Dottie Atwater

Your comment sounds like a slam on Bible believers as a group. So please don't condemn me (and my misconstrued comments) when you yourself just demonstrated intolerance. That particular web site was one of the first I clicked on when I did a search for "Sharia Law in America," not one that I "follow" and have never seen before. There are many other web sites if you care to do a search on "Sharia Law in America." And for those of you who demand that I be banned from this site for expressing concern about violence committed by a particular group? That itself is intolerance. Do you not express "intolerance" for the thugs in Panama? When you do, no one is demanding that you be banned for attacks against all Panamanians. Just give it some thought... Peace.

Evangelical Christians, or Jews, or Hindus, or Wiccans do not as a rule commit acts of violence. Sorry to have upset many of you. My comments were not intended to be about any "religion" but about acts of violence committed in the name of a particular religion. Yes, there are non-violent Muslims but no one knows which ones are "radicalized" and that is my concern and should be a concern of any thinking person. Many, many acts of violence have been and continue to be committed by Muslims. Yes, there are acts of violence committed by people other than Muslims, but as a group their violent acts multiply thousandfold...9/11 for example, committed by Islamic terrorists. Anyone who doesn't think Sharia Law is "disturbing and disgusting" apparently did not read the link I sent that explains it. The use of Sharia Law is spreading. One link, Sharia Law in Ameria: http://www.billionbibles.org/sharia/america-sharia-law.html Just one quote from that page: "In the landmark 2010 pro-Sharia ruling on S.D. v. M.J.R., Judge Joseph Charles Jr. of New Jersey concluded that the Muslim ex-husband repeatedly had raped (see Taharrush) his Muslim ex-wife. After testimony from the Muslim man's imam, the judge denied the ex-wife's request for a permanent restraining order against her ex-husband, citing the Muslim man's "belief." https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/5-facts-you-need-to-know-about-sharia-law_us_5788f567e4b03fc3ee507c01 - My comments were meant to be like that of Newt Gringrich, but evidently I said it badly. "If you are a practicing Muslim and you believe deeply in your faith, but you’re also loyal to the United States and you believe in the Constitution, you should have your rights totally completely protected within the Constitution.” He added that his comments weren’t “about targeting a particular religion,” but about “looking for certain characteristics that we have learned painfully time after time involve killing people. But the articles goes on to state, among other things, "The truth is, Gingrich would be hard pressed to find an American Muslim who isn’t influenced by Sharia in one way or another. That’s because Sharia law is an essential guide to Islamic life that encompasses a whole range of behaviors and faith practices ― from praying five times daily to abstaining from pork and alcohol." Again, my comments were not to be construed against Muslims in general, but the fact that no one knows which ones have been "radicalized." I find that disturbing. Just like I am against the violence committed by thugs and criminals in Panama doesn't mean that I am against all Panamanians. Also, just like during the Crusades, Christians tortured and killed thousands in the name of "religion." I also find those acts disgusting. Anyone disagree with that?

Well, who would know if a Muslim was stoned to death in Panama? Do you think they would advertise the fact?" "A headscarf?" A "headscarf" is very different from covering the entire head except for the face, plus wearing black clothing that covers their entire body. Again, I question why women would put up with this crap while their "men" are wearing shorts and T-shirts. "Homicide charges"? Get real. There have been murders of expats right here in Volcan that have never been "solved" and never will be. Plus lots of other violent acts never solved. It seems that you are mistaken, Keith. I repeat: " I think it is disturbing and disgusting that "political correctness" allows any group to establish their own laws over and above the laws of a particular country."

Absolutely, Keith. The laws protect the criminals, not the law-abiding citizens and residents. We've been told (by DIJ) that if we kill and intruder in our home, we (especially expats) will go to jail. That's whether we have a legally registered weapon or not. There is talk around here about forming a group that people can call day or night who will offer immediate action and protection ("justice") while the police are useless. Not long ago there was an armed break-in around Volcan. Four criminals with guns kicked in a door of an 80-year-old man and his wife around 8:30 pm, held them at gunpoint, and put a knife to the woman's throat. While she was searching in her purse, for money they thought, she activated her car alarm. The criminals then hurriedly left. Probably because they knew a BIG, BAD grindo dude lives next door. They called the police. Before doing anything, the police required this traumatized man to come to the police station and file a report. Finally, two hours after the ordeal, the police went to the location...and did practically nothing. Near Cuesta de Piedra a couple of years ago, some expats caught a couple of criminals who had tried to break into a single woman's house. They beat the thugs nearly to death. There have been no criminal incidents in that area since that time. All the locals knew who did the beating, but they would never say a word against them; instead they praised them. We need more "affirmative action" like this by able-bodied men in every area of Chriqui!

And yes, this does affect all of us in Panama, including Chiriqui. I didn't have a clue what "Sharia Law" was until I looked it up. http://www.billionbibles.org/sharia/sharia-law.html It is disturbing and disgusting and alarming because we are getting more and more Muslims in Panama. Not long ago I was in a dollar store in Volcan. There were about a dozen Muslims in it at the time, inside and outside. The men wore "normal" clothes--T-shirts, shorts, etc. while the women were covered almost head to toe with whatever their garb is called. They and their children were loud, rude, and disruptive. One woman was sitting on the floor blocking an isle. When she finally got up, there was a puddle of water. Pee? The men all had those huge disgusting beards that looked like a big pile of black curly wire. They had a late-model expensive SUV. I am not a racist and have never been a racist. But I think it is disturbing and disgusting that "political correctness" allows any group to establish their own laws over and above the laws of a particular country. And I've seen a a couple of youtube videos of some radical Islam woman expounding on Sharia Law and saying Muslims should never try to "assimilate" in the US. Then why doesn't she (and they) go back to their own country? She's evidently ignoring that under Sharia Law, if she is raped, it's perfectly legal and she is to blame--and will be punished severely, maybe to death. Why do women put up with this crap?...and even encourage it?

I hope this is true and he does indeed go to prison. If so, that is a huge positive.

Speculation in this case, yes. But it is well know that adult criminals recruit minors to do a lot of the criminal acts because nothing will be done to the minors.

And the article mentioned a possible minor...of course nothing will be done to him. Hence a BIG problem.

Blessings to Javier and Magaly. They are doing a wonderful job, giving from their hearts. I wish I could contribute financially to them, but I have everything I can do with my own 18 dogs, the clinics, and the other dogs in the Volcan area that need my help. Many people in this area say I am "the best vet" in the entire area, even though I'm not a vet. People often bring their sick or injured animals to me, and I can usually help them. Never in my previous life would I have dreamed my life would turn out this way, but I am grateful for it.

Exactly. When I was in the US, I donated to the SPCA but I had no idea of the real needs. Suffering and mistreatment of animals is worldwide, certainly not unique to Panama. We who give hands-on personal experience with helping, whether people or animals, we ourselves are the ones who receive the most meaningful gift.

Bless you for caring and your efforts to help, Brundagega. None of us can do everything. I do the same for dogs and cats that need help. Every one one of us "privileged" people living in Panama can do something to help the people or the animals. Sadly, too many are either blind to the problems or they don't give a crap and are too involved in their gossip sessions and group functions. I know people in the Boquete area who are absolute champions--and you are among that number. Thank you again for your efforts, whether for human or animals.

I'm surprised that they even noticed she had been spayed. Unless you told them, I doubt they would have noticed.

I sincerely hope you can find a home for this sweet dog and then just kidnap her. (I have one that I literally kidnapped from abusive owners.)

"We feed her daily and are trying to find her a new home. In the mean time, she still lives with the bastards who tied her up and starved her." File a denuncia against those bastards! To treat a dog like that is a criminal act. In addition to the current animal abuse law, it will soon require jail time for the abusers. It has passed all three "reviews" in the government and is now just waiting for the President's signature. Also, I understand that now a formal denuncia does not have to be filed. Here in Volcan we've been told to take pictures of the abusive situation and the corregidor will take the police to advise the abusers of the law...up to a $500 fine, for one thing. Hopefully that would change the abusers deeds. Not long ago I went to the corregidor and had him accompany me to talk with an owner about what I thought was a dog being abused. Fortunately that wasn't the case; just visually from the road it appeared to be. It turned out that I know the owner (by face, not by name), actually a nice guy, and he had had the dog previously sterilized at our clinic. We did ask him to report any animal abuse that he witnesses. So every effort helps.

Situations like this, although too "usual," absolutely break my heart. Attached are pictures of my dog Sweetie. before and after. I found her while I was walking and immediately called my employee to bring my car to take her to my house. She was within a week or two of dying because her organs would shut down from starvation. Sweetie came right up to me, like "OK, take me home with you." She wasn't afraid of people like many of the abandoned, homeless dogs are. (I have many other examples other than Sweetie about the dogs who live with me.) Sweetie also has a scar around her neck, and she had two ulcerous sores on her hind end, like she had been tied and had to sleep on concrete. Who knows? Maybe she had been tied up and escaped, or maybe someone brought her to Volcan and dumped her. She was apparently under six months of age at the time and had never had puppies. Her physical build at the time was the same as now. When I brought her home she weighted 25 lbs. Now she weighs 55 lbs., perfect for her size, and she is happy and healthy. I'm so glad Sweetie and I found each other. It was/is a blessing for both of us. Helping as many animals as I can is my purpose in life here in Volcan. I have 18 rescues, now all healthy and happy after proper treatment and many times surgery by our wonderful Dr. Tello. I simply don't have room for for more dogs. My heart bleeds every time I see a female dog in heat, many males hanging around to molest her, or a skinny female dog with big full tits obviously nursing puppies that will suffer and probably die a painful early death. And when people call me or I find one what has been hit by a car so badly that they can't be saved, and I have to put them down. (Two in the last 10 days.) I cry every time. I applaud those of you in Boquete involved in the rescue efforts. Here in Volcan, I'm the only one. People do call me--often-- but I'm expected to be the "solution." Sometimes I can help, but right now I think I'm close to burnout from the work and sadness this creates. but I doubt there will be any respite. The clinics we have here are a lot of work and they are emotionally satisfying. But those we can't help weigh heavily on me. I will continue as long as I can. See the pictures of Sweetie before and after. I really hope there is reincarnation and I hope those animal abusers return in physical form to be abused in the same manner that they subjected to these animals.

Thank you! And would you please explain "good and bad" nematodes if you can? Just in the last few months have my sweet potatoes been attacked by grubs. What I've been doing lately is to wrap them in foil, bake, and then remove the bad sections, then freeze. But I'd sure like to get rid of the grubs!

Thank you, Roger. Great suggestions!

Grubs are destroying my organic sweet potatoes! The grubs are way beneath the surface of the ground. Online research indicates that nematodes will kill grubs. Does anyone know if nematodes are available locally? I am hesitant to order them online because I question whether the live nematodes would survive the time and heat between arrival in Miami and then sent to Panama via my package forwarding service. I'll appreciate any ideas! Thank you!

What a wonderful post, Bud. Thanks to Donna and to others who clarified my interpretation of Mark's report. With due respect to Mark, without ever having known Bill (or OF Bill) from Mark's report, it was easy for me to think he was "narcissistic" and "self-indulgent." Thanks to everyone who clarified my misconception.

Thanks for the additional info, Bonnie. The link I posted was one of the first I came across. Again, the key is to do lots of online research and then make our own decisions.

Marcelyn, I don't intend to be contradictory, but I have a couple of comments in response to your post about beautiful Anouk. Just food for thought. First is the comment ""0nly egg white" per Dra. Chely "not the egg yolk." Do some research on the internet. There are pros and cons about giving egg whites to dogs (a lot regarding raw egg whites). Some say yes, some say no, some say only cooked egg whites, others say it doesn't matter. We each have to make our own decisions. My decision in my case: I have 18 dogs. Now that my six chickens have started producing, I put the six raw eggs, shell and all, into a blender with sufficient water to make a slush of it all. I then mix this with the huge bowl of Kirkland kibble to feed them each day. (The egg yolk is actually the most nutritious but has more calories. That could be the reason Dra Chely suggested only the white. But just feed less. All my dogs could "lose a few pounds" and I keep harping on Jose to feed them less but...) (Feeding them raw foods would be my first choice, but it's impossible with so many!) For other days, I make a gelatinous broth from turkey wings at PriceSmart, add that and the cooked turkey meat to the huge bowl of Kirkland kibble. (Sans bones; I save the cooked bones to put out for street dogs. never give cooked bones to our own beloved dogs, but I figure street dogs are accustomed to eating whatever they can find.) Regarding Nylabones: Also, do your own research. Here's a quote from one page: One of the most trusted names in dog chews is Nylabone. For 40 years they've made some of the most popular dog chews. But there is growing evidence that some of their product lines - like one made from a gummy material - could be harmful, even fatal, to your dog. https://www.purelypets.com/wellness-center-archives-3/66-nylabone-warning Geeze--one hardly knows what to do these days, both for the health of ourselves and and our animals! There is a lot of "evidence" on the net, both pro and con, regarding any and all subjects. We just do the best we can with the knowledge we can find. Again, just food for thought. Please, in no way construe my comments as any criticism about your care of the beautiful Anouk. She is very lucky to have you and Bud as "parents."

In the event my impression was incorrect, I apologize. I did not know the man and I had never heard of him before. My "impression" was formed merely from the article posted by Mark.

Excellent response, Palo Alto Jo. However, my post did not accuse "Bill" of being evil, but egocentric in my opinion. Each of us has opinions about many different subjects/people/events. Our opinions do not make us right or wrong, and they don't even affect the object of our opinions. The ultimate "judgment" for any of us will be the truth of how we have lived our lives. Some call that the "judgement" of God; others call it karma experienced in a subsequent life, and so on. I'm just weighing in here and don't intend to get in "religious" discussions or what happens in an afterlife, if any. Thanks for your thoughtful response.

A very interesting story (if true). One error is "Colombia" spelled as "Columbia." (No thanks needed, Mark, from my editing of your piece.)_ But what struck me (and disturbed me) the most was the ego of a wealthy person who chose to spend "mega-bucks" to buy Noreiga's "mansion" (or anything else) to call attention to himself. "Bill Strong was not shy about getting what he wanted in life. After paying a price that the locals called “gringo loco,” Bill and Donna undertook a renovation of the Noriega mansion and grounds so detailed it might be thought a new construction. An authentic suit of armor guarded the main entrance. From inside, Bill thundered out Bach fugues on “The most expensive electronic organ that Yamaha makes.” What an egocentric person this Bill Strong is portrayed to be (and his "new" wife as well!). In my opinion they are who are people we do not need in Panama--or anywhere else, for that matter. For a fraction of the money spent to satisfy their egos, Bill Strong and his wife could have had a beautiful home in which to live and enjoy Panama--and then become involved (not just with money alone but with their own work also) to better the lives of the needy in Panama. Many of us--expats and Panamanians alike--who are not wealthy but who work endless hours at our own expense to better the lives of animals and poor Panamanians...well, to me, these people--Bill Strong and his wife--are an insult to us and they are despicable when they take from country instead of giving both their money and their physical work to help their adopted country.

Many of us expats are getting older. Even if those of us who live alone and have a designated person to administer "last wishes," disposing of everything in a household would be a tremendous burden on that person. As curiosity, I did a search on estate sales and how they work. Here's one example: http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/financial-planning/estate-sales.htm I'm certainly not interested in starting an estate sale business myself, but doing so could possibly be a lucrative endeavor for some of the younger expats here. Just a thought... Dottie