Wonderful...that would be news here if the heading was....RAMIREZ DONATES 1.5 MILLION TO BETTERING EDUCATION AND SPORTS IN THE D.R.". Who cares about a real estate purchase in Florida....I certainly don't.

puntacanamike you are correct, and most of all why doesn't he invest money on his own native country. These type of players are the ones that are keeping the country down by making this type of large investment in another country instead of his. like they say you have yo give some back to the community.

Its his freakin money. Let him spend it on what he desires. This is certainly no ones buisness.

But what good is it to invest in a home in DR when only one person benefits, “the Buyer” Why not build a house a modest one and invest part of that money in micro community development projects in improving the education services in his local community? Does anyone know how far just a small fraction of that would go? Very far.

When you sit home and cheer for him and pay for his gear think about it. This is the sheer stupidity of Dominicans always cheering Dominican Players as if they are the best thing since slice bread when in reality they should be forced to step up to the HOME Plate. Dominicans should demand more from these idiots. In reality their should be a boycott on Dominican Players that do not invest in their local Dominican Communities

And only then, should Dominicans as whole, support these idiots by buying their gear and attending their games.

Again, I think they can do with their money whatever they want. But, I think this should get the shit tax out of them, then use the money to invest it back in the community.

If Dominicans had half the initiative, natural leadership, humility and sensibilities as Dikembe Mutombo we could be somewhere else. If you think we cant rise above the poverty misery and our pathetic state, it's not because we cant., but because we don't want to.

Wow! It amazes me how easy it is for everyone to quickly critique or put down people as opposed to getting involved in change. While I will agree with some of you that there are better things to do with one's money and that each individual should be allowed to do with their hard earn money what they please, I will also point out that we are not always privy to what high income people do with every penny they have. We only hear about the million dollar homes they purchase or fleet or luxury cars they have parked in their driveway. Many of them are involved in charitable organization. I am actually writing to shed light on an organization that I am a part of which helps to educate this young, gifted athletes so that we can one day read about their philanthropic work and not so much about how they spend their dollars. Please visit www.drsea.org to learn more about this much needed institution in the DR!

regarding: DRSEA, 26 Nov 2008 6:17 PM

you are very correct with your statement.
""I will also point out that we are not always privy to what high income people do with every penny they have" ""


however I will re-iterate mine with a correction If A FRACTION OF Dominicans had half the initiative, natural leadership, humility and sensibilities as Dikembe Mutombo we could be somewhere else. If you think we cant rise above the poverty misery and our pathetic state, it's not because we cant., but because we don't want to.

I am in total agreement with you and would add, if a fraction of any group be they Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Colombians etc etc etc we would all be in a better place. So the real question is, what do we do about it! Do we continue to simply talk about it as has been done for years or do we take action! Talking about it, while very important, will only get us so far!!!!!! Ladronaso, I am not directing this to you as I am certain you are doing what you can to make the situation better. Education is the key and we can never sit around and expect any government to do it for us!

Reagrding: DRSEA, 26 Nov 2008 8:22 PM
So the real question is, what do we do about it! Do we continue to simply talk about it as has been done for years or do we take action! Talking about it, while very immportant, will only get us so far
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I agree with you 100% but unfortunately Dominicans are pathetically conforming and complacent. They are akin to the U.S. youth population ( until recently) lots of Hype, protesting, rallying,...........etc., but when it comes to stepping up to the plate and voting ........ well maybe next time.

Today we have Obama, a black man as president. something the nay-sayers said wouldn't happen couldn't happen. Tomorrow or in a few years we will have major changes in Cuba U.S. relations and a possible rise of a sleeping powerhouse. All the while the DR will regale in the same stupidities, corrupt and paternalistic practices while questioning with astonishment their current state.
(continue)

(continued)

If you came here in search of intelligent , brilliant minds willing and wanting to "Do something" "Wanting to take Action" "Wanting to make and become a part of a Difference" I hate to disappoint you. DT is replete with intelligent minds but missing those really "Wanting" capable and goodhearted individuals. Instead talk and talk and talk.

I have made my attempts to muster these minds see my post.
http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/....info/351/Ready-for-change-are-you


and the current last page#14
http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/....o/351/Ready-for-change-are-you/14
The good thing is "hope" doesn't cost anything.

I see your point Ladronasa. In the 5+ years that I have been traveling to and working in sports/educational programs with DR athletes, I too have come across some deep rooted apathy from every corner of the island, even within educational circles! No surprise there! I have spend thousands and thousands of dollars and expect to spend millions by the time all is said and done. I keep pushing forward because I have seen, first hand, how kids and entire familes there place all of their hopes in the perverbial "basket" that is professional sports. You are correct "hope" doesn't cost anything, but apathy will cost everyone!

I know what I am doing: boycotting. I've disconnected my tv's and cable subscription and do not support most major brands (as well as one could). I won't feed the machine by criticizing on one side and patronizing it on the other. In turn, my children and I have increased our reading load exponentially.