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| ON THE OTHER HAND |
| Snubbed Again
By Antonio C. Abaya Written on Feb. 09, 2009 For the Standard Today, February 10 issue She chased him last June when he was still Presidential Candidate Barack Obama. She chased him again last November when he had become President-elect Barack Obama. And she chased him again last week now that he was President Barack Obama. If this isn't true love, I don't know what is. But in all three instances, he did not even give her the time of day. He, as head-of-state and head-of government of his country, did not even acknowledge her presence as a visiting head-of-state and head-of-government in his speech in a public forum attended by more than 4,000 guests. In some cultures, such a deliberate snub would have called for ritual suicide on the part of the snubbed. Instead, the visit � among us mere mortals, such behavior is known as "stalking" for which some people have been sent to jail - is being touted by her fawning courtiers as a "success." In my article Weird (June 30, 2008), I tried to fathom why President Arroyo went to the US on a 10-day visit at the height of the US presidential campaign. During this visit, she was humiliated by being forced to hold a press conference on the sidewalk of a busy DC street, while motor vehicles in the background struggled through traffic. She also went out of her way to visit Defense Secretary Robert Gates at his Pentagon office for a 30-minute chat, instead of him paying a courtesy call on her at her hotel as would have befitted a visiting head-of-state and head-of-government. I came to the conclusion in that article that the real purpose of the 10-day visit was to have a face-to-face encounter with the devastating Barack Obama, on whom tens of millions of white American girls and women, including the likes of Caroline Kennedy and Scarlett Johansson, had schoolgirl crushes. But Obama proved an elusive prey, even for a visiting head-of-state. "He was a no-show at their only scheduled (by Malacanang) 'possible' meeting. And he kept on being somewhere else whenever she went to New York or to Washington. Was he avoiding her? But he did call her on the phone and they talked, according to Malacanang, for 30 minutes. But it was a heart-breaking snub. The Republican candidate John McCain at least met with her at her hotel and gave her 15 minutes of his time. But not Barack. That was not the end of her self-inflicted humiliation. In my article titled Obama and Gloria (Nov. 17, 2008), I wrote that "when President-elect Obama received congratulatory telephone calls from dozens of world leaders, including President Arroyo, Obama returned the telephone calls of only nine of them - the leaders of the most important countries � and Arroyo was not one of them. "When Arroyo went to the US early this month (November 2008), ostensibly to speak before a United Nations forum on interfaith dialogue" � she did not attend these fora in any previous year � "Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said that meeting Obama was 'high' on her agenda. "But there was no meeting with (President-elect) Obama, even though President Arroyo made a two-hour stop-over in Chicago � Obama's home base � ostensibly to talk to the Filipino community there�." Obama did not bother to be there at the same time.. Snub Number Two. . But if there is one thing that can be said of President Arroyo, it is that she is persistent. After making a forgettable speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and visiting with the Filipino community in Milan, and signing some deals with some Arabs in Bahrain, President Arroyo suddenly flew off to Washington DC instead of home, to attend a National Prayer Breakfast � which she has never attended in previous years � probably with the heart-stopping expectation that, Now she will finally be face-to-face with the elusive Obama. "She is one of the chosen world leaders who were invited to attend the annual event. US President Obama will speak during the event," an unnamed Malacanang official cooed to the Standard Today (Feb. 3). Oh, God, at last! But which "world leaders" might those be? Ah�..Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Bulgarian Defense Minster Nikolay Tsonev.." Tsong, mukang walang ibang head-of-state or head-of-government. Si Gloria lang. What the hell kind of invitation was this, anyway? Probably one wangled by Malacanang's PR retainer in Washington DC, who, I understand, gets paid some $25 million a year.. But there was no meeting with Obama, again. The US President supposedly arrived late, gave his speech, and then was hustled off. Snubbed again, for the third time. Didn't Obama see Gloria in the audience, sitting right next to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi? He did not even acknowledge her presence in the preface to his speech. What an insult! President Arroyo had to settle for the next best thing kuno. A 30-minute chat with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who ladled out the usual consuelo de bobo palaver that Filipino politicians love to hear, namely that the Philippines is "one of our closest and most important allies, not just in Asia, but on so many issues around the world. " But one must ask Why is President Arroyo so eager to have a one-on-one meeting with Barack Obama that she is willing to suffer almost any humiliation or insult just to have that meeting? And why is Barack Obama just as adamant in snubbing her? I would assign the first attempt to meet with him to a schoolgirl crush. But I think the second and third attempts were propelled by a more serious animus, perhaps a desire to convince Obama why it was necessary for her to remain in power beyond 2010, even if it needed a shift to the parliamentary system, or even a declaration of martial law. If that reading is correct, then Obama's snub of her the second and third times must be interpreted as his rebuff of her maneuvers, that he will have no truck with her attempts to stay in power beyond 2010. In his inaugural address last January 20, President Obama had famously warned that To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist��" In my article Obama's Warning (Jan. 26, 2009), I had written that this was not a specific warning to GMA, but a generic warning to a group of world leaders that could include President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, and the leaders of Hezbollah (Hassan Nasrallah), Hamas, Taliban (the one-eyed Mullah Omar), and al-Qaeda (Osama bin Laden), plus possibly our very own President Arroyo. But after the third snub, I would scratch out the leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas, Taliban and al-Qaeda since they would not have been given US visas to land on US soil in the first place. Nor would they have wanted to attend a Christian Prayer Breakfast led by the hated Crusaders. I would also cross out Presidents Putin, Ahmadinejad and Chavez. Their presence in a public forum would have been duly acknowledged by President Obama, and he would not have hesitated to meet with any or all of them, in keeping with his campaign promise to sit down and talk even with those who harbored ill will towards US.. That would leave President Mugabe and President Arroyo as the apparent sole objects of Obama's Warning. As far as I know, Mugabe has not been snubbed by Obama even once. On the other hand, President Gloria has been snubbed, not once but three times. ***** Reactions to [email protected]. Other articles in www.tapatt.org and in acabaya.blogspot.com. To subscribe, send a blank email with the subject heading Subscribe. To unsubscribve, send a blank email with the subject heading Unsubscribe. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Reactions to �Snubbed Again� �The Pantsuit Summit Conference� �Burn the House Down� More Reactions to �Vultures �R� Us� More Reactions to �Depression� More Reactions to �Joma Speaks� Tony, As a Washington Metro DC resident for 24 years, let me share some observations These lobbying groups that charge an arm and a leg are just that, lobbying groups. Before the country pays a fortune, they must accept that the lobbyist can only do so much but never be able to reverse negative perceptions Remember the waning months of Marcos in 1986? He advanced $ 2 M under advice of Ople to a lobbying firm of Mr. Black (I could be wrong on which firm ) but after seeing the protests, the lobbying firm returned the money because they didn't want the negative publicity of being associated with Marcos. It is not unlikely that there are people around Obama who see GMAas a huge negative. So huge they want to keep her away. Whether that supersedes the courtesy due a head of state, I would not know. Jimmy Carter hated Marcos with a passion. He could not go to the US from 1976 to 1980. In 1982 or 83, when Marcos went to Cancun, he had to refuel in Hawaii. He wanted to go to Washington but was denied an official visit. And even when he met Reagan in Cancun, it was played down because he already had a sordid reputation by then. To think Reagan was already a good friend of Marcos. Schultz and Baker kept Reagan away from Marcos, even as Nancy (airhead starlet who sought the advice of astronomers and fortune tellers ) was always warming up to Imelda to20get gifts The thing is to find out who in Obama's inner circle is (are) powerful enough to be able to convince him that Gloria is bad publicity. It must be someone very high up. High enough that no lobbyist, however well paid, is able to overcome. That person is probably so subtle, so smart, he/she can mask his/her influence very well. Otherwise these lobbyists would have found means and ways to either corrupt them or bad-mouth them out of office. (Name withheld), (by email), Washington, DC, Feb. 10, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww According to you, Gloria was snubbed by Barack Obama not once but thrice, if this was intended as a retaliation to Gloria's stealing the presidency not once but twice (according to Susan Roces) mukhang unfair yata ito para sa presidente ng Pilipinas. It was one too many. (I never wrote that Obama snubbed Arroyo three times for stealing the elections twice. That�s your conclusion, not mine. ACA) The truth of the matter is Barack Obama was unaware of what he would gain in meeting with the lady with a doctorate degree in economics. She is just dying to help the neophyte president in solving the U.S. and its allies' economic problems stemming from the wall street financial meltdown. Wala nang iba, iyun lang talaga. Peks man. (The truth of the matter is that we do not know Obama�s motives. But it is safe to assume that a) there are Fil-Ams in his staff who know what is going on here; and b) Obama does not need any advice from a two-bit president of a two-bit country to solve the economic problems of the US and its allies. ACA) Sayang, Barack Obama should be advised of Gloria's noble intention in her insistence of meeting him inspite of her own country's numerous problems in corruption and wayward administration. Arcy F. Sibal, (by email), Sta. Maria, Bulacan, Feb 10, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww It was people power II that put Gloria as president. There was a people power III that tried to maintain Erap as president, but that did not work because the people were all very tiered of people power, and because Gloria was just about to sit then. There were hopes...but alas....Another attempt to oust the bitchy chihuahua and her porky hubby failed again....the people are tired.....they are confused.....those that attend small rallies here and now are obviously paid for.....mainly from the poor squatters who don't really know the issues....try asking them....it is only the man/woman on the megaphone who knows what he is saying...or do they really know??? I'm tired myself....I'm leaving it all to the almighty...hehehe...that's a real good Idea! Rafael Alcuaz, (by email), Feb 10, 2009 (Correction, please. It was a military coup disguised as People Power II, that installed GMA in the presidency. Weeks before January 20, 2001, GMA and her people were meeting with a group of generals in active service, led by then AFP chief-of-staff Gen., now Energy Secretary, Angelo Reyes, to plot the ouster of Erap. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi, Tony, Agree without hesitation. Can't say it any better. Enjoy reading your articles! All good (or bad) things come to an end sooner or later. It is the beginning of the end. Regards, Col. (Ret.) Dennis Acop, (by email), Feb 10, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Wow!!! You write so well and so meticulously detailed in your accurate information, your analyses, your good humor! Wilson Lee Flores, (by email), Feb. 10, 2009 Columnist, Philippine Star Editor-in-chief, S magazine wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Good one! She (GMA) still doesn't get the HINT, or refuses to see it. She must really be going ballistic at this point due to her people's inability to touch base with Obama and save her small face. Jose Genato, (by email), Feb. 11, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony, Obama and his administration is so engaged in confronting and surviving the nightmarish economic meltdown in his own backyard, not to mention the open sores of Iraq and Afghanistan wars. These requires allocation of trillions of dollars and unrelenting managerial focus that is unprecedented in American history. GMA's persisitent "stalking" of the American president for an audience I am sure did not even register a slight bleep on Obama's periscope. He's got important things to accomplish, and a little (no pun intended) despot from a corrupt small godforsaken country of unpatriotic, thieving and rapacious ruling class of political dynasties grinding a nation of cowardly dull and politically stupid citizens to the ground. What perplexed me is why would GMA need the blessings of the Great Bi-Racial Father in Washington in order for her to perpetually extend her rule in the Philippines? (must be the remnants of colonial mentality?) The country is already in their complete economic and political hold and control. Democracy in the Philippines is a facade. The government is actually a consortium of mafia-like cartel of warlords and political dynasties. Moderate dissent, the free press and religious freedom are mere conduits to release the fissures of discontents and universal cries of inhuman suffering of the abused population. For as long as the people are cowardly compliant and inured to their sorry plight, a county where the educated citizens and religious leadership lost their patriotic, spiritual and moral moorings, GMA and the whole corrupt ruling establishment can very well do what they want. To repeat for a thousand times the clich'e "There are no Tyrants, where there are no Slaves!" For Obama, where the economic sky is falling, believe me, he couldn't care less! and oh! that 30 minutes telephone conversation? another Consuelo De Bobo! Regards, Mark Enriquez, (by email), Pomona, CA, Feb .11, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww What a way to write a humiliating article. Of course, that's the typical Tony Abaya. As usual, my salute. By the way, what's the best description of a head of state like her? Miriam D is Brenda, Gloria is shabu (shameless bulok)? Any suggestion/idea? Narciso Ner, (by email), Davao City, Feb. 11, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww NAKAKAHIYA!!! Jose Manuel C. del Prado, (by email), Feb. 11, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony, During the primaries, we already suspected that Obama has a Filipino advisor or has a Filipino that is close to him on his staff, as he campaigns just like a Filipino politician. Mind you, here in the States right now, I do not know if you have came across an item on the stimulus package of a 200 million dollars for the Filipino Veterans which the Republicans are trying to cross out as they claimed that the stimulus is supposed to stimulate the US economy. But they claimed that how is that 200 million dollars would stimulate the US economy? Does that not sounds that there is a Filipino close to Obama, either way? And to GMA and her cheerleaders, nakakahiya! Thanks and more power! Bert Celera, (by email), Feb. 11, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Mr. Abaya. You're really something! :) Ethel David, (by email), Feb. 11, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Ang kapal talaga ni GMA. She embarasses all of us Filipinos. Also, I hate this mendicant policy of going to Washington DC with a cup in hand. Fernando Zialcita, (by email), Feb. 11, 2009 Faculty, Ateneo de Manila University wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, The three instances you mentioned do not appear to be the behavior expected of a head of the state. Unless I am mistaken, it appears to be the act of a groupie. It seems a bit juvenile unless she is truly fascinated or enamored of Obama's mantra. Any attempt to explain or understand would be useless. Surely, there was a time when GMA got Bush's attention but when she pulled out the Philippine contingent from Iraq. the relationship soured. Everything went downhill for her in DC. She committed an unforgivable blunder. A good friend is there in good times and bad. She picked the wrong time when Bush needed most of his friends. Frankly, I do not consider Obama's actions as snubs. Lets face it the Philippines role, image and credibility in DC is a lightweight in the boxing world or political world for that matter. We have no political clout or assets to use as a leverage to demand or exert power. We are simply a Third World country, friendly and cooperative but with plenty of baggage on both shoulders. Our delegates and representatives in the world stage are lightweights and ineffective. We should be more hard-nosed on issues affecting our country. With all the turmoil, graft, corruption, and human rights violations, surely the American ambassador has a field day updating the new president GMA should not presume Obama does not know.any oppressive acts she does. He does and that is why he is avoiding her. There is too many important things Obama needs to address now. Oscar Apostol, (by email), Rocklin, CA, Feb 11, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. Dear Mr. Abaya, Your subject article is very informative and interesting. Unfortunately, PGMA is so callous or "makapal ang mukha" that despite being involved in so many scandals (Hello Garci, ZTE, Public Works bribery scandal, etc.), she still wants to extend her term. Other leaders in other countries would rather resign or commit "harakiri". With that, I think you have to change your subject from PGMA to Mike Arroyo and her friends in Congress and Senate. If these people (Mike A, Miriam, Gordon, Enrile, etc.) will see how people from other countries (US, Germany, etc.) snub corrupt politicians because of their principles, maybe they will re-examine their conscience and develop a little love for their country or at least for the children who go through garbage cans for food. In closing, let us stop calling Mike Arroyo "First Gentleman" because he does not deserve such title. The word "gentleman" is defined as "chivalrous well-bred man" (Oxford Dictionary of Current English). Mike Arroyo is very far from that definition. With his involvement in so many scandals, he should be called "First Pig". Mr. "FP" should read the bible for him to see that he cannot bring to his next life (to say the least) his money. Perfecto Corpus, (by email), Feb. 11, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, I think that U.S.-Philippines relations under the Obama administration will literally go to the dogs. If there is any message given to Gloria and the Foreign Affairs Department, it is that you guys are not within the U.S. foreign policy radar screen. As a matter of fact, this current administration should face the reality that they cannot hope for even regular treatment by the U.S. in its foreign or even trade policy because any initiative will literally face a stonewall. What does that leave for Philippine business or Philippine interest groups? I think these guys should just proceed with their initiatives through channels outside the Philippine government. It is not just obvious that the Obama government will not deal with the Arroyo government, it is telling the Arroyo government that they have no business contacting the higher echelons of the U.S. power structure. So from being a special ally of the U.S. early in the Dubya Bush administration, the Philippines is now in the foreign relations dog house. There is no strategic importance that the Philippines can offer at this point and the current government does not merit any special or even regular treatment simply because of its unpopularity. Remember, Obama is one person who highly values popularity and he knows that he cannot promote U.S. popularity in this region being associated with an unpopular government. Philippine government leaders should further wake up to the reality that the next closest ally of the U.S. in Asean will now be Indonesia because of Obama's special ties to the country. If there is any wisdom among the leadership in government, they should line up foreign policy to the idea that the Philippines from here on in will enjoy not even regular treatment from the U.S. No matter how nice and amiable Ambassador Kristy Kenney's smile is, the fact remains that the U.S. cold shoulder is upon us and we just don't know when relations will warm up again. Good for us. Perhaps we should work with the reality that we should look out for our own welfare separate from the U.S. After all, history has shown that the U.S. have treated its adversaries better. If Gloria has any wisdom at all, she should spend the rest of her term pursuing policies of substance such as making the government very transparent even if it earns the ire of the Obama government. There is absolutely no argument against good governance. Gus Cosio, (by email), Feb. 11, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, GMA was snubbed by Obama for the same reason people walk around dead skunks......they don't want the smell to rub off! Jay Brundage, (by email), Ridgefield, Connecticut, Feb. 11, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Greetings from Sydney, Tony Abaya! While your article (and other news reports) seems to gloat that Ms. Arroyo had been �snubbed� by Mr. Obama, you may wish to consider that as head of the Philippines, Ms. Arroyo was not the only one Mr. Obama had �snubbed� but every Filipino as well. That should have caused a �national� outrage. Instead you seem to have subjected Ms. Arroyo to further humiliation by rubbing it in, if, in fact, it were Mr. Obama�s intention to �snub� her. Has anyone verified with Mr. Obama why he seemed to be avoiding Ms. Arroyo, if true? Where has people�s sense of pride gone? If Filipinos, media included, can�t seem to give their President the respect due to the Office she bears, would you expect others to do so? What is to be gained? Putting Ms. Arroyo alongside Mr. Mugabe seems tantamount to saying the Philippines is another Zimbabwe. Are things really that bad in the Philippines? What a sad and sorry indictment for one's country! Until Filipinos produce a seemingly �perfect� leader � no one appears to have made the grade in many Filipinos� estimation since Mr. Ramon Magsaysay and that seems eons ago � the Philippines and Filipinos will collectively share the burden of mediocrity, low standards and lackluster performance their alleged leaders portray to the world. As an ex-pat, I join many others shaking their heads at the antics of many politicians; however our prayers go with Ms. Arroyo because Filipinos could be among the hardest to please/govern/lead - at home, in the Philippines. Most expect perfection yet they fail to see their own flaws. Many expect transparency in governance yet they would condone under the table �lagay�. A great number turn a blind eye to shenanigans, corrupt conduct and immorality because �mabait naman �yung tao�. They compare apples with oranges, so to speak, and can�t seem to distinguish one from the other. Take them out of the Philippines and they become compliant to rules of their host countries, be it observing traffic signs, queuing to be served or enforcing health and safety procedures (e.g., keeping toilets clean out of courtesy for the next user). Why can't these be practiced at home? Probably Filipinos need to reinforce the values of self-discipline, accountability and taking responsibility again. Shun the 'palusot' mentality - and that starts with self. So what was wrong with Ms. Arroyo seemingly �chasing� Mr. Obama? Wasn�t she being Filipino? Filipinos, after all, love celebrities (Congress boasts a number of �artistas�) and Ms. Arroyo may simply be after a photo-op with the celebrity of the day, who happens to be Mr. Obama. Couldn�t she be forgiven for being a fan, if true? �Kayo naman�, give her a break.Cheers, Evelyn A. Opilas, (by email), Sydney, Australia, Feb. 12, 2009 (Many Filipinos, this one included, do not consider Obama�s snub of GMA as a snub on the entire Filipino nation, for the simple reason that we no longer consider her as our representative and leader. We cheer her being snubbed as reinforcement of our advocacy that she should not stay in Malacanang beyond June 30, 2010, which she and her fawning courtiers are still trying to engineer. We would cheer even more vigorously if she were to vacate, or were forced to vacate, the office even earlier. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, I knew you would write about it - and you did! Perhaps this is a classic case of unrequited love! While PGMA managed a meeting with State Secretary Hillary Clinton in Washington D.C., the Philippines is not in the itinerary of Hillary's first official trip to East Asia. All the countries the State Secretary would visit is just three hours away from Manila. Yet, snubbed again! What can I say? Perhaps just like a persistent suitor, Gloria could not take a hint. She probably still needs a policy paper from the U.S. State Department to define or spell it out for her. Rick Ramos, (by email), Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Feb. 12, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Sir Tony, In a nut shell, some people just don't know when to quit.... hahahaha!!! Its so embarrassing. Maybe she can't take a "hint".... or maybe President Obama needs to spell it out - "I don't want to meet up with you." - I think that's simple enough than wasting P123 million on an eight-day trip or P15 million a day. On what? Regards, Jenifer A. Xavier, (by email), Feb. 13, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi! This is my Business Mirror column Wednesday, Feb. 11 Auurora Pijuan, (by email), Feb. 11, 2009 The Pantsuits Summit Conference �Keep a knockin' but you can't come in Keep a knockin' but you can't come in Come back tomorrow night and try it again.� - Little Richard �Keep on Knocking� Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo�s third attempt to meet and greet, however fleet, US President Barack Obama was not a complete waste of time and public monies. She got things done: She slept at the Four Seasons Hotel, breakfasted at the Hilton, and prayed beside Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the US House of Representatives. She met Steve Austria, the first Fil-Am congressman. She talked to Senators Akaka and Inouye of Hawaii, the 82nd province of the Philippines. She had a photo-op with Sen. John Kerry, the loser of the 2004 US presidential election. Most important of all, she tete-a-teted with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and told her how much Filipinos love her. I spied on the pantsuits. �Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule,� Gloria told Hillary. �No problemo. I always make time to meet with my sisters,� replied the mother superior of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuits. �Is there anything I can do for you? Do you want me to call the President and set up a meeting for you?� asked Hillary. �Well, I really came to Washington to pray and to invite you to visit my country,� explained Gloria. �Oh? I was under the impression you wanted to meet the President,� replied Hillary. �That would have been nice. I wanted to clear up a couple of things,� said Gloria who was still smarting from Obama�s message to those afflicted with clenched fists. �He does have a lot to say,� said Hillary who lost to Obama. �Yes, but he can learn a thing or two about governance from me. First of all, I am ahead of him and probably, I would think that if there�s anything to be learned, it should be him learning from me, � said Gloria. Deputy spokesman Lorelei Fajardo broke protocol and addressed Hillary. �President Arroyo had the humility to learn from an honest and hardworking street sweeper, your president should be happy to learn from a humble balut vendor," she said. �You brought balut for Barack?� Hillary asked. There was a moment of uncomfortable silence. Hillary broke the ice, �Madame President, you traveled from Davos to Italy to Saudi Arabia to Bahrain before coming here� I�ll be doing a lot of traveling soon� would you share with me how �� �How the Philippines continues to be an island of calm amid the global crisis?� asked Gloria. �No, I meant tell me how you keep your pantsuits pressed.� �By the way, is your husband Jose with you?� continued Hillary. �Long trips are bad for his health. And his name is Mike not Jose,� said Gloria. �Sorry about that. I must tell the FBI to stop calling him Jose. Anyway, some people here want to talk to him.� �So many people want to talk to my husband.� �Yes, I read reports he was invited by your Senate to share his expertise on bidding for public works.� �He wants to accommodate everybody but he recently had a heart bypass and stress might endanger his� � Gloria explained. �His lifestyle? Well, my husband had a quadruple and it hasn�t slowed him down at all. Tell Mike to come here for a rest,� Hillary said. �Did you say arrest?� �Yes, I said a rest. We�ll take care of his rehabilitation.� Gloria gaped; she was about to say something when Hillary�s protocol officer pointed to his watch. Hillary rose from her seat and said, �Thank you for visiting.� �Thank you, Madame Secretary. And may I reiterate my invitation to visit my country,� said Gloria. Hillary extended her hand for the obligatory handshake but she remembered Gloria had clenched fists syndrome so she clenched hers too and the two ladies fist bumped instead. Malacanang announced Hillary will visit the Philippines, as soon as she irons out her schedule� and her pantsuits. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Burn the House down! The House of Representatives has long been neglected by people who come full of "desires to make the most" of their stay there as tenants and leave the mess of their misdeeds behind when their tenancy is up. Their decaying mess left the House with the obnoxious odor of its methanous smell that stinks to high heavens while their pockets are bulging with perks and porks they have stolen or corrupted during their malevolent days of malfeasant and scheming activities. Yet they wanted to change the Charter and build in its place a single House full of fools, looters, mercenaries, soul merchants who peddle theirs to the devil, thieves, vultures, hyenas, leeches and hungry dogs who salivate at the sight of "bones" dangled to them by their master plunderer whose house by the river they guard. The current World Bank (WB) allegations of collusion between contractors, high government officials many of whom are members of the House regarding WB funded projects where much of the money have been lost to corruption; the Legacy scandal where many representatives are reportedly involved in a variety of ways, most prominent of whom is Speaker Prosperous Nograles who allegedly invested P20 million at Legacy and whose own brother Jose is the head of the Philippine Deposit Insurance corporation (PDIC), are just some of the many examples of "homemade" anomalies. It is time to burn the houses down and replace it with a Senate which, with the exemption of a few lackeys could be a more fiscalizing branch of government. This has been proposed by Malaya columnist Lito Banayo in one of his earlier columns and we are in full agreement with his suggestion. If they cannot clean it, burn it. Ramon Mayuga, (by email), Essen, Germany, Feb. 11, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Reply to Arnold van Vugt Dear Mr. Abaya, This is a response to Arnold van Vugt�s patronizing attitude and myopic understanding of the Filipino struggle and diasporic experience. This is what he wrote: It always surprises me that so many of your readers live abroad, either in the States or elsewhere. They have so many good advices on how to reform our country. I always feel inclined to ask these people, especially the OFWs, why don't you come home and join the struggle here? In Dutch we have a saying: �The best navigating officers stand on shore.� In English they say: �The best horseman is always on his feet.� Arnold van Vugt, (by email), Cagayan de Oro City, Feb 10, 2009 My response: It always surprises me that a foreigner who lives abroad, either in Cagayan de Oro City or elsewhere suddenly thinks he has good advice for OFWs on how to reform the country. I always feel inclined to ask these foreigners, especially this Dutch in the Philippines, why don�t you go back to the Netherlands to join the struggle by sending remittances to the Philippines? In the Philippines, we have a saying: �he best navigators don't stand but ride on the shore. In the Philippines, we say, �the best horse rider is not always on his feet but on his butt in the saddle galloping to the next town.� Efren Padilla, (by email), Hayward, CA, Feb. 14, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (Copy furnished of email sent to [email protected]) More Reactions to �Vultures �R� Us� "Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad." Opinion makers even of the kind who actually delude themselves as "world shakers" are not exempted from being objective and tolerant of views contrary to theirs. These arrogant self-styled 'intellectuals' are soon unmasked for what they simply are - bigots. The problem of this world is, basically, the abuse of freedom or mis-use of our God-given intellect or 'free will'. Woe to those who are so consumed by the bias, prejudice and hate that they peddle. Those who, failing in their lofty ambitions or to be recognized while in their "last 2 minutes" in this planet, still have not found peace or made peace around them. They have started to decompose even before their demise. Like walking carcasses offering themselves to vultures. Beyto-beyto say leyngit . . . (to whom it may concern). Ed J. Tirona, [email protected], Paranaque City, Feb. 15, 2009 (Did you guys get the message from Mr. Tirona? We who are not enamored of his idol, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, have been stricken mad, and soon we will be destroyed by the gods. According to him, we are consumed by bias, prejudice and hate, and have not found peace because we have not achieved our lofty ambitions in our last two minutes on this planet, that we have started to decompose. Presumably, those who find nothing wrong, or objectionable, or morally despicable with the governance of Mrs. Arroyo � like Mr. Tirona - are perfectly sane and sensible, are motivated only by the purest love, and are at peace with the world because they have achieved their lofty ambitions in life. (Those who disagree, or agree, with the opinions of Mr. Tirona are free to send their reactions directly to him, copy furnished this forum. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww If I stick [email protected]'s GMA FOREVER bumper sticker on my car, I could get lynched. I suggest a more moderate but equally saleable bumper sticker which should read: "Sic transit GLORIA mundi" Ric I. de Leon, (by email), Feb.14, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya: I wish there were more patriotic Filipinos like you who can discern the good from the bad elements of GMA's administration. Almost every agency of government is mired in graft and corruption and our elected leaders are no exception. Congress has lost its credibility, and so with Malacanang which is occupied by vultures. Hopefully, those people who feel alluded to should put to heart Longfellow's last stanza of "Psalm of Life", thus: Lives of great men all remind us, We can make our lives sublime. And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sand of time. Reynaldo G. Francisco, (by email), Feb.. l5, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww More Reactions to �Joma Speaks� (Jan. 08, 2009) Dear Tony, There are three things common between the traditional politicians Joma hates, and Joma and his Filipino Marxist friends. 1. They are all Filipinos; 2. They do not love the Philippines and the Filipino people (because if they do, they would not betray them and not hurt them); and, 3. They are all criminals. Col. (Ret.) Hector Tarrazona, (by email), Feb. 16, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww More Reactions to �Depression� (Feb. 05, 2009) Hi Tony, At the time of the Grand Depression (1929) I also was a small child in Europe where we had up to 40% jobless people and a lot more just working by chance. But I think for the Philippines at that time did not have the same problems. RP at that time maybe had 15 or so million population and anybody could survive out of the abundant natural resources. For sure, there has not been much industry and people have not yet been so concentrated in urban areas like now. I remember that in my childhood goods like cocos carpets and doormats and rice brooms have been known as coming from the Philippines, also ropes made of "Manila Hemp" and a high quality, snow white, stone hard cocos fat which has been used for some kind of bakery and in good restaurants like for beef steak since it could be heated to a higher level than common fat or oil, favorable for frying steaks that should be near crispy outside but still juicy pink inside. Those rather small businesses probably could well survive, there has not been much competition around. Very contrary to now, when local business has to compete with same businesses around the world with usually more efficient production standards. And also probably , people at that time had to work more than usual, while now more and more non-working days are created. Noteasy to imagine how this can improve any economy. Nowadays, in most western industrialized countries, people have to work longer without more pay and have to wait 1, 2, 3 years longer for pension age, instead of the usual 65 years age. This makes production cheaper, but of course cannot create more jobs if people stay longer in their work. The Philippines has a system as if money is not any matter. An early retirement age, high termination fees etc. which industrialized countries do not know. If I am terminated, I might get a handshake from my employer but no money, except firms that have a special fund for that, mostly financed by both, employer and employees. In addition, there are unemployment insurances and age pensions which are able to let people live at an acceptable standard. At the other hand, the absence of such payments does not make employers to create only short time jobs which do not need such payments and rehire employees every 6 months, no need to pay insurances, vacations etc. I think it is easy to choose between that two systems. Have a nice day. Kurt Setschen, (by email), Tagbilaran City, Feb. 16, 2009 Swiss resident of Bohol wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony Abaya, Finally a solution to depression or recession has been sensibly offered by Alan Atkins.(in his article, The Challenge.) What is needed is an economic czar who shall be empowered to follow-through with such measures needed to rev up and advance the depressed Philippine economy. Do not simply marvel at the plan, but turn it into ACTION, and soon. The priority of the moment is the ECONOMY. Following hot on its heels should be the swift recovery of justice from the present scandal and calumny. Without justice, law and order shall be a mockery and individual pride and enterprise shall be squelched and hold down progress. Supreme Court Justices, wake up from stupor. Ben Oteyza, (by email), Feb. 16, 2009 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, May I throw some seeds on the ground that might be called a stimulant to create a mass based Stimulus Fund without waiting for our government to hand it out as if we do not own and deserve it. We can use the potential economic impact of would-be pensions of future retirees in all Philippine corporations and government or semi-government offices by harnessing part of their pensions ahead of time. This would mean assisting them in preparing for their retirement age by preparing for them the kind of business that they want when they retire. All they have to do is use their future retirement fund now, in order to develop a business enterprise of their own choosing, which they can manage immediately upon retirement. It will jumpstart the economy now and make our future retirees be more prepared for their retirement days. How's that for a starter to our consultants & urban / agicultural planners? Dodi Canete, (by email), Davao City, Feb. 19, 2009 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Reactions to [email protected]. To subscribe, send a blank email with the subject heading Subscribe. To unsubscribe, send a blank email with the subject heading Unsubscribe. |