Pages

Sunday, September 30, 2012

US expert foresees fall of China

Social and political criticisms

From Inquirer Opinion by Amado Doronilla

A US expert sees eventual weakening of China.  The expert sees China as the second biggest world economy (it is now the biggest) because it is pursuing a two headed strategy:   economic and military strategy.  Its naked imperialism ie claiming territories, is forcing mutual defense rethinking and coalition.  The trading countries of course may always retaliate through trade and economic sanction.

China must be careful of its military and economic strategy

Violent protests in Spain vs austerity measures.

Social and political criticisms

From USA today, anti austerity protests in Spain

Violent protests rock Spain due to severe austerity measures being imposed  in view of the severe economic crisis.

The perception is that the austerity measures are being undertaken to save the banks.

On the other hand, in US the prescription is not austerity, but a flood of liquidity?

Which measure do you prefer?


Their tourism industry is booming because of this secret

Social and political criticisms

I had a foreign visitor last month and I asked him why a certain ASEAN country is ahead of this country PHL.  I could not find any competitive advantage of this country:   infrastructure, people, competence, technology, location, politics (it had series of coups)

The only thing he said where they are ahead is tourism (where they have about l4 million visitors a year vs this country's 4 million only).   He said the only differential advantage could be coming from the flesh trade, where it is liberal in that country.

Is this correct?

What an American has to say about gay marriage?

Social and political criticisms

I met an American expat in a West Visayan city last week and he has mouthful to say about the gay marriage in his home country:

l.  There could be no marriage;  only a union;  it is not allowed  in the Bible;

2.  It is highly immoral; the purpose of marriage is to procreate children;  does gay union produce offspring?

3.  The most unstable relationship is that of gays;  about 95% of unions of gays end up in separation;

4.  What gives gays the right to say that a thing is right to do if they have unions with 10 to l5 different partners in a day.

5.  What value will the gay union give to the adopted children if the child catch them doing their gay thing?

What do you think of this comment of an American vs  practices in his home country?

Is he correct?   Is Pres Obama right in allowing gay marriage?  Or is it simply to get the gay vote?

Never again martial law? Or is it dictatorship?

Social and political criticisms

I really do not know what people meant by this never again martial law as the 40th anniversary of martial law was recalled.   Is it martial rule or dictatorship?

We may have eliminated FM as a dictator but in his place bloomed a thousand other dictators:   political dynasties, tyrant technocrats, even at  the barangay level.  And the public at large is helpless to stop it...

There were just two corrupt person then;  now there may be tens of thousands politicians and public officials.

What did we really achieve?  A change of tyrants/dictators?

History repeats itself;  the French elite ruling class were replaced by working class tyrants.

With the change of tyrants, as Michael Reagan is paraphrased, are we better of?

Friday, September 28, 2012

200 million pork barrel (CDF) for solons?

Social and political criticisms



There are campaigns now to look at the pork barrel of solons and or to eliminate the same.  The CDF (countryside development fund, aphorism for pork barrel)  as  it is  called totals billions.

The budget for a senator is PHP 200 million a year.

Are they put to good use?

Are they the source of graft and corruption?

Do they help alleviate poverty and promote countryside development really?

Look at one such project sponsored by a senator

What do you think?

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Businessmen, entrepreneurs, just find your place between the earth and sky.

Social and political criticisms

This is to comment on MVPs  parting ways with AdeMU and SJ.

I would say that he just got too close with them. SJ and the church represents the sky;  businessmen the earth.

The proper position for businessmen like MVP as, the graduation song of AdeMU suggests, is to stay between the earth and sky.

Granting millions and all out support for SJ/AdeMU will not affect the stand of SJ on social and  religious issues.  That is their job. Fr. Magadia, the SJ superior,  said discernment (Jesuit Paper)
 is needed for them to have independence  in their thinking.  The same discernment I think, is demanded of the businessmen, though how close they are to the clerics.
 

And the  businessman can not accept all the idealism of the religious.  There are issues that require   pragmatism:   profits, efficiency cost, expediency.  At some point in time, east and west can not meet;  if they do there will be friction and fire.

This split  between MVP and the SJ, I predicted, would  come sooner or later;   the split came 20 years after.

That is one abject lesson of this experience.  Businessmen  can not pretend to be scholastics or be generous or be be compassionate.  They are businessmen. They have to be viable.  They have to survive.  And sometimes at all costs.  They can not be holy despite all the donations/CSR, for somewhere, their business practices will fall short of the ideals.  And that is where the clerics discernment is clearly needed.

Really, ever since 20 years ago,  MVP and the SJ did not share anything in common;  that is the brutal fact.  MVP is graduate of SJ;  but that does not make him an SJ as a tycoon.  He has his own place in the world of power and wealth.

Businessment, tycoons must  just find their place between the earth and sky.

Sorry for pontificating even though I am not pontiff, nor a sage nor a cleric.

Malacanang hopes MVP will stay

Social and political criticisms

From PHL Journal

Malacanang through its spokesperson Abigail Valte hopes business tycoon MVP will consider and not move his business away from the PHL.  MVP owns several major utilities:   PLDT, Smart, Meralco, North Luzon Expressway.   One could just imagine its effect on PHL economy if the shares were dumped at the stock market to be liquidated.

MVPs name was dragged in the JPE-Trillanes tiff over the China backdoor negotiations.

MVP also parted ways with Ateneo on issues over mining laws and RH bill.

One of the golden rules/advice for managers to sometimes let problems unravel by itself.  Time has a way of setting things straight.  Ego can stand in the way sometimes; or pride.

This corner too hopes MVP, as a true patriotic Filipino, as he has always been will change his mind.

Malacanang hopes MVP will reconsider and stay

On making rash decisions?

Never again martial law?

Social and political criticisms

From Biznet blog


In the 40th anniversary of martial law, the cry is "Never again".

If we are to be strict about this, the balimbings and the people who implemented the martial law
should never be here.

Did we really leave martial law and its evils?  You just have to look at its influence.  The legislators, the leaders, the judges, the technocrats, the bureaucrats, etc. of Martial Law are around and lording it over.

Think and reflect about it.

One such person, who used to be with cabinet of late dictator, was a senator, said that the public have such a poor memory, maybe 6 months, that a good PR campaign will make them forget misdeeds of the past.

Is it true?

Is it really never again...

Life of JPE, former martial law defense minister.

JPE recalls positive side of martial rule

Bemedalled cop accused of Kotong?

Social and political criticisms

From Philippine Daily Inquirer

A bememadalled cop at WPD assigned at Ermita,  identified as PO2 Rolando Castillo Amar was allegedly extorting from the complainant since 2009.  The cop was allegedly called Boy Relos for confiscating watches from watch traders and selling them.

Amar was recipient on April 27, 2011 of Papuri Award from present PNP chief Nicanor  Bartolome.  The complainant, allegedly lost his house from the cops extortion activity, and must have lost about PHP 80,000.00  (Hmm that is why cops can own million pesos homes, have several families, live like princes??)  This was told by Fernan Cultura, 32 to PDI.

Is this doing any good to PNP cause image?  What is Tuwid na Daan doing for PNP?

How many of these cops still abound?

What was the Papuri for, for extortion?

Do they do thorough screening before making the award?

Does Boy Relos prefer watches over the Papuri Medal?

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Scalawag policemen in PNP now on the rise again?

Social and political criticisms

From the Daily Tribune

These scalawag cops picked a wrong victim;   he was a son of General.  The two policemen:  SPO4 Jose de la Pena and  SPO2 Resty del Rosario. pounced upon the son of the General accused him of engaging in phone sex (is there such an offense;  how creative can these patrolmen get)  They shook down the young Espina to fork over P20,000 from ATM card, and eventually was reduced to P5,000.

The victim happened to be the son of a police general Leonardo Espina of NCRPO.  You could just imagine the surprise of these policemen when the NCRPO chief talked to the two rogue policemen.

How many of these happen everyday to citizens who  are not sons of generals.

I thought they are to "serve and protect"

Has the mindset of PNP changed?   As for their image, has their image changed?

The movies of FPJ and Bong Revilla seems to be reflective of the Kotong and rogue cops in PNP

Rogue cops sad story - losing their catch and their badge.

Iranian Hackers target Citi, Morgan, BofA

Social and political criticisms

From moneynews.com

Iranian cyber warriors hacked the computer networks of Citi, Morgan, and Bank of America.  The attacks which began late 2011 escalated and been directed at denial of service.  The strategy was to overwhelm the websites with traffic that results in denial in service of other bona fide customers.

This was in apparent retaliation of Iranians after a virus disrupted the nuclear program by Stuxnet virus apparently developed by US.

It is not clear whether the attacks resulted in damage to the database or whether this was done by splinter groups or directed at national level..

Iranian hackers attack US banks

More bankruptcies possible in California?

Social and political criticisms

From Moneynews.com

There are three municipalities that have declared bankruptcies in California:  San Bernardino, Stockton, and Mammoth Lake.

John Chiang, the state controller said that more bankruptcies are  possible.

Why are so many municipalities in USA more prone  to bankruptcies?  (I was talking to a San Jose Calif resident last night that a a city would be paying its police officers $200,000 a year, and would retire and file for disability and bet $300,000 a year in pension;   these and other expenses coupled with declining real estate taxes and low economic activities less revenues, and more negative cash flows.

Maybe the entire local government units finances  in the US is to lower costs and seek true level.

What happens if there are more municipalities in US being bankrupt?  What are the implications?


The Golden Mean in Mining - Talking Points - the document that caused MVP to split with SJ/AdemU

Social and political criticisms

From Interaksyon

This is the document that broke the proverbial camel's bank, ie for MVP to part ways with the Jesuits

It is entitled Golden Mean in Mining: Talking Points.

The guy who wrote this, Fr. Jojo Magadia, the SJ Provincial is a good guy;  he is not anti business;  he is on the side of the good. 

Some of the key points:

l.  Principle stewardship;

2.  Principle of  common good;

3.  Precautionary principle

4.  Principle of dignity of labor

5. other points:   Catholic principles applied to mining

Personally, after having been exposed to social entrepreneurship and CSV, I find nothing wrong in the universal principles enumerated in the SJ document.   Are there hidden causes?

Or is the fine for PHILEX?

UP professor shows anti Islamic film despite ban

Social and political criticisms

From InterAksyon

A UP Professor, showed the banned film, "Innocence of Muslims" to handful of students and friends despite the ban on its showing, for fear of terrorist attacks and Moslem reprisals.

The film allegedly sparked violent protests in Yemen, Egypt and  attacks to US consulate in Libya.

Roque who is also a human rights advocate went with the filming to uphold freedom of expression

Innocence of Muslim film showing in UP despite ban


l.  Was the UP professor right in pushing for the film showing?

2.  What could be the consequence of his action?

3.  Will it spark violence in QC area?

4.  Is this pouring gasoline on fire.? 

Martial Law after 40 years

Social and political criticisms

                           
                                     September 2l, l972

From InterAksyon

Forty years ago, after graduation, I worked for a bank in Port Area.  At the night of Sept 20, 1972I heard, the convoy/car of now Senate President JPE was ambushed at Vito Cruz.   It was  a Friday.

The following day, there was no radio nor TV.  I heard Martial Law was declared.

In 1972 or during that time:  I was witness to Plaza Miranda bombing, the Mendiola protests, the protests at the Congress and the mayhem that followed.;  the barricades along Katipunan, the SJ students struggle, news of clamp down on activitists at AdeMU, classmates being shadowed by military agents.

2012.  Elsewhere in the internet:

Sen. Bong2 Marcos said that we were better off in Martial Law than now.  Young Marcos defends Martial Law


                


Many those surveyed shared the same views.

But many abuse/torture during the Martial Law have yet to be documented.  10, 000 more to go.

Some notes:

l.  "Are you a virgin"

2.  "Needles under the nails..."

3.  "Look into my eyes, and I will give you hell...

4.  "Unbearable torture drove my brother to try to drown himself...."

Now many say JPE was the architect of ML, how come he is up there when there are so many anti vs. ML


 




 The return of the Marcoses to power




Friday, September 21, 2012

MVP withdraws total support for Ateneo de Manila University

Social and political criticisms

From Philstar

Philex chairman and business tycoon Manny Pangilinan, an Atenean, a former head of the institution Board of Trustees, expressed disappointment over the alma mater stand on mining, in a letter addressed to  Ateneo President Jett Villarin.

There were disagreements also on stand over the RH bill. MVP supported RH bill;  Ateneo carried the CBCP anti RH bill stand.

There were other issues like the plagiarized speech for the graduates on the 150th year of Ateneo.

This is a sad day for AdeMU who enjoyed a lot of financial support in sports and cap ex development.

What will AdeMU leadership do to bridge the funding gap?

Was AdeMU, were the SJ right in standing for what is right?

MVP and AdeMU do not share any similar interests?

InterAksyon on the split

MVP to move business operations back to HK?

Social and political criticisms

From Yahoo News on MVPs plan to repatriate business to HK

Business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, chair of various mega business in the Philippines:   TV 5, PLDT, etc planned to move his business operations back to HK.  His name was dragged into the backdoor negotiation with China on territory dispute.  He was allleged to be urging Sec. del Rosario to be pushing for anti China position.

The Senator said  MVP was said to be going to profit from this stand being the Philex chairman.  Philex won the contract to explore the disputed territory.

What would be effect of this plan of MVP?

Is he serious? Will he push through with this plan?

Why did he withdraw his support all ready to Ateneo (where he used to sit as its Chair)?

Will our politics continue to be his virulent?  When will our public officials be mature and positive?

House Leader appeals to MVP not to move operations to HK

Backdoor; Pangilinan, Trillanes, MVP

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Adding fuel to the fire; French satirical cartoon Charlie Hebdo publishes Mohammad caricatures

Social and political criticisms

                            


 From Huffington Post

This is another incident that may add further Muslim unrest.  The French satirical cartoonist Charlie Hebdo published a satirical cartoon of Prophet Mohammad and even showed him to be naked. The population of Moslems is the highest in France (in Europe)

The French foreign minister Laurent Fabius called the act provocatve;   asked for strengthening of security in French embassies abroad.  This came at the heels of the protest vs the short film Innocence of Muslims in USA.

In November, the Hebdon office was firebombed after doing a similar cartoon satire of the Prophet.

In 2005, at least 50 people were killed worldwide after a Danish cartoonist mocked prophet Obama.

What do you think of these guys?  Arent they crazy?   What is point in provoking he Moslem into further violence?

Does this in a way contribue to world peace?

God bless France and Charlie Hebdo

Blazing calfur blog on Charlie Hebdo caricatures.


                           

                                    
                         
                  

                                       

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

If you take care of snake, you will be bitten

Social and political criticisms

From Personal Liberty Digest

One should get the lesson, in a rather bizarre post at PLD, that when one takes care of snakes, you are likely to be bitten.  Who are the snakes:   the Al Qaeda, and the Moslem Brotherhood Islamists.  The misadventure resulted in:  destruction of US consulate, and death of US ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and 3 others (2 were navy seals)

The story that the showing of an amateurish you tube video would precipitate the attack, according to PLD. The identity of the producer and the promoter is doubtful.

It is allegation of the post is that the attack took place to deflect flak on the banksters.  (Also doubtful)

The Pres is busy campaigning;   he may not be getting the regular intelligence briefings.

 Another snake bites the hand..

Obama admin bitten by Moslem extremiss

Monday, September 17, 2012

Wiki recognizes Wanbol University; how abou DECS?

Social and political criticisms

Wikipedia on Iskul Bukol

Good news Ms. Tapia to include footnoting and attribution in curriculum!

                                           


Wanbol University alumni must aghast and up in arms for everyone ganging up on its beloved alumnus who now occupies a high position in the govt. 

I did not realize that Wiki recognized Wanbol.  How about DECS?  So anti plagiarists, careful:  Wanbol grads will defend their fellow grad.

Ms Tapia might teach footnoting and attribution to its students and will make sure they are understood by alumnus very well.  As you know plagiarism is not a crime  in the PHL yet.  Wanbol faculty is no push over.  They understand what they teach.  Plagiarism is not a crime.  Wait till the lawmakers declare it a crime...


                                

                                           



Sunday, September 16, 2012

US Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke Warns US Solons to avert Fiscal Cliff

Social and political criticisms

US Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke that even potent stimulus from Central Bank would not be enough to avert crisis from twin shocks of:   automatic spending cuts, and removal of tax breaks.

And yet the US Solons, true to partisanship have been unable to come to an agreement/legislation to avert such a cliff.  Some officials said that Pres Obama has been unable to pressure Democrat led Senate to agree with the Republican controlled Congress.

When will politicians stop bickering/acting like politicians even in the face of financial crisis.?

When will nations have strong and courageous leaders?

Will there be crisis -  fiscal cliff or will they agree at the last minute (as in the debt limit law last Aug 3l, 20ll?)

US lawmakers must act now - Ben Bernanke

From Hemet California - anti Muslim Film Promoter Steve Klein Interview

Social and political criticisms

From Huffington Post

Steve Klein, the appointed promoter of alleged anti Muslim film, a 61 year old veteran and insurance agent living in Hemet California drew center stage in the growing protests worldwide vs the video. Klein was adamant in calling them "monsters"

He was alleged contacted by the producer: Bacille Nakoula ( AKA Nakoula Bacille Nakoula), who is Egyptian  Coptic Christian.  Nakoulas views and that of Klein matched.  Klein's son, a staff sergeant  of the medical corps in Afghanistan was injured in a suicide bomb attack for which the son was awarded Purple Heart and Bronze star for valor.  Bacille has disappeared apparently in hiding.

The film when shown in California did not have single viewer.

What does Steve get out of this?   When he dies, he hopes his granchildren will be  free from these monsters.

Is he member of a hate group?

Can he escape the wrath of Muslims?

Is the film good for religious unity?

Video on Mohammad angers the Muslims, protests spread worldwide

Social and political criticisms

From Huffington Post

Starting with the Libyan attack on US consulate, and simultaneously with attack at Yemen and Egypt, the protest on the "Innocence of Muslims" video posted at You Tube has sparked protest in more than 20 countries.

Germany has been likewise drawn into the turmoil because Chancellor Merkel gave an award to Danish Cartoonist who also despoiled prophet Mohammad.

The Afghan attack coinciding with visit of Prince Harry is thought to be part of this protest.

But really, are these type of attacks espoused in the very kind and compassionate Muslim religion?

Others:   please please please do not mess up with their religious leader. Period.

Protest vs "Innocence of Muslims" vid spreads worldwide

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Is Egypt a US friend or foe?

Social and political criticisms

Fox News

The US state department corrected the statement of Pres Obama in Spanish TV Telemundo saying that Egypt is not an ally nor a foe.  The Department said that may have been due to the fact that there is no existing treaty with Egypt.   But for long Egypt has been a US non NATO ally.

Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi is concerned with the direction. current Egypt govt headed by Mohamad Morsi heavily laden with Muslim brotherhood  Pres. Morsi has been slow to react towards the attack on US embassy in Cairo;  and even asking for some breathing space, as he called on Pres. Obama to end such behavior (airing of the controversial video)< a foe>

Sec. Clinton said that it can not be done in the light of US principles of free speech.


So there you are;  is Egypt friend or foe of US

White House reaction to the Benghazi attack under question?

Social and political criticisms

From Fox News

The death of Ambassador Christopher Steven is the first murder in 30 years.  And the reaction of US White House has been termed as amateurish.  The continued election campaign of the US President is being criticized despite the tragedy

There had been reports (Britains Independent) that the attack was coordinated and that the State Department may have prior knowledge of the same;  or may have dismissed the same.

Sen John McCain termed it as a terrorist attack. Some congressmen said that a harsher action is needed like closing the embassies in:   Egypt. Libya and Yemen;   there was alleged intrusion/violation of US sovereignty.

The camp of Gov Romney was criticized for making a statement  that the US embassy sympathized with the Muslim protesters.  It is kind of murky and each side trying to capitalize on this tragic situation.

Why are the Americans so divided on its foreign policy?

Where is the tough Uncle Sam of yore?

Where is the Big American brother wielding the big stick?

Are they surrendering to the Muslims?

Obama leadership being criticized in the Libyan attack

Google will not remove "Innocence of Muslim" from You Tube

Social and political criticisms

From Fox News.

Google will not remove the video, alleged to be the cause of the protests (and terrorist attacks) worldwide especially those in Libya, Yemen and Egypt.  Former candidate Mcain was quick to condemn the actions as terrorist attack than as a protest.

The White House was not explicit to have the video removed but rather to review them as to whether they conform to terms of agreement.   Google said that the video conforms to the term;  however, it is not shown in countries where the issue is sensitive.

Critics are wary of the White House continuous siding with the position of the attackers and Moslems, the cause, rather than the loss of lives and property for US govt.

Why cant the Americans react in the same way it did it Balinggaga, Samar a hundred years ago?  Are no more Gen. Jacob Smith in the US military?  Has the US resolve to be the world leader been emaciated?  Or has been impoverished?

Relevant Links:

Google will not remove video causing Moslem protests

US condemns killing of US ambassador to Libya

Sam Bacile HD


Security breach in Benghazi attack vs US consulate

Social and political criticisms

From Newsmax

Libyan security may have tipped off the location of the safe house where the US Ambassador was located.  The attack was two pronged:   one of the US consulate and the other at the safe house located a mile away from the consulate.  The attack on the consulate and the protest was a diversion. This was according to  Wanis el Sharef, Libyan Minister for Security.  The location of the safe house is supposed to be secret and local security forces may have tipped the attackers to the location of the safe house.  The State Dept, CIA must use Cold War security procedures again?

The militants whom US and NATO supported vs Khadaffi may be at risk as the list of those supporters are now missing from the US embassy.  It is possible that the attackers may be loyal to former Libyan strongman.

The protest and the attack coincided with the 11th anniversary of  9/11 WTC attack.  The alleged reason for the attack was the amateur film "Innocence of Muslims" where prophet Mohammed was portrayed as a madman, had sex and calling for massacre.

The US embassy in the Saana capital of Yemen was likewise attacked resulting in burning of the US flag.  Yemeni President Rabed Abbou Monsour Hadi quickly apologized to US government and promised to immediately track down the culprits.

 The US embassy in Egypt was likewise attacked Tuesday, resulting in injuries to about 200.  The Egyptian president Mohammad Morsi was not however as quick as Pres. Hadi

Why is Anti US sentiment so strong in those countries?

Why do crazy westerners continue to stir the ants/snake pit by putting out virulent video/article/comics vs the head of the Moslem religion.  How would Christians react if a film was made about the Pope as madman, womanizer, madman, sick?  Why cant some people understand this.  And then be surprised why these things happen.




Friday, September 14, 2012

Violent attack on US consulate in Benghazi, Libya

Social and political criticisms

From CNN

At least one arrest has been made in connection with violent attack on US Consulate in Benghazi Libya.  President Obama has condemned the attack;  saying that while the video on Mohammad may be wrong, the attack was unwarranted. (Gov Romney attacked the President in a speech)

Those who were killed were US Ambassador Christopher Stevens and two Navy Seals: Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods.  A gaming expert Sea Smith was among those killed.

There was a protest outside the consulate, and then the attack came and  the resulting firefight lasted 4 hours.

US has deployed USS Laboon and  USS MacFaul both armed with satellite guided Tomahawk missile.

The attack coincided with 11th anniverssary of 9/11 attack on World Trade Center.

It is the first time I heard a US ambassador was killed by terrorist;  (Weakened security, weaker US Armed Forces defenses abroad?)

Have the Westerners not learned their lesson not to cross the Moslems on their religion?  And this is what they reaped..We condole with the the families of those killed by this brutal and senseless act

CNN news on attack at US consulate in Benghazi Libya

Tax cuts will stimulate US growth again? FDIC head

Social and political criticisms

From Moneynews

Former FDIC head William Isaac says that Romney Plan of cutting 20% on taxes would stimulate growth.  Former Presidents Reagan and Kennedy used them and were successful.

Obama focused on fiscal/financial and health care reforms and cant show much results for it.

Obama will propose higher taxes for the wealthy.

Romney will make sure that loopholes are plugged. and that deductions for the wealthy will be reduced.

Isaac endorses plan of Romney for tax breaks to stimulate economy

Do you agree with Isaac?

Do you agree with Obama admin stand to tax the wealthy?

Pres. Obama also math challenged?

Social and political criticisms

From Personal Liberty


Pres Obama criticized the Romney Ryan ticket.  He said it is not case of leadership, but that of bad math.

This recent article just said that Obama is also math challenged in his recent speech in Florida

How can you have President who do not know theiri math

Clinton's speech at DNC was not for Obama; it is for future President Clinton

Social and political criticisms

From Personal Liberty by Ben Crystal

Fmr President Clinton's speech, which was fact filled, drew thunder from the DNC convention at Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC was marred by:  very low attendance, speeches that lies and purely hatred.

But the speech was not praising Obama;  it is campaign for Hillary who is thousand miles away.

Former speaker Newt  Gingricht noted that Clintona's speech was eerily anti Obama.

Clinton campaigning for the next Pres. Clinton?

Do you agree with Ben Crystal, Gingricht?

Are our politicians so shrewd that they can do away with this trick frontally?

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Growing territorial dispute of China with rest of Asia

Social and political criticisms

From New York Times

After the PHL, China is engaged in territorial dispute over some islands south of Okinawa.  These involved is Senkaku.

The conflict of Japan and China will draw US into the dispute because of its joint treaty with Japan.  The conflict reflects the growing imperialism of China and declining superiority of Japan and US.  US has called for more participation of Asian countries as Korea in the region's defense

At least for PHL, it can says, the bullying by China over defenseless country, China has met a match.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Let us benchmark the Big Boys in building flood control system

Social and political criticism


Why are Ayala and Ortigas properties prices soaring?  Because they are not subject to flooding.

What did they do to prevent flooding?

By building wide and deep creeks.  For other subdivisions, what did they do?

l.  They grabbed lands from the creeks;

2.  They sold the creeks.

US Govt can seize Seal's book profits.

Social and political criticisms

                       


From Newsmax.com

According to John Martin, head of the DOJ  department prosecuting spies and leakers of classified ino, the govt can seize all the profits of former Navy Seal author Matt Bissonette, the author of book "No Easy Day."  He wrote under the pseudonym:  Mark Owen. It tells of the story how the Navy Seals tracked down and killed Bin Laden. Martin is a 25 year veteran on prosecution of spies

While no classified information was leaked in the book, Martin says that the former Navy Seal author violated  the contract with the government for not having the book reviewed by the govt prior to publication.

Seizing the profits will serve as disincentive for anyone who violates this non disclosure or confidentiality agreement of personnel with US military.

Martin says that the DOJ will not prosecute the author but will simply seize the profts which it can do.  Prosecuting will make Bissonette a celebrity, and gain allies form civil libertarians, Harvard Law School.

US to seize Navy Seal book profits.

Is this happenning in US?  I thought my deceased brother, a discharged USN staff, was paranoid with his claim that he is being targetted by operatives.  He used to work with an electronic warfare fast frigate...

How can this be true in the land of the free (and the home of the brave?)


Monday, September 10, 2012

Are casinos good for the economy? Why do they mulitply?

Social and political criticisms

Personally, I do not think casinos are good for the economy. Gambling, gaming are zero sum games, are economic blackholes that sucks money, savings, and resources, and barely returns anything to the economy.  It creates paupers, losers, gambling debts, and broken homes.

This is unlike entrepreneurship that creates wealth jobs, and employment;   casino and gaming for as long as people have something to gamble/bet.  It does not create value.

I have seen millionaires become paupers;  rich people lose their cars and homes to gambling losses.

Why does the government still license and promote casinos/gambling?  Does it make sound economic sense?

Are casinos good for the economy?



Discovery - net effect of casinos to cities is negative

Is America still the land of the free?

Social and political criticisms

From Personal liberty

So you think America is still the land of the free (and the home of the brave)?

Not so.  There are so many stories of:

l.  Banning of photos of uniformed men and school pictures;

2. Wearing of t shirts in schools with Christian overtones

3.  Foreclosure of properties for failure to pay real estate taxes;

4.  Non approval of permits for development of clearly private properties.

Is this not a violation of Bill of Rights.

So you think you are free?

There is the so called NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) which authorizes the president to assassinate any  citizen for being a threat to national security.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Bill Clinton's speech at DNC endorsing Obama

Social and political criticisms

From New York times

Clinton, a Democrat endorsed the reelection of Barack Obama.  Despite the reality, though,  and criticism from all over the place,  Clinton thinks that life in USA is much better than it was 4 years ago.

Do you agree with Clinton?

Is the Democrat platform solid?

Will you vote for Obama again?

Video of the speech

Washington post: fact checker on Clinton speech at DNC

Western politicians, not just PHL, are corrupt!

Social and political criticisms

From WSD insider

I was just surprised when I read this link.  I/We thought that all Westerners are lily white when it comes to public/civil service.   Lo and behold, just like others, they have personal interest above all.  Taking advantage of ones power (power corrupts) is as perennial as the rainfall.

It is sad that we beat our chest and chastise PHL as being corrupt. 

We surely inherited this corruption from the white guys who stuck democracy into our throats.

So the next time you/we make a critique on corruption, hold back your tongue and think again.

PHL politicians are not so bad after all after you read the link.

Being an RM awardee/hero, could be done by anyone

Social and political criticisms

The RM awardee on agriculture who helped double the productivity of farmers by employing technology should inspire everyone to adapt new methods of farming.

The seeds, fertilizer, and technology are available.

A seeds company (it was strama paper) in GSC sells corn seeds that ups yield of corn farms from 4tons@hectare to l6 tons;  Henry Lim, sells seeds that yields 300 cavans@hectare vs 100 cavans from existing IRRI rice strain. The SL - 8

Why are they not being used?

l.  Lack of access/knowledge by farmers;

2.  The usual thing -  lack of credit

3.  And then the closed mind.  Change is a painful process to implement.  Resistance.
We have done this way ever since.  Those were the days my friend.

But no one, or very few remember the farmers;  their names are used for scams and graft and corruption.  Let us lift them up like Mr. Davide, the RM awardee who helped farmers.   

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Michelle Obama's Speech was the star of DNC convention last Tuesday

Social and political criticisms




The star of the show last Tuesday was the Michelle Obama's speech on her relationship with Barack, the man, the father.  She talked about her life with him, from the time they met, courted etc.

The rest of the night was about throwing political brickbats vs. opponents.

The speech certainly added points to the reelectionist president.

Michelle Obamas speech at DNC

Obama rocks DNC

Was FL Imelda ahead of Americans in carrying the ball for Presidential Campaign?

Is the FL speech a campaign gimmick that works?

Friday, September 7, 2012

Is translating a passage without attribution not plagiarism

Social and political criticisms

                 

The recent slip up again of a solon on a translation of the speech by Robert Kennedy without attribution had made his ghost writer a shoddy being;  and as somebody who has not learned.  An inveterate plagiarist.

Even if plagiarism was not a crime, why are we aghast, up in arms vs this.?

Is his ghost writer also of Wanbol U?  Or is he Ritchie the Horshey?

Was it really a text?


This twitpic started it all.



Thursday, September 6, 2012

Obama's aide refuse to answer the question if American lives improved

Social and political criticisms

Michael Reagan asked the question, "Did the American life improve in the last 24 hours;   the burning question is whether the American life improved since 4 years ago."

What do you think?

VP Biden (incumbent) took  a swipe as to what  Romney's policy will be on Afghanistan and Syrian.

As we know, Obama promised to end US presence in Afghanistan, we are not sure as to whether he will do that now;  US is also criticized for not doing something to Pres. Assad in his persecution of Syrians.

The burning domestic question is Has the American life improved in the last 24 hours?

Democrats remove "God given" from party platform

Social and political criticisms

The DNC will change its party platform (it would have been voted last Tuesday) from:

"We need a government that stands up for the hopes, values, and interests of the working class people and gives everyone working hard the chances  to make the most of their God given potential. " to

"We gather to reclaim the basic bargain that built the largest middle class and most prosperous nation on earth - the principle that hard work should pay off, responsibility should be rewarded,  and each one should be able to go as far our talent and drive should take us"

In my college, when I took up history of Western civilization, the rise and fall of nation has been tied to the tide and web of faith.  That the Democrats have dropped God from their platform.,

and that DNC has the largest Muslim delegation ever.

The DNC platform also drops Jerusalem as capital of Israel

Michael Reagan - are you better off than you were 4 years ago?

Social and political criticisms

Michael Reagan, son of the 40th President of USA, a Republican is rallying the GOP behind the motto:  "  Are you better off now than 4 years ago."  "Are you better than you were yesterday?"

He criticized DNC for:   l.  dropping God from their platform, 2.  dropping Jerusalem as capital of Israel.  More importantly, he criticized that DNC has forgotten that USA is a one country under God;  if it has become Godless, it would becountry going under...

Monday, September 3, 2012

Pictures of devastation at Louisina and Mississipi from

Social and political criticisms

From Huffington Post

These are 158 pictures from Huff Post that shows the devastation of Lousiana and Mississipi during Hurricane Isaac onslaught.

We in PHL are sturdy and strong.  We do not see that much despair among Filipinos during the Habagat episode.

Hurricane Isaac devastation 

Sunday, September 2, 2012

The storm before a storm

Social and political criticisms

Watch how Americans use humor to criticize their leaders.  This could be very well be Willie Nep or Jon Santos.

Are US officers, candidates acting appropriately?

Let us find out. (Liberty News link)

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Does the recent monitoring of air quality reflect our resolve to solve flooding?

Social and political criticisms



After the floods, the rescue, the finger pointing and the talks about the floods/flood control, climate change, nothing much has changed.  Japan's resolve to save themselves from future tsunami floods, and typhoons has been to build all EV for the world to help reduce carbon emissions in the air.

But what have we done?  Are we improving air quality?  Are we helping reduce carbon emissions?

Are we contributing to lessen climate change?

 x                                   Can you see the buildings from afar?


 x                          How much carbon is hanging in the air?


 x                               The Sucat Paranaque area looks a little bit clean

             
                        This is the Pasig/Ortigas area;   can you see the buildings?

What are we doing right after the floods regarding this primary cause of global warming --.> climae change?

NOTHING?  We cant claim something because the air quality has become worse....