Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Despite Peru's booming economy, Alan Garcia not approved of

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

Despite a booming Peruvian economy, two world summits and new international trade deals, President Alan Garcia is not a popular man.

According to survey results released by CPI polling firm, only 33.8 percent of the citizens polled in Lima and Callao approve of Alan Garcia's administration.

The poll, which was carried out at the beginning of April, also revealed that almost 60 percent of those surveyed were not satisfied with the work Garcia was doing in the country.

On the other hand, polls showed that the president's approval rating has increased 0.2 percent since last month, when it was registered at 33.6 percent.

55.9 percent of the people polled stated that they were unhappy with the APRA leader's administration because of recent increases in food prices.

Other factors that contributed to the president's lack of popularity were salaries that did not increase, a lack of jobs, the lack of support for the country's poor and not keeping his promises.

President Garcia was much more popular than his cabinet though. Members from the president's cabinet had approval ratings as low as 9.5 percent e.g. Rafael Rey, the minister of production.

Other minister which were below 30 percent was the minister of tourism, the minister for women, the health minister, the minister of education, the minister of defense, the minister of foreign affairs, the minister of transportation, the minister of finance and the prime minister himself.

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# CapitanDan says :
14 April, 2008 [ 18:56 ]

President Garcia can not be blamed for the rising food costs. If it wasn't for the recent appreciation of the Sol the prices would be higher. Peruvians must change their diet and  seek new crops and resurrect the old ones like the potato to be less dependent on the foreign markets. The price of oil has gone up but not as fast as Corn,Wheat and soybeans. If the U.S. and Canada have poor harvests and continue to divert food into ethanol. There could be a Famine in the world of Apocalyptic proportions. Garcia and Peru are on a Roller Coaster ride and wherever the world markets go so goes Peru.

# Anonymous George says :
14 April, 2008 [ 19:56 ]

Yesterday I had to pay S./1.20 for a bottle of San Luis because the woman didn't have Cielo. Alan Garcia has let me down, badly. This is not even to mention the terrible sleep I had last night. What a f****** b******!!

Peruvians need to raise their IQ levels to at least double digits I think. Not that I like Garcia, but it would be nice if people had at least monkey-level inteligence.

# Hector says :
15 April, 2008 [ 16:13 ]

Anonymous George: I resent your insulting comments: "Peruvians need to raise their IQ levels to at least double digits"  "it would be nice if people had at least monkey level intelligence". Do you have Mensa membership yourself??

You don't deserve to be part of the "Living in Peru" forum.....you're insulting a lot of my people with your hateful, irresponsible comments. I hate to think that people like you are settling down in Peru....and then have the nerve to insult its people. If you're unhappy, I think you should go back to wherever you came from. Obviously, you weren't happy there either!

# Anonymous George says :
15 April, 2008 [ 17:29 ]

Hector, I completely resent my comment too. Absolutely.

It pains me to see all the problems that could be resolved in Peru if Peruvians decided to stop creating them in the first place. This wonderful country and wonderful people are spoilt so often by itself/themselves, who then go further into the realms of absolute idiocy by completely rejecting that they are at fault and blaming everyone but themselves.

Too much garbage in the street? Stop trashing it.
Too much corruption? Stop being corrupt.
Too much poverty? End corporate and govt. inefficiencies.

Food is expensive? What does that have to do with the Govt.? Get yourself a damn education? Oh you're poor? Strange... I know several poor (600 soles a month) people who go out of their way to get informed.

If my insulting of my favorite people in the world makes them get off their asses and do something positive for their country, then I am pleased. I am sick of being 10 times more patriotic than the average Peruvian. While I work tirelessly to aid in the advancement of Peru, while Peruvians hold me and those with common sense back, I'll insult them all I damn well please.

# Michelle says :
19 April, 2008 [ 06:35 ]

Anon George.

I can't believe the lack of common sense you have in posting those insulting posts regarding Peruvians, whom you are likely residing as a guest of that country.

Not only is your post incredibly rude and stupid, your posts make no practical or tangible point whatsoever, other to insult people.

I feel compelled to inform you that you are not the sole torch bearer of wisdom and knowledge. Please stop embarrassing those of us who are English speaking and could possibly be associated to your crassness.

Insulting generalizations about groups of people are for fools. Most adults know better than to express themselves that way.

# FlyBy says :
19 April, 2008 [ 10:52 ]

PERU NEED EDUCATION AND A HIGHER LEVEL OF STANDARDS

JUST A QUICK REPLY TO THE ABOVE PERSON TALKING ABOUT IQ#'s.

Kinda like when the education rankings for the world came out just a few months ago,    QUOTE>>  "out of 54 countries tested in education, Peru ranked 52" >>>  Meaning, Peru has some really really ALOT stupid people.... 

On the other hand, the WEF report recognized Peru for its low inflation rate, ranking it 16th and its interest in and protection of private investments, ranked at 15

# StupidPeople says :
19 April, 2008 [ 10:57 ]

REAL DUMB A** PEOPLE HERE

Here is only ONE example:  (i have hundreds to share) I know of many people in peru, that will spend 6 hours shopping for 3 items, and when its all done and said with, they save S/.7 soles.

These people are so F****** stupid, they cant even understand the idea that if they would have worked durring those 6 hours, they would have earned S/. 20 SOLES.

THIS IS WHY PERU IS IN THE CRAP HOLE.  NO IQ's.  NO Common Sence.  NO CLUE!!!!!  I know this first hand, my wife is peruvian.  Stupid, but i love her.

# HECTOR says :
19 April, 2008 [ 19:21 ]

People:  the above article is about "Peru's booming economy".....this says something positive about my fellow Peruvians. It was "Anonymous George" (pseudo Mensa member/pseudo expert on Peru...) who started the IQ thing. I guess he fancies himself having a real high IQ....but what he writes proves just the opposite.

Michelle:  you're the only decent person in this forum, thanks for your reply to "George Einstein". You're a credit to the English-speaking people who love and respect Peru. 

Pseud "Einstein" George, Fly and Stupid come across as skidrow people who found themselves a nice little "pad" in my country and now they feel they're in a position to be the "duty experts" who demand things from Peruvians that they themselves can't deliver. I'm sure that if I had the misfortune to meet any of these three characters, I would confirm how I've visualized them . Just imagine what kind of an individual we're dealing with, who calls his wife "stupid" (Fly)....no doubt this "tipo" is a user and abuser.

All three of you characters are in no position to give your opinion about anythying concerning Peru. You have too many problems to be looking at "la paja en el ojo ajeno".  I feel that if you're going to write nasty, abusive, hateful insults about Peruvians, then you should be fair and write something positive and equally mention some very brilliant Peruvian people....maybe starting with the Incas???    Have you ever heard of a phrase called "ingenio Peruano"?  Well, it says something about my people's resourcefulness and savvy. Given a chance, the Empire of the Incas will rise again.  If you want to know the truth.....I detect a bit of envy in all of the three characters above, there's obviously something about Peruvians that they wished they had.  For one thing, the humanity, decency and good manners of my people, that obviously these three misfits never learnt at home, whatever planet they came from.

Please, let's keep this "Living in Peru" forum......decent.
It's a downer reading the nonsense that George "Einstein" ,
"Fly" and "Stupid" write, and like Michelle says....it doesn't serve any purpose, but to insult people....the very people who feed them, take care of them, smile at them and make it all better for them down-and-outers. Hey guys, get your mochilas from under your cots and go back to the "Utopia" you want us all to believe you came from.
Gimme a break!

# Wise Guy Ehe says :
19 April, 2008 [ 19:51 ]

QUOTED > "there's obviously something about Peruvians that they wished they had< END QUOTE

ANSWER:  Yes, Some of the Food, and maybe some of the chicas!!

A BIG P.S. TO HECTOR;  Learn to read you freaking Moran.  Nothing was nasty or hatefull towards anyperson.  So you Know, It Was Just Spoken as the pain truth and the facts.  Truth and Facts are something the Peruvian People Havent Learned Yet- I Think They All Missed School That Day.  I Think They Also Missed School The Day They Tought The People Of Peru to Not LIE CHEAT and STEAL.

"LIVING IN PERU" forum provides everone the FREE WILL to discuss ANYTHING, ANYTIME.  SO CHILL, Accept the Strength and Weakness in EVERY CULTURE, COUNTRY and Person.   WHEN other PERUVIANS write like this about Americans, or Canadians,  I DONT SEE HECTOR protecting anything there!!!!!!   BACK OFF. 

# HECTOR says :
19 April, 2008 [ 20:53 ]

Hey Wise Guy aka "Anonymous George":  just a little grammar lesson in your own language:

*it's moron.......not moran

* it's hateful......not hatefull

* it's plain......not pain (a little Freudian slip there?).

I agree....there are strengths and weaknesses in every culture, but I am only seeing your weaknesses (food, chicas and uncivility). Time for you to chill out, man.....just plain behave yourself and contribute something productive to this forum. Write something uplifting and positive....and this applies to "Genius George".., Fly (as in "mosca") and Stupid. I've stated my case to you guys.....so you won't be hearing from me again.....no matter how rabid you get.  I have better things to do.

Viva el Peru y los Peruanos!!

# Anonymous Dave says :
19 April, 2008 [ 22:26 ]

I am afraid Anonymous George and "Wise Guy" are not the same person.

I understand what you are saying Hector, so I'll let you as a Peruvian, and not me as a guest, decide what Peruvians must do to improve the country.

I, as an outsider, can only level criticism while I try to help? Why?

Well, when you come in from the outside to a new situation you are better suited to see what's wrong and what changes need be made. This is why top companies bring in outside management to fix problems. I am your outside management. I am telling you that certain aspects of Peruvian culture are holding the country back.

Most of Peru's issues, the ones so lamented most by Peruvians themselves are a direct result of their own actions. These can only be fixed slowly and collectively. This is not an insult. This is an observation of fact.

I have already tought two Peruvian drivers that it is polite to slow down at crossings for pedestrians, particularly on a very hot day. These Peruvian drivers are now aware that other people exist outside of their car. Perhaps, if we are lucky, they will spread this strange new message to others and drivers here will behave like human beings.

Criticism, even overbearing strong criticism that that of Genius George, are clues to problems. People would be wise not to react to it, but understand it. Genius George, for instance, is now aware that Criticism should be made in a less overbearing and high-handed maner.

# Lipwem says :
19 April, 2008 [ 22:41 ]

NOTE TO ADMIN and LIVING IN PERU-  IN KINDNESS AND RESPECT, YOU SHOULD BE DELETING SEVERAL POSTS HERE.
NOTE TO ADMIN and LIVING IN PERU-  IN KINDNESS AND RESPECT, YOU SHOULD BE DELETING SEVERAL POSTS HERE.    NOTE TO ADMIN and LIVING IN PERU-  IN KINDNESS AND RESPECT, YOU SHOULD BE DELETING SEVERAL POSTS HERE.

# Hector says :
20 April, 2008 [ 00:09 ]

Anonymous Dave:  Forget the "civilizing" mission. By any chance.....are you related to George Bush??   Just leave Peru's problems to the Peruvians......all you need to do is enjoy your stay in my beautiful country, that's all!  

Have some great ceviche, enjoy a cool "chela" or a refreshing Inka Cola, discover lucuma ice cream, do a huayno with a native, enjoy the warmth and sense of humor of the Peruvian people.....don't worry, be happy! 

Let's allow Peruvians to learn empirically, from their own mistakes.....that's how we learn. We resent foreigners trying to endoctrinate us.  Do you think the Iraqui people appreciate having "democracy" jammed down their throats by a foreign power?  Well, Peruvians don't enjoy "duty experts" telling them what to do either.

Basically, we want people who visit Peru to be polite to us and respect our culture, without trying to fix our ills. Is that too much to ask?

# CapitanDan says :
20 April, 2008 [ 00:58 ]

Hector, Please relax and take a deep breath. What Dave says about Peru is nothing but constructive criticism. An impartial source is often the best remedy to prevent people from repeating mistakes. Your remarks about the U.S. and Iraqi is unfounded. Comparing Iraq and Peru is like comparing grapes to camel dung.As to foreign powers dictating policies in Peru it happens every day. There is a pecking order in world affairs , unfortunately Peru is not the biggest chicken in the yard. Peru is my adopted country because it is not in the first tier of the barnyard. The big chickens always court and fight over us little chickens. Look at the free trade agreements . The Rooster in the yard always want the best Hen. Peru with it's strong economy is the prize. So lets take advantage of this opportunity and make the best of it. As for all these demeaning comments , I say live and let live. But if you have nothing good to say , then shut Yo mouth or go eat a Garcia chub. Gracias y Chau .

# Juyin Kim says :
20 April, 2008 [ 01:05 ]

Hector is taxi driver. No Brain. Go sleep.
~chifa

# Anonymous Dave says :
20 April, 2008 [ 08:59 ]

What I have seen from Hector is not representative of most Peruvians I have seen. Some people in some countries find it very difficult to be criticised, often defensive of foreigners noticing problems.
Many Peruvians have are in my opinion very inquisitive, asking me how we do things in my country and what I like and dislike about there's. They smile when I explain the many things I like, and when I explain the things that need improved, they ... wait for it ... nod in agreement, or if the idea is new to them, visibly ponder it for a while.
Unlike with Hector, I've never received rash lunacy in return for my valuable outsiders view.

@Hector, I'll die before I stop trying to improve MY country. For that is what it is now - a conscious decision has been made. You view seems to be to let the problems exist, i.e. let Lima be polluted, let Cusco smell of urine, let half of Peruvians live in poverty and instead... have a beer???

I am more Peruvian than you. You are what is wrong with my country.

# Thanks Man says :
20 April, 2008 [ 09:23 ]

Thank You Dave:  VERY WELL PUT!  VERY WELL SAID!  END OF STORY!

# HECTOR says :
20 April, 2008 [ 14:13 ]

Capitan Dan, I read you.......  It's great that some "expatriates" love my country, I just don't appreciate their insults of my people....that's all I'm trying to say. Also, any suggestions for improvement for Peru in this forum should be made in a civil manner, with respect and without arrogance, in order not to hurt the sensibilities of its Peruvian readers.  Most importantly, in order not to give other English-speaking readers a bad impression of Peru.....if you love Peru so much, why beat it to the ground?? 

"Genius" George, Fly and Stupid would be better off writing a column to "El Comercio" than scaring off potential decent tourists to Peru with their nasty comments in this forum.

Juyin Kim: big generalization.....some taxi drivers are engineers and lawyers out of their field, in case you haven't had the pleasure to have a chat with these people.

Anonymous George, aka Anonymous Dave, "Genius" George........you're not more Peruvian than me, you're a wannabe Peruvian.  YOU are wrong....condescending and disloyal to the country that feeds you ceviche and lomo saltado.....  If you really love my country and want to be a real patriota, then go about improving matters in a low-key, respectful way, without making a big splash on "living in Peru" writing tonterias. Make yourself worthy of Peru and its people, they deserve at least your gratitude for being kind and friendly....and no doubt, loving to you for the most part.  That's all I'm saying. It's all about being constructive......in a civil way, you don't have to unload all your personal frustrations on this forum or show your bad upbringing.  Just be civil and we can all look forward to reading about your brilliant ideas for Peru, because, no doubt you must have some important credentials, like a Ph.D in Latin American Studies or the like.  The same goes for the rest of your "cheerleaders". 

# Anonymous Mark says :
20 April, 2008 [ 15:05 ]

It is quite true that insults don't tend to motivate people, and I conceed that point readily.

BUT

"Genius George" did not insult anyone who did not deserve to be insulted. People who think the Government is to blame for rising food prices are idiots, do have low IQs are yes are less inteligent than monkeys.

Of course, all Peruvians are not this stupid. It was a mistake for Genius George not to say "some Peruvians".

# Wise Guy Ehe says :
20 April, 2008 [ 16:54 ]

Herctor is the  }} QUOTE: "engineers and lawyers out of their field" Taxi Driver because making such stupid remarks like he does would only come from such a person.

Not that Im knocking on TAXI DRIVERS, but lets assume he is such and also is a FAILING engineer and/or Lawyer.  Such stupid and crazy remarks that he states would only come from a person as such a LAWYER would. 

Everyone I meet in Peru seems to be a Lawyer- after 4 yeas of study!  Hector is our NEXT president elect at fault!

LOL

# Juyin Kim says :
20 April, 2008 [ 16:59 ]

go claim you pathetic prize in other place. Hector  are dumb person. All think so.  Eat Chifa Cat  U no peruvian, u trash man.

# Peruana says :
20 April, 2008 [ 17:25 ]

Come to USA , here is some of the most educated and inteligent people on this planet, you ask them:  what's the capital of Peru and they will tell you Spain, you ask them where is Argentina they have no idea what is "that", they just know about Mexico and Puerto Rico that's when the world ends, and many just care about drinking like crazy and getting loud and agressive,  beisbol and eating hamburguers and hot dogs and getting fat like cows, zero , zepo, class or inteligence.

# Anonymous Jim says :
20 April, 2008 [ 18:15 ]

jajajaja! Too true, I'm afraid.

# CapitanDan says :
20 April, 2008 [ 18:37 ]

Peruana, now you know why I am on a boat. Let's pray they(cows) never come to Peru. As you know Peru sits atop an active fault line. So two things could happen, One an earth quake or a shift in the earth's axis.