Benjamin Colamarco, the current Minister of Public Works, is a man of tradition. Once a goon, always a goon. The spiritual and organizational father of Noriega's Dignity Battalions is still, in his heart, a batallonero; a street thug with a desire to move up in the world. And so, the Friday before the PRD congress, he wanted to do the rounds to get the votes for the vice-presidency of the Pineapple Party. But, as a Minister, one is of course supposed to go to work. Colamarco then used the old trick of faking a Royoian throat ailment: He was unable to speak, it was really very serious, and he could not possibly be expected to show up at work.

Then he went to a breakfast meeting with the terrorist leader of the National Assembly and the delegates of the PRD from the Dariën in hotel - where else - Plaza Paitilla Inn. But there was also a photographer from La Prensa, Ana Teresa Rentería. and, knowing that the fearless Comandante Colamarco was supposed to be very, very, ill and in bed, she took pictures of him being miraculously cured and enjoying his meeting.

Soon, the goons showed up. Men in suits with bulbs under their arms. They demanded the pictures. The photographer refused. Arguing back and forth. Eventually La Prensa caved in and ordered the digital images erased. But that wasn't enough to release Mrs. Rentería, who was a sort of kept hostage for hours at the Paitilla Inn. The story can be read in today's La Prensa, but what did La Prensa DO about it? Sued the government for millions of dollars? Filed a complaint for illegal acts by Comandante Colamarco and his goons? Well, dear reader, La Prensa did absolutely nothing at all. It's a PRD paper, remember? They haven't cared about press freedom since the 2004 campaign.

Meanwhile, Comandante Colamarco is said to become the Piñadista candidate for mayor of Panama City. Voting for him sends a clear message. The message is that you're crazy and you want some dictatorship nutcase to rule the city.