Every year since 1992 the people of Montevideo have lined up to buy as many Big Macs as they can from celebrities and public officials working the counters at Ronald McDonald’s place.

WOW! I can finally be a junk food junkie and feel good about it—at least for the day. How does that jingle go again: “two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun…”

Ray Kroc would be proud!

]]> http://www.uruguayliving.com/2007/11/16/big-mac-day-in-uruguay/feed/ 2 http://www.uruguayliving.com/2007/04/23/loose-ends/ http://www.uruguayliving.com/2007/04/23/loose-ends/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2007 15:05:12 +0000 The Southron http://www.uruguayliving.com/2007/04/23/loose-ends/ There are several stories that I started and not completed for one reason or another.  Now, I can provide a least a few answers.

A Corporal Work of Mercy:  You may remember the taxi driver that was killed: and that we collected about $350 for his widow and children.  It took several months, help from friendly members of the media, and from other taxi drivers, before we did finally get to the family and make the presentation, which Santiago did on our behalf.  The family was surprised and very grateful.

Two unhappy endings

He may also remember the English couple who had everything stolen within the first hour of moving into their house.  We were anxious to report what was happening on an ongoing basis, but were requested not to do so by the authorities.  We must now report that unfortunately no suspects were found, none of the property was recovered, and it costs a couple of thousands of dollars to get out of the lease of the house.  They subsequently moved to a gated community outside of town and have told me that they plan on leaving Uruguay permanently when their lease is up.  I hope that the original landlord and real estate agent, both of whom I believe are at least morally responsible, remember what they did, because UruguayLiving.com will remember them and do our best to discourage anyone else from ever having any business dealings with them.

One other story that needs to have its ending told is about the young man from Russia and his wife and child.  Unfortunately they fell into the clutches of an unscrupulous Russian and “mafia wanna be” who so terrified them, that they chose to back to Russia.  When they would not pay his extortionate demands he filed suit against them alleging he had been hired as an “interpreter” for US$5,000/month.  It is truly unfortunate that the young man would not trust his attorneys and the authorities to handle this crook.  I guess growing up the Soviet Union did not equip him to make good decisions in a free country….

This is a full-sized, 8½ x 11 inch paper back, with color covers and black-and-white inside. Because of its large size is much easier to read than the pocket-sized edition produced locally.  The price for the full-size paperback is the same as the retail price for the e-book, US$30. For payment, lulu.com accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and PayPal.

One other note: there was a Yankee Naval vessel holding station a few kilometers offshore for my house–obviously they were here in connection with that politicians visit.  I didn’t mind the ship that much, until I noticed that as I went from room to room its weapons readjusted accordingly…

If you read the forum on SociedadSouthron.net, you know that a local taxi driver was murdered.  And we can safely assume that the effect on his family must be monumental.  I therefore suggest, that we do something about it as a community: take up a collection amongst ourselves for the family of the driver.

As a Christian, the parable of the Good Samaritan commands me to do the good that is in front of me in so much as I am able.  As a libertarian, who has had some success in the world, I believe I have a moral obligation to help the needy, especially if I am going to deride and deplore government charities.  I believe in noblesse oblige and am certain it has a central role in any free and voluntary society.

When Davy Crockett served in the United States Congress, another congressman died and the House members were debating a pension for the widow.  Crockett, being a man of principle said that he could not vote to spend other people’s money on his sympathy.  But, he went on to tell the other members that he would however, spend his own money on sympathy, and that he was $20 sympathetic for the widow (a lot of money in those days) and that he would pass around his famous coonskin hat to the other members so they could express their sympathy similarly.

In the spirit of Davy Crockett, I will tell you that The Southron is $100 sympathetic toward the family of the taxi driver, and pass my virtual hat around (Lord knows it is big enough).

If you would like to add your sympathy to mine perhaps we can help the family with at least one problem.  (If you are in the US and wish to contribute, send me an e-mail and I will tell you how you can write a check and mail it to a US address.).

Everyone is encouraged to help if:

•      their circumstances allow,

•      their consciences dictate, and

•      they are so inclined.

For those of you who pray, remember the family of the slain taxi driver in your prayers.  For those of you who do not, at least hold a good thought for them.