jrbaja - 8-14-2005 at 01:31 PM
Because of the fact that in my travels down here, I discovered that a lot of good folks were lacking some pretty basic things, I decided to ask
friends and people on here for donations to take to these people.
Word spread and I have made many of these trips thanks to a LOT of caring individuals. I now have regular contributors and can get pretty much what
is needed everytime I go south and continue to do so.
But, after getting to know these people, I thought that what was really lacking was a way for them to make money to buy needed items as well as
keeping up with other coastal communities who already benefited from foreign influence, dollars and gifts.
I began teaching many communities about bamboo as it is something they can grow, use and turn into an income if they so desire. We have bamboo
planted in a number of areas now and hopefully, it is doing well.
Some friends in San Bartolo asked me to start a business there to employ their kids locally rather than having to travel to Los Cabos or La Paz for
work. This is what I have started.
The reason I decided on bamboo is because I have worked with it plenty, it is easy to get and grow, it takes a minimum amount of tools to work with
it, and it replenishes itself without harming the environment.
It also is a great way to deal with sewage, erosion, lack of building materials in Baja, and many other localized problems associated with rural
living. It's easy! Many of the Mexicans enjoy growing things and bamboo is one of the most enjoyable. Thus, they are interested and take care of it
rather than waiting 30 - 50 years for any other usable hardwood that could provide employment.
I don't see water purification systems or school buses as coming anywhere close to helping these people compared to providing them with materials
and an occupation to provide these things for themselves.
I have also created a market for these products through an art show and publicity received down south as well as an interest and orders from Baja
Norte. Tropical decor is in with the newcomers to Baja as well as the old.
There are plenty on here who say I am just looking for credit for myself or greed or whatever but these folks no nothing about what I am doing or
why I am doing it. I also don't plan on taking on any partners who think that the idea should be changed. It is not a project for foreigners, it is
a project for Mexicans to better their own lives in this rapidly changing land.
If any of you can understand any of this and are interested in helping, that's fine. As far as changing anything regarding what I have been working
at for 3 years, I am simply not interested.
Tools of a different demension
Sharksbaja - 8-14-2005 at 02:23 PM
I think I understand much what you are saying although I no very little personally about "rural" Baja folks other than brief visits.
It does however strike the chord of sharing that many of us share, and that includes a bit of Capitalism. It is a rapidly moving society in many parts
of Baja and along with bamboo products other tools are needed to extrapolate the most from the crop, mainly a livelyhood. Cottage industries are
difficult to launch. Something complex as a livelyhood as such needs direction, information, resources, guidance and a mentor of sorts. Is this not
true? Is that you JR? It would be nice to assume that. Than if true than you are correct in enlisting help assuming their progress has been fortunate.
What say you?
surfer jim - 8-14-2005 at 02:45 PM
For the last year all you have done is insult, put down, ......well I don't need to go into it.....everybody and everything good about this
board....and now you come asking for MY help?......I don't think so....
this is a JOKE isn't it?.....
since you like them so much here is my donation.....
[Edited on 8-14-2005 by surfer jim]
Asking for help ?
jrbaja - 8-14-2005 at 03:05 PM
If that's what you took that post as, I sure understand much of what goes on here Surfer.
Very true Sharks. I have looked into all aspects of this endeavor during the past three years. One of the main parts of the research during this
time was to see if there was an interest from the people.
Another was to experiment with where it would grow well. There are some places.
[Edited on 8/14/2005 by jrbaja]
JZ - 8-14-2005 at 03:13 PM
JR, think about how much more you could do for the Mexican's if you didn't act like such an a$$. You'd have people on this board falling in line to
help out.
JZ
jrbaja - 8-14-2005 at 03:57 PM
I'm pretty much done argueing. If you see me as an ass fine.
But, I tend to comment on more than just my bamboo down here. I guess that's because there is a lot more to Baja than bamboo.
I've already said what I have to say on these topics that many take so personally. I didn't make anything up or ask for support from anyone while
having these battles when I am attacked.
Nevertheless, let's carry on from here. I promise not to attack anyone and I'll even try and extend that to when I am attacked. But, that ones
iffy!
JZ - 8-14-2005 at 04:11 PM
JR: deal!
Doug: can we put a sticky on this one! 
Eh Viejito
jrbaja - 8-14-2005 at 09:04 PM
Over here ! So we can actually see what was said. I think you had best re read the first post here. Cmon now,
use the new bifocals and then try comprehending again.
Sometimes, this is really fun dontcha think
And JZ, I didn't start it !
I think this one needs to be a sticky!!
Bedman - 8-15-2005 at 07:56 PM
I think this one needs to be a sticky!!
jrbaja wrote:
I've already said what I have to say on these topics that many take so personally. I didn't make anything up or ask for support from anyone while
having these battles when I am attacked.
Nevertheless, let's carry on from here. I promise not to attack anyone and I'll even try and extend that to when I am attacked. But, that ones
iffy!
_____________________________________________________
If you indeed are willing to stay the acrimonious slings and arrows of discontent and turn a new leaf. I'm All for it!!
I'll even give you a lifetime membership to the CCG!!
correct me if i am wrong...
eetdrt88 - 8-15-2005 at 08:07 PM
bit did jrbaja not say just yesterday that "I'M PRETTY MUCH DONE ARGUEING"...then what happened today over at baja q&a...cuz those posts look
pretty much like the same old jrbaja we all know and love
....i mean can anyone
take anything this guy says seriously,apparently not