They Prefer Systems that Make More Jobs

I was just talking to another American about this, this morning. The pedestrian bridge people use to get to the other side of the river, is being repainted. A job that will employ several people for at least a week, probably more.

They are using a power washer, something you seldom see in the States - but are common down here. It takes low-pressure water, from an ordinary water hose - and turns it into high-pressure water, that can blast off any dirt, or loose paint. This is creating a fine spray, that completely covers the bridge, and anyone on it. Instead of being annoyed by this, Ticos are impressed, and think they are doing a fine job!

 A crew of painters, with paint brushes, and yellow paint - are involved with repainting the bridge. When one painter, with a spray gun, could do a better job - much faster.

We are looking at a cultural difference here - between an undeveloped country and a developed one. The developed one is more efficient, and is richer. The undeveloped one is poorer, but tries to spread the wealth it has, more equitably.