I had been following the Lazir case and all the issues around it. BTW, ithas been a while since my last email to you which up to today remains unanswered. Your response is eagerly awaited.
As things seems to people who are interested in the KOR Manila issue, it isobvious that when there is smoke, there must be fire.
My unsolicited observation for whatever it is worth:
1. "You" are trying to shame people who are shameless so logically theobjective will not be realized; 2. Again "you" are fighting people with no conscience (seems like), so conscience is not the best tool to use; 3. "You"are fighting an adversary who is also your police, judge and jury. Outcomeis obvious.
Many comments put forward regarding this issue (coming from both outside andin the Philippines) and here they are (truth hurts sometimes) solicited byme:
1. They do not like the piano player for reasons of their own (justified ornot. I do not want to elaborate on this but each of "you" knows "your"weaknesses and should look inwards); 2. They do not like the way it is being handled e.g. long harangues, disjointed arguments, etc etc.; 3. KOR and the Philippine issue in general are 2 distinct separate issues and should be handled as such; 4. The MAJORITY of KOR members are IGNORANT of the issues; 5. This is old issue and we should move forward; 6. This email campaign is a nuisance to many and do not even open them.. Most mark them as spam mail; 7. Demands from "you" are too confrontational e.g. public apologies, time limits on replies, ab infinitum;
Many more comments but perhaps these are most relevant.
Mr Ver Amante, Scarborough Chapter, came up with one of the best solutionsto the problem. His own words "I am calling all the membership specially members who resides in the Philippines, to evaluate the situation of their own local chapters.and decide what to do either
* withhold membership fee.
* organise a protest group to make sure that they are being heard by thesupremo and cohurts.
* start a new chapter and join IFKOR where being a member makes a differenceyou do not have to be KGCR/KGOR to be heard."
Mr. Barcelona also suggests "We will love to hear more from the rank andfile - more on how we can "shake the legs" of those concerned in Manila.Waiting.... Sinned"
But all these cries, as far as I know, is only being heard in the "homecourt" of the adversary.
May I suggest:
1. Gather all pertinent documentary evidence regarding the accusations; 2.Consult a lawyer where ever "you" or in the Philippines as to the legal ramifications and what legal actions can be taken on each accusation; 3. Getout of the "home" court and go public e.g. Philippine press, more exposure to other chapters abroad and in the Philippines, publish the accusations and supporting documents in the Laong laan forum or anywhere willing. 4. Manny Pacquiao does not "telegraph" his punch.
Most important, as Rizal advocated, is EDUCATE the masses.
Only then will "you" have a fair chance of achieving what "you" are fightingfor.
Tall order it is, but necessary or you will be just spinning "your" wheels.When the general public sees "your" seriousness and the logical coherent way"you" are handling the issues, as Mr Barcelona says "they will come out of the woodwork" and join you openly. Otherwise, they will remain silent.
But they first HAVE to be EDUCATED about the issues.
Unwelcome comments, but here they are.
I will gladly share my experience in conflict "resolution" and my 2 centsworth.
The former East Germany, a relatively small country of 16 million people,was controlled by the most sophisticated, cunning, and thorough secret police the world has ever seen, the East German Ministerium für Staatsicherheit, or "Stasi." The Stasi had about 90,000 employees -- a staggering number for such a small population -- but even more importantly, recruited a network of hundreds of thousands of "unofficial employees," who submitted secret reports on their co-workers, bosses, friends, neighbors, and even family members. Some did so voluntarily, but many were bribed or blackmailed into collaboration.
In a totalitarian country plagued by shortages, the State lavished funds andtraining on Stasi agents. They did sometimes resort to physical violence and torture, especially in the basement of the infamous Hohenschönhausen prison in Berlin. However, such drastic measures were rarely necessary -- the Stasi could usually get the information it obsessively sought from a meek and terrorized population by doling out (or withholding) State favors: university slots for parents of teenage children, painkillers for closetaddicts, or perhaps a visa to visit relatives in the West.
Das Leben der Anderen, ("The Life of Others") German director FlorianHenckel von Donnersmarck's debut, builds this painful legacy into a fascinating, moving film. In its moral seriousness, artistic refinement, and depth, Das Leben der Anderen simply towers over other recent German movies, and urgently deserves a wide international release. The fulcrum of the movie (but probably not its most important character) is Georg Dreyman, an up-and-coming East German playwright in his late 30s. Played by the square-jawed Sebastian Koch, Dreyman is an (apparently) convinced socialistwho's made his peace with the regime. His plays are either ideologically neutral or acceptable, and he's even received State honors.
Although he is a collaborator, he is also a Mensch. He uses his ideological "cleanliness" to intervene on behalf of dissidents such as his journalist friend Paul Hauser (Hans-Uwe Bauer). These unfortunates must contend with every humiliation a totalitarian state can invent: their apartments are bugged, friends and family are recuited to inform on them, and chances to publish or perform can be extinguished by one stray comment from a Central Committee member. The most recalcitrant can be kicked out of the country and stripped of their citizenship, like the singer songwriter Wolf Biermann.
Erwischt! Bei Arcor sehen Sie die besten Promi-Bilder riesengroß und in Top-Qualität. Hier finden Sie die schönsten Schnappschüsse auf dem roten Teppich, lernen die Frauen des Womanizers Boris Becker kennen und schauen den Royals ins Wohnzimmer. Viel Spaß auf Ihrer virtuellen Reise durch die Welt der Stars und Sternchen: http://vip.arcor.de.
Correction please Sir Zane! You are barking at the wrong tree!
It's alright for Sir Henry Kissinger to speak about the Watergatewrongdoing, in public or on TV!
Being here in Germany the last 26 years, Lazir observed it NEVER hurtGermany to be up front, holding the moral high ground, stating the facts theway it was/is historically! On the contrary, Germany is reaping praises worldwide, year in and year out,for not forgetting, being honest, even leading PUBLIC commemorative ritesabout their past!
Japan (like IHQ) is wrong, being criticized, for being SILENT about theirwar atrocities, even re-writing their history books!
Ergo, it is very wrong to STOP Lazir! Equally, it is inappropriate of someto criticize what he does! Even the simple suggestion that Lazir STOP is morally wrong, un-Rizalian!
Even worse were the congratulatory letters like Al Taguiang's, London;expulsion moves against Moreno/Sir Jun Zerrudo initiated by the Supreme Council/signed by Samuela; latest e-mail from Plueckebaum; denying/attempts to deny the Esguerra dishonesty or Quiambao's reported push for Paras, in lieu of Sir Lucien Spittael in 2006; promotion of racist Alcoba, Paris July 2007, etc.!
The Catholic church positively responded to the critics, even those comingfrom Chancellor Merkel, which others falsely pictured as a personal Papal attack from a protestant's daughter!
The Holy Father Pope Benedikt XVI asked Williamson to retract, the PiusBrotherhood replaced Williamson with another in the priesthood training he held prior to the scandal!
The right thing, Sir Zane, is to STOP the corrupt and those that deny corruption/dishonesty and their supporters!
No one may ask Lazir nor Chancellor Merkel, who merely got involved BECAUSEthere are those who need to be REMINDED of their functions/mandated duties!
To toe your reasoning Sir Zane, is to give-in to Holocaustdeniers/corruption and give them more strength, if not respite!
Chancellor Merkel stayed in Berlin and addressed her straight-forward wordsat the direction of the Vatican, which eventually CORRECTED THE WRONG! Shedidn't have to fly to Rome!
Vatican corrected their mistake QUICKLY, though losing many members who leftthe church! Admission saved their face! (And to think that the Pope actedin a divine way, forgiving a wrong-doer!)
On the other hand, IHQ dragged this SCANDAL for too long, clearly Esguerra'sINCOMPETENCE! Is he held at the neck by Quiambao?
Lazir has nothing personal against Quiambao, Paras, Samuela, Alcoba norEsguerra. It is hoped that Paras doesn't get the KGCR this month in Manila,replacing Mushake! Future trips of Esguerra using KOR funds for airfare/hotel, must be paid for from his own pockets, if the foreign assembly is like what transpired in Paris, 2007 and Toronto, 2008!
But Lazir is right, Quiambao is corrupt and Esguerra is dishonest!
At the very beginning, IHQ should have done the appropriate, correct, properthing if they have credibility and integrity, like Pope Benedikt XVI!
For country and people!
:) Lazir Fear the Lord, no one/nothing else!
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sirs,
All of these emails are hurting the name of OKOR.
Can we please stop. If anyone has a problem with the IHQ, go there in person and solve the matter. We are washing our dirty cloths in public, its not right, the group goes by the name of JPR, we are not a simple group, we have a respectful name and must maintain such.
Think about how OKOR is looking in the eyes of others when all these emails are flying all over the world. Stop please.
Sir Zane
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sir Zane,
Does it also mean that the incompetence of Manila in solving the problems does not hurt the KOR? In the same manner, your advice to go Manila and air your complaints there - it might be a good idea for you to go to Manila, like you planned sometime ago, and advise them to resolve the problems (that hurt the KOR) immediately and thoroughly so that the emails "that hurt the KOR" may subside.
Have you ever ask yourself, "why is the emailing 'hurting KOR' never stopping?" There must be a reason. Cause and Effect? Do you think writers against Manila's behavior do their crusade to remove corruption, endemic both in the KOR and in Philippine society, with savor? Do you think they enjoy it? They do not - but they will not stop the crusade.
Remember - evil will succeed - when we begin to accept it. In 1939 Neville Chamberlain left Munich satisfied he had pacified Hitler. How about asking Manila (furnish us a copy) yourself? Ask it to answer the legitimate questions/accusations being thrown against it? For a change, I would recommend you to do it. It is not a time to be a softy and a pacifist. Even demand from it - answers, not wild claims and prosecution (of reform-minded knights). After you have succeeded, in getting answers from Manila - I will be the first to join you repair the battered KOR.
In all these exchanges I have come to classify addressees, as such:
1. Those who are openly voicing their minds about the ills in the KOR.
2. Those who use foul language (this genre has diminished now - retired, with their KGOR medals and sashes)while defending the corrupt.
3. The silent majority who do not ask that their names be removed from the listing - they do not fear the truth.
4. Those who are openly defending Manila bosses (not the KOR)a. for personal reasons; b. naivity???
5. A few who play prosecutors, judges and hangmen at the same time.
I know where I belong; readers - where do you belong?
SInned
"The arrogant one is he who wants to be worshipped, who misleads others, andwho wants his will to prevail over reason and justice." - Dr Jose P. Rizal -Message to the women of Malolos, February 1889
"My ambition is not to win honors or hold positions, but to see what isjust, exact and suitable, is done in political matters." - Dr Jose P.Rizal
********************************
Sir Steef,
Good observation/s!
In the Noli, Dr Jose Rizal's message is VERY CLEAR: take out the (social)CANCER!
Who is arrogant and wants to be worshipped, misleading others, and who wantshis will to PREVAIL over reason? Isn't it Quiambao? Isn't it Esguerra,Samuela, Paras, Guansing, Nollas, Alcoba, and their "boys"?
Dr Rizal wants us to rid society of such persons/characters! RA 646, Sec 4,is very clear on MEMBERSHIP!
When the KOR takes the moral high ground, we can expect a take off, we willget QUALITY members, who are noble, righteous, upright! In other words,persons with good moral character, with INTEGRITY!
On the other hand, when we keep the corrupt, the dishonest, the incompetent,GOOD members will shy away, ASHAMED!
Dr Rizal's MESSAGE is written all over! Hence we have to read his novels,letters, works!
Lazir won't STOP, even if Moreno is expelled! ...for as long as corruptionkeeps going on in the KOR!
If Lazir is wrong, Mr Quiambao, a lawyer, can go sue Lazir in court!
The mere fact that Quiambao is silent, not going to court, is because Laziris right and the evidence will overwhelm and cover Quiambao, Esguerra, Samuela, Paras, Guansing, Alcoba, Nollas, and their "supporters"?
As Sir Zane observed, "we are not a simple group, we have a respectful nameand must maintain such." The MORE we have to rid the KOR of those bad eggs!That's the only way to MAINTAIN a good KOR! (Who wants a BAD KOR?)
For country and people!
:) Lazir Fear the Lord, no one/nothing else!
======================
"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencingof dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history;..." - PresBarack Obama, 20 Jan 09
"No one will be corrupt if we don't let them." - Tony Meloto in his speechbefore Davao University graduates, 2007
"...Dare to cross boundaries in your minds and hearts! In your strength andcourage! In the space inside and around you! Dare to be different! Dare whatyou never dared before! The highest thing that obliges you is yourconscience. Act whatever good forces dictate! Then you are closer to Rizal'sideals than any policy or philosophy could ever be. What he can teach you,you will not understand without Kant's lessons..." - An excerpt of thespeech Christoph S. Eberle delivered on Rizal Day in Hamburg, Dec. 2006.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sirs,
This is the first mail I did read completely. It says what is worth full. If the order shows only struggle and discussions there will never restart a chapter in The Netherlands.
We lost our members in the past, because our order doesn't show what's the massage. Make clear wherefore The OKOR exist!
Written by Jose Sison Luzadas - May 10, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Reading between the lines of Dr. Jose Rizal’s NOLI and FILI will astonish many of his readers as they encounter familiar Latin phrases, clichés, aphorisms, dictum that we could hardly believe they have been around that long. But Rizal made them available in his novels and writings.
Here are some glaring witty examples found in Leon Ma. Guerrero’s translation:
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: is often a quoted as a polite excuse when we almost squander an opportunity or rare chance to gain something to our advantage. Rizal’s NOLI Chapter 43 in describing the Espadanas, chose a native woman, Dona Victorina, a social climber whose facial makeup is pigmented with powdered rice so she will look ”European” and who at thirty-two has not given up her dream of becoming a Espanola one day. How much more if her husband is a full-blooded Spaniard.
Finally, fate intervened as she got her wish. To Dona Victorina, the appearance of old and lame and a fake doctor, Don Tiburcio de Espadana is “better late than never”!
ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD: Simply means anything that at first seems precious that turn out to be of no value. This is best illustrated in the NOLI while Crisostomo was having a calesa ride around Manila recalling the days before he left for Europe he passed by a hill in Bagumbayan only to remember the old priest who was Father Jose Burgos warning him that whatever he sees as “new” should not easily convince him because “all that glitters is not gold”!
SPARE THE ROD, SPOIL THE CHILD: We often hear this advice but it has a reversed psychology in modern philosophy of education. In Chapter 19 in the NOLI dramatized the trial and tribulation of a school teacher whose conscience is in conflict with the school policy guidelines. Summoned and reprimanded by the parish priest, the schoolmaster complained: “Soon it became known throughout the town that I was sparing the rod,” The Parish priest sent for me”. “He said that I was spoiling the children, that I was wasting time, that I was not doing my duty, that the father who “spared the rod spoiled the child”
IN THE KINGDOM OF THE BLIND A ONE-EYED IS A KING: In Chapter 32 in the NOLI Father Damaso used simile to impress his audience saying, ”there is no great merit in the moon shining at night; in the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is the king”.
GREEK TO YOU: appeared in Chapter 36 in the NOLI. An incident where Father Damaso noticed a Spanish half-breed leaving the sacristy while delivering his sermon. When confronted the student replied, “I do not understand Tagalog”. Then Father Damaso shouted and dealing him a blow, “Why did you try to be funny and say it is Greek to you?”
CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME: This adage appeared in Chapter 36 where Don Filipo sighed bitterly after the mayor observed how the friars and the rich are united while the natives or Indios are divided and poor. “That is the way what will happen as long as that is the way we think, as long as prudence and fear mean the same. We give more importance to a possible evil than to an essential good. We meet an emergency with panic, not self-confidence. Everyone thinks of himself alone, nobody thinks of others, that is why we are all helpless”……………….. “Have you never heard the saying, charity begins at home?” The same cliche’ resurfaced in the FILI in Chapter 15.
VOX POPULI, VOX DEI: In a free society the epitome of the people’s choice is best illustrated in election results equating that “the voice of the people is the voice of God”. This phrase appeared in Chapter 27 in FILI. Is this not the standard measurement, an acceptance of the rule of the majority in any democratic society?
SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST AND THE ELIMINATION OF THE UNFIT: Under the heading of chapter 7 “Simoun” comes Rizal’s way of echoing Charles Darwin’s evolution theory of Origin of Species and the struggle for existence, “Let the unfit perish and the strongest survive”
RENDER THEREFORE UNTO CAESAR, THE THINGS WHICH ARE CAESAR’S: AND UNTO GOD THE THINGS THAT ARE GOD’S: As in the Bible, a look at a FILI character in Chapter 14, there was Sandoval trying to convince fellow students as he appealed to their senses and said, ”But let us give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.”
MIGHT MAKES RIGHT: is no more no less the equivalent of a ‘bullying tactic’, a deceitful advice and trickery attributed to Nicollo Machiavelli from his treatise, The Prince. It did not escape the writings of Rizal when his FILI character Isagani lectured on Juanito Pelaez saying “the end justifies the means” you can find this line in the latter part of Chapter 14.
THE GREATEST GOOD FOR THE GREATEST NUMBER: is the penultimate goal of an ideal society to accomplish happiness. In this context, Rizal was fully aware of the socio-economic and political ideas of 18th century thinkers John Stewart Mill, Jeremy Bentham and the Utilitarians.
In Chapter15, Mr. Pasta, the old lawyer was dispensing advice to Isagani, a medical student, “Always remember that charity begins at home; man, as Bentham says, should not seek more than the greatest happiness for himself.”
“BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA”: When selection boils down to last few choices or options, there is a passage from Chapter 27 in the FILI, as the ensuing argument between Father Fernandez and Isagani was getting hot. ”But like yourselves, we must follow the tune we are between the Devil and the deep blue sea”.
Let us Rewind and Fast Forward to Chapter 26 in the NOLI, to eavesdrop to an on-going conversation between the old man, Pilosopo Tasio and Crisostomo Ibarra where the latter received a good lecture on the issue of government inaction and insensitivity
“The government does not plan for a better future, it is only an ARM but the convent is the HEAD.”
It will be intellectually stimulating to understand the vital issue that redefines the question of assimilation through “evolution”. Should Filipinos develop their own identity or aspire to assimilate with the Motherland (Spain)? What price revolution? As we gather from the FILI:
“What will become of you? A nation without soul, a nation without freedom: everything in you will be borrowed, even the mistakes and the inadequacies. You demand Hispanization and do not blush for shame if it is denied to you. And even it were granted to you, what would you do with it, what would you gain from it? At best becoming a country of a military coup, a country thrown into confusion by civil wars, a republic of greedy people like some republics in South America” “They refuse you instruction in their own language? Then cherish your language; propagate it; keep our national culture alive Do you long to become a province; develop an independent, not a colonial mentality? The less rights they will grant you, the more right you have to throw off the yoke”
Not all who were sent by Spain to govern the Philippines were bad. Rizal was honest to acknowledge few exceptional Spaniards whose conduct and behavior as appointed colonial officials deserved praise and respect. One peninsular official about to return to Spain after his tour of duty commented to his native lackey:
“If one day you declare your independence, remember that there were many hearts in Spain which beat for you and fought for your rights”.
In the FILI, Rizal assigned the role to a Filipino native priest, Father Florentino his position of what subservience mean. The issue is answered in FILI Chapter 7 in a dialogue as Simoun cautioned Basilio that “Resignation is not always a virtue; it is a crime when it encourages oppression. “There are no tyrants where there are no slaves.”
And at the same tome justify his concern what a successful revolution may bring which brings to the scenario on how pathetic to see a revolutionario getting confronted by a stark reality of a failed revolution. Again batting for Rizal as his alter ego, Father Florentino, while sort of giving the last rite to a dying Simoun, explained his homily why a native uprising is doomed to fail. The revolution failed because the people are not ready for independence and because they are not ready for independence, they don’t deserve it.
“Doubtless. Freedom, first of all, must be deserved. The Filipinos are to be blamed for their misfortune. They have to be less tolerant towards tyranny, ready to fight for their rights and to suffer. They are still ashamed of their rebellious thoughts, are filled by selfishness, and by their aspiration to seize their share of the booty, whose possession in the hands of the oppressors they detest. Why should they then be given independence?” What good is independence if the slaves of today are the tyrants of tomorrow?”
Rizal looked at the Roman Catholic Church like any organized religion being used, practiced and propagated to further evil motives anathema to the Christian tenets. He looked at religion in a different perspective. Blumentrit who was a devout Catholic was at first disturbed by Rizal’s anti-church stance. But with his explanation, Rizal finally got his friend to listen that the friars in the Philippines used religion as a shield, weapon, fort, citadel and armor.
“They misused the name of religion for some pesos. They cry religion to carry off innocent girls, “religion” in order to secure interest, “religion” to ruin the tranquility of marriage and the family, if not perhaps the respectability of the women. How should I not oppose this religion with all my might, when it’s the first cause of our sufferings and sorrows Christ did the same with the religion of his land when the Pharises misused it”
E-mail comments to: luzadas@bellsouth.net
Editor's Note: This commentary was earlier posted in the TAMBULI USA.
President Arroyo Invites Herself Again to Washington, DC, and Once More Will Embarrass Filipinos
Written by Bobby Reyes - Feb 03, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Once again Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has probably nothing better to do this week and she will play one more time a hide-and-seek game with President Barack H. Obama. She did that before and she wants to do it again. She has invited herself to Washington, DC. Readers may like to read how Mrs. Arroyo tried to seek an audience with then presidential candidate Barack Obama, which by itself was a humiliating experience for an incumbent President. Here is the account of Game One: The Obama-Arroyo Hide-and-Seek Game: How PGMA Embarrassed RP Again
President Arroyo does not really know protocol. She is not a mere tourist, who at the last minute makes a detour to attend supposedly the National Prayer Breakfast in the United States. She happens to be the President of a functioning Republic of more-than 90-million constituents. She claims that she was invited by some American legislators to the breakfast. The code of behavior says that any foreign head of state waits for an official invitation by the President of another country, especially one who heads the world’s remaining superpower. It is not the first time that Mrs. Arroyo tried to get an audience from then Senator Obama, then from a President-elect Obama and now from a President Barack Obama. If President Arroyo has an ounce of pride remaining in her, she should not make the trip. Otherwise, she could become the laughing stock and the butt of jokes of late-night American comedians and of course the topic of gags among Filipino Americans.
* Here is an article that we published about Mrs. Arroyo’s futile efforts to seek an audience before with American leaders – even when the American decision-and-policy makers do not want to be seen in public with one of the world’s most-corrupt leaders: President Arroyo Does Not Really Get It (She Comes Back to the USA Begging Again)
* Perhaps President Arroyo, her Cabinet, her inner staff and her Rasputins should read first the A Cup O' Kapeng Barako column of Jesse Jose. Perhaps they should read carefully Mr. Jose’s The Dishonor of Having to Beg. Begging for an audience with Mr. Obama is unbecoming a President of a foreign country.
* Pundits are starting to make fun again of Mrs. Arroyo’s antics of inviting herself to the District of Columbia. One wag said probably President Arroyo will demonstrate to the American leaders how to eat “Pagpag” for breakfast. If you do not know what it is, here is (again) Mr. Jose’s column:
* Another pundit says that President Arroyo wants to have an audience with President Obama, so that she could teach him how to run a country by simply borrowing, as explained in this article:
The Arroyo Dispensation Continues with Its “Irrational Exuberance,” as It Keeps Borrowing More
* Even the Iraqi despot Saddam Hussein had an ounce of pride that he refused to invite himself to another country, so as to seek exile when his country was threatened with invasion that he knew would result in his ouster. But there are still lots of parallelism between then President Hussein and Mrs. Arroyo, as explained in this article: Similarities Between Saddam Hussein and Gloria Arroyo
* Perhaps the top Filipino diplomats can explain to President Arroyo the concepts of protocol and the time-honored Filipino tradition called “delicadeza,” which can be translated to non-Filipinos as “a sense of propriety.” Yes, Filipino diplomats must follow the suggestion of then dean of Filipino columnists, Max V. Soliven, who tried to save Mrs. Arroyo from herself, as quoted in these articles:
Saving the Philippine President from Herself (Part I)
Saving the Presidency and the Philippine President from Herself (Part II)
President Arroyo Does Not Really Get It
* Perhaps Mrs. Arroyo is that desperate to seek an audience with President Obama. Maybe she is indeed a “desperate housewife,” as explained in this article, GMA’s Desperate Housewives
* It is really pathetic than a Philippine President does not know what humility is; she insists on inviting herself, which beggars even in the United States do not attempt. Mrs. Arroyo is one of the major reasons for the deterioration of the country’s dignity and psyche. Perhaps she and readers may like to revisit these articles and ponder why many Overseas Filipinos do not want to reacquire their Philippine citizenship and many more Filipinos want to move abroad:
How to Get Back the Dignity of the Filipino (Part3)
Reinventing the Filipino Psyche (Part One)
A Dose of Reality: Why Many Filipinos Remain Second-Class Citizens in America
* But then President Arroyo likes to solve the problems of the world, instead of attending to the socioeconomic and political ailments tormenting the Filipino homeland:
Editorial: President Arroyo Must Go Back Home ASAP and Attend to Pressing Problems
* But then President Arroyo does not seem to learn from mistakes. Her unscheduled visit to Washington, DC, will just give Filipino-American activists excellent opportunities to embarrass her again and again. Here are articles that this website has published in the past about public demonstrations against the visits of Mrs. Arroyo to the United States:
Filipinos and Allies in New York City to "Detain And Deport GMA!"
Fil-Am Activists and Advocates Preparing Massive “Welcome” for President Arroyo in DC and New York
PESANTE-USA to Welcome President Arroyo in Los Angeles as Number-One Violator of Human Rights
Arroyo Supporters Try to Intimidate Demonstrators But All-Systems Go for Biggest Anti-GMA Protest
AJLPP and ANSWER-Los Angeles Join the Nov. 21st Rally-Picket Against President Arroyo @ LAX Sheraton
President Arroyo Will Learn Finally the Overseas-Filipino Earth, Wind and Flair
GABNet Condemns Repeated President Arroyo's Foreign Trips and Calls for Massive Rally Against Her
Boycott-GMA Drive Generates Massive Support As Activists Confirm Protest Rally at GMA Reception
An Open Letter to Consul General Aragon Over President Arroyo's Failure to Hold Press Conferences
Fil-Am Activists and Advocates Preparing Massive “Welcome” for President Arroyo in DC and New York
* And finally, here is a news dispatch from www.GMANews.TV about the planned new misadventure of President Arroyo in Washington, DC:
Palace insists breakfast meet with Obama not on Arroyo's mind
02/04/2009 | 07:53 AM
MANILA, Philippines - A day after confirming President Arroyo will make a side trip to Washington D.C. for the National Prayer Breakfast there, Malacañang insisted Wednesday that meeting US President Barack Obama is farthest from Arroyo's mind.
Press secretary Cerge Remonde repeatedly said in a radio interview that Arroyo's possible meeting with Obama was merely a "coincidence."
"Hindi naman meeting kay Obama ang objective ni Pangulong Gloria sa pagpunta sa Washington para sa National Prayer Breakfast at posibleng pagpupulong sa US [Meeting Obama is not President Gloria's objective in going to Washington for the National Prayer Breakfast]," he said in an interview on dzXL radio.
He also refused to comment further on Arroyo's plans on meeting Obama the meeting.
"Parang nagkakataon lang. Hintayin natin kung anong mangyayari [t's a coincidence. Let's just see what happens]," he said.
Remonde claimed Arroyo "accepted" an invitation of legislators to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in the US.
"It is expected that the President will finally meet US President Barack Obama as the main event, the Thursday morning breakfast, by tradition, has two special guest speakers: the President of the United States and a guest whose identity is kept confidential until that morning," a Palace statement said Tuesday.
Remonde said Arroyo proceeded to Bahrain, from Milan in Italy, where she met with the Filipino community. She also attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The National Prayer Breakfast is a yearly event held every first Thursday of February in Washington, D.C.
It is a forum for political, social and business leaders of the world to assemble together and build relationships.
Remonde said Arroyo will be back in Manila Saturday. – www.GMANews.TV # # #
President Arroyo to Turn the Philippines into a “Gulay Archipelago”
Written by Bobby Reyes - Jan 26, 2009 at 10:53 AM
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed recently Executive Order No. 776, which “directs officials to undertake an urban farming and fisheries program to help provide alternative employment for people in the face of the dismal global economic outlook.” The “Gulay Archipelago” Project, as some presidential aides have dubbed it, is part of her administration's Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) that includes the “Gulayan ng Masa” and the “Integrated Services for Livelihood Advancement” (ISLA) for subsistence fishermen.
When Filipino army-and-police generals heard the announcement of EO 776, they initially cheered it. They thought that the President wanted to make the country a Filipino version of the then Soviet Union’s “Gulag Archipelago.” They were disappointed, however, when they learned that the initial announcement carried a typographical error.
However, Los Angeles-based poet and pundit Fred Burce Bunao said that it would have been advisable for President Arroyo to make illegal the planting of vegetables, urban farming and backyard fishponds. Mr. Bunao said had she done so, almost all Filipinos would immediately start to violate Mrs. Arroyo’s Executive Order and, therefore, the country would have an oversupply of vegetables and other urban-farm products in due time. Mr. Bunao also said that the Arroyo Administration borrowed his copyrighted phrase, “Gulay Archipelago,” without his permission. He said he used the phrase as early as 1988 in his humor column.
Another Filipino-American pundit, Bobby Manasan of the Commonwealth of Virginia, was reportedly heard to have said that the present “sh_t” in many government offices could be turned into organic fertilizer for President Arroyo’s mandated urban farms and suburban fishponds. Mr. Manasan allegedly said further that “the ‘Gulay Archipelago’ project could be an excellent opportunity for discredited former Agricultural Undersecretary Joc-joc Bolante to obtain redemption by gathering all the ‘sh_t’ and other dirty craps in government bureaus and departments and turning them into compost.”
On the other hand, some Filipino religious leaders fear that the Arroyo Administration’s push for the “Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program” will turn into CLEEPtomania. Some wags like the running priest, the Rev. Robert Reyes (not related to this writer, who is only a namesake), say that some presidential kin and cronies are virtually kleptomaniacs and they would probably take advantage of the CLEEP to make more money at the expense of the people.
Philippine political-opposition leader Sen. Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr., welcomed President Arroyo’s “Gulay Archipelago” initiative. Speaking in Tagalog, Senator Pimentel said: “Mabuti naman at tapos na sana ang pagtatanim nang sama ng loob ng ating Pangulo at magtatanim na lang siya nang mga gulay.” (It is good that the President will stop planting the seeds of discord and she will just plant vegetables.)
President Arroyo ordered the launching of “Gulayan ng Masa” and the “ISLA” in urban communities, with the active participation of the Department of Agriculture, local governments, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor). Vegetable gardens and backyard fishponds will be set up in vacant lots and unused government lands.
Unconfirmed reports say that the Pagcor plans to install huge aquariums in all the country casinos, so that tilapia could be raised in them. The tilapia harvests then could be used by casino restaurants. Instead of growing roses in hotel-resort gardens, the Pagcor will convert them into vegetable plots. Flower pots in Philippine casinos shall be converted into water-filled containers where asparagus could be grown hydro-phonically. The Pagcor plans further of converting all the swimming pools in all the country’s hotel-casino resorts into “instant fishponds.”
Homeowners of palatial houses in Metro Manila’s exclusive residential enclaves such as Forbes Park and Magallanes Village reportedly are up in arms with the Pagcor plan of converting their mansions’ swimming pools into fishponds. Leaders of the homeowners associations said that the Pagcor could do it only over their dead floating bodies.
The government will distribute—instead of cash—only vegetable seedlings and tilapia-and-catfish fingerlings to participants who will be identified by the Office of the President (OP). This way, the President’s advisers say that nobody could dip their dirty fingers into the fund for the fingerlings.
As of press time, the OP has not issued a confirmation of whether another clone of the President would be created to head the CLEEP and/or the “Gulay Archipelago” Task Force.
I wish there are others in our Order, that I consider untapped resources of inquiring minds like Sir Zane Thirwall of Belgium who last week posted a topic on Rizal's quotable quote from his NOLI and FILI novels inviting members to share info and personal interpretation on : What good is independence if the slaves of today are the tyrants of tomorrow?"
I think it will open a new vista where controversial or seldom mentioned subject matters about Rizal's writings and philosophy need clearer and better meaning and explanation for the benefit of others. This act itself is pure Rizalism in highly intellectual approach. More than that it will start a FORUM OF IDEAS for shared information.
I admire Sir Zane for initiating a good beginning of ASK and SHARE posting. I ask others not to withhold your need for explanation on certain terms, cliches encountered on Rizal and Rizalism. In fact, Rizal and Rizalism remains to this day a BIG minefield to explore. And also a good mental exercise for creative writing experience and a noble idea and Rizalian in context too.
Gentlemen, what are your Opinion or Option, or Opposition?
Jose Sison Luzadas
Scarborough Chapter, CANADA
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sir Joe,
I can only agree with what you said in your email below. If I may add I think it'll also give some new flavors and change of sceneries from the many emails we received in recent past. NOT that I don't want to receive bad news that were or are happening in the KOR. I believe it is part of a long process to achieve change and progress. However, perhaps your suggestion of a FORUM OF IDEAS on Rizal writings may be the catalyst of the change and progress that KOR truly needs.
For a start, how about expounding on the brief statement Rizal said through one of the characters in the FILI: "The end justifies the means."
NOM
Lino Reyes
San Ildefonso Chapter
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
TO THE MAN WHO STARTED IT ALL
O Nicolo Machiavelli, that little book, "the Prince" you wrote in the 15th century for the powerful Medici family of Florence became the handbook for bullies, advising incumbent rulers how effectively to grab and maintain power through direct control over the people once the reins of government apparatus is seized to insure perpetual control.
The LITANY you teach begins "THE END JUSTIFIES THE MEANS" is repeated over and over again to blind followers until brainwashing takes effect in their minds that "MIGHT MAKES RIGHT”.
And so our concept of democracy, fair play equal opportunity lost luster of its meaning and words like putsch, coup d’état, golpe are dreaded names so disturbing to people who are accustomed to live in peace.
Jose Sison Luzadas
Scarborough, CANADA
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sir Joe,
Nicolo Machiavelli was a poor man who wanted to make it. So he set out to ingratiate himself with Lorenzo di Medici, ruler of Florence by writing The Prince. It was a masterful work though controversial in our modern way of thinking. It consisted of advices he made to Lorenzo, oftentimes brutal but at the time very practical.
One of his advices is for the Prince to avoid being soft with his subjects. That while forgiveness is a Christian virtue, when faced with a man who betrays him, such a man should be executed, not exiled. While this may sound really harsh, it was the only way to resolve the issue, because the man can cross to his enemies and cause more troubles later.
Being harsh with his subject would do well with the Prince, because if he is soft, then when the enemy who is well known to be cruel approaches, the subjects would be forced to choose between a feared man or a kind man. Knowing the kind man will be merciful, they would side with the cruel man because they know if he wins then they are at his mercy.
Machiavelli's principle is that if the Prince has to choose to be loved or feared, he should choose to be feared if he can't be both.
His principle of acquiring power at all cost may be interpreted as "The end justifies the means" or exercising brute force to keep power might mean "Might makes right", nevertheless, Machiavelli never actually said those words.
Cheers,
Manny Bade
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sir Joe & Sir Manny,
Your stories and knowledge of history fascinated me. Sir Joe mentioned Nicolo Machiavelli's teaching that "MIGHT MAKES RIGHT." If I may say, in contrast, Abraham Lincoln said: "Let us have faith that RIGHT MAKES MIGHT, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it." Of course as Rizalists we know how wrong is the former statement and how right is the later. Please correct me if I'm wrong in my assumption here.
RIGHT MAKES MIGHT sounds very palatable to me. In my keen observation, I believe KOR can improve a lot, only, if we all adhere to this advice of Abraham Lincoln. From top to bottom from bottom to top, it really doesn't matter. What matter is who is right. I think Lazir will agree with me on this one.
George Bernanos, in his quote about corruption said: "The first sign of corruption in a society that is still alive is that the end justifies the means." Reading EL FILI, I was amazed to know Rizal's keen observation of this kind of happenings in the Philippine society during his time over hundred years ago. Today's society in the Philippines is not much difference. From the streets of the city of Manila, drivers and police officers; in the rural areas during election time, political candidates and potential voters are willing participants. The list goes on and on.
About 4 years ago I attended a FORUM on "How To Stop Corruption In The Philippines". It was sponsored by group of Filipino writers and reporters in Toronto headed by Paul dela Cruz. I remember vividly the answer of one the participants who happens to be a member of KOR: "Put them all in a big ship and let them sink in the bottom of the ocean". A sense of desperation I thought. Can we say this is an example of : The end justify the means?
Thank you Sir Joe for initiating this FORUM OF IDEAS. I sincerely hope others will share their ideas, observation and/or comments for the benefit of the KOR in particular and our beloved Motherland in general.
Lino Reyes
San Ildefonso Chapter
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sir Lino,
Good start.
In my studies of Philosophy, I have always been taught that the end never justifies the means. Even in this day and age, when we see people blow up other people in the name of their beliefs and freedom, we still feel that that is not right.
If most theologians believe that God used Judas as a means of fulfilling His great plan for mankind, then can we then say, that Judas being an instrument of God was justified in his action?
Manny Bade
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sir Manny,
I find Sir Manny's logic well reasoned to justify the gesture and act of Judas that many would sympathize than abhor. But there are still other people who seem "strange and unique" on how they intrepret events and happenings. Like "ME" for example. I do admire one man in history, Marcus Brutus and one character in the Bible, Judas Escariot.
Like Plutarch who wrote PARALLEL LIVES of great ancient Greeks and Romans, his main interest is to explore the character of the MAN and not the number of battles he won or enemies killed in the battlefield.
Were it not for Shakespeare putting words in the mouth of Julius Caesar with "etu Brutus" as the last words he uttered when we read Shakespeare's Tragedy, "Julius Casar", the English speaking world won't know this populur phrase attributed to Caesar! Without Shakespeare's history of the Ide of March Caesar assaination, Mr Noah Webster may not include the word "brutal" in his dictionary.
When Brutus spoke to the stunned Romans why their beloved Caesar was killed receiving 23 stabbings from the hands of conspiratorial senators, Brutus justified their evil deeds in simple words: IT IS NOT THAT I LOVE CAESAR LESS BUT I LOVE ROME !" He cannot bear to see the end of the old RomanRepublic supplanted by Caesar waiting to be crowned emperor.
It's no wonder why Shakespeare and a host of historians and writers consider Brutus, "The noblest Romans of them all!
AS to my man Judas, well, he is a human being after all with true characater and clean conscience. Many would rather run away, change or disguise identity trying to fight out regrets and shame for betraying Jesus, his master and friend. He could have run away with that 30 pieces of silver, live comfortably or join the other camp. But not Judas with a bad conscience. He is aware of Jesus trust appointing Judas his treasurer for his knowledge in budgeting and both spoke Aramaic, tha language of the learned men.
Gravely aware of a grave sin and a heinous crime he had committed, suicide by hanging is the logical answer rather than living a life everyday looking at himself a mirror of untold misery and regrets. I'ts better to be dead than be slave to a miserble life!
Jose Sison Luzadas
Scarborough Chapter, CANADA
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sir Joe,
On July 22, 1946, Irgun, the Jewish terrorist organization (let’s call a spade a spade, right Sir Lazir, Sir Barry?) under the command of Menachim Begin who later became prime minister of Israel bombed the King David Hotel which housed the British Secretariat in Palestine. 91 people died in that attack.
Haganah, the main organization fighting for the establishment of the Jewish State, under whose command Irgun carried out the bombing justified it as necessary step for obtaining a homeland for the Jews - in fact affirming that the end justifies the means.
What do you think?
Manny Bade
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Sir Lino,
Thank you for that observation. The genius of Abraham Lincoln is again evident.
Corruption as indemic in the Philippines will almost impossible to eradicate. The only way to stop it is not to kill the corrupt ones but to stop patronizing them. Isn't it Rizal who said "there are no masters if there are no slaves"?
So we can say, there are no corrupt officials if there are no bribers. In the same way that Manila Mayor Sir Alfredo Lim proposed to jail alms givers to the beggars.
Problem is that people are so used to the convenience of getting instant results by greasing the palms of the officials to get what's needed to be done. If we stop to do it and patiently wait for the result, even if it takes a while, then we can stop corruption. If Congress can pass a law jailing bribers, corruption will be eradicated. But that will be asking them to pass a law to stop their bribes, right?
