Jim Tosch

there are never solutions for all problems. But, before feeling sorry for the Panamanian gov remember there are over a hundred thousand Panamanian's in the US, the US gov gives hundreds of millions in aid to Panama every year. Question why Medicaid doesn't cover expats out of the US where care is much cheaper thus saving the US millions. Why do people have to be terminally ill to receive assisted suicide. Why is suicide illegal in the first place. The Panamanian gov has financial problems because Martinelli spent like a drunken sailor not because of expats receiving a very cheap level of care in regional hospitals. Would a solution be a good thing? Yes, so why don't the two govs initiate a health care treaty.

why would you think I am joking?

Bonnie, you may have just suggested an idea for new expat coverage. For a small fee per month you receive whatever pain relief necessary to see you through your ultimate day.

Bonnie, I am one thousand percent on your side against pain. I am simply bewildered by heart transplants, chemo and the many life extending (temporarily) efforts that cost fortunes. Philosophically it is illogical, economically it is impractical, why can't people just die at their peak, just think of it as retiring.

Sometimes I wonder why everyone, including Christians want to live so long. If you have had a great life do you really want to go through repetitive surgeries and live in special care facilities. For many of you it is simply delaying what you believe is heaven. For others it is just delaying the inevitable. Live fast, die young and forget Plan B. Use plan helium, just keep a full tank nearby.

mass transit is usually subsidized. Who pays for highways, airports etc. what are they paying for the new rail system in Panama City? Last I remember it was 25 cents. It is there to provide efficiency and service, not to make a profit.

Bonnie, I am sorry, but, I knew this question was coming. I watch Bloomberg every morning but I couldn't find this reference. What I have found is that Union Fenosa is on the market constantly. But, I repeat if you live where there is snow, hurricanes and lightning you are going to lose light and it is not the fault of your supplier. For the next few months I have no idea if winds will blow down , lightning will destroy or everything will be great, such is life.

not sure if this will change anything but Union Fenosa was just bought by another energy company. However, at least some of the problem is due to our location which exposes us to powerful lightning activity.

now you are onto something. When I first came here Panama was famous for the cleanest water in the world. There were signs everywhere. However, remember when we talk about Latin America, Panama, especially after Martinelli spent ten billion dollars, has pretty spectacular infrastructure compared to....? It is always compared to Latin America, a rapidly deteriorating disaster area.

it is largely accurate. Consider the standard set. Venezuela, Honduras, Guatemala, we are focused on recent crime here locally. Argentina and Brasil are teetering on economic collapse, the highest murder rates in the world are all around us. I don't know of much tourism related crime in Panama. But, I'll listen if you say so.

one and a half to two hours one way. Anybody have more info?

Just heard that the government is studying plans for a high speed train from Panama City to David.

Entertaining and thought provoking. I do think Panama is more of a developed country but I am not sure it has more of a developed US embassy .

Randall, Uriah basically rebuilt my house and I was very satisfied with his work in a difficult country. I suggest you give him a try.

DUMP TRUMP!!