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Why we're here: An American couple talks about their move to PanamaBy Ken Jones (reprinted with the permission of Focus Publications (int.) S.A. www.focuspublicationsint.com) Americans are becoming increasingly aware that their homeland, while it is still the home of the brave, is no longer the land of the free. I spoke recently to an articulate couple from Montana, Lawrence Burnham Dodge and Honey Sue Lanham, who have chosen Panama as their new home in their retirement because Panama offers them personal freedoms which are being rapidly eroded in the U.S.A. Larry and Honey have bought several acres in Altos del Maria, the residential community being developed by the Melo group around Sora in the mountains west of Panama City. Over lunch at Willy Diggelmans Restaurant 1985 on the day that the couple flew in to continue their Panama adventure, they told me the reasons why they and many like-minded people from the U.S. and other countries are seeking a haven. Larry and Honey are perhaps unusual because they have spent much of their life crusading against the government infringement of constitutionally guaranteed rights. Honey was national director of the Libertarian Party to which they both belong. They also share membership in the International Society for Individual Liberties. Some years ago Larry founded FIJA (Fully Informed Jury Association) concerned with the rights of jurors. Nevertheless, the reasons for their move from the U.S. are shared by most of the new wave of immigrants which seems likely to outnumber the gringos of the former Canal Zone. "We think we are just the tip of the iceberg", commented Honey. Personal freedoms in the US have been seriously eroded since 9-11 and the advent of the Patriot Act as a weapon of the so-called "War on Terrorism" which has negated much of the cherished Bill of Rights. But according to Larry, government interference in the lives of citizens began a great deal earlier and will increase its grip in the internet age. He told me: "I love to fish. In the US I have to have a license which is tied to my Social Security number. In Panama I can take my fishing pole anywhere and not have to worry about losing my privacy when I fish. "In the US there are regulations and restrictions for everything. In Panama things are more flexible. I needed to put an antenna for an internet connection close to my house but I didn't want to put a pole in my garden. A Panamanian neighbour told me to put it on a nearly light pole. If I had done that in the U.S. I would be heading for the pokey." He added. "I think I am rapidly becoming a Panamanian. I love the fact that it is so easy to cut through the 'red tape' --- and lets not talk about corruption. The US is far more corrupt." He added as a joke (I think): "Even the corruption in Panama is free of restrictions and available to ordinary people. All you need is a smile and a ten or twenty dollar bill. In the US you have to be a lobbyist or the head of Enron." It is no accident that Larry and Honey found Panama. They could not afford to visit all the countries which might have suited them. So, being academics, he a sociologist, and she a genealogist, they began their search for a country by a process with the numbing title of "Multiple regression analysis using crucial independent variables". This indicated the levels of economic, social and personal freedoms of each country. The data, which included everything from prison population ratio (the US leads the world in prison occupancy per capita) to racial tolerance was collected by Honey on the internet and when it was fed into the analysis equation, Panama came in the top five countries listed according to their "coefficient of freedom". So they came to Panama and added practical benefits to their research, such as easy access to the US so friends and relatives will visit them, use of the dollar, low cost of living, good communications... the list goes on and on. They were also happy to find three members of the International Society for Individual Liberties on the isthmus. "We just feel good here" said Honey. "We don't feel we stand out as we have in other countries. We're just another couple of gringos. Panamanians are used to that". They explored Chiriqui and all the interior provinces and chose Altos del Maria for a number of reasons. It is not far from Panama City -- a 90 minute drive. There are very few rules and regulations or restrictive covenants on development. It is however a gated community with security; and the whole area, while preserving its wilderness character is very well maintained. An added attraction is that a lot of Panamanians have purchased lots in addition to a cosmopolitan foreign ownership. The lots they have bought have a splendid view. They were lucky that a previous owner had not only planted fruit trees and vegetables but had built a small cabin which provides them with a base while they build their house. Their home will also be a B&B and restaurant "to meet people". They get 20 years tax free under Panama's incentive laws. Honey, a bubbly blond, who is originally from Texas, ran a successful consignment furniture business, and includes waitressing and cooking among her skills. Larry, a professor, and landscape photographer "will come in handy" she laughs. It was pleasant to welcome them to Panama and we wish them good luck and good health in their new life. Last modified 26-Sep-2007 17:37 -0400 |
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