All I see out the window is fog and gloom. So instead of posting a pic of that, I'm putting up these photos I took on our front porch just before we left Hilo.
Anthurium
Chameleon
I only have the full-service computer for a few minutes, but I want to say something about the current New Yorker. This was one of the ground-breaking issues they publish from time to time. The journalistic essay I will never forget is Jon Lee Anderson's Slumlord: What has Hugo Chavez wrought in Venezuela? Ever wondered what life in Hell would be like? Here is your answer. Turn the society over to gun-toting young men who don't mind murdering people, train them up in a dysfunctional prison system, have them find god and amass followings, and allow their values to become the prevailing ones. Let everyone else struggle and labor without remittance just to survive.
I know the mentality of these men, having worked in prisons. Drugs, girls, guns, fancy cars, plenty of money and a lot of lip service to god to lure in the gullible and cover up their crimes: that's what counts in their world.
Chavez started out trying to do something about the horrible situation, but it is too overwhelming. The people living in this hell don't even know about middle class values or how the rich live. Such things are completely off their radar. The moneyed classes simply have retreated into enclaves or left the country. The reporter takes one of these slumlords into a rich part of town. He has never been there and does not even know it exists! I would say the situation is hopeless.
A repairman is working on our leaking dishwasher, and my daughter and granddaughter are showing up in a few minutes, and Terry needs his computer back, so that's it for now.
I should check that out. In the U.S. Chavez is portrayed as either a mad dictator or a savior. I don't think most Americans know who he is, actually.
The weather in Hilo lately is sunny but cold, the kind we usually get in winter.
Posted by: Brandon | January 22, 2013 at 10:26 AM
I met some wealthy Venezuelans on a vacation in the Caribbean recently. I saw in their eyes and heard their conversation exactly what you are saying. They were waiting for the election and hoping for the best.
Posted by: Tabor | January 22, 2013 at 10:56 AM
We had four nights in Central Oregon-- gorgeous with snow and blue skies. Then drove home this morning figuring we'd come back to fog as it's been that way in the main valley for weeks. Instead back at the ranch we found blue skies-- although still darned cold, with frozen stock waterers which we had someone looking after the place and he had been dealing with but it's our turn now. Cold house but nice to be home ;)
Posted by: Rain Trueax | January 22, 2013 at 03:10 PM
My daughter lived in Portland, OR for a couple of years and just loved it but every time I visited her, it was dark and gloomy and rainy. She loved Portland but I need more sunshine!
Posted by: Florence | January 22, 2013 at 03:50 PM
It was 41 degrees with high clouds this afternoon but we went for a long walk anyway. The air was wonderful.
Posted by: Hattie | January 22, 2013 at 05:25 PM
All I know is that my Venezuelan friends really dislike Chavez and I'm putting that mildly.
Lucky you that you're having your daughter and granddaughter come. Sigh...
Posted by: Musings | January 23, 2013 at 11:27 PM
Kay: I don't think Chavez is totally responsible for what is going on, but he hasn't made things better. But I am an outsider to the situation. It does sound terrible.
Yes I'm lucky that I can see my grandkids now, today as a matter of fact.
Posted by: Hattie | January 24, 2013 at 03:34 AM