money, not
about lifestyle.
My working definition of success is "when you worry more about time than money."
Happily
I've been "successful" for a few years now, it rather snuck up on me. On the
other hand, that
could change before this email leaves me and reaches you. But it would not
matter, I would
still have my work, which I enjoy.
My wife remonstrates with me " Oh, you'd be happy on a raspberry farm!" To
which I reply,
"Yes, I'd be happy there... too."
John
On Wed, 24 May 2006 15:21:59 -0700 (PDT), olivia fisher
wrote :
> John,
>
> Can you expound on this point you stated many times: Self Employment is a
lifestyle.
>
> Once I maket my product, am I self employed? Rich-Dad, Poor-Dad book I am
reading
(for another point of view) states that one doesnt want to be self employed
forever, but
rather, be a business owner and ultimately an entrepeuneur.
>
> Olivia
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
More On China - India
Folks,
Here are real stories...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/5004682.stm
Of "cheap" labor...
John
Basque...el camino por santiago
RE: [spiers] Self employment is a lifestyle
John,
Can you expound on this point you stated many times: Self Employment is a
lifestyle.
Once I maket my product, am I self employed? Rich-Dad, Poor-Dad book I am
reading (for another point of view) states that one doesnt want to be self
employed forever, but rather, be a business owner and ultimately an
entrepeuneur.
Olivia
Basque...el camino por santiago
RE: [spiers] Basque...el camino por santiago
Martin,
I took you to be gracious, and I am glad to be corrected and to learn of your
self-employment.
But I am intrigued by the restaurants you visited, I would welcome any reviews
to the list.
As to first impressions, a good friend of mine is an improv actor and keeps
telling me "never say
the first thing that comes to mind...always wait..." Sigh... I do try to take
his advice, but on the
other hand, if this is my biggest flaw...I'll take it!
John
On Wed, 24 May 2006 08:45:36 -0700, martin@mendiola.us wrote :
> John,
>
> Sorry to disappoint you, but it shows how first impressions can be
misconceived, which is part
of the problem I have with some of your thinking. When referring to envy, I was
being gratious
since I admire those who seek self improvement through meditation, pilgimmages,
etc.
>
> Instead of following "el camino de Santiago", I decided to visit Arzak, Martin
Berasategui and
Mugaritz in San Sebastian, three of the 50 best restaurants in the world. Like
you said, it should
be first about lifestyle.
>
> I first retired in 1994 and now at 55, I am on my 3rd retirement. Looking
forward to the fourth
before the end of the decade, so keep the suggestions coming even though I will
pass on the
travel agent / pilgrimmage one.
>
>
>
> Martin Mendiola
> 305-445-2525
> Martin@Mendiola.US
>
>
> > -------- Original Message --------
> > Subject: [spiers] Basque...el camino por santiago
> > From: "John Spiers"
> > Date: Wed, May 24, 2006 10:45 am
> > To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > Folks,
> >
> > I sent thru what may seem an obscure exchange between Linda and Martin
because it strikes
a
> > theme... Linda I surmise is on a pilgrimmage, el camino por santiago, and
martin has
expressed
> > envy. I am going to take a wild guess... Linda is self-employed, and Martin
is not. This is not
a
> > criticism, just to make the point again, that self-employment is first about
lifestyle.
> >
> > Martin, if I am right, how about a new biz oppty? A travel agent to/for
pilgrimmages? turn
that
> > envy into lifestyle...
> >
> > (In the car this morning, I heard on the radio one Kevin Trudeau got around
govt rules on
> > touting medical cures by writing books about what others say, not about what
he himself
says.
> > Apparently he rakes in the dough and is untouchable.)
> >
> > John
> > On Wed, 24 May 2006 02:41:53 -0700 (PDT), linda williams
> > wrote :
> >
> > > This is all very interesting as i am currently walking el camino por
santiago and have gone
> > through some of the basque country. i wondered about all the political
grafiti, posters etc. my
> > spanish is poor, so could not grasp it all, and of course, could not
understand.
> > >
> > > linda
> > >
> > >
> > > martin@mendiola.us wrote:
> > > Luis,
> > >
> > > With all due respect, specially since we are probably neighbors in Miami,
I just got back
from
> > Gernika and Bilbao last night and the Basque people want independence. Not
necessarily for
the
> > same reasons that John may think (I disagree with a lot of what he says and
believes, but
always
> > find his comments interesting and thought provoking) but they still see
themselves as being
the
> > mouth of the cow that gets milked in Madrid. Along with what they feel has
been oppression
> > from past governments there are many other non-political reasons the Basque
seek
> > independence. In his book The Basque History of the World, Mark Kurlansky
indirectly points
> > out many of these reasons. Lets not forget that the concept of a Basque
country crosses the
> > Pyrennees into France.
> > >
> > > The political situation in Spain is interesting to say the least. They
have a tremendous
> > immigration problem. "A la" Jimmy Carter with the Mariel Boatlift from
Cuba, Zapatero has
sort
> > of opened its borders creating a major influx of what are rapidly becoming
"undesirables".
> > There is an increase in reported government and corporate corruption.
During my visit, there
> > was a major scandal involving over 350,000 investors that got pulled into by
a major scam. It
is
> > a time of caution for Spaniards. Up to now they have been "recipients" of
funds from the
> > European Union, as more (poor) countries come aboard and the roles reverse
to where they
> > become "contributors", the economic boom will begin to slow down or end.
The European
Union
> > has already voted to withhold wine subsidies which will impact Portugal much
more than
Spain,
> > but this should be a warning.
> > >
> > > Towns like Gernika (known for the famous Picaso painting) were
experiencing tremendous
> > construction and real estate price increases. As of 5 days ago, real estate
prices were not just
> > leveling off, but actually coming down with a BIG drop in sales. Those who
used to be strong
> > Socialist Party supporters are beginning to wonder. They also realize there
may be a small
> > window of opportunity for them to gain complete independence since an
economic slow down
> > and mistakes made in Catalunya will cause reactionary shifts in government
due to public
> > pressure. (This last statement may give some insight as to John's comments
regarding more
> > communist countries becoming independent).
> > >
> > >
> > > I find the current situation in Spain quite interesting, it may be provide
a "faster" indication
as
> > to where the US economy is headed since there are many similarities.
Tremendous expansion
in
> > construction and real estate prices where the youth cannot afford housing
and live off credit
> > cards, lack of innovation and "product" creation, globalization and an
abundance of jobs that
> > were once considered desirable and respectable (ie: restaurant and hotel
employees) filled by
> > immigrants, since natives do not want them.
> > >
> > > My two cents worth turned to be more like a dime. Good luck and take
care,
> > >
> > >
> > > Martin Mendiola
> > > 305-445-2525
> > > Martin@Mendiola.US
> > >
> > >
> > > > -------- Original Message --------
> > > > Subject: [spiers] Re: All Hail Montenegro!
> > > > From: "spiersegroups"
> > > > Date: Tue, May 23, 2006 12:44 pm
> > > > To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
> > > >
> > > > Luis,
> > > >
> > > > In principle, the moment a majority wants independece, ought they not be
afforded it,
> > > > regardless of history? In practice, independence rarely is based on
majority rule,
> > > > rather 40% for, 40% against, and 20% undecided. The undecided 20% is
won over by
> > > > politics. Thus it was in USA independence movement.
> > > >
> > > > As to violence, I am with you, it is abhorrent. I think the mistake the
confederates
> > > > made in the USA was to resort to violence. Better to be like
Montenegro, or Singapore
> > > > or Norway... all gained independence non-violently. Certainly Canada
gained
> > > > independence from England nonviolently. It seems to me violence is
introduced by
> > > > thugs who use the good of independence to put a halo on their crimes.
> > > >
> > > > John
> > > > --- In spiers@yahoogroups.com, LUIS1467@... wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Dear John
> > > > >
> > > > > Basques (Vascos) are a part of Spain since the origins of Iberia
(Spain)
> > > > > They are free since they have their autonomy, their local goverment,
their
> > > > > Parliament, their local police, etc, and most of the Basques like what
they have
> > > > > since they feel Spaniards, .but few nationalists plus the ETA
terrorists it
> > > > > means something close but not exactly the same that a Federal State
as could be
> > > > > Florida or New York States. If you need further information, please
let me
> > > > > know and with pleasure I will provide it.
> > > > >
> > > > > Sincerely
> > > > >
> > > > > Luis Cabo
> > > > > Tel/Fax 305667 7630
> > > > > Cell 786 4730868
> > > > > email: Luis1467@...
> > > > > email:luis.cabo001@...
Re: Basque
Re: [spiers] Re: Basque
In a message dated 5/24/2006 12:08:52 PM Eastern Standard Time,
john@johnspiers.com writes:
John
Spaniards unfortunately fought very strongly in our 1936/39 civil war and
them got the prize of 40 years of dictatorship. In 1978 we agreed to forget that
for ever and get a reconciliation of the tradicionally two Spains- wrightist
and leftists- It was not difficult because at that time the population was
younger and did not participate in the war. The agreement was reflected in our
Constitution one of the most modern was since was one of the last signed in
the world. As said in the new Spanish Constitution was included the
possibility to create Autonomies for every region with its own Parliament,
Ministers,
etc but link to the Central Goverment as a part of the Spanish State, lets
say Kingdom. The model has ben analyzed by new Republics mainly of the East of
Europe and studied it under the possibility to be consider for the
implementation in their countries.
Regards
Luis Cabo
Tel/Fax 305667 7630
Cell 786 4730868
email: Luis1467@aol.com
email:luis.cabo001@gmail.com
Basque...el camino por santiago
RE: [spiers] Basque...el camino por santiago
John,
Sorry to disappoint you, but it shows how first impressions can be misconceived,
which is part of the problem I have with some of your thinking. When referring
to envy, I was being gratious since I admire those who seek self improvement
through meditation, pilgimmages, etc.
Instead of following "el camino de Santiago", I decided to visit Arzak, Martin
Berasategui and Mugaritz in San Sebastian, three of the 50 best restaurants in
the world. Like you said, it should be first about lifestyle.
I first retired in 1994 and now at 55, I am on my 3rd retirement. Looking
forward to the fourth before the end of the decade, so keep the suggestions
coming even though I will pass on the travel agent / pilgrimmage one.
Martin Mendiola
305-445-2525
Martin@Mendiola.US
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: [spiers] Basque...el camino por santiago
> From: "John Spiers"
> Date: Wed, May 24, 2006 10:45 am
> To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
>
> Folks,
>
> I sent thru what may seem an obscure exchange between Linda and Martin because
it strikes a
> theme... Linda I surmise is on a pilgrimmage, el camino por santiago, and
martin has expressed
> envy. I am going to take a wild guess... Linda is self-employed, and Martin
is not. This is not a
> criticism, just to make the point again, that self-employment is first about
lifestyle.
>
> Martin, if I am right, how about a new biz oppty? A travel agent to/for
pilgrimmages? turn that
> envy into lifestyle...
>
> (In the car this morning, I heard on the radio one Kevin Trudeau got around
govt rules on
> touting medical cures by writing books about what others say, not about what
he himself says.
> Apparently he rakes in the dough and is untouchable.)
>
> John
> On Wed, 24 May 2006 02:41:53 -0700 (PDT), linda williams
> wrote :
>
> > This is all very interesting as i am currently walking el camino por
santiago and have gone
> through some of the basque country. i wondered about all the political
grafiti, posters etc. my
> spanish is poor, so could not grasp it all, and of course, could not
understand.
> >
> > linda
> >
> >
> > martin@mendiola.us wrote:
> > Luis,
> >
> > With all due respect, specially since we are probably neighbors in Miami, I
just got back from
> Gernika and Bilbao last night and the Basque people want independence. Not
necessarily for the
> same reasons that John may think (I disagree with a lot of what he says and
believes, but always
> find his comments interesting and thought provoking) but they still see
themselves as being the
> mouth of the cow that gets milked in Madrid. Along with what they feel has
been oppression
> from past governments there are many other non-political reasons the Basque
seek
> independence. In his book The Basque History of the World, Mark Kurlansky
indirectly points
> out many of these reasons. Lets not forget that the concept of a Basque
country crosses the
> Pyrennees into France.
> >
> > The political situation in Spain is interesting to say the least. They have
a tremendous
> immigration problem. "A la" Jimmy Carter with the Mariel Boatlift from Cuba,
Zapatero has sort
> of opened its borders creating a major influx of what are rapidly becoming
"undesirables".
> There is an increase in reported government and corporate corruption. During
my visit, there
> was a major scandal involving over 350,000 investors that got pulled into by a
major scam. It is
> a time of caution for Spaniards. Up to now they have been "recipients" of
funds from the
> European Union, as more (poor) countries come aboard and the roles reverse to
where they
> become "contributors", the economic boom will begin to slow down or end. The
European Union
> has already voted to withhold wine subsidies which will impact Portugal much
more than Spain,
> but this should be a warning.
> >
> > Towns like Gernika (known for the famous Picaso painting) were experiencing
tremendous
> construction and real estate price increases. As of 5 days ago, real estate
prices were not just
> leveling off, but actually coming down with a BIG drop in sales. Those who
used to be strong
> Socialist Party supporters are beginning to wonder. They also realize there
may be a small
> window of opportunity for them to gain complete independence since an economic
slow down
> and mistakes made in Catalunya will cause reactionary shifts in government due
to public
> pressure. (This last statement may give some insight as to John's comments
regarding more
> communist countries becoming independent).
> >
> >
> > I find the current situation in Spain quite interesting, it may be provide a
"faster" indication as
> to where the US economy is headed since there are many similarities.
Tremendous expansion in
> construction and real estate prices where the youth cannot afford housing and
live off credit
> cards, lack of innovation and "product" creation, globalization and an
abundance of jobs that
> were once considered desirable and respectable (ie: restaurant and hotel
employees) filled by
> immigrants, since natives do not want them.
> >
> > My two cents worth turned to be more like a dime. Good luck and take care,
> >
> >
> > Martin Mendiola
> > 305-445-2525
> > Martin@Mendiola.US
> >
> >
> > > -------- Original Message --------
> > > Subject: [spiers] Re: All Hail Montenegro!
> > > From: "spiersegroups"
> > > Date: Tue, May 23, 2006 12:44 pm
> > > To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > > Luis,
> > >
> > > In principle, the moment a majority wants independece, ought they not be
afforded it,
> > > regardless of history? In practice, independence rarely is based on
majority rule,
> > > rather 40% for, 40% against, and 20% undecided. The undecided 20% is won
over by
> > > politics. Thus it was in USA independence movement.
> > >
> > > As to violence, I am with you, it is abhorrent. I think the mistake the
confederates
> > > made in the USA was to resort to violence. Better to be like Montenegro,
or Singapore
> > > or Norway... all gained independence non-violently. Certainly Canada
gained
> > > independence from England nonviolently. It seems to me violence is
introduced by
> > > thugs who use the good of independence to put a halo on their crimes.
> > >
> > > John
> > > --- In spiers@yahoogroups.com, LUIS1467@... wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Dear John
> > > >
> > > > Basques (Vascos) are a part of Spain since the origins of Iberia (Spain)
> > > > They are free since they have their autonomy, their local goverment,
their
> > > > Parliament, their local police, etc, and most of the Basques like what
they have
> > > > since they feel Spaniards, .but few nationalists plus the ETA terrorists
it
> > > > means something close but not exactly the same that a Federal State as
could be
> > > > Florida or New York States. If you need further information, please let
me
> > > > know and with pleasure I will provide it.
> > > >
> > > > Sincerely
> > > >
> > > > Luis Cabo
> > > > Tel/Fax 305667 7630
> > > > Cell 786 4730868
> > > > email: Luis1467@...
> > > > email:luis.cabo001@...
Re: Basque
Re: Basque
Luis,
I had no idea Spain was working towards these "autonomous" regions... under Deng
Xiaoping, China copied the Hong Kong model in 12 places in China they call
"Special
Economic Zones:" or Special Administrative Regions. Within the last year,
seeing the
success of these, India is developing 20 such places in India. So Spain is
heading this
way too?
Hmmmm... should USA create a autonomous region, say Seattle? I like it!
John
--- In spiers@yahoogroups.com, LUIS1467@... wrote:
>
> Martin
>
> Again, I Would like to explain to you that politiciens are forcing a
> situation that really does not exist in the mind of the majority of the people
> involved and that it only benefit to them.
>
> The majority of Spaniards from Basque and Catalonian region do not want the
> independence from their country Spain, what they are asking for is to
> reshape their statuary laws included in the spanish Constitution. The new
"statut"
> or statuary rough paper was prepared by the nationalist politiciens of
> Catalonia, not for all its political parties and after approved by the
Catalonian
> parliament was submitted to the spanish Congress where it was amended
> ,modified parcially and approved against the vote of the second biggest
spanish
party
> (almost 50% of the spanish votes) and returned to Catalonia where it should
> be subject to the approval of the cataloniens by referendum.
>
> Valencia already got a lighter revision of their satauary laws and right now
> the Andalucian people are prepared a rough paper of a new one to revise the
> one included in the Constitution, again it does not represent a proposal of
> independence.
>
> Even if the "Statuts" are approved by a referendum of their people, its
> terms are very far of what could be considered as the laws of a federal state
> like for instance those of Germany, Switzerland or even United States of
> America.
>
> Every Autonomy is authorized to have their own flag and in a football match
> or any other sport event that occurs in their region they like to use it.
>
>
> Luis Cabo
> Tel/Fax 305667 7630
> Cell 786 4730868
> email: Luis1467@...
> email:luis.cabo001@...
Basque...el camino por santiago
Folks,
I sent thru what may seem an obscure exchange between Linda and Martin because
it strikes a
theme... Linda I surmise is on a pilgrimmage, el camino por santiago, and martin
has expressed
envy. I am going to take a wild guess... Linda is self-employed, and Martin is
not. This is not a
criticism, just to make the point again, that self-employment is first about
lifestyle.
Martin, if I am right, how about a new biz oppty? A travel agent to/for
pilgrimmages? turn that
envy into lifestyle...
(In the car this morning, I heard on the radio one Kevin Trudeau got around govt
rules on
touting medical cures by writing books about what others say, not about what he
himself says.
Apparently he rakes in the dough and is untouchable.)
John
On Wed, 24 May 2006 02:41:53 -0700 (PDT), linda williams
wrote :
> This is all very interesting as i am currently walking el camino por santiago
and have gone
through some of the basque country. i wondered about all the political grafiti,
posters etc. my
spanish is poor, so could not grasp it all, and of course, could not understand.
>
> linda
>
>
> martin@mendiola.us wrote:
> Luis,
>
> With all due respect, specially since we are probably neighbors in Miami, I
just got back from
Gernika and Bilbao last night and the Basque people want independence. Not
necessarily for the
same reasons that John may think (I disagree with a lot of what he says and
believes, but always
find his comments interesting and thought provoking) but they still see
themselves as being the
mouth of the cow that gets milked in Madrid. Along with what they feel has been
oppression
from past governments there are many other non-political reasons the Basque seek
independence. In his book The Basque History of the World, Mark Kurlansky
indirectly points
out many of these reasons. Lets not forget that the concept of a Basque country
crosses the
Pyrennees into France.
>
> The political situation in Spain is interesting to say the least. They have a
tremendous
immigration problem. "A la" Jimmy Carter with the Mariel Boatlift from Cuba,
Zapatero has sort
of opened its borders creating a major influx of what are rapidly becoming
"undesirables".
There is an increase in reported government and corporate corruption. During my
visit, there
was a major scandal involving over 350,000 investors that got pulled into by a
major scam. It is
a time of caution for Spaniards. Up to now they have been "recipients" of funds
from the
European Union, as more (poor) countries come aboard and the roles reverse to
where they
become "contributors", the economic boom will begin to slow down or end. The
European Union
has already voted to withhold wine subsidies which will impact Portugal much
more than Spain,
but this should be a warning.
>
> Towns like Gernika (known for the famous Picaso painting) were experiencing
tremendous
construction and real estate price increases. As of 5 days ago, real estate
prices were not just
leveling off, but actually coming down with a BIG drop in sales. Those who used
to be strong
Socialist Party supporters are beginning to wonder. They also realize there may
be a small
window of opportunity for them to gain complete independence since an economic
slow down
and mistakes made in Catalunya will cause reactionary shifts in government due
to public
pressure. (This last statement may give some insight as to John's comments
regarding more
communist countries becoming independent).
>
>
> I find the current situation in Spain quite interesting, it may be provide a
"faster" indication as
to where the US economy is headed since there are many similarities. Tremendous
expansion in
construction and real estate prices where the youth cannot afford housing and
live off credit
cards, lack of innovation and "product" creation, globalization and an abundance
of jobs that
were once considered desirable and respectable (ie: restaurant and hotel
employees) filled by
immigrants, since natives do not want them.
>
> My two cents worth turned to be more like a dime. Good luck and take care,
>
>
> Martin Mendiola
> 305-445-2525
> Martin@Mendiola.US
>
>
> > -------- Original Message --------
> > Subject: [spiers] Re: All Hail Montenegro!
> > From: "spiersegroups"
> > Date: Tue, May 23, 2006 12:44 pm
> > To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > Luis,
> >
> > In principle, the moment a majority wants independece, ought they not be
afforded it,
> > regardless of history? In practice, independence rarely is based on
majority rule,
> > rather 40% for, 40% against, and 20% undecided. The undecided 20% is won
over by
> > politics. Thus it was in USA independence movement.
> >
> > As to violence, I am with you, it is abhorrent. I think the mistake the
confederates
> > made in the USA was to resort to violence. Better to be like Montenegro, or
Singapore
> > or Norway... all gained independence non-violently. Certainly Canada gained
> > independence from England nonviolently. It seems to me violence is
introduced by
> > thugs who use the good of independence to put a halo on their crimes.
> >
> > John
> > --- In spiers@yahoogroups.com, LUIS1467@... wrote:
> > >
> > > Dear John
> > >
> > > Basques (Vascos) are a part of Spain since the origins of Iberia (Spain)
> > > They are free since they have their autonomy, their local goverment, their
> > > Parliament, their local police, etc, and most of the Basques like what
they have
> > > since they feel Spaniards, .but few nationalists plus the ETA terrorists
it
> > > means something close but not exactly the same that a Federal State as
could be
> > > Florida or New York States. If you need further information, please let
me
> > > know and with pleasure I will provide it.
> > >
> > > Sincerely
> > >
> > > Luis Cabo
> > > Tel/Fax 305667 7630
> > > Cell 786 4730868
> > > email: Luis1467@...
> > > email:luis.cabo001@...
Re: Basque
RE: [spiers] Re: Basque
Linda,
I envy you. For the longest time I have been wanting to do it and have never
taken the time. Congratulations.
Where are you at?
Martin Mendiola
305-445-2525
Martin@Mendiola.US
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: RE: [spiers] Re: Basque
> From: linda williams
> Date: Wed, May 24, 2006 5:41 am
> To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
>
> This is all very interesting as i am currently walking el camino por santiago
and have gone through some of the basque country. i wondered about all the
political grafiti, posters etc. my spanish is poor, so could not grasp it all,
and of course, could not understand.
>
> linda
>
>
> martin@mendiola.us wrote:
> Luis,
>
> With all due respect, specially since we are probably neighbors in Miami, I
just got back from Gernika and Bilbao last night and the Basque people want
independence. Not necessarily for the same reasons that John may think (I
disagree with a lot of what he says and believes, but always find his comments
interesting and thought provoking) but they still see themselves as being the
mouth of the cow that gets milked in Madrid. Along with what they feel has been
oppression from past governments there are many other non-political reasons the
Basque seek independence. In his book The Basque History of the World, Mark
Kurlansky indirectly points out many of these reasons. Lets not forget that the
concept of a Basque country crosses the Pyrennees into France.
>
> The political situation in Spain is interesting to say the least. They have a
tremendous immigration problem. "A la" Jimmy Carter with the Mariel Boatlift
from Cuba, Zapatero has sort of opened its borders creating a major influx of
what are rapidly becoming "undesirables". There is an increase in reported
government and corporate corruption. During my visit, there was a major scandal
involving over 350,000 investors that got pulled into by a major scam. It is a
time of caution for Spaniards. Up to now they have been "recipients" of funds
from the European Union, as more (poor) countries come aboard and the roles
reverse to where they become "contributors", the economic boom will begin to
slow down or end. The European Union has already voted to withhold wine
subsidies which will impact Portugal much more than Spain, but this should be a
warning.
>
> Towns like Gernika (known for the famous Picaso painting) were experiencing
tremendous construction and real estate price increases. As of 5 days ago, real
estate prices were not just leveling off, but actually coming down with a BIG
drop in sales. Those who used to be strong Socialist Party supporters are
beginning to wonder. They also realize there may be a small window of
opportunity for them to gain complete independence since an economic slow down
and mistakes made in Catalunya will cause reactionary shifts in government due
to public pressure. (This last statement may give some insight as to John's
comments regarding more communist countries becoming independent).
>
>
> I find the current situation in Spain quite interesting, it may be provide a
"faster" indication as to where the US economy is headed since there are many
similarities. Tremendous expansion in construction and real estate prices where
the youth cannot afford housing and live off credit cards, lack of innovation
and "product" creation, globalization and an abundance of jobs that were once
considered desirable and respectable (ie: restaurant and hotel employees) filled
by immigrants, since natives do not want them.
>
> My two cents worth turned to be more like a dime. Good luck and take care,
>
>
> Martin Mendiola
> 305-445-2525
> Martin@Mendiola.US
>
>
> > -------- Original Message --------
> > Subject: [spiers] Re: All Hail Montenegro!
> > From: "spiersegroups"
> > Date: Tue, May 23, 2006 12:44 pm
> > To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > Luis,
> >
> > In principle, the moment a majority wants independece, ought they not be
afforded it,
> > regardless of history? In practice, independence rarely is based on
majority rule,
> > rather 40% for, 40% against, and 20% undecided. The undecided 20% is won
over by
> > politics. Thus it was in USA independence movement.
> >
> > As to violence, I am with you, it is abhorrent. I think the mistake the
confederates
> > made in the USA was to resort to violence. Better to be like Montenegro, or
Singapore
> > or Norway... all gained independence non-violently. Certainly Canada gained
> > independence from England nonviolently. It seems to me violence is
introduced by
> > thugs who use the good of independence to put a halo on their crimes.
> >
> > John
> > --- In spiers@yahoogroups.com, LUIS1467@... wrote:
> > >
> > > Dear John
> > >
> > > Basques (Vascos) are a part of Spain since the origins of Iberia (Spain)
> > > They are free since they have their autonomy, their local goverment, their
> > > Parliament, their local police, etc, and most of the Basques like what
they have
> > > since they feel Spaniards, .but few nationalists plus the ETA terrorists
it
> > > means something close but not exactly the same that a Federal State as
could be
> > > Florida or New York States. If you need further information, please let
me
> > > know and with pleasure I will provide it.
> > >
> > > Sincerely
> > >
> > > Luis Cabo
> > > Tel/Fax 305667 7630
> > > Cell 786 4730868
> > > email: Luis1467@...
> > > email:luis.cabo001@...
Language and Freedom
Re: [spiers] Language and Freedom
I couldn't agree with you more on this. This is one of those recycled non-issues
that seems to reappear in the spotlight every several years. You may recall that
California, among other states, voted to make English its official language a
while back. To what end? Nada! It doesn't change anything.
Here are a couple items plucked from the SF Chronicle that add to the point.
First is a Letter to the Editor, followed by a link to an article:
---------------------------------
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Our native tongues
Editor -- Hearing the news that the Senate has voted 63-34 to make English our
official language, I can only reply, "Bravo!" This is no time to be blasé.
Speaking English needs to become a cause celebre. English should become de
rigueur in every U.S. school. The Senate deserves our kudos for going
mano-a-mano with this bete noire. The best way to address the angst of
non-assimilation is to deliver a legislative coup de grace that renders every
foreign language absolutely verboten. Now that singing our national anthem in
a foreign tongue has become a criminal faux pas, shall we address that other
great threat to American unity -- the Catholic Church, which persists in the use
of Latin. I'm sure the senators would agree that, henceforth, Mass should be
celebrated in English -- God's language -- and we should crack down on such
linguistic fellow-travelers as pharmacists, doctors and scholars. If they don't
like it, let them move to Latin America. GAR SMITH Berkeley
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Loving the mother tongue
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/05/23/EDG\
DOIJL2H1.DTL
John Spiers
Folks,
As the govt-controlled press presents "Mexicans" as USA's main problem, to
change the topic
from Iraq before the election. I heard a radio personality talking about some
movement to
make English mandatory in USA, or whatever.
It occurs to me there is a correlation between polyglot and freedom. The freer
the country,
the more languages are spoken. For example, Hong Kong is probably the freest
place on
earth, and it has two official languages, Chinese and English, although they
speak Cantonese,
not Chinese. After that, just about every other language from around the world
is spoken by
residents of hong kong, collectively.
The oldest free country, Switzerland has three official languages: German,
French and Italian,
and just about everyone everyone also speaks English. Canada has a couple of
official
languages. Singapore has several generally spoken languages, and of course the
Vatican has
probably the most languages spoken, although the official language, Latin, is a
dead
language!
Head on down the list and the freer the country, the more languages commonly
spoken. I
see no real threat that English will become the official language in USA,
because as soon as
the elections are over the topic will be Iraq again, and "Mexicans" will
disappear as a topic as
fast as "homelessness" disappeared when Clinton became president.
John
Compete on Design!
www.johnspiers.com
Re: Basque
RE: [spiers] Re: Basque
This is all very interesting as i am currently walking el camino por santiago
and have gone through some of the basque country. i wondered about all the
political grafiti, posters etc. my spanish is poor, so could not grasp it all,
and of course, could not understand.
linda
martin@mendiola.us wrote:
Luis,
With all due respect, specially since we are probably neighbors in Miami, I just
got back from Gernika and Bilbao last night and the Basque people want
independence. Not necessarily for the same reasons that John may think (I
disagree with a lot of what he says and believes, but always find his comments
interesting and thought provoking) but they still see themselves as being the
mouth of the cow that gets milked in Madrid. Along with what they feel has been
oppression from past governments there are many other non-political reasons the
Basque seek independence. In his book The Basque History of the World, Mark
Kurlansky indirectly points out many of these reasons. Lets not forget that the
concept of a Basque country crosses the Pyrennees into France.
The political situation in Spain is interesting to say the least. They have a
tremendous immigration problem. "A la" Jimmy Carter with the Mariel Boatlift
from Cuba, Zapatero has sort of opened its borders creating a major influx of
what are rapidly becoming "undesirables". There is an increase in reported
government and corporate corruption. During my visit, there was a major scandal
involving over 350,000 investors that got pulled into by a major scam. It is a
time of caution for Spaniards. Up to now they have been "recipients" of funds
from the European Union, as more (poor) countries come aboard and the roles
reverse to where they become "contributors", the economic boom will begin to
slow down or end. The European Union has already voted to withhold wine
subsidies which will impact Portugal much more than Spain, but this should be a
warning.
Towns like Gernika (known for the famous Picaso painting) were experiencing
tremendous construction and real estate price increases. As of 5 days ago, real
estate prices were not just leveling off, but actually coming down with a BIG
drop in sales. Those who used to be strong Socialist Party supporters are
beginning to wonder. They also realize there may be a small window of
opportunity for them to gain complete independence since an economic slow down
and mistakes made in Catalunya will cause reactionary shifts in government due
to public pressure. (This last statement may give some insight as to John's
comments regarding more communist countries becoming independent).
I find the current situation in Spain quite interesting, it may be provide a
"faster" indication as to where the US economy is headed since there are many
similarities. Tremendous expansion in construction and real estate prices where
the youth cannot afford housing and live off credit cards, lack of innovation
and "product" creation, globalization and an abundance of jobs that were once
considered desirable and respectable (ie: restaurant and hotel employees) filled
by immigrants, since natives do not want them.
My two cents worth turned to be more like a dime. Good luck and take care,
Martin Mendiola
305-445-2525
Martin@Mendiola.US
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: [spiers] Re: All Hail Montenegro!
> From: "spiersegroups"
> Date: Tue, May 23, 2006 12:44 pm
> To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
>
> Luis,
>
> In principle, the moment a majority wants independece, ought they not be
afforded it,
> regardless of history? In practice, independence rarely is based on majority
rule,
> rather 40% for, 40% against, and 20% undecided. The undecided 20% is won over
by
> politics. Thus it was in USA independence movement.
>
> As to violence, I am with you, it is abhorrent. I think the mistake the
confederates
> made in the USA was to resort to violence. Better to be like Montenegro, or
Singapore
> or Norway... all gained independence non-violently. Certainly Canada gained
> independence from England nonviolently. It seems to me violence is introduced
by
> thugs who use the good of independence to put a halo on their crimes.
>
> John
> --- In spiers@yahoogroups.com, LUIS1467@... wrote:
> >
> > Dear John
> >
> > Basques (Vascos) are a part of Spain since the origins of Iberia (Spain)
> > They are free since they have their autonomy, their local goverment, their
> > Parliament, their local police, etc, and most of the Basques like what they
have
> > since they feel Spaniards, .but few nationalists plus the ETA terrorists it
> > means something close but not exactly the same that a Federal State as
could be
> > Florida or New York States. If you need further information, please let me
> > know and with pleasure I will provide it.
> >
> > Sincerely
> >
> > Luis Cabo
> > Tel/Fax 305667 7630
> > Cell 786 4730868
> > email: Luis1467@...
> > email:luis.cabo001@...
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
USA #1 in Prisoners
Re: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
Nancy,
One of my favorite entrpreneurs is "Gen'l" William Booth who believed social
charity in Victorian England was lacking. This was quite a statement given how
superior Victorians thought of themselves when it came to charity. He acted on
his beliefs, and started the Salvation Army.
If I read you right, you are saying education is USA is lacking. Well.. what
are you going to do about it?
John
Isn't there a more important message underneath all this rubble? Why is
pornagraphy such a huge and growing business? American's idol is
American Idol.
Why did the majority of the country support Bush at the beginning of this
unjust murderous financially sucking war? Now after this war has done its
unfathomable
damage, it is sad that the majority are now opposed to it. Too little,
too late. What is needed in this country is more centers
which teach people how to think. Maybe someone can come up with an idea
that will make people so motivated to read, contemplate, examine issues with
the same
momentum that they have in running home and sitting in front of the
television fillng themselves with garbage. Doomsayer, I don't think so.
This is reality.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Hamons, Melanie"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 6:57 AM
Subject: RE: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
Our prisons are country clubs compared to other prisons around the world. I
think if we had a prison exchange program, alot of bitching by prisoners
would be quited to a great degree.
It doesn't break my heart to see people live a better life in jail then
those people they calously hurt when they were free. I think prisons should
go private. See how many fewer repeat offenders their are when prison
actually SUCKS!
-----Original Message-----
From: spiers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:spiers@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of
Chris
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 12:38 AM
To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
Prisons are big industry - towns beg to have a prison built near them
because of the jobs and money they bring in. they are also sources of very
cheap labor, and to punish a prisoner he/she can even have what wages they
did manage to earn fined away I have heard. Not only does big business avail
themselves of this windfall but plain citizens can hire cheap day labor from
the prisons. Breaks my heart what we are doing to our people, to our
country.
chris
--- On Mon 05/22, John Spiers < john@johnspiers.com > wrote:
From: John Spiers [mailto: john@johnspiers.com]
To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
Date: 22 May 2006 15:03:43 -0000
Subject: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
Folks,
USA is # 1 in everything, and USA is # 1 in the world for incarcerating its
citizens, with blacks
jailed at a rate 700% higher than whites, and minorities make up 60% of our
prison
population. Nearly one in twenty black men are behind bars, (not to mention
blacks on
parole, awaiting trial, or burdened by conviction after time served),
according to US Justice
Department figures.
http://tinyurl.com/nnn5s
I am assured blacks have a higher rate of conviction because they commit
more crimes. I
think the explanation is simpler. But what bothers me is what with blacks
proving such
excellent competitors in sports and entertainment, I regret so few are
competing in business.
Of course, being a convict is a serious disadvantage to competing in
business. And thus
convicted, we are denied the good of blacks' competitive efforts in
business.
Drugs are the #1 violation leading to prison in USA, and I've already
pointed out my view that
this is merely war on pain relief.
A free market in medicine is the solution to "drug abuse" but that is
unlikely. But the more
people self-employed, the more likely a free market will occur. Of course,
government would
find another war to fight, as once in England the govt made war on glass
windows. I am not
making this up.
John
Compete on Design!
www.johnspiers.com
USA #1 in Prisoners
RE: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
Melanie,
This is step one in the process of finding the product or service for you to get
involved with. You have stated your views here forcefully, then you asked a
question.
Implicit in your view, if I read you right, is criminals are criminals, and if
not drugs, then salt. Also implicit is international crime is bigger than
domestic. What if these were not true. The exercise is to take your own views,
and study the reverse. What happens?
In fact, read Kurlansky on salt and see that in fact, once every problem we have
with drugs, we had with salt. The choice of verboten items is entirely
arbitrary, and serves the libido dominandi inherent in people.
To answer your question, if everything were legal, what would happen, well, in
classical economics, then everything would become faster, cheaper, more
plentiful and better. The manpower to accomplish this would lead to full
employment.
But you did implicitly hit the nail on the head, the illegal follows the govt
ruling of illegality. Once the govt restricts something, the market is
distorted, and opportunities for larceny abound. If nnothing is illegal, then
it is hard to leverage a big score out of anything. One is obliged to settle
for being merely satisfied.
John
There is such competition in business, just not 'legal' trade. You competitors
just wind up dead instead of broke. Plenty of competition with the
international 'Black Market' : drugs, arms, flesh trades. Big risk, bigger
payoff. By comparison, if drugs were made legal, then the smaller business man
(aka, prisoner no. 999-99-9999 would probably get squeezed out and thus find
another 'underground' market to corner.
Then, be in the same situation, King Pin of an illegal trade. Infact, there's a
question: if everything were made 'legal', what would happen, econcomically?
-----Original Message-----
From: spiers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:spiers@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of
John Spiers
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 12:32 PM
To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
Melanie,
Well, the issue is, in the measure we incarcerate blacks on pretentious grounds,
or Martha
Stewart for that matter, we lose the good of their competitive efforts. Of
course there are
larger moral and legal issues here too, but for the purposes of studying small
biz int'l trade, I
only point out the small issue of what we lose through bad policy. (And
sometimes a smaller
point makes a bigger impact).
As to your idea of scaring prisoners with an exchange program, well, we already
do that.
Although the 14th Amendment requires anyone under US jurisdiction to be afforded
all
constitutional rights, we do indeed send prisoners overseas for torture, which I
assume is
worse than anything they'd experience here. Janis Karpinski, the general in
charge of Abu
Ghraib has stated the reason the Army changed the name of Baghdad Central
Confinement
Facility back to Abu Ghraib was specifically to terrorize people. Perhaps
violence begets
violence, since it does not seem to be working.
But your point as to privatizing prisons, I like it. Prisons were once private
in USA, indeed,
the word "penitentiary" came from when the Quakers ran the system and criminals
could
come repent of their sins. There is a Bob Jones University, how about a Bob
Jones Prison? Pat
Roberts 700 Jail? Brother Jimmy Swaggart's ... well... you get the idea. Talk
about scary!
As to getting govt out of the penal business, here is a paper...
www.mises.org/journals/jls/1_2/1_2_7.pdf
I bet the Salvation Army would run excellent prisons.
John
On Tue, 23 May 2006 08:57:42 -0500, "Hamons, Melanie"
> Our prisons are country clubs compared to other prisons around the world. I
think if we
had a prison exchange program, alot of bitching by prisoners would be quited to
a great
degree.
>
> It doesn't break my heart to see people live a better life in jail then those
people they
calously hurt when they were free. I think prisons should go private. See how
many fewer
repeat offenders their are when prison actually SUCKS!
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: spiers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:spiers@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of
> Chris
> Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 12:38 AM
> To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: RE: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
>
>
>
> Prisons are big industry - towns beg to have a prison built near them because
of the jobs
and money they bring in. they are also sources of very cheap labor, and to
punish a prisoner
he/she can even have what wages they did manage to earn fined away I have heard.
Not only
does big business avail themselves of this windfall but plain citizens can hire
cheap day labor
from the prisons. Breaks my heart what we are doing to our people, to our
country.
> chris
>
> --- On Mon 05/22, John Spiers < john@johnspiers.com > wrote:
> From: John Spiers [mailto: john@johnspiers.com]
> To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
> Date: 22 May 2006 15:03:43 -0000
> Subject: [spiers] USA #1 in Prisoners
>
>
>
>
> Folks,
>
> USA is # 1 in everything, and USA is # 1 in the world for incarcerating its
citizens, with
blacks
> jailed at a rate 700% higher than whites, and minorities make up 60% of our
prison
> population. Nearly one in twenty black men are behind bars, (not to mention
blacks on
> parole, awaiting trial, or burdened by conviction after time served),
according to US Justice
> Department figures.
>
> http://tinyurl.com/nnn5s
>
> I am assured blacks have a higher rate of conviction because they commit more
crimes. I
> think the explanation is simpler. But what bothers me is what with blacks
proving such
> excellent competitors in sports and entertainment, I regret so few are
competing in
business.
> Of course, being a convict is a serious disadvantage to competing in business.
And thus
> convicted, we are denied the good of blacks' competitive efforts in business.
>
> Drugs are the #1 violation leading to prison in USA, and I've already pointed
out my view
that
> this is merely war on pain relief.
>
> A free market in medicine is the solution to "drug abuse" but that is
unlikely. But the more
> people self-employed, the more likely a free market will occur. Of course,
government
would
> find another war to fight, as once in England the govt made war on glass
windows. I am
not
> making this up.
>
> John
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Compete on Design!
>
> www.johnspiers.com
>
Re: Basque
Re: [spiers] Re: Basque
Martin
Again, I Would like to explain to you that politiciens are forcing a
situation that really does not exist in the mind of the majority of the people
involved and that it only benefit to them.
The majority of Spaniards from Basque and Catalonian region do not want the
independence from their country Spain, what they are asking for is to
reshape their statuary laws included in the spanish Constitution. The new
"statut"
or statuary rough paper was prepared by the nationalist politiciens of
Catalonia, not for all its political parties and after approved by the
Catalonian
parliament was submitted to the spanish Congress where it was amended
,modified parcially and approved against the vote of the second biggest spanish
party
(almost 50% of the spanish votes) and returned to Catalonia where it should
be subject to the approval of the cataloniens by referendum.
Valencia already got a lighter revision of their satauary laws and right now
the Andalucian people are prepared a rough paper of a new one to revise the
one included in the Constitution, again it does not represent a proposal of
independence.
Even if the "Statuts" are approved by a referendum of their people, its
terms are very far of what could be considered as the laws of a federal state
like for instance those of Germany, Switzerland or even United States of
America.
Every Autonomy is authorized to have their own flag and in a football match
or any other sport event that occurs in their region they like to use it.
Luis Cabo
Tel/Fax 305667 7630
Cell 786 4730868
email: Luis1467@aol.com
email:luis.cabo001@gmail.com
Re: Basque
RE: [spiers] Re: Basque
Luis,
I agree with most of what you said, especially "the reality is that the majority
of the Spaniards want to be that". It was interesting how upset Spaniards
throughout the whole country were when Sevilla recently won the European Cup or
whatever and there were many flags celebrating from all over yet just a few
from Spain. It would be like the Miami Dolphins playing and winning a world
tournament in Germany where Dolphin, Miami and Florida flags were flying and no
USA flags. (I did not see nor questioned the Barca win, so I will not comment.)
But you are saying that Catalonians and Basque do not want independence yet you
make the following statement:
> Little by little the nationalist parties are introducing the idea that they
> should get better teatment than other regions since they could be more
> prosperous, and a way to get that is to become independent. The goverment has
given
> to them many promises that they will get a better Autonomy even if that goes
> against the constitution since only it can be changed by referendum. The
> worst is that as more things a weak goverment gives to them as more things
are
> they asking to and at the end it looks like the population of those
Autonomies
> is the one who is asking for those changes when the reality is that are the
> politiciens who instigate them only for political purposes.
Do you think that Catalunya will be independent? What were elections held for?
Did they and will they continue to pass the referendums?
Are the current negotiations with Basque leaders fake? Is Mr. Zapatero starting
a new round of discussions early next month for nothing? Do you really think
the people from these areas do not want independence even if just for economic
reasons like you are saying?
We are not questioning the constitutionality nor the laws of the land, we are
just observing what is happening and the sentiment of the people. This will in
turn impact the economy and those who trade. There is nothing emotional for
traders, they will benefit no matter who wins or looses as long as they play it
right.
Martin Mendiola
305-445-2525
Martin@Mendiola.US
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: Re: [spiers] Re: Basque
> From: LUIS1467@AOL.COM
> Date: Tue, May 23, 2006 7:27 pm
> To: spiers@yahoogroups.com
>
> Martin
>
> ServiaMontenegro were two different Federal States separated from Yogoslavia
> that decided to stay together to have better opportunities facing the
> European Union and other circumstancies. None of them have the same currency,
> border Authorities, and many other political institutions. At present they
decided
> to submit to the citizens the proposal to terminate with the agreement that
> linked both States and to become two separated Republics. Could be possible
> that in the future the walk together again if they wish to become European
> members.
>
> In Spain we are organized in Autonomies (before regions and its provinces).
> The new administrative organization was developped, discussed, negociated and
> analyzed by a representation of every political party including minorities.
> That representation prepared the new Constitution of 1978 that was ratified by
> the Spaniards and sanctioned by the King ( Chief of State, also accepted by
> referendum). In the Constitution is specified the right of every Autonomy to
> keep their culture, language and many other details. It also contemplates the
> possibilities to change them by referendum.
>
> Together the spaniards have been able to demostrate that as soon as 40 years
> a dictatorship were abolishedwe could manage to be innovative, hard workers
> ( most of the spanierds at the time used to have two works to survive) and
> to use the funds received from the EU in a satisfactory manner to have one of
> the best infrastructures of roads, trains, airports and public services of
> Europe. Now many autonomies of Spain have a higher economical level than the
EU
> average.
>
> We have been very lucky with our democratic moderate politiciens of the last
> 30 years that provided us with a huge improvement on every social and
> economic area: Education, Health, lower unemployment, sports, etc., and our
roll in
> the international affaires also got a higher protagonism in the EU
> Commission, EU Parliament, NATO, South America and important agreements with
the USA.
>
> Unfortunately since the last legislative elections we got a political party
> that it looks that wants to deteriorate many of the things that were made by
> its predecessors including people of its same party and is bringing ideas
that
> we supposed to have forgotten when all spaniards decided to forget all the
> evils of the civil war and to create a new and modern Constitution that could
> bring unity and prosperity to all citizens. Due to political reasons the
> actual Socialist party needs the help of the nationalist minorities parties
to
> have the majority in the Spanish Congress, and therefore those nationalist
> parties mainly of Catalonia, and Basques are requesting to the goverment
party
> many concessions to maintain themselves as the main party in its Autonomies.
> Little by little the nationalist parties are introducing the idea that they
> should get better teatment than other regions since they could be more
> prosperous, and a way to get that is to become independent. The goverment has
given
> to them many promises that they will get a better Autonomy even if that goes
> against the constitution since only it can be changed by referendum. The
> worst is that as more things a weak goverment gives to them as more things
are
> they asking to and at the end it looks like the population of those
Autonomies
> is the one who is asking for those changes when the reality is that are the
> politiciens who instigate them only for political purposes.
>
> Never mind what some people of two cities mentioned in the Basque region say
> about the independence, the reality is that the majority of the Spaniards
> want to be that, spaniards, to be able to speak the language of their region
> plus the spanish, to keep every link with their country Spain, to have a job,
> free social security, free schools and universities, at least 30 days of
> vacations as they have, to live in peace and prosperity as they now have and a
> strong democracy that provide them respect to their opinions.
>
> As said we have a goverment that nobody knows where it wants to go and
> therefore is impossible to see what is our nearer future.
>
> Regards
>
>
>
> Luis Cabo
> Tel/Fax 305667 7630
> Cell 786 4730868
> email: Luis1467@aol.com
> email:luis.cabo001@gmail.com