Tremendously moved by this article. Blown away by the raw reality of style and substance, which reminded me of an Anthony Bourdainβs tale of life abroad. But with a bit more emotion pulling energy. Well done, citizen. And bless you
This is one of your best Good Citizen. Reminds me of the song "Dogs" by Pink Floyd from their Animals album. If you listen to the lyrics you see the similarities of people and dogs. Like you said above, useless eaters. But who are really the useless eaters? Regular people who bust their asses to try to survive on crumbs of bread, or the elite who eat everything good and expensive no matter what the cost of another human life?
It's rare to read someone who combines excellent writing with keen observational skills -- you've done it here. Gorgeous, dismal, and thought-provoking. Thank you!
You are truly a gifted writer. I felt I was along in that journey rushing along watching traffic struggling to get home. I felt horribly sad for the dog.
Thank you. I have wonderful fond memories of our times in Mexico. I recall spending a half day walking in Bucieros (sp?) down the way from Nuevo Vallarta, feeling the touch of a Mexico divorced from the sterile, gated All Inclusives. We attended Mass in the Bucieros parish where birds flew in through the open walls near the top and landed on the trees near the altar. It is my happy space during our current travails. I am happy you are reveling in this space. Nuevo or Old Puerto??
A few paragraphs in, i thought it may well have been Bucerias. But, it doesnβt really matter, as itβs always Mexico shining through wherever one goes.
Yes, I like it and I like Mexico. Something I wrote about La Mordida a while back:
La Mordida
Marine Andrew Tahmooressi arrested in Mexico should have known the best "escape and evasion" tactic in Mexico is "La Mordida"*. The earlier the better as the price goes up the chain of command. Don't make offer as a bribe but, most humbly, as payment of duly owed penalty for your irresponsible behavior and low character.
I paid it on May 7, 1979 in Mazatlan, MX., because I failed to cancel a flight plan the day before when I landed C-150 N3784V at San Blas instead of Mazatlan. It was indeed, an irresponsibility on my part. My Mexican interrogator claimed they were up all night with search and rescue.
In passable Spanish, I offered most humble apologies and, based on my careful reading of the interrogatorβs gravity and rank (both right up there), calculated precisely when (not too soon), and how much to offer (not too much... can always go up, not down). After 15-20 minutes of palaver and mutual assessment, I stuck a deal with $20 US. Whew, better than jail. My passenger, Susana Gomez Farley, might recall.
In the US, essentially the same thing happens, but there is stricter adherence to a phony "rule of law" which the state dictates, changes, ignores or enforces with regularity. I prefer La Mordida system, "fines" typically go to the most needy down the food chain, rather than the fraudulent, well-heeled**, rogues at the top.
In the case of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl (who wishes to be called PFC), according to Oliver North who should know about such deals; his captors also just wanted $$$, not Gitmo detainees. That payment, again according to ON, was allegedly arranged thru Taliban intermediaries. Again, think Iran-Contra. βMr North was fired by Mr Reagan in 1987 after it was revealed that he sold weapons to Iran to fund the Contras, a scheme widely believed to ...βApparently we could have just paid $$$ to get him back, rather than give up dangerous men.
In any case, despite his own misdeeds and/or failings, PFC Bergdahl cannot be blamed for any deal made by the Obama administration with his captors. It appears it was a military mistake to induct or retain this mentally troubled (or conscience stricken) man.
I too would deeply regret joining anything run by our government the past 50 years.
*"LA MORDIDA, translation the bite is the term used for a bribe in this country. It is the traditional and customary way of getting things done."
** Flight Instructor, Steve Krueger, called me that c. January 1968, in reference to my well-paying civil service job, as compared to other struggling flight students. $5/hour to rent a Cessna 150, including fuel at Western Skyways, Long Beach airport.
This is another excellent piece. I was thinking about our masters, and I finally came to the conclusion that none of them have any fear or shame; they know βwe wonβt biteβ . . . yet.
The first picture is depressing man. It captures almost all what Mexico is about; bad infrastructure, poor people, poor scared-hungry dogs, care-less laws for the elderly and physically challenged people. The corruption!
In a globalist technocratic world Mexico will fare better than any "first world" bioterror state of obedient automatons. And the elderly in Mexico are cared for 100x better than in the states. Family is everything, and the elderly are revered here, not dumped in some home to be abused for $8k a month. Also, no country has more corrupt thuggery than the USSA.
You may be right in what you write. I know my country very well and it is easy to make fast money and circumvent many policies and feel as if you are freer than of the system you came from, BUT, the banking system is strict and very well tied to Uncle Sam and the popular culture of corruption corrupts anything and everything on its path. Enjoy the food, the women, the beach. Avoid everyday trouble and specially the one in that you will need a lawyer. Sometimes is better to act and be seen as if you are poor; just one of them.
Beautifully written. And as always, insightful. Your true talent as a writer comes through here (also).
thegoodread.
Tremendously moved by this article. Blown away by the raw reality of style and substance, which reminded me of an Anthony Bourdainβs tale of life abroad. But with a bit more emotion pulling energy. Well done, citizen. And bless you
I am so glad you wrote about this experience. Often these types of experiences are not conveyed.
This is one of your best Good Citizen. Reminds me of the song "Dogs" by Pink Floyd from their Animals album. If you listen to the lyrics you see the similarities of people and dogs. Like you said above, useless eaters. But who are really the useless eaters? Regular people who bust their asses to try to survive on crumbs of bread, or the elite who eat everything good and expensive no matter what the cost of another human life?
"Who was dragged down by the stone?"
It's rare to read someone who combines excellent writing with keen observational skills -- you've done it here. Gorgeous, dismal, and thought-provoking. Thank you!
You are truly a gifted writer. I felt I was along in that journey rushing along watching traffic struggling to get home. I felt horribly sad for the dog.
Thank you. I have wonderful fond memories of our times in Mexico. I recall spending a half day walking in Bucieros (sp?) down the way from Nuevo Vallarta, feeling the touch of a Mexico divorced from the sterile, gated All Inclusives. We attended Mass in the Bucieros parish where birds flew in through the open walls near the top and landed on the trees near the altar. It is my happy space during our current travails. I am happy you are reveling in this space. Nuevo or Old Puerto??
A few paragraphs in, i thought it may well have been Bucerias. But, it doesnβt really matter, as itβs always Mexico shining through wherever one goes.
Domestication is their goal
Excellent analysis and so well written. Thank you!
Yes, I like it and I like Mexico. Something I wrote about La Mordida a while back:
La Mordida
Marine Andrew Tahmooressi arrested in Mexico should have known the best "escape and evasion" tactic in Mexico is "La Mordida"*. The earlier the better as the price goes up the chain of command. Don't make offer as a bribe but, most humbly, as payment of duly owed penalty for your irresponsible behavior and low character.
I paid it on May 7, 1979 in Mazatlan, MX., because I failed to cancel a flight plan the day before when I landed C-150 N3784V at San Blas instead of Mazatlan. It was indeed, an irresponsibility on my part. My Mexican interrogator claimed they were up all night with search and rescue.
In passable Spanish, I offered most humble apologies and, based on my careful reading of the interrogatorβs gravity and rank (both right up there), calculated precisely when (not too soon), and how much to offer (not too much... can always go up, not down). After 15-20 minutes of palaver and mutual assessment, I stuck a deal with $20 US. Whew, better than jail. My passenger, Susana Gomez Farley, might recall.
In the US, essentially the same thing happens, but there is stricter adherence to a phony "rule of law" which the state dictates, changes, ignores or enforces with regularity. I prefer La Mordida system, "fines" typically go to the most needy down the food chain, rather than the fraudulent, well-heeled**, rogues at the top.
In the case of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl (who wishes to be called PFC), according to Oliver North who should know about such deals; his captors also just wanted $$$, not Gitmo detainees. That payment, again according to ON, was allegedly arranged thru Taliban intermediaries. Again, think Iran-Contra. βMr North was fired by Mr Reagan in 1987 after it was revealed that he sold weapons to Iran to fund the Contras, a scheme widely believed to ...βApparently we could have just paid $$$ to get him back, rather than give up dangerous men.
In any case, despite his own misdeeds and/or failings, PFC Bergdahl cannot be blamed for any deal made by the Obama administration with his captors. It appears it was a military mistake to induct or retain this mentally troubled (or conscience stricken) man.
I too would deeply regret joining anything run by our government the past 50 years.
*"LA MORDIDA, translation the bite is the term used for a bribe in this country. It is the traditional and customary way of getting things done."
** Flight Instructor, Steve Krueger, called me that c. January 1968, in reference to my well-paying civil service job, as compared to other struggling flight students. $5/hour to rent a Cessna 150, including fuel at Western Skyways, Long Beach airport.
Recall paying $5.00 to a local
policia in Tiajuana, 4am, for peeing in the street storm drain, βSe prohibe en Mexico, senor!β
This is another excellent piece. I was thinking about our masters, and I finally came to the conclusion that none of them have any fear or shame; they know βwe wonβt biteβ . . . yet.
Fine writing. Excellent noticing. Wise understanding. Winding down with a catchy Jadorowsky-like video. Thank you for my treat of the day.
The first picture is depressing man. It captures almost all what Mexico is about; bad infrastructure, poor people, poor scared-hungry dogs, care-less laws for the elderly and physically challenged people. The corruption!
In a globalist technocratic world Mexico will fare better than any "first world" bioterror state of obedient automatons. And the elderly in Mexico are cared for 100x better than in the states. Family is everything, and the elderly are revered here, not dumped in some home to be abused for $8k a month. Also, no country has more corrupt thuggery than the USSA.
https://thegoodcitizen.substack.com/p/when-will-mexico-build-a-wall
You may be right in what you write. I know my country very well and it is easy to make fast money and circumvent many policies and feel as if you are freer than of the system you came from, BUT, the banking system is strict and very well tied to Uncle Sam and the popular culture of corruption corrupts anything and everything on its path. Enjoy the food, the women, the beach. Avoid everyday trouble and specially the one in that you will need a lawyer. Sometimes is better to act and be seen as if you are poor; just one of them.
True dat
Wish I could post pictures.
Got some good ones from the streets of Chuburna.
No pavement, no curbs, no traffic.
Just dirt, dogs, and breeze blocks.
Excellent and evocative. Thank you for the "view" and wise summary. Best to you.