An interesting thing I saw in Panama this morning

[PJMcK]

My wife’s Pickleball partner bailed at the last minute so I got recruited as a replacement even though I don’t like the game, (I still held my own). The facility where we played is quite large with about two dozen courts. The courts are surrounded by flags from countries from all around the world. It was fun identifying them.

One flag was noticeably missing: The U.S. flag was no where to be seen.

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. If you're in Panama, what's the general thought about the ruling on China and the canal?

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/30/court-ends-hong-kong-china-panama-canal-contracts

Do people see the Supreme Court as giving in to Trumpian pressure, or were they making a fair ruling?

[PJMcK]

2. President Mulino is in a tight spot

He is conservative but he wants to maintain his country’s independence. He has a workable relationship with Trump but he’s determined to keep the Canal under Panamanian control. You might find this article from today interesting:

https://newsroompanama.com/2026/01/30/mulino-announces-panama-canal-plan-after-court-ruling-on-panama-ports-company/

One thing impressive about Panama is its banking systems are rock solid. I believe this is because of strict reforms implemented following Noriega’s ouster many years ago.

In general, the economy is stable but much, much lower than the U.S. Prices for most goods and services are at least 35-40% lower than in the States for mostly the same products. Medical care is excellent at profoundly lower costs. For example, several years ago in NYC, my wife developed a very painful ear problem one weekend when the doctors’ offices were closed. I took her to the local ER where her ear was irrigated and she was given medication drops. Because I hadn’t reached my deductible, the bill was $1,500. Last summer in Panama, she had a recurrence and the local clinic performed the same procedures. The bill was $15! Many expats don’t carry medical insurance except for catastrophic issues because it’s less expensive to pay out of pocket than pay premiums.

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. Thank you. Yes, hard to steer a course between Trump and China (nt)

[mitch96]

4. And you are just 3 hrs from Miami if you need a specialist not available in Panama... nt