Osprey - 12-14-2008 at 09:33 AM
Wow, is this ever the time for giving! I've never seen it like this way out here in the pucker brush. There are brand new faces in town with hands
out for Christmas charities -- even some new religions. And I didn't know there were so many kinds of police in Mexico. Some officers of the law
station themselves each day at popular places like the plumbing shop, the tiendas, the gasolinera -- camp out as long as it takes to get enough
donations to pay for the day. There is an automatic fine of 200 pesos for being a gringo in a car or truck. After you pay, they ask you for a
donation. If they are looking for guns I think they would prefer they find some cash on you. I walk instead of drive from December 1st to about mid
January and I use the crosswalks every time. No one is excluded. Viajitas who got a smile and wave when passing the police in car for the last 11
months are now the subject of car searches, body and mind searches. Time for staying home and enjoying the family. I can find the Christmas spirit
very close at hand.
DENNIS - 12-14-2008 at 10:13 AM
Jorge...
Jeezo......I know what you mean. Charity is a good thing...to give and to recieve if needy but, every time I turn around, someone is soliciting
funds as though they just discovered the concept. I don't know...perhaps I'm getting selfish in my old age but, I give my share and a lot more.
Seems we who are suffering the poor economy as well as others are called upon to solve the problem.
I know your focus was on the parasite police and I whole-heartedly agree. They've always been known to get a bit over-active around the holidays and
if they were at least creative about it, I would be less offended. It just seems to me that panhandling has turned into a cultural event.
OK...Sorry for the rant. I'll get over it.
Pescador - 12-14-2008 at 12:10 PM
Actually Scrooge had the right idea, I mean who was not haunted by the picture of Tiny Tim and his crutch, but Scrooge was steadfast throughout the
whole time and just replied with, "Bah, Humbug" which we could somehow translate into "Baja Humbug" everytime you get solicited, but you must be
sure to say it with a frown and a scowl. 
Sharksbaja - 12-14-2008 at 03:16 PM
That 18% mandatory tip looks better all the time!
I hope Baja doesn't notice THAT
stupid practice.
Hey George, can you pay in advance or is that what you are already doing?
I think a cop with a bell and kettle could go a long way.
woody with a view - 12-14-2008 at 03:43 PM
good one Osprey!!!!! maybe get a crutch and use your good arm to elbow the bastards outta the way!!!!!
the only great cause is the Dia de Reyes toy drive!!!!
Give early and give often!!!
