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| View from Ski Slopes on Volcan Orsono |
Jim here.........
We have not had good internet available for the past 2 weeks. Wednesday this problem should go away……..A quick update: I got back from a quick 2 day trip to Santiago Chile for a meeting with the international distributors for Rain X and I am pretty sure we got our new business....... man is that scary? Such emotions come with this news. So it was an excellent meeting.
Stacy P has asked some good questions that I wanted to try and answer while I am still fresh of mind. So I will try and hit each one as best I can. As a side note: We are still in the Honey Moon phase of our life here in Chile, although there have been some down sides to being here as well. We are happy here in Chile, happier than we could be in the current usa.
Now to the Questions from Stacy:
Stacy: I love your optimism! I knew that you would have an entrepreneurial plan soon! You've got the work ethic, charisma, and daring to make it work! Hats off to you.
Jim: Thanks Stacy you are very kind. I am a bit single minded, bull headed and driven, which can be helpful when starting a business but it may also be a hindrance at other times. Thank God I have a Saint for a wife. It kind of reminds me of the statement "be careful of what you wish for you may get it!"
Jim: Thanks Stacy you are very kind. I am a bit single minded, bull headed and driven, which can be helpful when starting a business but it may also be a hindrance at other times. Thank God I have a Saint for a wife. It kind of reminds me of the statement "be careful of what you wish for you may get it!"
Stacy Asks: You say Chile is living in the 1950s? Well, I was born there in 1963, that must've been the Dark Ages! Actually, my point is, that not much has changed, except governments! Why is that? Are there barriers: government, capital, ....? Is it the attitude of the people (such as you described). Are they just waiting for the American genius?
Jim: In short yes I do think that Chileanos are waiting for Norte Americano genius. You know we “had” a God inspired Constitution in the USA. The founding fathers were also a good pool of citizens who were equally determined to do it on their own. Likely more important was the fact that this foundation, I think, spawned generations of N. Americans who looked at adversity as opportunity. These were the founders of the “Association of Lemonade Makers” and not the current sludge of lemon aid drinkers that currently are inheriting the Right to Pursue Happiness in the USA.
In Chile they are not a lot of lemon aid drinkers for the most part; although there are some / many here who are of the "What’s yours is mine" point of view, I do not think that this is the dominant attitude. This is why the communists were likely routed in the 1970s coup. Much has changed here since then, with great improvements. Our first month here in Chile was a real eye opener where we found what we thought was much different than what is “Chile”.
Jim: In short yes I do think that Chileanos are waiting for Norte Americano genius. You know we “had” a God inspired Constitution in the USA. The founding fathers were also a good pool of citizens who were equally determined to do it on their own. Likely more important was the fact that this foundation, I think, spawned generations of N. Americans who looked at adversity as opportunity. These were the founders of the “Association of Lemonade Makers” and not the current sludge of lemon aid drinkers that currently are inheriting the Right to Pursue Happiness in the USA.
In Chile they are not a lot of lemon aid drinkers for the most part; although there are some / many here who are of the "What’s yours is mine" point of view, I do not think that this is the dominant attitude. This is why the communists were likely routed in the 1970s coup. Much has changed here since then, with great improvements. Our first month here in Chile was a real eye opener where we found what we thought was much different than what is “Chile”.
So as a whole I do not think that these people have been taught that the sky is the limit. That if you can think it.... then you can do it! They are still not taught in school here that they have the "Freedom to pursue Happiness". The Chileans as a population are very ignorant in this area but eager to learn. The Chileans, are not familiar with principle of individual excellence, or the idea that ordinary people, like you and I, can do extra ordinary things! What a concept! It changed the history of the world.
Stacy Asks: Since it hasn't moved forward much toward the economic "progress" of the US, why? Is there a demand? If so, which it sounds like there is, you will find it, reveal it, and meet the need. It sounds like a lot of pent up demand!
Stacy Asks: Since it hasn't moved forward much toward the economic "progress" of the US, why? Is there a demand? If so, which it sounds like there is, you will find it, reveal it, and meet the need. It sounds like a lot of pent up demand!
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| Carabineros or Chilean Police on Parade at Founders day Parade. Many Carabineros were killed in the 1970s coup |
Jim: In the macro, Chile has moved ahead of North America significantly! Chile has no debt (none, nada, zip). We found the idea that Chile is a backward 3rd world country to be a lie! The government has a 25% surplus stored away every year! (imagine what the USA could do with a 25% surplus stored away while having its bills paid?) The USA pales in comparison in financial stability. It is the richest country in the Southern Hemisphere, and I would venture to say more secure (much more secure) than the USA. The difference is that the population is smaller and therefore the GDP is smaller here. Also of note is the fact that Ronald Regan’s intervention set up the financial system in Chile, and it has been allowed to flourish, which explains a lot.
On an individual basis or micro, there is a lot of pent up demand. The opening of the internet has caused this I think to a great degree. Before the internet it was: Out of Sight out of Mind. Now it is I see it and I want it....... Right NOW! Which I think is a good…. and bad thing, but it is "What it is".
Stacy : I'm excited for your future!
Jim: You know what Stacy? It is scary as hell. This whole move has been scary as hell. I think you know that all we can do is pray that we are doing God’s will, and thank you so much for the prayers we need them.
And yes it is fun, exciting, exhilarating and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for tomorrow. However, we could not remain complacent in our lives in South Carolina.
Stacy asks: Back at the home front, I'm Not bullish on the USA. I believe our culture is devolving. The educational system has not inculcated our American values (dare I say there even IS such a thing?) The Declaration of Independence was predicated on the history of rule by Kings, Emperors. We are devolving into an Oligarchy. I'm not confident that this course can be reversed because most adults are uneducated, can't think or reason, have no values, and only care about, sports, sex, and cooking shows. They are unable, unwilling, and unaware that they have a duty to transmit culture, and lessons/gifts learned/earned by the blood of their forefathers. Government education has been a willing partner, and in fact a tool of the Oligarchy for at least 4 decades. Read Calvin Coolidge's remarks on the 150th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. They're an excellent rebuttal to "progressives" (regressive, in fact.)
Enough of my rant. I don't have the courage to do what you have done. But I pray you well! As for me and my household, we will serve The Lord here, even as you serve Him there!
PS It may snow tonight, we'll see:)
God bless! Thanks for the updates.
Enough of my rant. I don't have the courage to do what you have done. But I pray you well! As for me and my household, we will serve The Lord here, even as you serve Him there!
PS It may snow tonight, we'll see:)
God bless! Thanks for the updates.
Jim: I find that as I get older I spontaneously say "Hail Mary’s" in my head all day long. I am afraid to count the number because it would defeat the purpose of the "saying". Hail Mary’s....
It is early spring here so it is getting warmer and the flowers are all coming out to greet us and it is even more beautiful than it was in the winter.
Stacy we are both veterans. I weep for the USA and I am heartbroken. Lori and I hope we are creating an alternative for …..You….. our friends and family. We are paving the road for others. In many ways I feel like Noah. Is the USA going to fail, crash and burn? I do not know. I do care, but I care about my soul and those of my family and friends first. God will sort out the rest and I hope we will all be here to pick up the pieces. It has been a wonderful adventure.
These times are very scary, and I may be crazy (actually I am crazy) but the former.... not the new .... Boy Scout and submarine sailor will not let me sit by and not continue to prepare for the emergency that is already upon us today. It is too late I think to say or even hint that there is not a problem. I read a real interesting article on "Normalism" which pointed out the hordes who do not see the writing on the wall or the elephant in the room.
Stacy: I also want you to know that in this month of November, I am praying that you perceive, in a deep way, Christ's peace that Jesus is giving you through Joshua's intercession. I know you will be reunited in Christ with Joshua according to God's will. Peace and love to you.
November 12, 2013 at 8:26 AM
Also:
What I forgot to say about the Dec of Ind, (because I had to take bread out of the oven and lost my train of thought). Is that the Dec of Ind, was predicated on the REJECTION of the rule by Kings. The rights of the individual come from their Creator, NOT from any man. (even Obama) also to, not too;)
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| Chilean Navy on parade for founders day in Frutillar |
Jim: This has been a long post. Too long for some but not long enough for others in that it asks and scratches the surface on some important questions. The bottom line is that people here have jobs, go to church, and raise their families here just like the USA (only in Spanish). They have the same stresses and challenges. The difference to Lori the kids and I is that we feel like there is a future here in Chile for us and none left in the USA.
I used to say:
Freer…………… yes it is freer here.
Safer………………….they do not tolerate crime here
Less Expensive………. It is about the same all things considered may be a little cheaper.
Thank you so much Stacy for asking these hard questions. And to those of you who are wondering; no I did not put her up to it! Lori and I love to get questions like this on the blog, because we need to stand back and take a good look as well, and ask the same questions. We just hope you all in the USA are asking the same questions of your selves.
We love the USA it just does not like us…………Jim
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| Dirt Track Car Race in Frutillar Alto |
Wow, I was asking all those same questions in my head...Stacy did the work for me and I love all your answers! Keep them coming.God bless you all! Lisa M.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa
ReplyDeleteI think most of the credit should go to Stacy as Lori and I are just casual observers here in Chile. Although my new business partner who lived through the 1970s Coup in Santiago at 9 years old, was a great provider of insight. I do not have room here for all the 24 hours he and I spent together driving up and back from Santiago. It was very first person and eye opening.
Jim