2009

2009

It is an odd number, as well as an odd year. Crime is flourishing, as well as the daffodils. Yes, I know what you mean said the cab driver. A guy just arrived from Guatemala heartbroken. He had closed all his pharmacies there because his manager there had been shot in the head, after refusing to capitulate to extortion from local gangsters. He made the arrangements to bring back the cadaver home to the family.

Yeah, I said. A friend of mine works everyday of the week, morning and night to pay off small business loans and help his small store flourish in Costa Rica. He was down one day, and shared with me that his wife had been robbed, very politely he said. This was the third time in six months. Listen I said, look at this way, at least your wife was not harmed, and by the frequency and politeness employed…this is clearly extortion at work.

I can understand the anger and frustration. In the end there is no concept like ethics that is better understood then the exchange of cash. I waited three hours in an office lacking air conditioning, demanding to see the head of customs. When he finally deigned to grant me an audience, he was adamant that due process had to be observed. Due process? I asked. I am here because I refused to comply to the extortion exercised by corrupted customs officers on site!

I appeal to your sense of justice and do what is right! “I cannot do anything, once the stuff enters a federal warehouse," he said. "I repeat, due process must be observed.” Then I said, "I see what you mean, due process of extortion is to meekly be complied with, and one must look the other way!" He looked at me sternly, and in a polite and taciturn way, ordered me to leave his office immediately. Waiting in a stifling office for three hours and slow internet access, is proof to anyone that purgatory exists here on earth.