Israeli residing in Panama killed in robbery

That is a good question. "What is going on in Panama?"

Within the past 6-months there have been numerous reports of crimes (all violent or tainted with a threat of violence) against foreigners.

Is the economy in Panama driving people to violent desperation? Are there no jobs, or is the cost of living out racing wages? Or are predators like this simply too lazy to work instead opting for a criminal path? Are foreigners being targeted because it is assumed they have money and are easier to victimize than local people? Or, are foreigners equally victimized with the rest of the population in Panama?

Three (I assume young) hoodlums try to knock-off a mini-Mart. The owner is killed, but not before taking one with him. That's one Hell of a price to pay...on both sides of that equation.

There is an argument that suggests that you should simply give in to the robber's demands so that you can walk away with your life. However, if the robbers know that foreigners will not resist, then in effect are we not encouraging them to prey upon us?

This is very tragic. This is a shame. But this gentleman fought back. He lost his life. But he did not die in vane. He sent a clear message when he took the life of one of his assailants. I hope that message is heard by the next hoodlum that is debating whether he should accept a job or risk his life in crime.

Rusty

This is what the last administration (and previous administrations) brought to Panama. Placate the thugs and the bums and the criminals, but don't bother actually helping them. Give them their subsistence living, but don't bother teaching them anything. Crowd them all into the worst slums in town, and don't bother giving them tradeable skills that allow them to earn money and a better life. Then give them lies and promises when reelection time rolls around.

The current administration needs to step up and address poverty and crime in Panama. One goes with the other. Stop grandstanding for headlines with massage parlor busts, and make some changes that actually mean something. It takes a lot more work, but the payoff is far greater than a moment in the spotlight.

Why not create jobs that provide a future, an education system that teaches, and get rid of this terrible entitlement system that encourages people to be uneducated, unskilled, and dependant on the government.

Every Panamanian that I know sends their kids to private schools, because the public schools are useless.

I've had employees quit, then beg me to fire them, so they get paid more, and paid faster. That's the attitude that permeates this country.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Mr. Cohen. He's the victim of a failed ideology and an environment of greed and corruption.

I thought retail businesses were reserved for Panamanian nationals. He is an Israeli jew by way of Miami. Why is he allowed to own and operate a business reserved for Panamanian nationals?

Panama needs to re-introduce the Mano Duro program of Myiera M. I hope President Martinelli takes the crimewave in PC seriously and starts to crack some heads. It saddens me to see a hard working guy struggling to get by getting gunned down by lowlife punks.