Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Chile goes right, Big Apple goes left

Chile goes right, Big Apple goes left: In two weeks, New York City will inaugurate a new socialist mayor. In a few weeks, Chile will inaugurate a new president from the Right. In Seattle, a socialist is now the mayor, but in Argentina, Ecuador, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Bolivia, and…..

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In two weeks, New York City will inaugurate a new socialist mayor. In a few weeks, Chile will inaugurate a new president from the Right. In Seattle, a socialist is now the mayor, but in Argentina, Ecuador, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Bolivia, and Paraguay, leaders from the Right are governing or starting to govern.

What in the world is going on? Socialism is dead but alive and well in New York City and Seattle. Of course, they don't really call it “socialism” but rather the "affordability" crisis. Did you ever read about a socialist country that made things more affordable? No. They make people miserable and poor. They make things more affordable by rationing everything or rent controls that turn pretty buildings into slums. Have you a recent picture of Havana? I mean that part of Havana that the tourists spending dollars don't get to see. Yes, the part where Cubans live and the hospitals are falling apart. My family used to live in that pretty part of Cuba that now looks recently bombed for days.

Chile's victory was massive, as NPR pointed out:

Kast's victory follows years of left-of-center rule in Chile. It also reflects a broader regional trend in Latin America in which security and migration have become decisive electoral issues.

In elections this year Bolivia ousted socialists who had ruled for nearly two decades. Argentina's La Libertad Avanza won legislative elections, boosting President Javier Milei's influence in Congress, and Ecuador re-elected center-right Daniel Noboa.

Far-right libertarian President Javier Milei of neighboring Argentina welcomed Kast's win, calling his "friend's" victory proof that Latin America is casting off the "oppressive shackles of 21st-century socialism."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tweeted his congratulations, saying Washington looks forward to "partnering with his administration to strengthen regional security."

 By the way, Secretary Marco Rubio is a big winner here too. He is convinced Latin American leaders that the U.S. has their backs in the battle against narcos and that doing business with the U.S. is a better bet than China.

As we celebrate Chile and other examples of the good guys winning, we also look with shock and horror at some of our cities. Who told them that socialism works or that you make things affordable by telling people what they want to hear? Well, they will learn the hard way and maybe follow the example of Chile and others in rejecting this garbage.

 P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

We remember Pope Francis (1936-2025)




We remember Pope Francis who was born on this day in 1936 in Argentina and died in 2025.

A couple of years ago, I wrote an article following the "Person of the Year" recognition.

I loved Pope Francis' "down to earth" approach.  It was very refreshing.  However, he did go down "the climate change" hole too often and lost me in the process.


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1903: Orville and Wilbur Wright




It must have been a very exciting 12 seconds for the Wright brothers.   Orville piloted the craft and the brothers flew 120 feet.
 
And we've been flying ever since!

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2015: Christmas books and poetry of the season with Frank Burke



 P.S.:  Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.


Listen to "2015 podcast: Christmas books and poetry of the season with Frank Burke" on Spreaker.

A pre-Castro Cuban Navidad


Getting ready for 'Navidad" is one of my favorite Cuban traditions, in part because my mother's kitchen had a wonderful smell all month!

For a little pre-Castro nostalgia, see Postal de Navidad - Christmas Card!

Again, have a good Noche Buena!  Feliz Navidad to all of you!


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Happy # 87 to Leo "Chico" Cardenas


 
He made it to the majors in 1960 where he got the nickname of “Chico” and “Mr. Automatic” because he was so good at playing shortstop.
 
Cardenas was a 5-time All Star.  He played 9 years with the Cincinnati Reds and 3 with the Minnesota Twins.    He replaced fellow Cuban Zoilo Versalles as the shortstop for the Twins.
 
Overall, he hit .257 over 16 seasons.     Along the way, he hit 20 HR & 81 RBI's in 1966 and 18 HR & 75 RBI's in 1970.   Back then, those were huge power numbers for a shortstop.
 
Cardenas played in the 1961 World Series with the Reds and in the 1969 & 1970 ALCS with the Twins.   He is best remembered as the man who made everything look easy at shortstop.

P.S.  You can listen to my show.  If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.


Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Elections in Chile and more Latin American countries moving to the right...


Elections in Chile and more Latin American countries moving to the right;  Chicago is a mess; Battle of the Bulge 1944 and other stories.

Chileans glad they have a First Lady again

Chileans glad they have a First Lady again: Elections have consequences. For some strange reason, the current partner of incumbent President Gabriel Boric chose to avoid the First Lady title. She succeeded his first partner, who also avoided the title. One of the nice benefits of having….
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The Battle of The Bulge 1944 with Barry Jacobsen, military historian




Guests: Barry Jacobsen, military historian....We will remember the 81st anniversary of The Battle of The Bulge.........and other stories....

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Listen to "The Battle of The Bulge 1944 with Barry Jacobsen, military historian" on Spreaker.


 P.S.  Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog  

Birthday parties & the Cuban kitchen with Marta Verdes Darby and Sonia Martinez

 

Listen to "The Cuban kitchen with Marta Verdes Darby and Sonia Martinez" on Spreaker.