Perhaps some of you are familiar with this blog, written by an aspiring American politician who resides in DR:

http://thecandidacy.com/2008/06/11/the-audacity-of-dominican-politics-dominican-senators-make-how-much/

Well in that article he states that Dominican senators pay themselves $60k a month!! This is more than the President of USA earns for running a massive empire!

Just how disorganized and illiterate are the voters down there? I understand all sorts of corruption occurs under the table, in the back rooms, etc ... but that these men earn so much on the books? You would think with such a salary they would be impervious to bribery, but it doesn't sound like it from what I read here at DT. There should be a political movement with the explicit and singular goal of slashing these salaries...

can someone explain to me why it is that we need 32 senators in a country with 9 million people? heck, the united states has over 300 million inhabitants, and gets along fine with 100 senators. but, as the author suggests, politics in the dr is not a matter of public service, but one of personal aggrandisement.

I've been ready.

Just waiting for everyone else.

well Ladronaso, i am not in a position to stir too much dust, not being a Dominican national. however, if and when you decide to embark upon a meaningful alternative to the morass which exists here today, you can call on me for whatever support you think i can give.

Dreads My desire to effectuate a change in DR is an ambition that was born many years ago (in the 90's).

Having said, I am eager become part of a "real movement " either by participation or inception to begin a change. I feel that the time is now. We Dominicans abroad have the power and resources to really make things happen. To make noise, to cause or create cracks in the pillars of corruption. We can become a force to contend with. But I am one, and there are not many who are willing to equally sacrifice and invest, as I am, in such an endeavor.

I am looking for a thread, a means to start. The power is at hand.

Slash them?

All I want to know is can a Gringo run for the Dominican Senate?

Dreads:

I would like to request your insight on a project that has been in the works for a year or so. Mind you it is a work in progress and though it may appear a bit simplistic with minimal details there are a lot of details in my design but yet to be implemented. Again it is a work in progress.
www.ladronaso.com


Respond here or at: ladronaso at ladronaso dot com.

Dreads regarding the above:

My main obstacle is tech resources. i.e. building the site and database as I have planned. Drop me a line if you have any ideas. I value your and anyones opinion that will help contribute to this.

Thanks.

.

Sure, you can run for everything but Presidente. (Thats where the millions are) All you need to do is apply for citizenship and doesn't take too long or cost too much.

ladronaso, you have undertaken a formidable task, one which will occupy your time for many foreseeable years. sadly, i have no in-depth knowledge of the excesses of these miscreants, though they are well documented. i like the idea; a website dedicated to the exposure of the crimes that these people have committed against the people will be a wake up call. the current crop of hustlers deserves honorable mention ,too!