Dirt

Quite honestly, I've had some serious writer's block lately when it comes to updating this blog. I've been holding off for some good news to write about, but I've been feeling the environment here has been less-than-hospitable to do so. My life really hasn't had any major negative events to write about, but the news here has been somewhat depressing. About a month ago, a serial killer was arrested in Bocas del Toro. A week later, a child pornographer was arrested in town. Last week, a man was found in his home tied up and beaten to death (later it was disclosed he was a drug dealer and the crime was related). Tonight, I hear about a convicted child molester being apprehended in the town's supermarket. What do these bastards have in common? They are (were) all US citizens on the run who chose to call this place home. I can't help but feel the locals look on me and others from the US with skepticism given these events. Being a caucasian, male, and US citizen, has always been something I've taken for granted while living in the US with respect to certain (unearned) privileges, although I have always felt empathy towards those who are not and who deal with social/racial/sexual prejudice on a daily basis. It is interesting, to say the least, to be on the "other side" of that spectrum. I shook hands with the latter of the perpetrators mentioned above on a few occasions which makes me feel like I can't trust anyone...especially other caucasians. I can only try my best to associate with those I feel are good people, and hope I am not judged too harshly by others for my personal associations should I be misled my analysis of people I choose to associate with. I am happy the authorities here are taking action to clean out the trash that has accumulated in this town/province/country to make life safer for everyone who are trying to live an honest life. I am also happy to have met a few people who are like-minded, and for my Panamanian friends who don't discriminate against me for the actions of a few who are nothing more than the dirtiest of dirt.