TonyC:
I am glad at least you have admitted that the Fanjuls had a parasite relationship with Trujillo. So far...so good. I was afraid you were going to say they were honest businessmen who got their money from pure hard work and intelligent use of their money.
Now, let's look at this. When the Fanjuls took off, it was not because they got tired of Trujillo's ego. It was because Trujillo outsmarted them and kicked them out and took over and nationalized their holdings. They thought Trujillo was some kind of fool. The same thing happened to all the wealthy Cubans who took their tail and ran for Miami after Fidel cleaned their clock and spread their wealth among the chopos.
Now these wealthy Cubans are trying to depose Fidel so they can go back and try to get their ill-conceived properties. Well, I would like to see that ridiculous scenario, where the gusanos go back and try to take the land away from people who have settled in them for 40 years. That ought to be fun to watch. I don't think the dirty worms would even dare. Are we ready for Revolution part II?
Trujillo earned his top military ranking from the U.S. Government in DR. Well, this white portly chopo "se metio a todo el mundo en un bolsillo, tanto a los lambones de la alta sociedad y a los mangansones Americanos que lo apoyaron. He later did whatever he wanted and the Yankees could do nothing about it for 30 years. He built the city of Santo Domingo and the country from the ruins after the 1930 hurricane.
As for 2DRs, please check your spelling..."CHAPITA". And, no, he could not have made himself a five star general, he did make himself a five star general. As far as I am concerned, anybody who had his guts to control all the gangs who ran this Dodge City back then should have been a ten star general. He earned his keep. That's why Balaguer is still boss here. If you can control this free-for-all in DR you deserve all the credit. What do you know about Trujillo's family? Trujillo had Spanish blood like all light skin Dominicans. Trujillo is a Spanish last name. There was no longer a society here, just anarchy and he just got tired of seeing a flimsy-do nothing as President, so he just took over and straightened out this mess. Just look around, Venezuela, Peru,Colombia, Bolivia have yet to be straightened out. Argentina after Peron is a mess. Trujillo left this country institutionalized. That's why it has been easier to establish a democracy here.
My father served the Army for 25 years, he earned his keep. He was a graduate of the first Military Academy, graduate musician from the Music Academy, graduate of the University of Santo Domingo, Medical student,graduate of the Military School of the Americas, Director of the Military Academy, Army Superintendent, Assistant Armed Forces Secretary, Brigadier Commander, Chief of the Foreign Legion in DR,Administrator of INESPRE, and Member of the Ruling Military-Civilian Junta. He was not responsible for being born during Trujillo, but he made the best of it. He educated himself and became a successful Dominican. Can you blame him?
In case you are wondering, 90% of my holdings were obtained from my work in the United States, not thru my family. With my six-figure US income I could buy things easy and cheap in DR. I purchased property from the United States with my own dollars. Our family has one thing. We are all very independent and do not need to have a hand extended to succeed. But if it makes you happy to say Trujillo gave me something, be my guest. It will not change my opinion about the guy. I like Candelier for our next chief, if it can be possible. I like strong leadership in this sea of indiscipline and chaos.
TW