In the Presence of Vultures

Twenty-three years ago, the Filipinos kicked out a conjugal dictatorship. Ferdinand Marcos and his wife Imelda were forced to flee Manila after a bloodless revolution that toppled the couple’s ruthless and corrupt rule. Now the Philippines is facign not just a conjugal dictatorship but it includes the entire family.

Rocked by corruptions and human rights violations, Gloria Arroyo and her family are trying to cement their hold on power. Arroyo is now the second longest sitting president since Marcos. From 2001 to present, she and her family had been implicated in corruption and kickback scandals. To prevent her removal demcratically or otherwise, she had been draining the country’s coffers to bribe legislators and security forces. Hundreds of political killings enforced disappearances has been recorded with the UNHRC confirming it. Media personnel, members of the judiciary have not been spared so she and cohorts can prevent the truth from coming out.

Her eldest son, a congressman has been tagged by witnesses to an illegal numbers game operation that extends to the the entire country. Her husband has been implicated in taking kickbacks amounting to several hundreds of millions of dollar.  Another son and her brother-in-law has also been implicated in illegal gambling operations.

In fact, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank had exposed  corruption that end at the doorstep of the palace. Because of her appointive powers, she had gained control over every public office of the land. Those legislators in the opposition are deprived of their development faunds which has led to poverty and lack of progress in their districts. Now even the presidential elections of scheduled on 2010 hangs in the balance as her allies in the legislative are poised to amend the constitution to perpetuate themselves to power.

The Philippines has become the Zimbabwe of Asia. Our justice system has been mocked and her allies implicated in corruptions remain free. Even those imprisoned had been given executive clemency. Corruption here has been institutionalized. Thanks to her leadership by example, Gloria Arroyo has run the country to the ground. Investors shy away not because of our contitutional safeguards but because of the corruption in our bureaucracy.

Their cronies are having a field day. Every form of tax is being imposed to cover the losses incurred because of corruption. When public funds end up in their pockets, social service suffers. This the reality of life every Filipino must face. Unless we find a way to kick this corrupt family out, my country will never have a future.

Watching history in the making  as Pres. Barack Obama takes his oath of office left me inspired and so full of hope. I’m not an American but I can feel how proud Americans must be. With Pres. Obama’s election, America has been freed from the shackles of discrimination. Once again, the United  States of America proved to the international community why the US is the leader of the world.

His speech was awe-inspiring and anyone who heard it will be left with so much hope. My country, the Philippines has experienced and is experiencing oppression. We kicked out a dictator 22 years ago only to put into office another oppressor who has been sitting in office for the last 8 years.

What gave me hope is when Pres. Obama said, “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit, to the silencing of dissent, you are on the wrong side of history.” These words struck deep and touched me. Our current illegal sitting president stole the presidency twice. First was when she hoodwinked civil society into kicking a president out of office, and the second was when she rigged the presidential election of 2004. George Bush cuddled her because she supported Bush’s war on terror.

She is now trying to perpetuate herself into eternal reign by trying to change our system of government from presidential to parliamentary. Her term is set to end in June of 2010 and she had been pushing for charter change to legitimize her hold on power.

Her administration has been rocked by scandal after scandal. Every indignation by the people was met with force. During her term, killings and enforced disappearances has been continuously rising. Journalists, judges, student activists and members of the opposition has been either harassed or killed. Whistle blowers were slapped with spurious charges while her allies who stole the people’s money remain to be free. Her son’s are both congressmen and have been controlling  congress through bribery.

Pres. Obama started out as a lowly community organizer. Community organizers in my country who educate the people of their rights are branded enemies of the state. With Pres. Obama’s election and with the words he uttered during his speech, I am hoping that US policy with regards to my country will finally change. The UN special rapporteur found Gloria Arroyo’s administration guilty of human rights violations. I hope that Pres. Obama will be instrumental in helping my people be freed from her oppression. Not by force but making it difficult for her to further suppress and oppress my people.

After the state of California banned same sex marriage, the proponents of Prop. 8 now wnats same sex marriages be nullified. So the bigots now want religion to dictate what rights a human being can exercise. They claim that same sex marriage the foundations of what a family consitutes. Ah yes, there is no mention of gays and lesbians being created by God. I forgot that God created only man and woman. But does anyone know what God’s sex is? Last I heard that he created us in His image. Then I suppose He can either be a woman or a man. And if this is the case, He could be gay or a lesbian as well.

Ok, this post is not supposed question what God is. It’s about how narrow-minded, pea-brained some cults can be. I call them cults because they interpret the Holy Bible literally. Just like how “Go forth and multiply” to these fanatics mean that they can marry as many wives as they want. Just imagine how their children must feel, confused that they have so many mothers and so many siblings as well. Would polygamy mean that theirs is a NORMAL family? It’s stupid isn’t it?

Times are changing and whether we like it or not, gays and lesbians are humans too, with right to decide for themselves how to run their lives. Who are we to say that they will not be good parents? We’ve witnessed how men of the faith rape young boys and father children out of wedlock. We’ve seen how pastors steal the money of heir churches. I know of several orphans adopted and raised by these so-call abominations of society and they have been raised very well. They’re normal heterosexuals with happy, normal families.

Now isn’t it pure bigotry to discriminate or take away the rights of others because they don’t share the same lifestyles we have? Or have we forgotten that we are judged by the Lord based on how we lived our lives? I think this issue has to do more with ego than a moral one. Just imagine how a man would feel if he is outdone by a lesbian or a woman who loses her husband to a gay. Hahahaha! It sure looks more like this to me than calling it a sin.

Never judge lest you be judged. We cannot dictate upon others what they should be nor could we tell them that they cannot be good parents. If you’re not secured with your sexuality then please deal with it yourself and not put the blame of society’s decay on some man or woman who chose to be different.

Tags: Prop. 8

The US ato industry is reeling from the economic slowdown. The big 3 has been asking the US government for aid. But the lawmakers would prefer to teach them a lesson. Well, not exactly the CEOs alone but the unions as well. Congress thinks thworkers are getting too much. So now they stand to lose their jobs. At a time when unemployment is at its highest, congress thinks another 2.5 million jobs doesn’t matter. What about the other businesses that will be affected if the big 3 rolls over? I suppose it’s more prudent for them to safeguard(?) the taxpayers’ money. Now the bailout lies in the hands of the president.

The revenues lost if the big 3 closes down is staggering, not to mention the burden and effect it will have on an already ailing economy.  I suppose the lawmakers would like the workers to match the salaries being paid in sweatshops in Asia. The workers are willing to make conscessions but of course not to the extent they they would end up being dehumanized in the process.

If there’s anyone whose pay should be cut, it’s the overpaid lawmakers and their absurd retirement benefits. Maybe they should do the patriotic thing and cut their wages by 50% and not use their pork barrel for some stupid project that give them their kickbacks.

The auto industry is the backbone of America’s industrial might and not to help them out is like handing over the American dream to some forreign country. I suppose congress is not getting enough grease money from the atuto industry unlike the other businesses that they chose to bailout. As for those who oppose such a bailout, the market is not dictated by the industry, it is the consumer who dictates what is to be sold in the market. It is stupid to blame the industry for the condition they are in. These companies will not be churning out big gas-guzzling vehicles if no one will buy them.

At a time when the very heart of American might is under siege, the on;ly logical thing to do is come to its aid.During the las world war, the auto industry did what was asked of them by the country. They built the machines that won the war. Now they’re in dire straits, the least the country can do is to help them keep their heads above water.

All over the world, discrimination against the minorities has led to flourishing extremism. More often than not, countries with Muslim minorities has created extremists. It would be wise for countries faced with such insurgencies to review their domestic policies. More often than not, these countries have psedo-democratic governments. Iran is one such example. The late Shah forgot about the people and they kicked him out. Because the US supported the tyrant, they too became the object of hate.

Russia faced the same dilemma and continues to be plagued by terrorists cum freedom fighters. The Mumbai seige exposed this problem. The Indian Muslims has been facing discrimination for so long that Al Quaeda has exploited their condition. US foreign policies towards Islam gave birth to Al Quaeda. It would be prudent to view Islam as not just a religion but as a nation. This is the reason why you have foreign fighters among local insurgents.

The Philippines has such a problem as well. The government sanctioned land grabbing by Christians of Muslim ancestral lands. This has brought about several decades of strife in our Muslim south. As of late, the government continues to battle local insurgents augmented by foreign fighters. Israel’s Zionists alienated the Palestinians and they were mere immigrants from Europe. Their expansionist agenda fanned the flames of hate. Before they came, Isrealis and Palestinians lived in relative peace.

Westerners are victims of their government’s foreign policy. They’ve become targets of hate cultivated by decades of discrimination. It would be wise to visit the roots of this problem if only to enlighten the people. It is also wise for the world to study their government’s policies and make the neccessary changes in their governments. This is the best way to resolve conflicts and to prevent for groups like Al Quaeda from exploiting Muslims.

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Leaders may have the best resumes or even years of experience but may still not be a good leader. There were many who claimed to possess these but still came out short. Even if one does not have these attributes, he may still be the best leader a nation can have. At a time when not only America but the whole world is on turmoil, the best asset a leader can have is inspiration. A leader who inspires can unite a divided nation. Perhaps this is one characteristic John McCain do not have. The world was so excited at the thought that an African American could be the next president of the greatest country in the world. If Obama got the world on its toes, Americans who have been cynical woke up from their deep slumber. He empowered a generation known to be self-centered and carefree. He inspired the youth and they came out in droves.

He may not have the experience McCain has or the political intelligence of a Clinton but he showed the world what community organizer can accomplish. Perhaps Americans and even the peoples of the world saw themselves in him. He did not come from some wealthy political family. He is a self-made man. One thing I am sure of, he inspired millions and this is what got him elected. His critics and the hard right may belittle his credentials but he showed what heart and conviction is all about. His transition team shows that he is a thinking man. He is not a maverick who pounces on every opportunity to earn points with the electorate. Perhaps this is why the Republicans had a tough time destroying him. Despite the troubles America faces today, Obama’s prudence has shown that he is a born leader. He can inspire his people. This is a leader’s greatest asset during times like this. If he can stir to action a generation, I am sure he can do the same with the rest of his countrymen. Good luck President Obama, you inspire us all.

America has elected its first Black president. It only shows that America has shed its prejudices and embraced change. Times are changing and as the world changes, America must learn to adapt. America has learned that it is part of a global community and the world does not revolve around it. Their brand of diplomacy and arrogance has alienated them and created enemies along the way. Obama brings with him a new brand of diplomacy where saber-rattling and gunboat diplomacy will not work.

America can only regain its lost glory if it learns to talk instead of imposing itself on other countries. Obama’s election also showed that Americans have matured and gained more confidence to leap into the unknown. No longer do Americans cower in fear that the Republicans used to throw at them. The election was a referendum on the Republican PartyThe GOP has been diminished to an all-whites-club with a very small minority membership. It has also shrunk as its moderate members shifted to a more progressive stance.

The support Obama got from all races shows that he can inspire and unite a nation. One thing that McCain lacks. Even the world celebrated Obama’s election. Americans have become more socially aware. They have thrown away ideology and replaced it a new perspective on humanity. Finally I can truly say that America can now claim to be the real world leader. Not because it is powerful but because they now have respect for others. Now I can truly say America is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Americans showed they can accept change and overcome fear.

Despite its economic problems, I am sure that the new American ideakism will help it overcome its present trials. America is truly evolving into a great power and can once again claim its lost glory.

I’ve always written my views based on the Philippine setting and matching it with my international views. McCain has been saying that Reaganomics works. In simpler terms, this is what the Republicans refer to as “trickle down economics”. You give the rich enough tax breaks and they will invest in the people. But has it really worked. Philippine economics is no different. Our government also share this same view. So they tax heavily the ordinary citizen while giving more breaks to big business.

Like the US, the Philippines has its share of small businesses that earn modestly but are subjected to heavy taxation. My small business alone pre-pays taxes based on projected sales for the coming year. This is collected when I renew my business license for the new year. The middle class which is comprised of the working class has their tax deducted before they receive their paychecks. Both small business and the employed is the middle class. On the average, about 38% of earnings of the middle class is taxed.

The desired trickle down never came. Big businesses shipped their manufacturing overseas. Only a handful actually expanded their operations domestically. This resulted in a huge occurence of hunger and a jump in the level poverty. At the end of the day, this brand of economics only created oligarchies and widen the social gap. Unemployment and underemployment rose dramatically as fewer jobs are available.  Job-seekers are forced to seek jobs abroad.  Our education system churns out 300,000 graduates every year, they add to the growing statistics of the jobless. They are forced to take jobs that has no connection to their educational attainments.

The sad reality on the ground is that the people ultimately suffer. This is what is happening to America right now. Those who were given tax breaks are investing abroad and not in the US. I used to look forn products made proudly by American manufacturers, that’s a thing of the past. I buy a pair of Nike shoes only to discover that they were made in China or Korea. Even car parts are being manufactured elsewhere and not in Detroit. I don’t know if American consumers are as particular as I am. Do you actually feel the trickle down the Republicans like McCain claim is forthcoming? I don’t think so. The same problems the Philippines is encountering is being experienced by Americans as well.

Republicans are fostering a class war and not the Democrats because they are nurturing a tyrannyof the few as power and wealth is corraled by a handful. And who in the end is the hardest hit, the average American just like the ordinary Filipino. McCain can never justify his connection with the average American. He doesn’t share the same experiances the ordinary folks do. I’m sure that Joe six-pack and Joe the plumber doesn’t own several houses or can even buy a plane at the snap of a finger.

Trickle down economics will never work. Taxing those who have more actually forces them to invest in the people. These taxes are not dole outs to those who have less. It is invested into programs that give them the opportunity to grow. This is not about socialism but on of social justice. McCain is a big liar and he knows it. He certainly is distorting facts. He his throwing around the scare tactics that the hardliners or should I say the oligarchs have used so effectively. What I don’t understand is how the average American cannot seem to see this. The fact of the matter is that The rich will always find a way to make more at the expense of the ordinary American.

In the Philippines, the middle class is almost extinct. Many have either sought life abroad or have joined the ranks of the underprivileged. If Americans would like to avoid this, rethink your economics and ask yourself who really ends up with the fatter wallet.

Since the collapse of the subprime mortgage, economies around the world await the actions to be taken by the U.S. In an attempt to meet the basic right to shelter, the US tried to deregulate some institutions to make housing accessible to all. In hindsight, this brought along with it gamblers of all sorts that eventually toppled the industry. My humble suggestion to avoid such a fiasco again and to give each American a place to call their own, here is a system that has actually worked in the Philippines.

1. Create an agency that will oversee the housing and development sector. This agency will also be responsible of collecting contributions of members. These members are the employed and self-employed. Contributions will depend on the income they make per month. After 30 months of contributions, the member may now avail of a housing loan. The size of the loan will be based on their monthly income. In cases wherein both husband and wife are members, their loan will be based on the combined monthly income. Their 30-month contribution will be used for emergency payments should they suddenly lose their job.

2. This agency will also ask real estate developers to bid on housing developments. They should have different categories of housing that will meet the demands of the members. This would ensure that members will not be getting homes that they could not pay.

3. Bank and other financial institutions can be tapped for financing but interests must be regulated to control the prices. This will stop runaway interests rates that could end up in foreclosures.

This may sound tedious but the mortgage industry will be shielded from unscrupulous practices. Homeowners will also be secured and would not default in their payments. If only the right form of capitalism was employed, America would not be in this mess now. The dark side of capitalism is that when unchecked, greed sets in and the entire system breaks down. Now, it is the ordinary taxpayer who must step up and be patriotic(?) to save a sinking economy. The bailout bill is good in some ways but it must be transparent. Oversight is paramount to ensure that the people will not be duped again by the government.

Now that Wall Street is reeling from a succession of failures, the greedy are running away with their loot. The sad part is the average investor is getting the short end of the stick. America maybe the most powerful country in the world but its economy is one of the most vulnerable. Now at least, the presidential campagn will now shift to issues instead personalities.

The greedy speculators and big business’s old boys club must be laughing at the poor retirees and ordinary folks who gave them their hard-earned money. But the stock market has always been the biggest casino in the world. Deregulation has allowed the greedy vultures to steal money from ordinary folks like you and me. We may not be players in the market but we are all consumers. When inflation wreaks havocs, those with deeper pockets have more bullets than us.

When oil and utilities were deregulated in the Philippines, we witnessed the birth of cartels. Neccesities like medicine and food became more inaccessible to ordinary people which brought poverty levels to new height. We were left to the mercy of big corporations who’s greed was simply insatiable. Our government gave tax breaks and holidays to big corporations to spur(?) investment. What happened was these companies shifted their expansion abroad. Oh I can see where America is heading, it will end up like the Philippines. Unemplyment is caused by big corporations investing abroad where labor is cheaper.

To arrest the rising rate of poverty, the middle class in the Philippines is now given tax cuts and even exemptions. If the people have more money in their hands, their spending will give the economy a big push. I suppose this is what Sen. Obama had in mind when he said that he will raise taxes on the rich and give tax cuts to 95% of the taxpayers. The American economists should focus more on the small entrepreneurs who invest locally and employ locals. Factories are closing down because sweat shops abroad offer lower production costs and give businesses a bigger profit.

The rich Americans should bear some of the responsibilties by paying a “little” extra. This is the patriotic thing to do. I know some of you will surely think this is absurd, but the Thais did not hesitate to give the Thai government their jewely just to prevent Thaindland from sinking during the Asian crisis of the ’90s. We have a saying in the Philippines that whenever America sneezes, the world gets the flu. No wonder that the European Union was created, this is to shield poor economies of Europe survive.

Everyone is now waiting with bated breath which company will crash. Somehow someone must be made accountable for this economi debacle. But NO, executives are walking away with fat wallets because the government sold the small investors out. So now the lowly taxpayer will have to prop up these companies so their CEOs and COOs can retire comfortably while the poor retirees who invested in these companies are facing a bleek future. When big businesses fall, it’s the little people who suffer. The domino effect of America’s financial woes has yet to reach its peak. When they fall, America falls. When regulation is nonexistent, the greedy always have a field day.

Tags: Add new tag, US eocnomics