Santo Domingo.- The XI International Book Fair’s major attraction this year: The Santo Domingo Metro (subway), where some riders want “to be part of history.”
If in essence the controversial project doesn’t have anything to do with the Fair’s organization, a captive public took advantage of yesterday’s test runs and constituted the main attraction for those who attended the country’s main cultural activity.
Neither the offering of books of local and foreign authors, sometimes at a good price, nor the novel pavilions, stands nor kiosks with original designs, seem to attract more attention from those who go to the Fair than the possibility of taking a ride on the Metro.
In the stations Sisters Mirabal, Caonabo, Casandra Damirón and Feria, the lines of those who want to get in the cars seemed unending, including entire families.
Rafael Hernandez, who lives near the subdivision Mirador Norte, went with his family to the Mirabal Sisters station to, according to his words, "be part of history."
Written by: josean, 23 Apr 2008 9:42 AM
From: United States
The moronic METRO project to ride unfortunate illiterates to a book fair. What irony!
Written by: buenoha, 23 Apr 2008 11:54 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
Josean, a ti si que te ha dolido ese metro hijo. Y qué fue???
Are you insane? I suggest you get a psychological check up ASAP!
From: Dominican Republic
A part of history is right!
A lasting monument to mismanagement, corruption, and one man's Guacanagaris Oedipus issues!
!
Written by: josean, 23 Apr 2008 12:26 PM
From: United States
MalditoGringo
Tell it like its brother, tell it like it is!
Written by: josean, 23 Apr 2008 12:37 PM
From: United States
buenoha
No! The METRO does not hurt me, like you I live in foreign country and will not suffer directly from this disaster!
But the millions of Dominican children that will continue to get a substandard education if they get any at all, will be hurt for the rest of their life condemned to a meager existence because this tyrant has wasted billions that could have gone to give them a chance at moving out of poverty!
Yes that does hurt me and frankly it should hurt you too!
From: United States
Brother it seems your bitter, The metro will be a huge in Santo Domingo. When the last time you had visted DR? My brother received a very good education in DR, matter fact he learned more than when he was in the states. The substandard you mention is BS. It's amazing how people cry poverty but when you go to a club or a big colmadon you see people drinking and partying. The carry better cell phones than here in NYC and were fancy clothes. This all political BS. My Folks live in DR and have no political affiliation to any party and are doing well for themselves. I guess to each his own. The Metro will be huge and in a few years they will want another extension to the Metro.
From: United States, Brooklyn
Money not well spent...How about fixing the problems that already exist in the country..The dummy {president} should have invested the money in a power plant, healthcare system, water pipes, or education. This metro doesn't benefit anyone as long as these problems are still around.
From: United States
Dummy President ! I guess all the other president should be considered dummy also.
From: United States
I totally agree with you Hector. With or with out the Metro, education to some in DR would still be subpar. Yet these same people that cry out of "poverty" are that same ones that have dance clubs, car washes, and colmadones full to capacity on weekends. Dancing and drinking that night away. These are the same people that have the barbershops and beauty salons with waiting lines starting every Friday. These are the same people that flood clothing stores, malls and boutiques to get there party outfits for the weekend. And do not forget that lastest fully paid cell phones. But what these same people do not realize is that education in DR is just as good as any industrialized nation. I have many friends that leave the states to go to DR for the same education that they would get in the states, but cheaper. Children in DR are learning things in elementary schools and in middle schools that I did not get to learn until I saw in High School in the USA. But to say it simply...GO METRO!!
Written by: julio, 23 Apr 2008 2:20 PM
From: Dominican Republic
to josean, it seems that you are against any progress and developement in the Dominican Rep, that's according to your comments leave the developement in the country continue its course, It is always good to give your critics but before you do that , look at the sitiuation from a different perspective not only one .Look my own cousins,they quit from school because they want to work another received the opportunity to study informatica and he rejected too, now you can't tell me that there are no schools in the dominican Rep,but you know what's the mayor problem with us Dominicans. THE BONCHE, WE HATE ANY THING THAT HAS TO DO WITH BOOKS, A LOT OF DISCOTECA, WAY TOO MUCH MUSIC. IN EVERY CORNER SKY HIGH BACHATA, SALSA WITH THAT ANOYING DOMINO MATCHES IN COMPANY OF UNAS CUANTAS FRIAS ( PRESIDENTES)YOU NAME IT THEY HAVE IT. INSTEAD OF READING BOOKS AND EDUCATING THEYRE CHILDREN .................ect..
nothing against you
saludos a todos
julio.
From: United States
Snoopyy3k you couldn' t have put it any better. There are those that like to cry wolf.
From: United States, Brooklyn
Josean: take your lessons and preach it to your Hatians brother who need it more than we do
From: United States
Time2rize, I'm convinced the Dominican man and woman will never be satisfied. They have been crying for years and years.
From: United States
I rather live in DR than Haiti,Iran,Iraq,Africa
From: Dominican Republic
This below was written by a youtube user who posted this video:
Poverty in the Domincan Republic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMBS2ETPGZgPoverty in the Dominican Republic is an on going epidemic and downfall of this country. This video was made to educate people about how bad it really is while others just sit in their house and don't care about what is going on because it is not there problem. But it really is their problem and citizens need to help the government put a stop to poverty.
From: Dominican Republic
Time2rize, I'm convinced the Dominican man and woman will never be satisfied. They have been crying for years and years.
I rather live in DR than Haiti,Iran,Iraq,Africa
______________________________________________
Did any of you even bother, to take a look at the Videos? Que Corazon de Piedras, Que dios lo bendiga!
Pero esta gente son el Diablo!
From: United States
time2rize there many dominican that were given living quarters(houses and apartment) and you know what they did the sold them or rented them and went back the hood. Poverty bunch of crap go to a club,colmadon,beauty salon, shopping malls packed. My folks live there and they are not dying of hunger. My brother i was just there and i see everyone eating at 12:00 in the after noon and in the evening same for the morning. It's what you do with yourself. Many want to blame the government but which government are you going to blame it on ? This all political right now cause of the election crap. I'm sure you have prefrence as for your political party or not. I rather have Leonel than PRD they really did disservice to Santo Domingo. I'm sure if Pena Gomez was alive those hood rats in his party would have been terminated. If your going to put a blame, then blame all parties not just one.
From: Dominican Republic
Bighector,
I cannot speak for what party, did what in the past, but i could speak, for the four years that i have been living here in DR. This APTs that you speak of, i have seen some of them and there more like small Ghetto Progects, with a new paint job on it. Like CRABS in Bucket!
These projects, that i have seen, were only given to them, because, there homes were on beach front properties,and living in poor conditions.
An you must know how beach front property goes for down here.
Written by: MrDom, 23 Apr 2008 4:14 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, DN
The Metro is not a problem.... it is a solution to the chaotic traffic of Santo Domingo.
The problem is that money that belongs to education, health etc… has been used to build it...
From: Dominican Republic
Bighector,
Maybe the People, are afraid that if they decide, to Stand Up, and make The GOV work for the People, instead of the People work for the GOV, that maybe they will fail like Juan Bosch & Francisco Alberto Caamaño, and get there ass killed, like when the US troops invaded the Dominican Republic in 1965, to crush a popular revolt aimed at returning John Bosch to power
From: United States
Brother Time2rize there are many gripes we can debate here. I do understand there are folks who are having a hard time and many who have it nice and are getting by. I live in the states and it's not easy here brother. I myself pay 900.00 dollares for rent, light and gas another 100.00 dollares, cell phone another 110.00 dollares, food and transportation. It's rough here and now with recession makes hard. Food is not any cheaper. There were many Dominicans were giving these so call apartments it's not much but it's betther than living in a wood shack with a sheet of metal for roof and when it rained you didn't know that by morning your house might be flooding down a river. In your case it's been hard and i feel you there. I'm just saying there many issue to be worked on but's not going to get solved right away, theres always someone who will never be satisfied, maybe in your case it could be something simple that will make you happy.
Written by: MrDom, 23 Apr 2008 4:38 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, DN
I could not say ir better bighector!!!
From: Dominican Republic
In your case it's been hard and i feel you there
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@2
Bighector,
Actually, i mostly speak for my fellow Dominican hermanos, i cannot complain for myself,Other than High Prices like in the U.S. or worse.
From: United States
Well it is undeniable there are MANY MANY worse things a 'tyrant' could have squandered money on. Public transportation potentially serves the underprivileged more than the privileged, cuts down on pollution, and promotes economic activity if the stations are well placed. I admit my own reaction when I first heard of it was "what the hell?", but on the other hand as I said this money could have gone towards lining a wallet or many other worthless purposes.
From: United States
A recession in the US will affect prices all over. Gas will soon be 4.00 dollars a gallon. What can you do? It's going to get worse all over the world and this war is not helping.
From: Dominican Republic
A recession in the US will affect prices all over. Gas will soon be 4.00 dollars a gallon. What can you do? It's going to get worse all over the world and this war is not helping.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@222
here regular is $5.16 imagine without heavy tax it will help alot.
The WAR and U.S. bases all over the world,printing more Monies without anything of value to back it up, for the WAR ,does not help either. ¿Hasta dónde llegaremos?
From: United States
time2rize i know what I'm going to do less spending and more saving cause i don't know whats ahead in the future. Lucky for myself i have a very good job as a product support analyst. We gotta brace ourselfs for rough times.
Written by: santanar, 23 Apr 2008 6:21 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Ramon Santana, La Romana
Step by step the country is moving forward, mass transit especially by rail is always a good thing and the environment is the one element that benefits the most.
Written by: josean, 23 Apr 2008 7:03 PM
From: United States
My Jewish friends have term called safe hating Jews to describe Jews that always seem to be against their own self interest.
Well today several post are example of sell hating Dominicans. They have made such stereotypical, broad brush racist generalities of their own brothers and sisters, all in an effort of to deny reality: Archie Bunker and the Grand Wizard of the Klu Klux Klan would be proud of them.
Even when presented with compelling videos by time2rize, they choose to defend the indefensible, the insane METRO.
To achieve this they will stoop to the level of blaming the poor for being poor, when international organizations from the UN on down, clearly demonstrate that structural poverty in DR, is not just because of lack of resources but because of mismanagement ,no planning or poor planning and corruption, which of these four, this government has an abundance.
Yes, alll the other governments did the same and in some cases worse, but Lie-onel was to be better!
From: United States
Really Funny reading everyones comments. And I honestly think that just about everyone has a valid point.
time2rize. The US is not printing money because unfortunately they are borrowing it from China. Which means, in any case and inevitably we (in the US) will still end up paying thru the nose.
As far as superior education: I disagree to a degree. When it comes to basics i.e. elementary and high school, yes the DR is superior. But when you refer to higher education and advanced degrees. No. The DR is Lacking. And sadly this is where it is most important. As it makes it difficult for Dominicans to compete on a Global scale with other foreigners for Jobs and visas, recruitment foreign investments etc.
From: United States
I think that we as Dominicans, the educated ex-pats, the well rounded untainted nationals with ability and capacity to make a change have to look at all the pros and cons and accept "res judicata". Make the best and develop a plan that will allow us to exploit the pros of this METRO Decision no-matter how minimal. Or we can just continue to cry about spilled milk.
Written by: DennisC, 23 Apr 2008 7:49 PM
From: United States
For some time now, I made a point not to answer to that Josean guy, but I have to, I have never seen such a mercenary, it is true, the man have to be haitian, he cannot be Dominican, his perennial insults to everything that is said in the news about our country is so ridiculous, that the guy must have some sort of mental problems, so Josean, as some other people have also say here, worry for your Haitians brothers, and stop with your dull comments, too stupid to be true.
Written by: wents22, 23 Apr 2008 9:03 PM
From: United States, New York City
What's wrong with you people? It seems that every positive change turns into a negative one. i agree that the education system needs to change, but no country has the perfect one.
From: United States
You are correct. No country is perfect but in a country that is lacking and far behind. Education should be a priority. It is with education that we will forge the future leaders of tomorrow. Education will give us the tools and resources if not, the know how to find and acquire the resources needed to move towards the road to betterment. It is education that increases the value of our country and our people, thus making us a valuable commodity.
From: United States
Without education we remain "A dime, a dozen"
Written by: Adrix, 24 Apr 2008 2:28 AM
From: United States
I AGREE WITH YOU DENISC, Josean is not a Domininican, but someone full of hate to the Dominican people. He is full of trash and extreme dislike. If he doesn’t live in RD as he says, whatever happens there it is not his business. The best things we can do are ignored and avoid his poison.
From: United States
what has made nyc the greatest city in the world is the subway transportation system , and every city in the world has tryed to emulate this. from paris to london to toronto to montreal to .... it is indefinet , it just keeps going on.. i know , i work in the transportation in ny and it works!!!
From: United States
ladronaso your name says it all
Written by: josean, 24 Apr 2008 7:16 AM
From: United States
Ramonf212
You, as I, have a right to our own opinions, but not to your own facts!
You stated: "what has made nyc the greatest city in the world is the subway transportation system , and every city in the world has tryed to emulate this. from paris to london to toronto to montreal to .... it is indefinet , it just keeps going on.. i know , i work in the transportation in ny and it works!!!"
Source
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_transitThe oldest rapid transit system in the world is the London Underground, which opened in 1863 and was then called the Metropolitan Railway.[2] The Underground remains one of the most extensive rapid transit systems in the world.[3]
If the London Underground (subway) is the oldest in the world how could they have" tryed to emulate" the NY subway, wouldn't it be logically the opposite?
From: United States
You made a point: Your last line
Posted by Ramonf212, 24 Apr 2008 3:31 AM:
"" . i know , i work in the transportation in ny and it works!!!""
Exactly! You work in transportation in NYC in the great US of A,.............. not in the DR or anywhere else. Do you work in the upper tiers of management? Are you an Administrator or hold an executive position in the MTA? Or are you a city official responsible for one of these areas? Are you privy to all decisions of the MTA? If so I would like to know more of how the mechanisms budgeting financing, procurement, training, allocation of funds work in the MTA.
Written by: jeffreyb, 24 Apr 2008 8:13 AM
From: United States
TO the MTA employee:
The New York City subway system is great. Is it profitable? No. The huge subsidies given to run the NYC subway system are enormous. for example why do u think gasoline is USD$0.30 more expensive in New York than in New Jersey? Those 30 cents are a tax for the transportation system. Why are the tolls into New York city USD$5.00 and USD$8.00? u got it subway subsidy. wait till the metro needs some fixin' where in the world is the DR going to get $$. I pray this metro does not go the way of ONATRATE
Written by: muchacho, 24 Apr 2008 9:10 AM
From: United States, New York City
No public mass transit system anywhere in the world is profitable (not even some national rail lines like AMTRAK). The idea is not profit, it's usually improvement of traffic congestion.
From: Dominican Republic
Can both sides....nay, can ALL sides of this debate agree that we can wait and see as the Metro will speak for itself.
If only we had a way to meet again on-line in 2011 so I could relish in the opportunity to give you a tender Mother Teresa smile, a comforting pat on the back, and a loving slight "I told you so" smile ;-p
From: United States
This is why wikipedia is unreliable....in recent years a tunnel was dug up in brooklyn which pre-dated the London subway by some decades. It was not long and was never more developed, but nonetheless was the first 'trial run' of modern subway building.
Also I think too many ppl here put blind faith on education. An island full of PhD candidates and Masters titles can still be broke.
From: United States
You are correct in your statement iff the quality of “their education” is sub par.
Well which would you prefer, to have a highly educated social class that has the know how and intellectual resources to accomplish national goals, or a nation of ignorant educationally deprived citizens that must rely on the lies of the elites to make decisions for them? Take your time to make your decision, but I think it’s a no brainer.
This reminds me of a deep discussion about tourism I had with a family member. She uttered “Why do we need to attract more tourism from the US when we have enough tourism from Europe?” I was appalled she would make that statement. To Boot she was a top medical surgeon in her city.
Education is the most vital resources a nation can have second to it’s people.
From: United States
Written by: Manhattanite, 24 Apr 2008 11:32 AM:
you wrote:
"" Also I think too many ppl here put blind faith on education.""
I can't believe people entertain and accept the view, and the notion that :
Education is........., well........,
....................it really just isn't that important!
From: United States
This is why Cuba is going to kick our rear, when they become free.
From: United States
ladronazo I think the dichotomy you presented is false; it doesn't matter how educated a populace is, we must still rely on the decisions of elites whether political, economic, etc. That is the case under any form of governance you can imagine unless we all vote on every issue. Even then there will still be an opinion-making elite.
Intellectuals, especially without an avenue to direct their energy towards, are the most susceptible to propaganda and to the most unproductive pursuit of all: politics. And I say this as a lover of intellectual pursuits; my only point is that the most pressing need is not necessarily more books and schools. From the discussion it sounds like some imagine that a degree on every wall would mean a chicken in every pot, but I don't think an emphasis on education is enough. The other part of the equation is enterprise.
From: United States
Also I never came out against education, so don't keep fighting against that straw man :) All I said is that education alone isn't enough.
From: United States
AlL I have to say is that the METRO when it is fully complete with it's six lines will bring to Dominican Society at large a lot more good than harm. The majority will benefit greatly and those same people that critized and spoke ill of the project will be the ones to be regular riders. Education, Health Care, Poverty and so forth are issues that have been in Dominican society since it's founding and will be around long after the METRO is completed. In general I think that we as a whole are a lot better off now than we were 50 years ago and even far better off than we were 4 years ago. Progress happens, but it happens slowly overtime. Although Dominican rationale is that progress should happen within 24 hours if it iniciation. We comoe along way and we still have alot more to go.
From: United States
You are right that education is “part” of the solution. And in no way was I discounting the other factors. But understand that a country possessing an educated critical mass opens many more opportunities than one without. One of the major advantages of the U.S. is that it is has Critical Mass of educated people. It is because of this critical mass that Tech industries and Foreign automakers have come to the U.S. To take advantage of the educated masses and lower wages.
India a country stricken with high rates of poverty and an increasing population has a major advantage, Their niche in technology and engineering. These Indians who are being heavily recruited with H1B visas will return to India and become the catalyst of change and progress in India. They will be the entrepreneurs that will increase and propel the middle class.
What is our niche? Merengue, baseball, and tegueraje.
From: United States
to snoopyy3k You've said it all !!!
From: United States
Ladronazo u r funny. That is not our niche and u know it. One cannot compare India to the DR. That is like comparing Brazil to the DR. Just because poverty excists does not mean that the causes are the same and furthermore the solutions to erradicate is a very different approach for each one. Even though the aim is the same. What works for one, does not necessarily work for all others. But like I said before progress in those countries like India, Brazil and so many others did not happen overnight. And just like there are poeple critizing the current government for the things that it has done in the name of progress, the governments in those respective countries at one point got the same lashing, because some could not see beyond yesterday and today. Some Dominicans want things to happen in an instant.
From: United States
Its like some of us are children as long as we get instant gratification we are fine, but if we do not get what we want immediately we start to cry and bicker about anything and everything that we do not agree with. But regardless of what people say I honestly think that Leonel is a visionary and the future will definately be a bright one for the country if he is able to accomplish the things that he envisions himself doing for the people. Like I said before proress is like a turtle, very slow and one small step at a time. And honestly the METRO is one of those steps towards the goal of progress. Hopefully not far off will be more funding for education, healthcare and social services. But one thing at a time.
Written by: serie56, 24 Apr 2008 9:20 PM
From: Dominican Republic
The problem with ALL the governments in the last 30 years is that they are so compromised with their campaign contributors (in this case Mr. D. Peña, metro promoter) that they can't pay attention to what's really important to have a developed country. Citizens' welfare is relieved into the background and the priority is to get to the next term making the presidential circle as rich as posible. There are almost 10 M people in DR, just a small part is packing the disco every weekend. And because the lack of education, one prefers to drink 2 presidentes when they have the money for one. Go to the inner city barrios unde the bridges, deep south etc.. that's where poverty lives.
From: United States
You're correct, I was being quite facetious. My facetiousness stems from my anger at the current state of our country. But I guess what really angers me is the feeling of impotence. When I hear peoples condemnation of corruption but yet these people are the very same individuals that fuel the corruptive practices. When I see government's lack of prioritization. When I hear of governments collusive activities that burden its society with unduly consequences. When I see Dominicans returning with hundreds of thousands of dollars to DR but not investing in their communities. When I see the lack of commitment by Dominicans to effectuate change. When I see the menacing threats if we continue with "our" complacency and inaction. When......
And no, I don't expect change to be over night but I do expect to see change in people perspective and actions about what is right. See it today, in these next few years. Why? Because we can do better than just sit and wait.
From: United States
And yes I am very much aware of the differences between India and DR. But show me where Dominicans are returning in droves to DR to invest in their communities and put into use their education from abroad to good positive use. Show me where Dominicans are creating the synergy that's going to take us to the Next level.
From: United States
Show me, Show me Show me!!
and it's not in the Big MO!
(Missouri)
Been their, and didn't see it.
From: United Kingdom
you’re completely right Ladronazo.
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Are you insane? I suggest you get a psychological check up ASAP!
A lasting monument to mismanagement, corruption, and one man's Guacanagaris Oedipus issues!
!
Tell it like its brother, tell it like it is!
No! The METRO does not hurt me, like you I live in foreign country and will not suffer directly from this disaster!
But the millions of Dominican children that will continue to get a substandard education if they get any at all, will be hurt for the rest of their life condemned to a meager existence because this tyrant has wasted billions that could have gone to give them a chance at moving out of poverty!
Yes that does hurt me and frankly it should hurt you too!
nothing against you
saludos a todos
julio.
I guess this are the People, that are crying wolf. huh
Its a damm shame when foreigners, dedicate there Time and Monies, on our own People.
While your Messiah is building, Projects for the FEW.
Click on the links, sit back and learn, Hermanos!
USF Health IHSC in the Dominican Republic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EtnxeVYMLg
Poverty in the Domincan Republic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMBS2ETPGZg
The Dream Project
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4kCrAR1LsI
CAMBIOS by Criollo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsViWXv2ru4
Josean: take your lessons and preach it to your Hatians brother who need it more than we do
Poverty in the Domincan Republic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMBS2ETPGZg
Poverty in the Dominican Republic is an on going epidemic and downfall of this country. This video was made to educate people about how bad it really is while others just sit in their house and don't care about what is going on because it is not there problem. But it really is their problem and citizens need to help the government put a stop to poverty.
I rather live in DR than Haiti,Iran,Iraq,Africa
______________________________________________
Did any of you even bother, to take a look at the Videos? Que Corazon de Piedras, Que dios lo bendiga!
Pero esta gente son el Diablo!
I cannot speak for what party, did what in the past, but i could speak, for the four years that i have been living here in DR. This APTs that you speak of, i have seen some of them and there more like small Ghetto Progects, with a new paint job on it. Like CRABS in Bucket!
These projects, that i have seen, were only given to them, because, there homes were on beach front properties,and living in poor conditions.
An you must know how beach front property goes for down here.
The problem is that money that belongs to education, health etc… has been used to build it...
Maybe the People, are afraid that if they decide, to Stand Up, and make The GOV work for the People, instead of the People work for the GOV, that maybe they will fail like Juan Bosch & Francisco Alberto Caamaño, and get there ass killed, like when the US troops invaded the Dominican Republic in 1965, to crush a popular revolt aimed at returning John Bosch to power
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@2
Bighector,
Actually, i mostly speak for my fellow Dominican hermanos, i cannot complain for myself,Other than High Prices like in the U.S. or worse.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@222
here regular is $5.16 imagine without heavy tax it will help alot.
The WAR and U.S. bases all over the world,printing more Monies without anything of value to back it up, for the WAR ,does not help either. ¿Hasta dónde llegaremos?
Well today several post are example of sell hating Dominicans. They have made such stereotypical, broad brush racist generalities of their own brothers and sisters, all in an effort of to deny reality: Archie Bunker and the Grand Wizard of the Klu Klux Klan would be proud of them.
Even when presented with compelling videos by time2rize, they choose to defend the indefensible, the insane METRO.
To achieve this they will stoop to the level of blaming the poor for being poor, when international organizations from the UN on down, clearly demonstrate that structural poverty in DR, is not just because of lack of resources but because of mismanagement ,no planning or poor planning and corruption, which of these four, this government has an abundance.
Yes, alll the other governments did the same and in some cases worse, but Lie-onel was to be better!
time2rize. The US is not printing money because unfortunately they are borrowing it from China. Which means, in any case and inevitably we (in the US) will still end up paying thru the nose.
As far as superior education: I disagree to a degree. When it comes to basics i.e. elementary and high school, yes the DR is superior. But when you refer to higher education and advanced degrees. No. The DR is Lacking. And sadly this is where it is most important. As it makes it difficult for Dominicans to compete on a Global scale with other foreigners for Jobs and visas, recruitment foreign investments etc.
You, as I, have a right to our own opinions, but not to your own facts!
You stated: "what has made nyc the greatest city in the world is the subway transportation system , and every city in the world has tryed to emulate this. from paris to london to toronto to montreal to .... it is indefinet , it just keeps going on.. i know , i work in the transportation in ny and it works!!!"
Source
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_transit
The oldest rapid transit system in the world is the London Underground, which opened in 1863 and was then called the Metropolitan Railway.[2] The Underground remains one of the most extensive rapid transit systems in the world.[3]
If the London Underground (subway) is the oldest in the world how could they have" tryed to emulate" the NY subway, wouldn't it be logically the opposite?
Posted by Ramonf212, 24 Apr 2008 3:31 AM:
"" . i know , i work in the transportation in ny and it works!!!""
Exactly! You work in transportation in NYC in the great US of A,.............. not in the DR or anywhere else. Do you work in the upper tiers of management? Are you an Administrator or hold an executive position in the MTA? Or are you a city official responsible for one of these areas? Are you privy to all decisions of the MTA? If so I would like to know more of how the mechanisms budgeting financing, procurement, training, allocation of funds work in the MTA.
The New York City subway system is great. Is it profitable? No. The huge subsidies given to run the NYC subway system are enormous. for example why do u think gasoline is USD$0.30 more expensive in New York than in New Jersey? Those 30 cents are a tax for the transportation system. Why are the tolls into New York city USD$5.00 and USD$8.00? u got it subway subsidy. wait till the metro needs some fixin' where in the world is the DR going to get $$. I pray this metro does not go the way of ONATRATE
If only we had a way to meet again on-line in 2011 so I could relish in the opportunity to give you a tender Mother Teresa smile, a comforting pat on the back, and a loving slight "I told you so" smile ;-p
Also I think too many ppl here put blind faith on education. An island full of PhD candidates and Masters titles can still be broke.
Well which would you prefer, to have a highly educated social class that has the know how and intellectual resources to accomplish national goals, or a nation of ignorant educationally deprived citizens that must rely on the lies of the elites to make decisions for them? Take your time to make your decision, but I think it’s a no brainer.
This reminds me of a deep discussion about tourism I had with a family member. She uttered “Why do we need to attract more tourism from the US when we have enough tourism from Europe?” I was appalled she would make that statement. To Boot she was a top medical surgeon in her city.
Education is the most vital resources a nation can have second to it’s people.
you wrote:
"" Also I think too many ppl here put blind faith on education.""
I can't believe people entertain and accept the view, and the notion that :
Education is........., well........,
....................it really just isn't that important!
Intellectuals, especially without an avenue to direct their energy towards, are the most susceptible to propaganda and to the most unproductive pursuit of all: politics. And I say this as a lover of intellectual pursuits; my only point is that the most pressing need is not necessarily more books and schools. From the discussion it sounds like some imagine that a degree on every wall would mean a chicken in every pot, but I don't think an emphasis on education is enough. The other part of the equation is enterprise.
India a country stricken with high rates of poverty and an increasing population has a major advantage, Their niche in technology and engineering. These Indians who are being heavily recruited with H1B visas will return to India and become the catalyst of change and progress in India. They will be the entrepreneurs that will increase and propel the middle class.
What is our niche? Merengue, baseball, and tegueraje.
And no, I don't expect change to be over night but I do expect to see change in people perspective and actions about what is right. See it today, in these next few years. Why? Because we can do better than just sit and wait.
and it's not in the Big MO!
(Missouri)
Been their, and didn't see it.