I think 'esclavos' is at least somewhat a fitting term, technically its not 'traditional' slavery, but the concept is always same - acquire VERY cheap (virtually 'free') labor, exploiting a persons need for food, clothing and shelter, keep a considerable level of 'control' physically and psychologically, general mistreatment and/or negligence of the 'workers', LARGE profits made by those at the top of the food chain (no pun intended, but I'll keep it).
Reasonably, not all Bateys are the same, some are in better conditions than others. However, its expected that such things (housing, water etc) WOULD be free, it would be ridiculous if they had to pay for an inconsistent, polluted and often non-existent water supply. The same could be said for the electricity, many Dominicans also don't pay for electricity because its very inconsistent. 2) As far as the 'rent' goes, the production they create, which thereby maximizes the profit margin for the owners could EASILY be used to build decent housing for ALL of them, and the top level would STILL make a killing because they have preferential trade with the U.S. as it is. So it is really surprising, rather shameful and sad how some people can live in pure luxury, enjoy their families and friends and live life to the full, but simultaneously bypass the idea that one self-generated sense of justice would bring - that thousands of less fortunate people are living in poverty because of it.
But perhaps its just another manifestation of how some people view other people. Whether the Vicini family is pure evil?? Who knows, probably not....but at the very least they could be considered morally negligent and ethically questionable. There ARE two sides to every story also......but I think its quite interesting and significant how the Priest acquired SO MANY enemies SO FAST...for simply trying to help. He was not pushing any Political agenda, or revolt against the Dominican government, he was just trying to help. I could EASILY see how he would have put himself at odds with the Vicini family and some of their Political 'Amores', but to have the people in general rise up against him as if he was about to lead the new Haitian revolution or something is kinda surprising and a tad bit disturbing.
As a result it appeared to be a social 'litmus' test of sorts - showing that there are a few potentially dangerous substances in the 'water' still - mainly: fear, falta de comunicacion, ignorance, pint up frustration, a sense of 'us' vs. 'them', and the ever present politically engendered but socially nurtured identity propaganda. I hope things get better.....for everyone.
