Is it a good time to go back?

[sergio]

I totally agree - that's why I need 500 years.

Things have been really bad 7 or 8 times during the last 75 years and that hasn't changed anything.

To be honest I have a hope that the very young, who now have friends all over the world through the internet, and thus receive much better information of how things are elsewhere, will revolutionize Argentina in 20-30 years when they are in power - but the old tracks warn against optimism.

I agree. At the the peak of the crisis, when it was physically dangerous to be a politician (there were assaults on politicians in public places; one politician in Junin had their home burned down) an Argentine lawyer friend observed that this was the moment for change, that the Argentine people had the opportunity to throw out the corrupt politicians - by voting for any party (socialist, Communist - anything) but the one in power. The people could show disgust with the system and force change. At the time he said that he was hopeful but he added that, based on history, he doubted that the people would seize the moment. They didn't, needless to say.

As for Perry's comments: I agree that the educational and cultural level in Argentina is much higher than Brazil's. I am not sure that I can say that it is higher than Chile's, though. Brazil is a country with an enormous poor population. I don't see how they can ever deal with problem of an exploding population. By contrast, Argentina has far fewer people and a more manageable situation. Sadly, Argentina hasn't done well in dealing with its poverty. A country as rich in natural resources has no excuse for serious poverty or poor education. The huge influx of mostly uneducated people from countries in the region is not helping. My fear is that the underclass will continue to grow, the middle class will keep shrinking and Argentina will look more like the poorer countries in the region. That seems to be happening now as some grow richer and richer and many others sink.

 

[HenryNisental]

Mira, yo estuve en julio en Las Vegas, tengo un amigo que vende casas alli. Me gusto mucho, ahora podes comprar un depto grande por 50 lucas dolar, hay vida nocturna, los taxes en las propiedades son muy bajos, el IVA es bajo, hay vida nocturna en el STRIP, turistas de todo el mundo, buen clima, no hay terremotos ni tornados, sol, piletas por todos lados, minas a montones, buenas rutas, etc.
Pensalo

 

[canut]

Another good suggestion Johnny. I have heard excellent things about Berlin. If there is ever a get together, can you add me to the list? Would love to kick it over apint or two. As to Cortazar, he translated Edgar Allan Poe. I am merely a bilingual jack of all trades master of none who added this gig to his list less than three years ago. Pm you later, so long.

 

[fred mertz]

The grass is Not greener on the other side. Friends who in the past never spoke about food prices are complaining now. Unemployment is officially 9.1%, but is probably much higher. The number of new jobs created, last month, was disapponting and of those about 50% were at McDonalds. SAD. How many were at BK and Wendys? If you want to really know what's happening in EEUU, watch Fox News. not Anderson.

 

[MizzMarr]

If you want to really know what's happening in EEUU, watch Fox News

holy crap, did someone actually just say this?! I hope you're joking.

 

[stefano]

The grass is Not greener on the other side. Friends who in the past never spoke about food prices are complaining now. Unemployment is officially 9.1%, but is probably much higher. The number of new jobs created, last month, was disapponting and of those about 50% were at McDonalds. SAD. How many were at BK and Wendys? If you want to really know what's happening in EEUU, watch Fox News. not Anderson.

Unemployment in the USA is much higher that 9% to 10%. What is not factored in are those unemployed who have run out of their unemployment benefits and people like myself who are either self-employed or underemployed (WalMart here I come!). The US economy is still in shambles and rising inflation is just around the corner.....you can see it at the pump ($4 a gallon!) and the rising cost of groceries.

Personally, I think the world economy is still hurting. So, yes the grass is always greener on the other side. Perhaps the best strategy is stay home and dig in. We're in for a long, bumpy ride.

 

[John.St]

As to Cortazar, he translated Edgar Allan Poe.

Suerte from Cortazar, he who was a translator like you !

Sacrilege! Anathema! A la laterne! Sharpen the guillotine blade! Sharpen two blades!

Julio Cortázar wrote, among other works: "Historias de cronopios y de famas" and "Bestiario". World class !

Also "Axolotl", "Presencia", "Los reyes", "El examen", "Final del juego", "Las armas secretas", "Los premios", the marvellous "Rayuela" and "Todos los fuegos el fuego".

He was a translator - hrmpf!

 

[John.St]

You really have your head up your a....

Yes there are negatives and one of them is inflation but this is a world wide problem that includes ... Chile who suffer high levels of inflation.

- and you must be completely off your rocker.

Chile: Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2003 2.50 %
2004 2.80 %
2005 2.40 %
2006 3.10 %
2007 2.60 %
2008 4.40 %
2009 8.70 %
2010 1.50 % (estimate)
2011 1.70 % (estimate)

http://www.indexmundi.com/chile/inflation_rate_(consumer_prices).html

Inflation does not exist in Argentina per definition, but the "price distortions" were 18-19% in 2009 and 28-29% in 2010.

Comparing us to ... Chile is a insult to the intelligence of most Argentinians who while aware of their faults certainly do believe that their lives are richer in the material and cultural sense than in those countries.

In that case your "most Argentinians" are in complete denial of reality.

 

[gouchobob]

You really have your head up your a.... if you cannot see the changes in the last 10 years in Argentina

Yes there are negatives and one of them is inflation but this is a world wide problem that includes Brazil and Chile who suffer high levels of inflation.

In regards to the uneducated remarks of Gouchobob and his blind supporters . Brazil is not doing better than Argentina and never has . The poor in Brazil live miserable lives and the wages of the working classes are less than half of Argentinas . How is this positive? The Amazon and the environment are being destroyed at a rapid rate due to agressive business practices supported by their pro business government. This to me is a tragedy of unknown dimensions and it one that has worsened of late since the ascencion of Dilma Rouseff.

Argentinians are wealthier than the average Brazilians and have a higher level of education. The universities of Argentina and the culture offerings are the envy of Latin America.There are more international students in Buenos Aires than any city of the Americas and free education is there for all .

Buenos Aires has the largest theatre district of the world and also a countless array of museums . The government also spends a tremendous amount of monies promoting cultural events that are free to the public.

Comparing us to Brazil or Chile is a insult to the intelligence of most Argentinians who while aware of their faults certainly do believe that their lives are richer in the material and cultural sense than in those countries.

Well what I am referring to is consistent better economic performance of these countries which has raised millions out of poverty, I think this is more important that the size of the theater district. Brazil is definitely a poorer country but its quickly closing the gap. Chile should be and probably is the model for development in the region. Argentina should be a rich country and it has vast potential, but until the political problems are resolved it will remain just that, a country with unrealized potential.

 

[falucho]

Hello canut. I like you have lived in the US of a very long time, probably longer than you, and unlike you, have lived there in these last years. Correct me if I´m wrong, I think you left Argentina in the 80´s when there was a sudden wave of emigrees in all directions. I know. I was there. However, I think you make a mistake in letting your emotions get the best of you. You say, I am quoting, that something happened three years ago that made you dislike this city. Well, fine. Life is like that. My question to you is: do you think that the grass will be greener somewhere else? I mean, when you have pain or frustration in your life, does it make it better to imagine a place somewhere else where everything will be allright. Maybe so but your soul or your brain is playing trick on you. Do not escape the pain, embrace it. If you find yourself thinking, my life in the states was so much better, stop. Breathe. Think again. There is just as much frustration over there as there is here. I also think you should take a good look at your employability because, I mean, that stuff about translator just about every argentinian has used. If it is true, great; but if you are jobless, reconsider because your problems will be the same in the usa or here. Good luck.