Proud of Panama

I absolutely love Panama, especially now that I've settled down in el campo de Chiriqui. Chiriqui is a paradise on Earth, with an abundance of everything a human needs to be happy.

You may have read that Panama has recently had protests, riots, looting, and road blocks causing the breakdown of supply chains of food and gasoline.

While it is true these economically destructive things have happened, we have been virtually unaffected here in farm country Chiriqui. We have eaten organic, antibiotic-free pork that the neighbors raised, and harvested papaya, starfruit, cucumbers, plantains, and more. We have natural springs and well water to drink, and plentiful energy. We do have gasoline shortages, but where do you need to go, anyway?

At the same time, like most Panamanians, I love the country in spite of the poor government. Hence the protesters, who have many legitimate concerns.

On the other hand, as an international traveler and immigrant, I have the perspective to see that all governments are ineffective and corrupt, and appreciate that the Panama government is actually less harmful than 99% of others. Today, however, I'm proud of the government.

In response to the protests, the government has agreed to reduce their payroll by 10%. Additionally, they agreed to various subsidies, which I do not believe are optimum policy, but it is what the diverse protesters asked for, and is clearly going to be more helpful than extra bureaucrats.

I believe that the government also reduced their payroll last year by 1-2%. While I do not follow all local news, especially politics, I do think these are major moves in the right direction. In tough economic times, we all need to tighten our belts, and help each other. The Panamanian government, and the current administration, are not perfect, but I am happy to deal with them, and occasionally, I'm even proud.