Quo Vadis Puerto Rico?

Here I am, writing in English what my heart is yelling in Spanish. It is often cited that Puerto Rico has suffered from a "brain-drain" in the last couple of decades. Anecdotally, I can relate closely to this statement because I have lived it. As many of my dearest friends; some of the smartest people I know; have left our beautiful shores to find their future somewhere else.

What can be done to help our your professionals stay? For starters, as in words read in the newspaper the other day; Puerto Rico is in dire need of true stateswomen and statesmen (to be politically correct) that will place the collective needs ahead of their short term political motives and allegiances. It is imperative the only agenda that matters is that of moving Puerto Rico forward. No matter how you call it a bus, a train, a ship, or a plane - opportunity is saying good bye and will leave Puerto Rico behind.

It is clear that the current system is not sustainable. Big and inefficient government, duplicity of work, a demoralized workforce, lack of job creation power, the cancer of politics in the workplace, the list can go on forever and many in the island as well as outside of it know them very well. A vibrant private sector is necessary to bring about the change that Puerto Rico needs. Examples of community based organizations are few but often successful in bringing about change. We must not loose sight that sometimes the so called "grandes intereses" might be those of ourselves.

Slowly but surely...

Things are falling into place for my projects. The future sure looks bright in this confusing and uncertain times. People always ask me how can I keep my head about the water when all you hear is bad news from everywhere. The 24/7 market and news networks have plenty of experts that say that the markets are going south, and for the most part they have. What many people forget than rather than spell trouble it should really be seen as an opportunity. The old rule of "buy low, sell high" still applies.

If I had the money, I will do my research and pick those stocks that represent value. Those that have behind them a sound business model but have been caught in this credit/market mess. I know, it is easier said than done. I don't consider myself a makets expert... but in the long term the markets will recover and following tried and true concepts might serve you well into the future.

Another week starts

Another week, 20 gazillion things to do... not enough time. I have been enjoying my new found freedom of information. I don't have to miss some of my favorite NPR shows... that is a good one. So when my wife watches her favorite shows, I can get my Marketplace fix... how's that for convenience!

Next month will be the anniversary of the first time I went to Iraq. I look back and looks almost surreal. I spent a birthday in a foreign land eating a steak and listening to bachata... yes bachata. I can't remember if it was Aventura or Monchy y Alexandra...lol

War touches many people in ways that are to complicated to ever understand. Many people, insulated in their busy lives get tired of the news and opt to tune out what is happening on those forgotten lands. I am beyond the games politicians play... after all they are not the ones that put the uniform and put their lives on the line. My heart goes out to all military families and the troops wherever in the world they might be. That God always protect them and bless them every day.

Just my thoughts...

So much to write about... so little time

So here, I am after a brief hiatus... Today my workplace carries a somber atmosphere. We have been sold to another company and the first half of the transaction is today. The other half of the operation will be transferred sometime in May. Half my coworkers will be at another location from Monday and the rest of us will keep working at tying the loose ends. It has been only about six months, in which I have learned a lot. I can say that I am truly looking forward to what is going to be next. I have a good feeling. It is weird, to stare and so many challenges ahead and still be hopeful. But that is the way, "a llorar pa' maternidad"

On other news I finally have started using my iPod a little more. I downloaded my Marketplace podcast, a couple of stand-up comedy podcasts, and my fix of The Economist. Being a tech guy, I find it funny that I do not have always the latest gadgets. Heck, I had a paper dayrunner until last year! But, if you had work with computers for an average of 10 hours per day for the last 12-15 years you might want to back off from technology a litle bit. Honestly, I should have started sooner.

PMP Update - I am at a loss here... Almost three weeks behind schedule!! My application is ready just need to complete my training and study. It is crunch time and I need to finish!!!! I need to tighten my belt and complete it!

I have been trying to avoid news from Puerto Rico, the whole thing is a complete mess. Another example of how the system can be used to favor those with real power. In my view, it boils down to a matter of money. For example Rossello's net worth was a several hundred thousands of dollars which became several millions at the end of his administration. Now, at less than 70,000 a year sounds a little strange. Get's an illegal pension in which one person is in jail. In less than 24 hours over $80k were raised to cover the excess payments that he received, and no one even hinted the word investigation. I agree with Anibal Vega Borges, that the Governor does not need to resign if he has done nothing wrong. If he or anyone in his circle failed, then they have to pay the price.

The problem I have is with the circus that has been put up around the case. Politicians have been like vultures trying to gain anything from it. Additionally I have a problem with the State Comptroller "cogiendo pon" with the federal authorities when his responsibilities to Puerto Rico are to submit any referrals to the State Justice Department not playing the opposition paladin asking the Governor's resignation. In the end the personal tragedy transcends into our institutions, and society in general. The people's faith in their legal, political and economic systems will continue to deteriorate as politicians care more about how much money they can make for them and their "compadres" and making the opponent look bad not matter what the cost rather than act like true statesmen and doing the right thing for Puerto Rico.

Keep tuned.