This letter to the editor was published in the Tico Times on May 8th, 2009.
       We North Americans in Costa Rica are well aware of the country’s problems, simply by living here. Often a person just needs to vent and writes a letter to the editor. I would like to share my perspective in order to help give Costa Rica a break.
       Some situations in Costa Rica remind me of what things were like years ago in the United States. For example, in the 1960’s the anti litter campaign began and children were taught that it was bad to be a “litter bug”. This kind of thinking is just starting in Costa Rica. In many ways Costa Rica is fifty years behind the more developed countries. Yet this little country has been subject to many of the same kinds of demands as the big ones. The droves of people coming in from tourism and immigration have stressed the infrastructure. All these people make garbage and sewage and Costa Rica just doesn’t know what to do with it.
       In the United States when electricity was first being implemented into cities and towns, it was a gradual process. Some, like my great grandfather a Pennsylvania farmer, didn’t even want it. They were fine doing things the way they always had. Here in Costa Rica a relatively sudden influx of people who demanded electricity created a push to supply it before the country was adequately educated and prepared. Hence the frequent power outages and Mickey Mouse wiring that would make an electrician run in terror.
       Every week in Tico Times I read about another issue in which the government is remiss. I’ve driven in San Jose. I’ve waited for three hours in line at the bank. I know it’s all true. Costa Rica has problems.
       I am here to tell you that Costa Rica is in Kindergarten. That’s right. If your little brother or sister was in kindergarten would you scorn them because they couldn’t drive a car? Of course not. You would teach them to ride a bike. And being a good teacher, you would use positive reinforcement rather then negative criticism. Attitude is important.
       I found a good example of this in the recent Tico Times article about recycling in Escazu. The article said the existing recycling plan was “rag tag, at best.” The German government, like an older sibling, stepped in to help and now the program is progressing well.
       Countries, like people, go through developmental stages. The more advanced lend a hand to the slower ones. Either that or they conquer them. I don’t think we North Americans have come here to conquer Costa Rica. I hope not.
       If you are only here to escape the cold and live more cheaply, there’s lots of cheap houses in Florida these days. Maybe the difficulties are too trying on your nerves. But if you have no desire to conquer and make this place just like the place you came from, if you can appreciate these lovely people and their culture in spite of it’s shortcomings then you can contribute. You can help your little sister learn to ride a bike.
       Words are powerful things. The news media is a necessary force for change in creating awareness. But let’s be careful with our words. Vent to your spouse or your friends. And if you can, try to find ways to help. Let’s not be seen as arrogant Gringos. Let’s be seen as kind and compassionate big brothers and sisters who appreciate Costa Rica’s culture, in which they have chosen to live.