Comments on: English Language Library in Antigua

By: Bill

Bill — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:00:49 +0000

There is no intention on the part of the American Legion to ever close the library. If a low income individual or family cares to take our books we would certainly give them access at a minimum cost or no cost at all. We originally intended the library to earn funds to pay tuitions for low income children. That has not happened however the American legion has 13 children in school using funds from other sources. Hopefully we will find a location where we can shelve our whole collection ( I have about 50 cases of books in my garage). Also when we have more volunteers we will extend the hours. All of the books have been donated and we do not censor. Whatever comes in goes on the shelf.

By: elgordo

elgordo — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:08:06 +0000

I think you're absolutely right. The dependency, however, is not just with gringos. I can't count the times my mother has been asked for things by someone she previously helped. It would be funny if it weren't so sad. I think it's an indigena thing. Not that they're more dependent than anyone else, but that culturally there's no shame in asking. I mentioned philanthropy because it's an actual option with gringos. I am often amazed at the generosity and selflessness that some gringos demonstrate. I have never heard of a wealthy Guatemalan leaving his fortune to charity.

By: juan3

juan3 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:57:50 +0000

I just want to make it clear that the library is in no danger of closing. To my knowledge the library has only broken even 2 months over the last 3 years. This is not a panic situation. What we need are new members. If you, or a family member, are a reader, you will love the library's variety of books.

There are quite a few of us, in the Antigua community, who will go to a long way to keep the library open. Please come join us.

By: sweaty_peten

sweaty_peten — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:48:22 +0000

I don't think Guatemalans are lazy. In fact, most of my friends are some of the hardest working people I have ever met. I think their lives could be better if they could be taught to work just as hard, but smarter or with better tools, but their work ethic is not in question for most of the people I know.

I DO think that Guatemalans in Gringo heavy areas have an unhealthy dependency on the rich white man. Instead of thinking how they personally could divert their energy towards helping the community, they expect things to be given to them. This has been caused by too many white people giving things away and creating that expectation, but many caught in that train of thought are more than happy to stay there (especially the "middle class.) Your comments reflected that dependency, rather than an independent spirit. More would get done and the country would be better if those chapines would take some initiative and personal responsibility to do things for themselves by themselves.

By: elgordo

elgordo — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:41:43 +0000

I don't consider myself a socialist or a marxist. I believe that people should contribute to society according to their means. In Guatemala, there is no sense of civic duty and obligation. In that respect I guess we're very neo-republicanish. Had you been clear and suggested that Juan and/or I pay the rent, I could not have responded as I did. But that's not what you said.

By: elgordo

elgordo — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:10:04 +0000

I think that Sweaty made a good point and I said so. If you onsider my comments sarcasm, will that make them not hostile? Sarcasm is insulting generally and I respond in kind. I actually agree with many things that Sweaty says, but I play devil's advocate if he goes too far. For intance, he could have mentioned fundraisers without implying that Chapines are lazy.

By: patywolf

patywolf — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:55:39 +0000

What is big deal about an oven? They are built out of clay and used outside and you cook with a woodfire. You usually need to construct a roof of somekind over your outside kitchen for when the rains come. Lots of poor people have these ovens, It is a traditional part of the Maya kitchen.

By: guateliving

guateliving — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:16:19 +0000

Elgordo, I think we learn as much about you as we do Sweaty in these exchanges. Juan offered a viewpoint intended to 'balance' the sentiment you and Juan have expressed. Earlier you were encouraging me to seek diverse opinions, but every time I see you comment on something different from your own opinion, you're hostile. Why the double standard?

By: guateliving

guateliving — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:13:14 +0000

Juan, I can't donate a building, but I'll sponsor any needy family. They can apply with Bill or Duane at the library and I'll cover a portion of their annual fee.

By: guateliving

guateliving — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:10:39 +0000

Elgordo, I don't hang out in hospitals where patients have TB and Ebola for a similar reason. I get enough exposure to radical worldviews from the MSM and the circles I run in here in Antigua.