El Baul de los Recuerdos - 1985

Acabo de ver un video en la pagina de un amigo en Facebook, que me recordo mi experiencia de ser el unico estudiante de color y de habla hispana en 1985 en Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. Vivi en Phoenix, Arizona por un poco mas de 12 meses.

Si me conoces hace un tiempo, sabes que la unica razon por la que vine a vivir a Estados Unidos fue porque deseaba estudiar y recibir el diploma de (MMI) Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. En el 1985, MMI en Phoenix, Arizona era la mejor escuela en Estados Unidos para uno lograr ser un tecnico graduado de motocicletas.

Recuerdo que muchos de los estudiantes en aquel tiempo pensaban que yo era Mexicano. Varias veces trate de explicar que no era Mexicano, que era de Puerto Rico. Decian que no sabian donde era Puerto Rico. Trate de ubicarlos explicando que P.R. forma parte del archipielago de las Antillas Mayores del Mar Caribe. Tampoco sabian donde era el Mar Caribe.

Llego el momento que desisti de explicar y preferi dejarlos por ignorantes. El racismo se expresaba tan abiertamente que me di cuenta que era una perdida de tiempo el tratar de educar a algunas de estas personas.

Despues de terminar de escribir esta experiencia, acabo de darme cuenta que en el 2026 se cumplen 40 años de mi graduacion de (MMI) Motorcycle Mechanics Institute en Phoenix, AZ.

Subzero Wind Chills (minus 20 degrees) For the Next 48 Hours In Philly

Another nightmare weekend, extreme cold and freezing temperatures the next two days. We are expecting minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Subzero wind chills and a possibility of more snow for the Philadelphia area.

I need the snow from the last snowstorm a few weeks ago to melt down soon. Hopefully, after next Tuesday, temperatures are expected to become milder with rainy conditions. Can't wait to take my motorcycle out for a spin.

Trump Shared Video That Was Blatantly Racist

I've been trying not to pay too close attention to it because it's no surprise to me that Donald Trump is a racist. We knew that, but everyone in Capitol Hill is feigning shock and surprise. It's what people in New York have been saying about Trump and his family since the 1970's.

Hate groups are attracted to him for his blatant racism. White Supremacists, the Aryan Nation, Neo-Nazis, Skinheads, The Proud Boys, and the Ku Klux Klan all have publicly expressed support for Trump. These hate groups view his rhetoric and policies as an extension of their own ideologies and goals.

Some Republicans, including Sen. Tim Scott, a black Republican from South Carolina, are upset about a racist video Trump shared on his account that depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.

It is a mystery to me, the fact that there are people out there shocked that the President of the United States is a proud racist. From the moment I've set foot in New York City 43 years ago, I've known that Trump is a racist.

His entire life Trump has encouraged racism and benefitted politically from it. Of the hundreds of racially offensive things he had said or done, I'll give you three examples that helped shaped/bolster his public and political image.

- 1973 Racial Housing Discrimination.

- 1989 Central Park 5 (advocated for the death penalty against five Black and Latino teenagers).

- 2011 Obama "birther" conspiracy theory.

So, Donald Trump is a racist. Tell me something I don't know.

Time Doesn't Stop For Any of Us

Last night while having a conversation with a childhood friend, I mentioned returning from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia at the end of February of last year. As soon as those words came out of my mouth, it hit me. It is already February of 2026, and I've been back in Philly for one full year after my trip to P.R. 

It is a reminder that time does not stop for anyone. Every day you either get closer to who you want to be or further away from it. Sometimes we waste our days waiting for the "right" moment; it may never come. Live now, breathe now, laugh now. This is your life, and the steering wheel belongs only to you.

I Am Addicted Using Bitmoji

I have a confession to make. I am addicted to Bitmoji, the comic character creator app. This application lets you personalize you own comic strip or avatar. In my opinion, Bitmojis are a Bitstrip alternative. 

In the early 2010's I used Facebook Bitstrips all the time, especially to create cartoon strips for my online blog. Bitstrips was an avatar generator connected to Facebook. Bitsprips are no longer available, but recently I jumped on the Bitmoji bandwagon and despite the panel scenarios limitations, they are a lot of fun to create comic strips using my avatar.

With Bitmoji, the sky is the limit. I can customize/personalize my avatar appearance according to my moods or current activity, and dress my avatar in fashionable, branded clothing using various scenarios. I am hooked; I am enjoying Bitmojis so much that I can't stop using this app.

Enjoying Long Walks On The Beach

The Trump White House Is A Raging Dumpster Fire

Trump is on track to be a total success [insert sarcasm here]. He promised to make himself a dictator. He promised mass deportations. He promised deregulation and the allowance of billionaires to r&pe our natural resources. He promised to conquer Venezuela, Panama and Greenland. He promised to make it so no one would ever need to vote again. He promised to punish people who disagreed with him. He has done or is in process to successfully deliver on all of these promises to systematically destroy our country. And not surprisingly, his supporters cheer.

Now he wants to nationalize the vote, Trump wants to control voting. This is against the Constitution. But since when did Trump or the Republican Congress ever let the Constitution get in the way of anything they wanted to do? 

Now it appears that the Trump administration is openly talking about taking your guns away. 

Yesterday on FoxNews, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Ferris Pirro, threatened to arrest law-abiding gun owners. “You bring a gun into this district, count on going to jail." “I don’t care if you have a license in another district and I don’t care if you’re a law-abiding gun owner somewhere else.” 

Asked about the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, President Donald Trump told reporters last week: “You can’t have guns, you can’t walk in with guns. You just can’t.”

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s threat to jail law-abiding gun owners who travel to Washington, D.C., with firearms has sparked anger from Republicans, including some of President Trump’s MAGA staunchest supporters.

History shows that authoritarian leaders remove the individual's right to keep arms. Folks on one side of the political spectrum think it won't affect them, until it does. Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

I remember just a few years back, "the Obama, Biden and Harris are going to grab your guns" hysteria. It turns out that the Trump White House is the one now openly talking about taking your guns away. Thanks to the 2nd Amendment, MAGA's next civil war may be brewing against the White House.

Mr. Kofla Goes To Washington

I think it is time to plan a trip to Washington DC, which is one of my favorite east coast cities to visit. This image was taken on November 7, 2020. Just a couple of days after the 2020 presidential election.

I recall having a conversation with my sister earlier that day. My sister lives in Puerto Rico and she was a little worried about all the "Stop The Steal" rallies planned for Washington DC during that weekend. 

Maybe I should plan the visit to DC the same weekend that I want to visit the B&O Railroad Museum in Maryland. That way I could kill two birds with one stone. Stay tuned! 

Anyone Can Buy A New Motorcycle, Real Men Keep The Old One's Running

One of these days, I am going to put in writing and share how I got involved into the motorcycle industry many moons ago. As a former Motorcycle Mechanics Institute alumni, it is all I did for a big chunk of my life. Until then, enjoy this motorcycle shop Bitmoji. 

When The Laundry Keeps Piling Up But You've Lost The Sanity To Care

I Was Offered $50 and Free Movie Tickets To See Melania Documentary. Who Wants To Go?

Imagine Hating Immigrants More Than Pedophiles

Release the Epstein Files

Movie Date = The 40 Year Old Virgin

Resist the Tyranny of a Fascist Wannabe King!

Journalists and activists have been arrested, including Don Lemon for filming a protest in a church in the aftermath of the killing of Renee Good. Ice can come in churches now and terrorize people but that is not unconstitutional, but covering protests as a member of the media is unconstitutional if its in a church?

This is a classic authoritarian tactic, to silence dissent and to use the legal system to do it. Where is Congress on this matter? All we hear from the Republican Congress is crickets.

These journalists are in Minneapolis to cover the murder of American citizens in the hands of ICE and our fascist government. The ICE murderers are free; the journalists are arrested. 

I'm starting to feel like the question "How did the German people let it happen?" is very much being answered, before our very eyes. Without freedom of the press there can be no democracy. 

This is what happens when you elect an Authoritarian Dictator.  He will lie, hide the truth and take away free speech. This is a total outrage! Resist the tyranny of a fascist wannabe King!

The Temperature Isn't Too Bad At 12 Degrees Fahrenheit

This morning I woke up at 4:00 am. I looked at my thermostat, it read 12 degrees Fahrenheit. With the wind chill factor it feels colder. How cold was it? As per the thermostat, the wind chill feels like 0 degree Fahrenheit.

I've come to the realization that my body is going through the process of acclimatization. As much as I hate winter, it seems that my body is adjusting to cold weather. This is what happens when you spend the last four weeks dealing with freezing temperatures. 

I don't want to begin feeling comfortable in colder temperatures. As God is my witness, if all goes as planned, this is my last winter in the United States. 

Did You Work Out Today?

¿Quien es el Moron Que Sugirio Prohibir Conducir A Personas de 70 años en Puerto Rico?

Entre ayer y hoy, he leido dos personas en Facebook escribir sobre una ley que han sugerido en Pe-Erre, que prohibiria conducir a personas de 70 años. 

En abril yo cumplire mis 70 primaveras. Ahora que estoy deseando finalmente volver a la isla, y estoy en el proceso de regresar despues de 43 años viviendo en Estados Unidos, ¿como rayos personas de mi edad vamos a movernos de un lado a otro si en Pe-Erre no hay transportacion publica tan eficiente como en Estados Unidos? 

¿Estos morones no saben que hay personas de 70 años que todavia trabajan y necesitan su propia transportacion? ¿Quien es el anormal que quiere proponer esa ley? ¿Y porque el pueblo no se esta mobilizando para protestar esa estupida ley? Solo a un imbecil se le ocurre semejante disparate.

She Helped Elect Trump. Now She’s Speaking Out

Latinas for Trump co-founder, Cuban-American Senator Ileana Garcia of Florida, is speaking out against Trump immigration policies.

She took to X to say: “I'm afraid of someone stopping my son. This is not what we voted for.” She also warns that Trump immigration policies will cost the GOP the midterms. - Senator Ileana Garcia told The New York Times in an interview published today.

The Responses Are Coming Fast and Furious:

- Who did you think he'd be rounding up, Pendeja? You just thought it would be other people’s sons!

- Cupcake, you voted for this! You only regret it now because the racism and hate affecting you! Sit in your own racism and bigotry and roll around in the bed of hate you made.

- People are being brutalized, kidnapped, and murdered and her biggest concern is the midterms? GTFOH.

- She wanted Trump to deport Mexicans, Venezuelans and Haitians, not Cubans. Tough shit. No te hagas la pendeja, si no te diste cuenta eres una idiota. It is exactly what you voted for.

Republican Chris Madel Ends Bid For Minnesota Governor

Minnesota Republican candidate Chris Madel drops out of gubernatorial race, saying he can't support "retribution" by Republicans. "I cannot support the national Republicans stated retribution on the citizens of our state", Madel said. "Nor can I count myself a member of a party that would do so." 

Madel calls ICE effort a 'disaster'. "United States citizens, particularly those of color, live in fear," he added. "United States citizens are carrying papers to prove their citizenship. That's wrong."

“I can’t look my daughters in the eye and say I’m running as a Republican, when they’re pulling over Hispanics and Asians because of the color of their skin and what they look like,” he told The Wall Street Journal. “I did not sign up for that.”

The Right To Bear Arms

The right to bear arms has been a big Republican Party issue for decades. Minneapolis shooting victim Alex Pretti was legally carrying a firearm. But top Trump administration officials now say he did not have a right to do so.

After the killing of nurse Alex Pretti by a federal agent in Minneapolis this past Saturday, FBI Director Kash Patel claimed on FoxNews, that protesters cannot bring loaded firearms to demonstrations. It appears that the Director of the FBI is incorrect. In addition, some Republican government officials are now saying that nurse Alex Pretti deserved to be shot because he was LEGALLY carrying a gun.

Under the Second Amendment and MN Stat. 624.714, gun permit holders may legally carry firearms in public, including during protests. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that public carry is a constitutional right. Carrying a firearm does not legally constitute "inciting violence". 

During the January 6, 2021 attack to the Capitol, the police identified supporters of Donald Trump who were carrying firearms including AR-15s, rifles and Glock pistols on the National Mall on the morning of the insurrection. These same people now claiming that nurse Alex Pretti shouldn’t have been carry a weapon defended the January 6 Capitol protesters who were armed.

It appears that many members of the Republican party want only MAGAs to own and carry guns.  According to their logic, the Second amendment only applies to conservatives. In my opinion, what happened to nurse Alex Pretti was an execution carried out by our government in broad daylight.

It Doesn't Hurt To Dream

It doesn't hurt to dream, or like they say in my hometown, "soñar no cuesta nada." Last night I had a dream I was relaxing on the beach in Cabo Rojo. We've been buried under snow, rain and miserable weather this entire week in Philadelphia. 

I guess my subconscious mind is sending subliminal messages telling me that this snowstorm, at this point in my life is only temporary, to stop stressing out. Can't wait to be relaxing on the beach, definitively.

This Is Why I Cannot Leave Philly

An arctic blast is bringing wind chills that will make it feel below zero as the Philadelphia region braces for heavy snow and freezing rain. 

When I woke up this morning, temps were in the 0 digits. Snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected beginning this evening into Monday.

Americans Should Not Have To Carry A Passport To "Prove" They're A Citizen

My First Attempt At A Food Photography Selfie

Right now, there are almost 300 million food photos on Instagram. Someone asked, "why would anyone be interested in sharing photos of their food?" 

This is my first attempt at a food photography selfie. Who would have thunk it.

Throwback Thursday : 2003

Cementerio San Jose de Villa Palmeras, visitando el panteon de Ismael Rivera (el Sonero Mayor) en Santurce. Ese dia tuve el honor de ser invitado por Afrika Clivilles y Norma Salazar (QEPD) (Folklorista, Teatrera, Declamadora, Pintora, Escritora y Profesora) a participar en un homenaje con musica en el cementerio de Villa Palmeras para celebrar la vida de Ismael Rivera. 

Entre algunos de los presentes con Norma Salazar (QEPD) se encontraban, la vedette Lourdes Chacon, algunos musicos del grupo de Bomba y Plena de Norma llamado Plenibom, Afrika Clivilles, y este servidor.

The Real Zombieland Photo Request

The corner of Kensington Avenue and Allegheny Avenue in Philadelphia is literally the city's "ground zero" for the fentanyl-opioid crisis. As someone wrote in his own words, "if you look up videos of the worst of the opioid epidemic, you will see Kensington's "zombies." "People seem to fall asleep standing up, lingering under bridges and near subway stations". 

In 2016, my first year into photography, I took a couple of pictures of SEPTA's Metro L train station building of Kensington and Allegheny Avenues. I've always liked the architecture of this building, in addition of being the train station I took to work to the Health Center every day.

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from the editor-in-chief of a magazine called Novellum Magazine. He said they came across one of the images I took of the corner of Kensington and Allegheny in Philadelphia (Ground Zero of Philly's Opioid Crisis) and asked for permission to use my image as a cover picture for their magazine. 

After reviewing the magazine, I agreed to their request. The top picture is a copy of the corner of Kensington and Allegheny Avenues train station building; the bottom image is a sample of their magazine cover.

Real Women Fart

They say that everyone farts between 10 and 20 times a day. Sometimes it may be loud and odorless, or smelly. Sometimes it's really smelly, sometimes it's silent but deadly.

One of the great inconveniences of riding public transportation is that you are at the mercy of people. Sometimes you take the bus or the train, and its so crowded that it feels like you are inside a pack of sardines.

On this particular day, I was running late for a health center staff meeting. I hopped on the crowded Market Frankford Line, politely made my way toward the middle of the train and grabbed the overhead grab rail to keep myself from bumping into people. There was no room to move.

And then it hit me ....

A well-dressed elegant woman standing in front of me farted. The foul smell resembling the smell of rotten eggs was so intense that the stench burned my nostrils and made my eyes water. I looked the other way to try to get away from her, and to prevent myself from fainting. I could barely breathe. 

The train was so packed with commuters that there was no room to move anywhere. I thought her silent deadly fart was peeling the paint off the walls. Interestingly, people around us totally ignored the rotten smell and no one seemed to notice.

It was the longest most uncomfortable train ride of my life. Just another day riding the infamous Philadelphia Market Frankford Line.

I Hate Winter. I Wasn't Made For This Weather.

I Keep Proof Of My Citizenship Stapled To My Forehead

Yesterday, ICE agents raided and detained an elderly U.S. citizen out into the freezing cold while he was wearing just underwear and a blanket. They questioned him in a vehicle for an hour before returning him home.

The elderly man is a U.S. citizen with no criminal record, and armed ICE agents "broke down the door" of his home without a valid warrant, "pointed guns at the family" and handcuffed the grandfather in front of his 5-year-old grandson, who "woke up crying in fear."

"He was taken outside in freezing weather wearing only underwear and Crocs, placed into an SUV, and driven around for nearly an hour while being questioned. Only after fingerprinting and running his information did ICE confirm what should have been known from the start, he is a U.S. citizen and had NO criminal record. He was dropped back at home with no apology and no explanation."

Continua Cayendo Nieve en Filadelfia

Pienso que el haber pasado las tres ultimas Navidades en Puerto Rico me ha hecho un tremendo daño psicologico; me ha afectado la psiquis tremendamente. El calor de Puerto Rico me hace falta mas que nunca. 

En 43 años viviendo en Estados Unidos, este es el invierno que mas me ha estresado. Estoy contando los dias para irme de este jodio frio. A menos que ocurra algo que este fuera de mi control, este sera mi ultimo invierno viviendo fuera de mi isla.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins : Let Them Eat a $3 Dollar Meal

This week, Trump’s Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said in a FoxNews interview that a practical and achievable realistic budget for the average American family is one piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, and one corn tortilla. Who can feed their family on $3 dollars?

The appearance followed the secretary’s Thursday boast that her team ran “1,000 simulations” and found Americans could eat healthily and cheaply on a diet of “a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, a corn tortilla, and one other thing.” It is important to note that this is the same Secretary of Agriculture who when people were concerned about the price of eggs, suggested the American people ought to raise chickens in their backyard. She’s basically telling us to starve and be grateful.

"Let Them Eat Cake", as the story goes, was French Queen Marie-Antoinette response upon being told that her starving peasant subjects had no bread. Because cake is more expensive than bread, the anecdote has been cited as an example of Marie-Antoinette's obliviousness to the conditions and daily lives of ordinary people.

Show Me Your Papers !!!!

Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin wrote to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem today, telling her he was outraged at “repeated targeting and racial profiling” of American citizens by her agents carrying out “citizen checks.” “To state the obvious, we are not a ‘papers, please’ country,” Durbin wrote. “American citizens do not have ‘immigration documents’, and to require them to carry such documents to avoid being violently stopped or interrogated by federal immigration agents is absurd and unconstitutional."

If you're a citizen, you're now demanded to show your papers to any ICE agent who decides you're a problem, a threat, or just don't look white enough or Trump-supporter enough. ICE is even harassing and arresting Native Americans. 

Already there have been many US citizens who didn't have proof of citizenship on them and were arrested and taken away, often violently, only to be released later with no charges once their citizenship was confirmed. Do you seriously think that's acceptable? 

Maybe the Trump fascist government can come up with something that people can put on their clothes to identify them, like yellow stars. [insert sarcasm here]. 

American citizens should not have to show proof of citizenship or be assaulted by ICE. It is unconstitutional, yet here we are.

Troops Have Arrived In Greenland

Troops from Denmark, Germany, France, Sweden, U.K, the Netherlands and Finland have arrived in Greenland to boost security.

In reality this move is a symbolic one. If the United States chose to invade Greenland, there is not much anyone can do. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said: "Greenland is not for sale. Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed from the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States.”

The idea of NATO countries having to protect someone from the United States shows what a global embarrassment we are right now. It is ironic that these troops SHOULD BE defending Europe from Russia, not the United States.

Donald Trump To Pardon Puerto Rico Ex-Governor Wanda Vazquez

ESPAñOL : (this will repeat in English)

El Presidente Trump indultara a la exgobernadora de Puerto Rico Wanda Vazquez, quien se declaró culpable ante el Tribunal en un caso de corrupcion y soborno federal. El perdon presidencial tambien seria otorgado a los otros implicados en el caso. Tal para cual, un convicto federal defendiendo a otro.

ENGLISH:

President Trump is issuing a pardon to Puerto Rico's former governor Wanda Vazquez, who was previously indicted and plead guilty in a federal corruption and bribery case. Trump's presidential pardon includes her co-defendants found guilty on the case. Birds of a feather flock together.

I Back Up My Files Religiously, I Pray Nothing Happens To Them

Life Is Like Ice Cream. Enjoy It Before It Melts!

No Tripods Allowed! Enter The Platypod ...

I would not be surprised if people are sick and tired of listening to me, talking about Platypod. The fact is that I have not used or carried a tripod to take pics since 2024; so no more worries about the tripod police telling me that tripods are not allowed. 

Platypod Ultra and Platypod eXtreme have been quite reliable pieces of gear used for my photography or vlogging needs. Platypod is a compact alternative to bulkier and heavier tripods, especially for low angle and travel photography. It works great when used on my DSLR, my GoPro action camera, and my cellphone. In my personal opinion, Platypod Rules. 

The Trouble With Winter And Old Age

Eagles vs. 49ers Predictions

Tomorrow at 3:30 pm at Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles face the 49ers in the NFC Wild Card playoff round. It is a win-or-go-home matchup for the 11-6 Eagles. 

The Philadelphia Eagles are the current NFL champions, having won SuperBowl LIX in February 2025 . This year they are strong contenders for another Super Bowl run, and they are playing at home.

Eagles are predicted to beat the 49ers tomorrow. For that simple reason, my prediction is (Eagles 20) and (49ers 17).

You Know Who Else Shot Civilians In The Street? NAZIS

Parte 4: Restauracion de la 1978 Kawasaki KZ 1000

Llegaron los Reyes Magos. Finalmente, tras varios meses de una intensa busqueda de un tanque de gasolina para convertir mi 1978 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD en una Kawasaki KZ1000 A2 modelo estándar, consegui un tanque de gasolina usado en el estado de Kansas.  No hace apenas un mes que compre el aro de la rueda trasera de 18" pulgadas de la 1978 Kawasaki KZ 1000 A2 en Buffalo, New York.

El tanque de gasolina se encuentra en excelente condicion, y gracias a Dios lo compre a un precio razonable. Lo consegui en uno de los grupos de Facebook y espero tenerlo por correo este proximo fin de semana, a mas tardar al principio de la proxima. La compra se concreto el dia de la vispera de Reyes.

Me imagino que el proximo paso ahora es comprar los emblemas/calcomanias de los colores originales del tanque, y conseguir un buen hojalatero en Mayaguez o en los pueblos limítrofes que pinte la moto completa. Lo mas dificil fue conseguir las piezas de la moto, y gracias a Dios ya las tengo. Ahora a esperar estar viviendo en Puerto Rico, para empezar el proceso de restauracion poco a poco de la moto.

La 1978 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD ha estado guardada en un garage sin usarse ni prenderse desde el 2010. Espero entretenerme restaurando este vejestorio de moto. 

Donald Trump Has Opened A Pandora's Box In Taiwan And In Europe

Methinks removing Maduro from Venezuela will embolden China to attack Taiwan and remove its president. Just last week China was rehearsing 10 hours of military blockade and live-firing rocket drills around Taiwan. Since 1945, the People's Republic of China has claimed Taiwan as its territory. 

Trump just created a bad precedent and justification for Putin to remove any European president he does not like or agree with in Europe. And Trump is opening the door for Xi Jinpin to invade and take over Taiwan. 

Who is going to stop Russian president Vladimir Putin and China's president Xi Jinping from invading their neighbors and kidnapping their leaders on "Trumped-up charges?"

Our Self-Proclaimed "Peace" president, Imposed Regime Change in Venezuela

Once again, in typical American tradition, Donald Trump, our self-proclaimed "peace" president has attacked a sovereign nation. And invaded their land to depose their leader and impose regime change. For those of you keeping score, the United States have a imperialistic history of expanding its political, economic and military influence globally, by any means necessary. 

How many times have the United Stated toppled foreign governments around the world? Starting with the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, the United States has not hesitated to overthrow governments that stood in the way of its political and economic goals. 

Many of those interventions directed at regime change, have had disastrous long-term consequences for the United States and for the people of those countries. In many instances, the United States replaced their democratically elected leaders with our puppet leaders, and most of them turned out to be despots and tyrants.

Recommended Reading: 

OVERTHROW: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq.  

Author: Stephen Kinzer.

Blog Visitors: Where Do They Come From? How Do They Find Me?

Last year, I decided to install a Live Traffic Feed on my personal blog to find out where my blog visitors are coming from. My blog posts combine English and Spanish language, primarily to reach a broader audience.

This morning, I was surprised to learn that no one from the United States or Puerto Rico appear listed in the Live Traffic Feed. At least in the last 24 hours.

In order of appearance, the last 24 hours I've received visitors from these 12 countries : Pakistan, India, Argentina, Singapore, Turkey, Egypt, Mexico, Brasil, Venezuela, Uzbekistan, Netherlands and Bangladesh.

I wonder why my blog posts are attracting an international audience, how do they find me? Is it possible they may not be real visitors but spam bots, crawlers, VPN users from foreign countries? Inquiring minds want to know.