March 28, 2008, The top ten reasons we need parking meters in San Miguel, By Jim Blakley, Opinion, Cultural genocide in Tibet, By Ben-Zion Ptashnik, What can you do for Tibet?, By Patricia Gonzalez, Letters

The top ten reasons we need parking meters in San Miguel
By Jim Blakley March 28, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

Some residents have been whining about the city’s plan to have parking meters in San Miguel de Allende. I say, get over it and move forward to progress. To answer these narrow-minded, lefty tree-huggers, I have developed this list of “The Top Ten Reasons Why SMA Should Have Parking Meters in El Centro.”

1) We won’t need to worry about the bother of any future movies being filmed in SMA. I mean who wants Antonio Banderas, Johnny Depp and Salma Hayek roaming around our streets (well, maybe we could make an exception for Salma Hayek).

2) This is the twenty-first century—get with the program. Everyone else has parking meters, so why shouldn’t we?

3) When you are falling off the sidewalk, it will give you something to hold on to. Think of them as safety devices for gringos.

4) It will create employment here—meter collectors, meter repair technicians, more parking enforcers, office staff to receive payments, staff to handle disputes—there is almost no limit to how this will help the local economy.

5) We will be able to paint yellow lines on the cobblestone streets to clearly delineate the parking spots. Finally we can start to get things organized and tidied up around here. I mean, in case you haven’t noticed, the place is looking kind of old.

6) San Miguel was never meant to be so old—it was originally built as a modern city more than 460 years ago. If the original city founders had known about parking meters, they certainly would have installed them.

7) We can pick up good, used parking meters for pennies on the dollar now. The incredible irony of this situation is that many US and Canadian cities are replacing their parking meters with one machine per block to receive payments and print timed tickets. We benefit from their ridiculous desire to beautify their cities. Cities are supposed to be ugly, that is why they invented the car.

8) Maybe the meters could have a slot machine option. How about double or nothing on your parking fee? Then SMA could really become a civilized tourist destination.

9) Because other silly options to manage parking, like daily, weekly and monthly parking passes in the car windows, one machine per block selling parking tickets, or even the old technique of marking car tires with chalk to be able to later identify cars that have stayed too long, are just too left-wing. Bite the bullet, get tough, and get those meters in quickly before those officials from UNESCO World Heritage try to tell us that we can’t do it.

10) Just because you can’t drive up to St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican or the Uffizi in Florence, doesn’t mean that you can’t drive and park anywhere you want to in El Centro. The US Constitution guarantees us the right to have as many guns and huge cars as we want and to park those gas guzzlers anywhere we damn please. It is a God-given right that supersedes any other—even in Mexico (although as a Canadian, I am kind of piggy-backing on this a bit).

There is nothing else that we could spend a couple hundred thousand dollars on, so why not get with the program, modernize the city, and then tackle other pressing problems. I mean there is some crazy guy talking about banning smoking in the Jardín. We have to stop this idiot as quickly as possible. Smoking is another God-given right—if you don’t like my smoke, go somewhere else. My pleasure is much more important that your health.

And those parking meters are going to look gorgeous on Mesones and Benito Juárez near the stunningly beautiful old gas pump. It will be a real one-two punch.

Jim Blakley is a Canadienese.

For those who are perplexed by the recent upheavals in Tibet, it is vitally important to understand why the Dalai Lama pointedly suggested last week that “whether intentional or unintentional” the Chinese occupation policies in Tibet “are essentially a form of cultural genocide.”

China moved in heavily armed troops to brutally suppress the uprisings in Tibet while blanking out news coverage, expelling journalists and censoring internet websites. It is perhaps a good time to recall the old Chinese proverb, “You close your door before beating the dog.”

The frustrations expressed by the Tibetan people and their leader are greatly justified, particularly because of the increasing marginalization of the ethnic Tibetans in their own homeland, and by the decades-long suppression of their Buddhist religion and culture. Tibet’s monasteries and seminaries have been burned and blown up, their religious leaders jailed or exiled, and hundreds of thousands killed in the brutal occupation and suppression of Buddhism by the Chinese Communists that began in 1950.

In recent years, particularly since the completion of the China-Tibet Railroad in 2006, a huge influx of Han Chinese immigrants have flooded into Tibet, aided by government subsidies and incentives. Although the government of China claims to be bringing progress and economic prosperity to this distant Asian territory, the benefits are unevenly flowing to the imported Han Chinese, while native Tibetans are treated like colonized second-class citizens.

Job discrimination is rampant, as the Chinese immigrants control all government ministries and institutions, as well as most industry and commerce. Ethnic Tibetans live in slum-like conditions while the new immigrants enjoy modern housing and upwardly mobile lifestyles. The displacement of natives is evidenced by the fact that Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, now has more ethnic Chinese than native Tibetans.

Opportunities for Tibetans are simply lacking and their frustrations have pent up to the point of boiling. Though inherently peaceful by nature and philosophy, some Tibetans’ sentiments have now turned to violence, despite the opposition to such actions by the Dalai Lama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his steadfast nonviolent approach to his people’s political and social struggles.

I have met the Dalai Lama and studied his political speeches and the campaigns for his people’s rights. I reject the official Chinese-government propaganda that the riots, demonstrations and unrest in Tibet are a conspiracy fomented by the Dalai Lama and a clique seeking Tibetan independence. The exiled leader has steadfastly and repeatedly asked for political autonomy and a measure of self-determination for his people; a “middle way” that seeks to preserve Tibetan culture and religion while still recognizing Chinese sovereignty.

The Chinese have repeatedly stalled and refused to recognize these overtures by the Dalai Lama, while propagandizing that he is plotting for independence. I believe this is a deliberate subterfuge aimed at maintaining the status quo of current colonization policies. The Chinese know that politically the rest of the world would not challenge their claims to sovereignty over Tibet, so they ignore the “middle ground.”

The colonial-occupation policies and suppression of religion freedom are at the root of current Tibetan frustration. Chinese policy in Tibet is essentially a brutal subjugation of an ancient and spiritual people. It is a story of a nation which should be supported by the rest of the world in its struggle for a measure of independence and dignity, and who should be aided in their justified quest for the preservation of their distinct and noble culture.

As China closes the door and “beats its dog,” I urge all of you to stay informed and to speak out. Support the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people.

Ben-Zion Ptashnik is a retired state senator from Vermont.

What can you do for Tibet?
By Patricia Gonzalez

From a Tibetan Buddhist perspective, prayer and meditation are of utmost importance. The practice of Tonglen is one the most powerful and useful techniques. The book The Wisdom of Forgiveness by the Dalai Lama and Victor Chan gives an example of how he practices this for the Chinese.

“I use a meditation technique called giving and taking,” the Dalai Lama explained. “I make visualization: send my positive emotions like happiness, affection to others. Then another visualization. I visualize receiving their sufferings, their negative emotions. I do this every day. I pay special attention to the Chinese—especially those doing terrible things to the Tibetans. So, as I meditate, I breathe in all their poisons—hatred, fear, cruelty. Then I breathe out. And I let all the good things come out, things like compassion, forgiveness. I take inside my body all these bad things. Then I replace poisons with fresh air. Giving and taking. I take care not to blame—I don’t blame the Chinese and I don’t blame myself.”

It is a simple practice that can have profound effects.

You also can get on the internet and sign a petition at Avaaz.org asking the Chinese to respect human rights. Over 800,000 people have signed the document in the past few days. You can Google many more to sign. Thank you for taking a stand.

The opinions expressed during these events are the sole responsibility of the presenters and do not reflect those of the Biblioteca Pública.

Letters

Editor,

My wife and I have just returned to New Jersey (we should have stayed longer, it is still cold here) from our annual stay in San Miguel. We wanted to thank the Biblioteca for helping to make our visit so memorable. It is truly an international treasure. During our month-long stay we must have attended 20 different events at the library. More appeared to be happening than in previous years.

We had never heard of most of the films that we saw, but they were classic. I don’t know how José Luis finds films like Sugar Cane Alley, but there they are, week after week.

The two plays that we attended in Teatro Santa Ana were excellent, much better than community theater back home. My wife borrowed many books from the Biblioteca (all mysteries) and yes, they were all returned on time. Lunch in the café was a great respite from the crowded Insurgentes sidewalks.

I was especially impressed by the programs sponsored by the Center for Global Justice, particularly the weekly forums. The fact that anyone could get up and express their personal opinions was democracy in action.

Sunday house tours offered an inside look behind the walls of San Miguel to appreciate some of the finest homes and art anywhere in the world. And the fact that our 150 pesos would help local children to attend high school and college was an added benefit. We were so impressed that we sent extra money to the Biblioteca scholarship fund to allow the daughter of a new friend to finish high school.

But the best part of visiting the Biblioteca was the opportunity to see local San Miguel children so engrossed in art, computers, music and books—opportunities I am sure they would not have if the Biblioteca did not exist.

Of course, thanks to Atención and their useful articles and calendar for helping us to plan our time. And special thanks to the volunteers that make it all happen. We look forward to returning to our international treasure again next year.

David Bressen

Editor,

In response to the Starbucks, Office Depot, Wal-Mart issue re: the blind prejudices that are being revealed among many local anglos relative to this phenomenon is quite interesting. To automatically assume that only anglos are capable of driving the demand for these megacorps is just plain xenophobic elitism. Can’t you see the growing sophistication and complexity of the Mexican culture? It’s the rapidly growing Mexican middle class that is creating this demand. As Mexico moves toward first world status, Mexicans want more value for their peso. The megacorps satisfy these wants from the Mexican’s point of view.

The integrity of El Centro is already cast in stone, so to speak, in the narrow cobblestone streets, churches, Jardín and architecture. That’s not going to change. However, San Miguel is hardly recognizable from my first trip here in the mid-seventies, in terms of the businesses that are now here. These changes reflect current consumer demands and are absolutely necessary to insure a good tax base to pay for infrastructure and services. You can’t tax failed businesses. One of the real beauties and marvels of San Miguel is in the ability of its administrators to preserve the city’s historic integrity and traditions while creating an environment for business to flourish.

Why don’t we leave the job to them?

Now, why did you Luddites move to San Miguel? Were you hoping that you could stop time in place and enslave El Centro to your concept of charm and quaintness? Wake up and smell Starbucks’ fabulous cup of coffee. Has the Dunkin' Doughnuts on the Jardín put any local panaderias out of business yet?

Jonathan Smith

Editor,

Friday March 21 saw an incredible re-enactment of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the colonia of San Luis Rey.

Due to the article published by the Atención on March 14, a large number of people from outside the community attended. They bought with them their curiosity and their cameras. It occurred to me that it would be a wonderful gesture to give something back to the community. I thought of a photo exhibition. I spoke with one of the organizers from the community and he was very enthusiastic about the idea.

This request is directed to any of you who did take photographs of the event.

I would appreciate it if you would be willing to submit up to three of your best pictures.

Depending on the response, we will choose around 30 of the best images for this exhibit.

Please send examples in jpg format along with any inquires you might have to pixsanluisrey@hotmail.com.

All participants will be responsible for having their images printed for this exhibition, to be announced in the near future. Look forward to seeing your images.

Esther James

Editor,

On March 7 this year, we were treated to a marvelous performance in Teatro Ángela Peralta by a truly talented group from San Miguel. We refer to GravityWorks, a local group of dancers and gymnasts who blend those disciplines into an intense and beautiful artistic experience. Whether climbing colorful sheets of silk, working with partners on a trapeze, or dancing on the floor, this group had polish and beauty as well as incredible strength and agility. The costumes were artful. They not only allowed the freedom of movement necessary, but visually enhanced the movement with color and pattern.

We are pleased to see that others will have an opportunity to see this great group. They are offering two more performances at Teatro Ángela Peralta on April 4 and 5. GravityWorks is stunning and this community is privileged to be able to see them perform again. We urge you to attend.

Ann Barden & Hernan (Nano) Drobny

Editors,

I am deeply grateful to Adolfo Rubio and Lupe Meza for inviting the Club de Danzón “Mercerina” (representing El Sindicato) to participate in this year’s Jornada Cubana. It was a great honor for us.

I believe that more cultural theme festivals like this one, held throughout the year with admission-free events in public spaces, would do much to attract more international and domestic tourism to San Miguel. Other cities, large and small, do this with considerable success. Also, many thanks to Atención for publishing my article on the danzón.

Leonardo Rosen

Editor,

I was deeply saddened to see the article “A darkness on the edge of town,” one of whose purposes was to treat the sad state of women engaged in prostitution as a funny matter. Having worked with homeless people and others in New York City for over 10 years in an effort to help them escape such horrific circumstances, I know firsthand the abusive histories of most that drove them into such desperate circumstances. To see such a story featured in Atención does not speak well of the management and staff.

How does such a degrading account depicted in the article add to the humanity of the women involved? What human good has it achieved to have women compared in such a animalistic terms (e.g., “How come I got the dog?”). In fact, the attitudes displayed by the writer show a disdain for humanity in general in the effort to be humorous. It further reveals that he has a low opinion of himself and his friends to write such a piece and have it made public.

Recently, there was a recognition worldwide of the violence perpetrated on women by men that consider women to be little more than “dogs.” How sad that Bill Gallacher cares to perpetuate that image. How sad Atención gave him a platform to do so.

Jack Driscoll

Editor,

Re: “Word Watch” of March 14, 2008, I’d like to offer the following: If, in the phrase Mantengase alerta, we were to substitute the synonymous adjectives atento or vigilante for alerta, we would produce the following two equivalent expressions:

Mantengase atento and Mantengase vigilante.

On the other hand, if their adverbial forms are used, we produce two unacceptable expressions: Mantengase atentamente and Mantengase vigilantemente.

Working the other way, if one were to translate the phrase to mean Stay awake or Stay attentive, then alerta would, again, stand for two adjectives.

However, if one were to translate Mantengase alerta as Stay on the alert or Stay on the defensive, alerta looks like the part of speech it is: a noun. A puzzler indeed.

Henri Moyal

Editor,

I was shocked and dismayed by the nasty tenor and tone of Colin Hanlen’s response to the letter in last week’s issue about motor vehicle noise. In my view, the letters column should be a forum for debating local issues, whatever they may be, and personal insults and name-calling are out of place. Hanlen has every right to disagree with Johnson’s complaint. He does not have any right to predict a lifetime of unhappiness for Johnson, or to compare a total stranger whom he knows virtually nothing about to his dead father (with whom he evidently still has serious issues).

Tom King

Editor,

We wish to thank all of the town’s people who were there for us with our 50–70 percent sale (cost to the public) so we could complete payment to an employee of approximately US$25,000. For your sake, please make sure that the lawyer you are paying is working for you. Also, know the employment laws. You cannot just fire an employee for any reason without witnesses and going to Celaya to report it and if an employee quits, you must file this with the labor courts to protect yourself. You must pay social security even if your employee works one day a month, in most cases. After the damage was done we then found the right lawyer. You can call us for that information; it may save you your savings.

Darla and James of Darla’s

Editor,

Friday March 21 saw an incredible re-enactment of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the colonia of San Luis Rey.

Due to the article published by the Atención on March 14, a large number of people from outside the community attended. They bought with them their curiosity and their cameras. It occurred to me that it would be a wonderful gesture to give something back to the community. I thought of a photo exhibition. I spoke with one of the organizers from the community and he was very enthusiastic about the idea.

This request is directed to any of you who did take photographs of the event.

I would appreciate it if you would be willing to submit up to three of your best pictures.

Depending on the response, we will choose around 30 of the best images for this exhibit.

Please send examples in jpg format along with any inquires you might have to pixsanluisrey@hotmail.com.

All participants will be responsible for having their images printed for this exhibition, to be announced in the near future. Look forward to seeing your images.

Esther James