". . . paquetazo social. . ." and ". . . not from above with gifts and promotion of paternalism. . ."
* * * Maybe the beginning to the end of the Hipólito regime? Reading between the lines it kind of looks like socialism too the max or a pretty good start on a model of how start a communist state. * * *
From the "DR1 Daily News":
~ ~ ~ An orgy of price increases ~ ~ ~
Weekend newspapers pointed out the across the border increases in goods sold locally that has occurred in January. The increases have occurred after the passing of the new taxes by the government. The new taxes call for businesses to make monthly payments of 1.5% on income tax, and called for increases on tax paid on imports, as well as increased the value-added tax from 8 to 12% while expanding the base on which it would be applied. As a result, prices of almost all articles have been adjusted upward 20-30%. Despite the widespread support the PRD has within almost all local sectors, complaints are starting to be heard because everyone is confronted with the higher prices. El Siglo reports that representatives of businessmen associations in Santiago said that the measures are bringing about an increase in inflation and will cause industries and business to go bankrupt, with the consequential firing of employees and reduction of foreign investment. A Hoy newspaper editorial calls what has occurred an "orgy of price increases." It criticizes the government for entertaining society with announcements of a forthcoming "paquetazo social" or series of measures to compensate the lower income sectors for the new prices.
~ ~ ~ Paternalism no, community efforts, yes ~ ~ ~
Hoy newspaper points to the skepticism the government announcement of Year 2001 as Year for the Fight against Poverty. Residents in the DR saw the year start with the domino effect of price increases of almost all items, as a result of new taxes. The newspaper points out that the civic society favors combating poverty with grass roots efforts, not from above with gifts and promotion of paternalism. The Alianza ONG, Centro de Estudios Sociales Padre Juan Montalvo, Ciudad Alternativa y Coordinadora de Organizaciones para la Defensa de los Derechos Barriales coincided that poverty should be combated with jobs and adequate policies, not with political favors.
* * * And just for good measure, this one: * * *
". . . with the support of politicians who saw it as an opportunity to create more jobs for their partisans."
~ ~ ~ 30 provinces now in the DR ~ ~ ~
As of Sunday, there are 30 provinces in the Dominican Republic and a National District. San Jose de Ocoa became the 30th province, the result of efforts of local promoters who feel that this will foster the development of the community. Father Luis Quinn, a community spokesman, expressed his hope that now as a province San Jose de Ocoa would be able to develop its agriculture and eco tourism potential. His efforts to turn San Jose de Ocoa into a province met with the support of politicians who saw it as an opportunity to create more jobs for their partisans.
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Regards,
. . . CES
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"paquetazo social"
