Showing posts with label Cory Aquino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cory Aquino. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Reading Ninoy Aquino's letter

8/11/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


As Pres. Corazon Aquino’s demise starts to settle permanently in our senses, I can’t ignore an email a friend sent me. It is part of the “forwards” I receive each day. But this one is exceptionally good to read and think about. It comes from Philippine hero Ninoy Aquino--- writing his daughter Ballsy in 1973.

I thought, for its incisive and compelling content, Ninoy's letter deserves to be posted for those who haven’t read it.

Ninoy, the martyred husband of Cory may well be a father who lives, trying to share something lovable, beautiful, and sublime for his family and the rest of the world. (Photo Credit: Mon Solo)=0=

NINOY'S LETTER TO DAUGHTER BALLSY 1973

August 18, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
Makati, Rizal

Ms. Maria Elena C. Aquino
25 Times St. Quezon City

My dearest Ballsy,

I write you this letter with tears in my eyes and as if steel fingers are crushing my heart because I wanted so much to be with you as you celebrate your legal emancipation. Now that you have come of age, my love, a voice tells me that I am no longer young and suddenly, I feel old.

An old poet gave this advice very long ago “when you are sad, remember the roses will bloom in December.” I want to send you bouquet of roses, big red roses from my dreamland garden. Unfortunately for the present, my roses are not in bloom, in fact they have dropped all their petals and only the thorns are left to keep me company. I do think it is fitting to send you a thicket of thorns on this memorable day!

I am very proud of you because you have inherited all the best traits of your mother. You are sensible, responsible, even-tempered and sincere with the least pretenses and affection which vehemently detest in a woman. I am sure like your mother, you will possess that rare brand of silent courage and that combination of fidelity and fortitude that will be the life vest of your man in the tragic moments of his life.

During my lonely hours of solitary confinement in Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija last March and April with nothing else to do but pray and daydream, with only my fond memories to keep me company, I planned a weekend barrio fiesta for you in Tarlac for your 18th birthday. I fooled myself into believing that my ordeal would end with the fiscal year. I planned to invite all your classmates and friends and their families for the weekends.

The schedule called for an early departure by bus from Manila and the first stop will be Concepcion, where lunch will be served by the pool. And after lunch, you were to visit the SantaRitaElementary School to distribute cookies and ice cream to the children of that public school where you were first enrolled.

I guess sheer nostalgia prompted me to include Santa Rita. We were only three then: Mommie, you and I. Those were the days of happy memories little responsibilities, tremendous freedom, a great future ahead and capped by a fulfillment of love... You are the first fruit of our union, the first proof of our love and the first seal of our affections.

From Concepcion we were to proceed to Luisita for the barrio fiesta. I intended to invite a friend who could roast an entire cow succulently. Swimming, pelota, dancing and eating would have been the order of the day.

Sunday morning was reserved for a trip around the Hacienda and the mill and maybe golf for some of the parents and later a picnic-lunch on Uncle Tony’s Island. Return to Manila after lunch. I am afraid this will have to remain as one of the many dreams I had in Laur.

Our future has suddenly become uncertain and our fate unknown. I am even now beginning to doubt whether I’ll ever be able to return to you and the family. Hence, I would like to ask you these special favors.

Love your mother, whose love for you, you will never be able to match. She is not the greatest mother in the world, she is your sincerest friend.
Take care of your younger sisters and brother and lavish them with the love and care I would like to continue giving them but am unable to do so.

Help Noy-noy along and pray hard that he will grow to be a real, responsible man who in later years will protect you all.
You are the model for your three younger sisters. Your responsibility is therefore great. Please endeavor to live up to our highest expectations. Be more tolerant to Pinky, more accessible to Viel, our little genius-princess, and more charitable to Krissy, our baby doll, and make up for my neglect.

Finally, forgive me, my love, for not having been an ideal, good and thoughtful father to you all as I pursued public office. I had hopes and high resolve of making up, but I am afraid my destiny will not oblige.

I seal this letter with a drop of tear and a prayer in my heart, that somehow, somewhere we shall meet again and I will finally be able to make up for all my lapses, in the kingdom where justice reigns supreme and love is eternal.

I love you,
Dad
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PostHeaderIcon 150,000 mourners for Cory Aquino’s burial

8/05/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post




A huge crowd of about 150,000 people lined up in Manila streets to bid Pres. Cory Aquino farewell during her interment on August 5, 2009. In her death, the beloved and popular leader known for her simplicity, unwavering faith, and steadfast defense of democracy brought shining inspiration to entire nation reminiscent of the People Power she led more than two decades ago.

Condolences poured in from all over the globe for Cory. The Aquino family, led by by Sen. Nonoy Aquino and TV celebrity Kris Aquino followed the hearse of their mother as mourners from all walks of life cheered, flashed “Laban” signs, and shouted “Cory, Cory” as tributes to the ex-president.

Under an overcast sky, tens of thousands of Filipinos wearing yellow and carrying balloons and flowers stood as the funeral cortege from Manila Cathedral snaked its way to Manila Memorial Park where the ex-president was buried in a simple crypt with her husband, the martyred political leader, Ninoy Aquino. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Romeo Ranoco; Reuters/ Erik de Castro)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon Filipinos mourn the death of Pres. Cory Aquino

8/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Requiescat In Pace

After more than a year of fighting advanced colonic malignancy, Pres. Corazon C. Aquino, 76 died in peace in Manila early Saturday, August 2, 2009. The passing of the widow of martyred political leader Ninoy Aquino brought loss and sadness to the Filipino nation. In her life, she exemplified calm, grace, and strong conviction.

Prayers were being said when the former president had her last breath. In her hospital bed at the Makati Medical Medical Center, she was surrounded by her five children and friends.

A proponent of non-violence and peaceful change, Cory, a devout Catholic, was the inspiration which led the country to oust strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos in a popular People Power uprising in 1986, leading to her assumption of presidency.

During her term, her administration was rocked by 7 attempts of coup d’ etat as she tried to rid the country of the remnants of the Marcos dictatorship. Restoring democracy, she embarked on the implementation of land reform, but was accused of protecting the interest of rich land-owners. At the same time she offered to make peace with the communists while she tried to find solution to the separatist movement of Mindanao. After her presidency, she continued to work for social and political causes.

Cory, the feisty US-educated lady who wore her usual signature yellow dress, demonstrated a life of understated simplicity, working for the country’s unity till the end of her life.

In her illness, friends and foes, rich and poor alike offered prayers for her recovery, including expressions of consolation from Pope Benedict XVI. (Photo Credit: walla2chick) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Prayers pour in for ailing Pres. Cory Aquino

7/24/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


From simple Filipino folks to no less that Pope Benedict XVI, many are praying for the healing and comfort of Pres. Cory Aquino who is stricken ill by terminal colonic cancer. The former President, who is a pillar of fortitude, honesty, and grace, has been diagnosed with the deadly malignant abdominal disease last year.

Apostolic Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams said Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope’s secretary of state, sent a message as follows:

“The Holy Father has asked that you be informed that he is remembering you in his prayers. At the same time, he invokes upon you the blessing of Almighty God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in pledge of healing and comfort.” ----Philstar (07/24/09, Macairan, E.)

Having refused further treatment, Aquino, the 76-year old devout Catholic who led the country during the dark days when Pres. Ferdinand Marcos was kicked out from office, is confined at the Makati Medical Center. She was reported to have lost appetite and weight.

Her daughter Kris Aquino said, she had been suffering pain as a result of the cancer. On her hospital bed at one point, she summoned her 5 children to be with her. Yellow ribbons hang outside the hospital and elsewhere in Manila to pay homage to Ninoy Aquino's widow--- reminiscent of her days when she led the country from the tyranny of Marcos rule. The ailing president was erroneously reported as dead, obviously by irresponsible person(s) not authorize to speak for the Aquino family. (Photo Credit: ManilaRyce/ Time) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Behind rumors of leaking breast implants, GMA is declared “healthy” with benign mammary & groin biopsy results

7/04/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Almost coincident to the somber news that former Pres. Cory Aquino has abandoned all treatment against advanced colonic malignancy, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo who was on self-quarantine for H1N1 flu underwent biopsies of breast and groin masses at the Asian Hospital which turned out to be negative. Malacanang Palace issued a statement that the post-menopausal president is in perfect health.

“According to the Palace official, the lumps were discovered “earlier” during her medical check up at the Asian Hospital before she went to Pampanga to visit her infrastructure projects in June 15, two days before she flew for her 13-day, five-nation visits that ended on Monday night.

“There is biopsy made, the result is negative. The President is in pink of health,” ----Press. Sec. Cerge Remonde. Manila Bulletin (07/03/09, Luci, C. M.)

The press release was also a repudiation of a rumor that the president had leaking silicone breast implants done in the 1980's. President Arroyo’s attending physician and gynecologist Dr. Maria Theresa Tangkeko-Lopez certified Pres. Arroyo’s clean bill of health, but didn't comment on the implants. Photo Credit: lasvegaskodak) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Cory Aquino returns to hospital

6/25/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, the son of former Pres. Cory Aquino said his mother was confined in the hospital because of lack of appetite. The 76 year-old widow of Ninoy Aquino had been battling colonic cancer since May last year.

Cory who subsists on fruits, crackers, soup and Ensure milk but has lately shown poor appetite which doctors hope to correct with intravenous nutrition.

The ailing former president had colonic surgery and chemotherapy since her cancer diagnosis Treated with radiation two weeks ago, her hospital stay may last for a week. (Photo Credit: Joe Galvez) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Pres. Cory Aquino to undergo cancer surgery

5/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


A little more than a year since Corazon Aquino, 76, was diagnosed to have colonic cancer, her secretary Margie Juico disclosed that the former president is scheduled to have an operation to remove tumor in her colon. The chemotherapy that she took earlier was apparently not enough to rid her of malignancy.

To help Cory recover, Balanga Bishop Socrates Villegas called for a rosary prayers aimed to seek total healing for the widow of slain Filipino leader Ninoy Aquino.

Mrs Aquino, a vocal critic of the present administration has called on Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo to resign over corruption charges. As she battles her illness, she recently asked for support to whistle-blower Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr., who was arrested on April 29, 2009, Wednesday on perjury charges filed by former Presidential Management Staff chief Michael Defensor. Losada testified about the corruption in the $329 million national broadband network (NBN) deal. (Photo Credit: Joe Galvez) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Pardon and (In)justice: Ninoy’s killers freed

3/05/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Those who followed the news of the grisly killing of Ninoy Aquino more than two decades ago couldn’t easily believe the freeing the 10 soldiers convicted of the assassination. They never imagined Pres. Gloria Arroyo, in her exercise of executive power pardoned the convicts just as easily as she pardoned Pres. Joseph Estrada of his ignominious crimes.

Released Convicts

ex-Capt. Romeo Bautista
former 2/Lt. Jesus Castro
ex Sgt Ruben Aquino,
ex Sgt Arnulfo de Mesa
ex Sgt Rodolfo Desolong
ex Sgt Arnulfo Artates
ex Sgt Claro Lat
ex Sgt Ernesto Mateo
ex Sgt Filomendo Miranda
ex Constable 1st Class Rogelio Moreno

There was no admission of guilt from the soldiers convicted of Ninoy’s fatal shooting on August 21, 1983 when he arrived in Manila after a three-year exile from United States. The soldiers beholden by military code of silence pointed to Rolando Galman, tagged by the Marcos dictatorship as the communist hitman out to kill Marcos’ chief political opponent. Though the mastermind of the crime was not known nor punished, Pres. Cory Aquino believed it was Marcos who was behind the murder. Upon learning of the pardon, the ailing Ninoy’s widow refused to comment.

Accusing Pres. Arroyo of “abuse of discretion,” Sen. Noynoy Aquino, Ninoy’s son, said “Society has an obligation to transmit a message that if you commit a crime, you must pay for it,..They haven’t owned up to their sin. Why were they freed when they have yet to ask for forgiveness?”

In a reaction, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said that the “sad reality about all this is that only the small fry have been made to suffer….Until the masterminds are known and punished for their dastardly deed, we will never have closure to this brutal murder case.”---Inquirer (03/05/09)

It was for “humanitarian reasons” that the executive clemency was given. Government officials were unmindful of the need to apply the law consistently so as to hammer the message of what crime and punishment must be. They are convinced the killers had suffered enough and they took it upon themselves to decide it's time to set convicts free. In so doing, they have been dismissive of the injustice endured by the Aquino family, the Galman family, and the nation that Ninoy left behind. (Photo Credit: dead_mullen)=0=

Reynaldo Galman & his mother Lina

Reynaldo Galman, the son of Rolando (believed to be the fall-guy in the Aquino assasination) condemns the pardoning of the 10 convicted killers who continue to point to his father as Ninoy's murderer. The brains of the Aquino-Galman murders remain unkonwn.

After more than two decades, many of the principal players who could have shed light on the heinous incident are either ailing or have died of natural causes. The 10 soldiers of the Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM) tasked to provide security to Ninoy have upheld the official Marcos story which pointed Rolando Galman as the killer. Many Filipinos think Galman was indeed a fall-guy to cover up for a greater conspiracy to kill.

Reynaldo Galman could only recall his suffering after he lost his father. His mom Lina Galman was abducted by unidentified men and disappeared without a trace soon after the airport murders. He lived as an orphan, became a nurse, then later worked in the Middle East. =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Cory's Apology And Our Inutility

12/24/2008 | Posted by myty555 | Edit Post

When former President Cory Aquino apologized to former President Erap Estrada for her participation in the so-called EDSA II, which her spokesperson later said was made in jest, initially I cannot make heads or tails out of it. But mulling about it I think she was really serious about it and it seems the "clarification" of the spokesperson was just an attempt in damage control. Because mmediately after the apology, a firestorm of criticism emanating from former allies battered the former President who is not known for making jokes.

I cannot make sense of the criticism directed at Cory from the likes of Sen. Gordon, Archbishop Cruz and her own son Noynoy. First of all, if a person wants to issue a mea culpa it is his or her full right to do so. Anyway, nobody is yet suggesting that the former President's mental faculties are already impaired. And to me a person battling for her life (she is stricken with cancer) and who has no political ambitions is even more credible.

But maybe those who reacted are a bit insecure now about their historical role in EDSA II or simply they are being self-righteous about it.

There was a wide consensus among the educated then that Erap was a bit inept, obviously undisciplined and he lets some friends make deals when he was President. But to depose Erap in such a way when there were legal avenues open and there were no insinuations that Erap was throttling the legal remedies (unlike the current occupier of Malacanang) subsequently became the bone of contention.

EDSA II never really gained widespread acceptance (Erap still had a positive trust rating when he was deposed and the poor never really accepted his fall as evidenced by the so-called EDSA III; moreover, it was just a Manila event). Even in the international plane, world leaders and personalities never praised EDSA II and it even drew criticisms. Probably EDSA II even demeaned EDSA I. As evidences seeped out, more and more it looks liked a simple power grab by an oppurtunistic clique who was able to con the educated class and a the same time a mutiny on the part of the military.

The power grab resulted not in a better government but in a more corrupt, shameless and abusive regime. And a Pandora's box was opened--that extra-constitutional means of regime change is possible and can be legalized by a complicit Supreme Court. I think Cory is aware of this and I think this is the foundation of her change of heart regarding her EDSA II participation.

Most of the other political allies of Cory are still silent about her apology. Are they this deferent to Cory or is this silence a tacit admission that they themselves have already doubts about the rightness of their participation in EDSA II?

To widen the view, let us take note that notable ESDA II participants like former Senate President Villar and former Vice-President Guingona has already made peace with Erap. I think Cory's move is along this line. The only difference is that Cory has probably the guts to make her apologies public and for this she drew flak.

The ignominy right now is not Cory's apology. It is just like making a mountain out of a molehill. Our current ignominy resides in the situation where we have a regime geometrically worse than Erap's and yet we cannot do anything about it. And that "stellar" gathering where Cory made her apology is just the final proof of our current inutility.


[Photo credit:alaykayresilmojares]
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PostHeaderIcon Cory’s EDSA II apology opens controversies & distrust among Filipinos

12/24/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Calling the EDSA II revolution a mistake, Corazon (Cory) Aquino, one of the leaders of the movement which ousted former Pres. Joseph (Erap) Estrada from power has brought the nation into new controversies. The sudden confession of the ailing former president opened wounds--- sowing confusion among doubting Filipinos who bewailed the endemic poor leadership in the national government.

Rather than bridging the often-repeated "reconciliation” among warring political parties, the demure housewife and former chief executive unwittingly exposed the short-sightedness and immaturity of leaders who stood as huge obstacles to the progress of the country. There were those who surmised if cancer and treatment had put her on tremendous strain; her ability to think sanely as before might have taken a beating.



As a devout practitioner of Catholicism, the former president who’s trying to define her legacy as an infuential public servant may have scored high on matters of faith, but she has placed the people in a void of uncertainty whose damage is too early to quantify. The effects are likely to cause lasting shockwaves on how politics will be played in government affairs like the next presidential election. They will cut across the way people will view what is morally right and wrong as they rule over the scandals that see no end.

By seeking Estrada’s forgiveness, Cory repudiated the collective action of her party and those who pushed for an end of blatant thievery, corruption and ineptness during and after Estrada’s administration. The damning evidence of incompetence and plunder laid bare during the 6 years of trial reduced the public to docility and silent acquiescence---- a treacherous problem of Filipinos no wanted to touch.

Like a modern-day soap opera, Estrada’s dizzying legal battle and his privileged imprisonment shown in TVs, radios, and newspapers ended in a conviction hailed by the people. But it was quickly reversed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo (GMA)--- herself, a sore symbol of almost all things that had gone wrong with the country. Many believed GMA, the current prexy with an outrageously low approval rating of negative (-30) cleverly pardoned Estrada for political convenience. It was unclear though whether Cory's apology to Estrada was linked to her frustraion over GMA's mishandling the government. Cory called on her to resign amidst uncurbed corruption as the wagons of Estrada's political come-back had rolled in from the first station.

Because of Cory’s change of heart, there are deepening doubts on whether Filipino leaders are up for the job of steering the country to better times. In spite of the early justifications and defense for the widow of Benigno (Ninoy) Aquino, her position strengthens the chance of the come-back of the Estrada and his "weather-weather" gang. The Filipinos are left in an impasse: Wala na ba talagang ibang mga magagaling at matitino?

The demoralizing effect of Cory’s declaration puts the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) leadership, a staunch supporter of EDSA II on the defensive. It revives anew the questions on church-state separation and the constitutionality of the power take-overs which left a serious lingering leadership vacuum in all political fronts.

Most of all, it irreparably damaged the Cory brand of uprightness and wisdom she shared with her martyred husband Ninoy Aquino, leaving Filipinos one less of a person to trust and emulate. (Photo Credits: Joe Galvez; Marcial Pontillas21; Marcial Pontillas21; gmaresign; Marcial Pontillas21; Marcial Pontillas21)=0=



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PostHeaderIcon On Philippine Corruption And Our Being Inure To It

12/16/2008 | Posted by myty555 | Edit Post

When I tell younger people that it was much better 40 years ago, I usually draw raised eyebrows. Then I tell them that it might be broken in places but the system of checks and balances were still functioning then. That politicians can still be booted out of office because of perceived corruption. Not now.

Younger people no longer heard of line-item budgeting, a system destroyed by Marcos during martial law so he is free to divert (euphemistically called re-align) public funds as he sees fit. In line-item budgeting all items to be budgeted is given an amount by Congress and funds for it are identified. In this way no significant diversion of funds is possible, hence, corruption is also minimized. This was when Congress still held the full power of the purse. Not now. Everybody has to kowtow to Malacanang and Cory failed to realize the importance of re-setting it.

Now is it a wonder why all the congressmen act like running dogs of Malacanang? Mind you, the term tuta (running dog) has already disappeared from the vocabulary as if it was interred with Marcos. But I remember even at the worst time of his regime, he had still principled people around him who will not dip their fingers in the public till and he always had capable and competent people who are free to say no (but of course it is another matter if he will listen to their counsel). Now all I see around Malacanang are plain running mongrels. Even calling them dogs might be an insult to our loyal canine friends.

There were "commissions" (takes) during Marcos' time. But if it was probably in the vicinity of 10-20% now it is probably in the realm of 30% or more. All the powers-that-be dips their hands in the projects, from the bureaucrats to the elected officials but it is the latter that are "grabe" (too much).

Corruption is escalating but protest against it is practically a whimper now. It seems we are simply too inure about it now or feeling too powerless to stop it. But at least, the silver lining, if it can be called such, is we have not yet reached sub-Saharan African level where more than 40% of the public funds disappear to only reappear later in European banks.

Where did this all began? Our public dealers (leaders kuno) should certainly be blamed. With a massive mandate all Cory understood was to restore "elite democracy" and its trappings (like the old Congress) and restore Marcos-seized oligarch properties (like Meralco) and reimburse those who were squeezed by Marcos like Joecon Concepcion (by funneling to them low-cost loans extended to us by other countries which was meant to jumpstart our post-Marcos economy).

Cory's successors were also remiss in reigning in corruption. Ramos and de Venecia like pork barrel immensely so that they can buy off Congress. Making Congress their running dog was the greatest "legacy" of Ramos. And his second-greatest "legacy" is appointing an Ombudsman which will simply cover their tracts.

Arroyo, the protege of Ramos and de Venecia, certainly learned well this "statecraft" and even did one better than them. The protege got too good that she had the temeriry to dump her mentors once the mentors started signalling "sobra na" (too much already).

Erap was content with jueteng money and that's according to him. But like the others he also cannot say no to friends. But at least he can say no to relatives.

Sometimes I wish the First Quarter Storm will come again. But rules of assembly are different now. And if the youth then had the feeling that they have to set aright their home country now the feeling is to get the necessary degree and experience needed in the least time so they can work abroad. Anyway there is always the Popovism to lull the people that the Philippines is a "great" country as if we are a "blessed" country and people to begin with. And so the circus goes round and round and round.

Bless Henry Sy! He makes us forget our problems with his malls. Who said the best things in life is not free? (Just look at Malacanang and the congressmen).


(Image credit:Wikimedia)
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PostHeaderIcon Richard Lugar Praises Obama on Foreign Policy

10/16/2008 | Posted by andygimpaya | Edit Post

Republican Indiana Sen. Richard G. Lugar and a prominent member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee said in his speech at the National Defense University that there are benefits to talking with enemies of the US, as against use of military force.

Generally, Lugar praised Barack Obama who John McCain called "naive" for saying that as US President he would talk with the likes of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Isolation does not resolve contentious issues, Lugar added in agreement with Obama's line. In campaign speeches in a presidential debate, Obama repeatedly says that, while he does not take military option off the table, not talking to an enemy regime as a form of punishment does not make sense. Lugar rebuked McCaine by saying that exclusive use of isolation or military force in dealing with enemies of America may not be desirable. "In some cases, refusing to talk can even be dangerous."

McCain recently took a flack when he turned cold shoulder on the prospect of meeting the Prime Minister of Spain. Spain's sin: it pulled out its troops from Iraq when the US-initiated invasion started to get messy and unpopular. Since that time, President Bush has snubbed Spain's leaders, a cue apparently not lost to Senator McCain.

Noting recent diplomatic success in dealing with North Korea, Lugar suggested further diplomatic engagement with Syria and Iran. He suggested though that McCain may be right when the Republican nominee warned that "there are times when diplomatic approaches to rogue regimes have little efficacy."

In July, one Obama campaign ad mentioned Lugar by name and Lugar says he is "pleased" to have worked with the Democratic nominee on nuclear proliferation issues.

We here in the Philippines remember then Congressman Richard Lugar as the head of a US conressional committee who attempted and failed to broker a deal betwen President Ferdinand Marcos and Cory Aquino as the Marcos regime started to crumble in the aftermath of Ninoy Aquino assassination. At that time, Marcos was a SOB but "he is our SOB." Incidentally, Obama promises not to have none of these SOBs.

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