Talking Smack about the DR.
We’ve been pretty busy the past few weeks but wanted to take time out to answer some of the questions we routinely receive in TheCandidacy.com mailbox. Here’s the first one we chose to address.
You’re a gringo and talk a lot of smack about the DR. What gives you the right? How would you like it if I (a Dominican) started a blog and trashed the States? If it’s so bad why don’t you leave?- Rafael in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
Rafael,
I can’t turn on a TV, radio, computer or watch smoke-signals without catching criticism of my country. So, your blog wouldn’t make much of a difference. Sorry.
I’m a firm believer in peoples’ right to bitch about anything they want. As for my criticism of the DR, I believe I have 100% earned the right to criticize the Dominican Republic however I wish. I’ve lived, taught high school, worked for a division of the Supreme Court, done charity work, and paid taxes here for almost 6 years. In addition, my wife is Dominican and I have already started the process to become a naturalized Dominican citizen. If that’s not good enough for you then stop reading. I won’t be offended.
As for me leaving the island, I guess I could do that. But then my blogging would be almost exclusively about American politics and Americans would be asking me “if the U.S. is so bad why don’t you just leave?” So, for right now, the warm, tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and cold beer are winning. Thanks for the suggestion though.
Keep those questions coming. You can reach us through the Contact Page. Cheers.
RHM
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About the Author: Randall H. Miller is an American educator/blogger. He is also a former U.S. Army officer (82nd Airborne) with a Master of Arts in Diplomacy (focusing on International Terrorism). Use the form on the right to sign up for the "Friday Morning Fix” and other timely updates.
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Daniel | Jul 29, 2008 | Reply Vote:
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Point, Set and Match… RHM!
Adrielle Perdomo-Berrido | Jul 30, 2008 | Reply Vote:
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The dual citizenship is a plus. I am American and Dominican… so i get to bitch about the U.S., the D.R, Dominicans in the U.S., Americans in the D.R., Leonel, AND George W., !!!! : )
Janin Galvan | Jul 30, 2008 | Reply Vote:
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My husband is a European and has been living here for more than twelve years.
We have spent quite an amount of money here (purchased land, had a house built) and still do so (daily shopping, paying taxes and ‘impuestos’, employing people, etc.).
From all this we derive the right to criticize the conditions we have to put up with (infrastructure, power supply, corruption, policing, justice system, etc.).