Showing posts with label 911. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 911. Show all posts
Majority of US voters oppose civilian trial of suspected 911 terrorists in NYC
Citing safety concerns, majority of American voters do not want to the Guantanamo prisoners to be housed in prisons in the United States out of safety concerns. Fifty-five (55%) of the same group are not in favor of closing the Guantanamo prison in Cuba. With a large majority (76% vs. 24%), Americans don't want to give the suspected terrorists the same rights as civilians. For being part of a global war, the public wants the terrorists be tried in military courts. These findings by Rasmussen survey are consistent to the majority---51% who are opposed to have self-confessed 911 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and 4 others stand trial in a New York City courhouse close to the scene of the crime.
The opinion above is a reaction to the radical liberal view of US Attorney General Eric Holden and the Obama administration desiring to showcase the "superior" legal system working in America. Critic's of Holden's decision on Khalid expects a trial that will be costly, put blame and exact accountability on Bush policies, heighten the anger of the victims' families, and refocus New York City as a target of future attack.
An NYC trial will bring a protracted "circus" to the public exposing the legal system's weaknesses (in spite of claims that it's the best in the world.) By probing the CIA (i.e. waterboarding, enhanced interrogation used on the suspects) the Bush policies which have made USA safer after 911 can re-ignite controversies from the old administr5ation and send to jail those guilty of a crime. (Photo Credit: andyworthington.co.uk.) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Gov. Paterson against 911 trial in NYC" Posted by mesiamd at 11/17/2009
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Gov. Paterson against 911 trial in NYC
New York Governor David Paterson who usually supported Pres. Barack Obama on many issues criticized the president for agreeing to hold the trial of the 911 mastermind and 4 other suspects in the courthouse of New York City (NYC.) The democrat governor joined ex-Mayor Rudolf Guiliani and many other New Yorkers in condemning the civilian trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed who was accused of orchestrating the killing of almost 3,000 innocent civilians and destruction of the World Trade Center. They wanted the Muslim militant and four other co-conspirators--- Waleed bin Attash, Ramzi Binalshibh, Mustafa Ahmad al-Hawsawi and Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali 2001 to be tried in the military court.
"Our country was attacked on its own soil on September 11, 2001 and New York was very much the epicenter of that attack. Over 2,700 lives were lost," he said. "It's very painful. We're still having trouble getting over it. We still have been unable to rebuild that site and having those terrorists so close to the attack is gonna be an encumbrance on all New Yorkers." ---wcbstv.com (11/16/09)
But Attorney General Eric Holder wanted to have the suspects in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to stand trial in New York because of certain undisclosed evidence. Since the alleged crimes happened in the United States, Holder, like his supporters, wanted to showcase the workings of America’s “superior” justice system to the world. But even the families of the victims are not pleased with the idea.
Among many objections, critics argued that bringing the terrorists in the Big Apple opens old wounds of the horror of 911. Why not in other venue? War criminals must be tried by military tribunals, not in civilian courts. New York City is likely to spend huge money to put them to trial --- a “circus” the accused terrorists desire. The 911 attack is an act of war against humanity and any concessions given to barbarism will put to waste the effort to arrest and put terrorists to trial.
With the media coverage, the trial will redirect NYC as a terrorist target and distract the public on the controversies of water-boarding and techniques of interrogation which have been useful in protecting the United States. Critics of the Obama administration believe there is a hidden agenda to investigate the Bush Administration’s policies on its war on terror. (Photo Credit: Long Island Business News) =0=
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US terrorist plots more real than Americans realize
“When police on September 14 searched an apartment in the New York City borough of Queens that Zazi had visited, they told local media they confiscated cell phones and at least nine empty backpacks. The Madrid train bombings that killed 191 people involved backpacks stuffed with explosives that were detonated via cell phones.”----Reuters (09/23/09, Honan, E; Kearney, C.)
The specter of terrorism is reignited anew when in the weekend, in America, three suspected Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorists were arrested hatching a bombing plot that could parallel that one pulled in Madrid in 2004 and London in 2005. The arrests came at a time that world leaders trooped to New York for the 64th annual general assembly in the United Nations headquarters.
Shuttle driver Jajibullah Zazi who admitted training in a bomb making school in Pakistan, an imam, and a 37 year-old Afghan-born Ahmad Wais Afzali were arrested on suspicions of forming a terrorist team in the US mainland. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigators apprehended Zazi in Colorado and found his laptop bearing instructions on making, handling, and detonation of explosives.
An apartment in Queens, New York turned in cell phones and back packs that might be readied for bombing similar to the one that occurred in the subway system in Madrid, Spain killing innocent people.
Pres. George Bush and his military advisers said before that a terrorist attack in the US soil is not a matter of if, but when. Inciting incredulity and falling in deaf ears, the president's warning was echoed by vice-pres. Dick Cheney. These recent arrests surely brought back the same grim warning.
Yet, the liberals in society and civil rights groups have dismissed terrorist warnings as being alarmist. It was easy for them to deny a worst-case scenario that could well occur in the future. With the new arrests, the American people had been reminded anew of their vulnerability.
Enemies of freedom and those opposed to the western way of living are relentless and unyielding. They only need one plan to succeed and inflict huge damage to society--- in a magnitude that can bring back the horror of 911. (Photo Credit: Josue Lozano) =0=
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Recalling Pres. George W. Bush's Message in 911
An excerpt from the speech given by Pres. George W. Bush on the terrorist attack at the Twin Towers and the Pentagon at the Joint Sesssion of Congress on Sept 20, 2009. On this day let us remember the nearly 3,000 who perished in the barbaric attacks by Al Qaeda whose victims included ordinary people of dffferent nationalities, rescuers, and firefighers who heroically came to save lives.
Today, as the bells ring and the names of innocent victims are called to memory, we can just wonder how capable man can be to wage evil on another man. From the dust and debris of the World Trade Center rise our hope and determination to exterminate hate on the face of the aarth. The fight against terrorism is continuing and the world cannot rest without defeating the enemy.---AFM.
“Americans are asking, why do they hate us? They hate what we see right here in this chamber----a democratically elected government. Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms---our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other.
They want to overthrow existing governments in many Muslim countries, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. They want to drive Israel out of the Middle East. They want to drive Christians and Jews out of the vast regions of Asia and Africa.
These terrorists will kill not merely to end lives, but to disrupt and end a way of life. They are the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions---by abandoning every value except the will to power---they follow in the path of fascism and Nazism, and totalitarianism. They will follow the path all the way to where it ends; in history’s unmarked grave of discarded lies.
We are not deceived by their pretenses to piety. We jave seen their kind before. They are the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions---by abandoning every value except the will to power. they follow in th path of fascism and Nazism, and totalitarianism. And they will follow the path all the way, to where it ends: in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies.”---Pres. George W. Bush
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Recalling 911 and flying the US flag
Sally Ani, a friend in South Carolina shares a poignant forwarded reminder of something we all must share---the recollection and lessons of the horrific event of September 11, 2001 (911) that changed us forever.---AFM.
SEPTEMBER 11
We have a little less than one month and counting to get the word out all across this great land and into every community in the United States of America. If you forward this message to least 11 people and each of those people do the same ... you get the idea.
On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States.
Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at
home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.
In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds. (Photo Credit: nylon_us_fag; bear_inter) =0=
Action Plan:
So, here's what we need you to do.
(1) Forward this message to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.
(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day.
Thank you for your participation. God Bless You and God Bless America!
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India’s 911 & the reminder of the ugly nature of terrorism
“Terrorist activity is continually recurring in various parts of the world, sowing death and destruction and plunging many of our brothers and sisters into grief and despair.”---Pope Benedict XVI
The gruesome killing spree by militant Islamic radicals in the financial district of India on November 27, 2008 brought a toll of at least 195 dead and more than 300 injured. Many lives were lost senselessly; many homes were broken. After a 60-hour bloody rampage, one could ask if these terrorists could be expected to follow the standards of Western justice and fair play.
Suspected to be Muslim extremists from neighboring Pakistan, the brutal killers left 22 foreigners and 15 Indian security officers among the dead. Their barbarity is their hallmark; their cruelty is incomprehensible.
“Terrorism is carried out purposefully, in a cold-blooded, calculated fashion. The declared goals of the terrorist may change from place to place. He supposedly fights to remedy wrongs -- social, religious, national, racial. But for all these problems his only solution is the demolition of the whole structure of society. No partial solution, not even the total redressing of the grievance he complains of, will satisfy him -- until our social system is destroyed or delivered into his hands.
“When I say that terrorism is war against civilization, I may be met by the objection that terrorists are often idealists pursuing worthy ultimate aims -- national or regional independence, and so forth. I do not accept this argument. I cannot agree that a terrorist can ever be an idealist, or that the objects sought can ever justify terrorism. The impact of terrorism, not merely on individual nations, but on humanity as a whole, is intrinsically evil, necessarily evil and w holly evil.”---Benjamin Netanyahu
The question about justice and fair play of terrorists is more significant as Pres. George W. Bush, the leader of the war on terror leaves office. In spite of his gains with America’s allies, many people forget his credit of foiling of reckless radicals who want to bomb US cities as they did with India. Demonized in a greater scale than his shortcomings, Bush still reminds the world of complacency, the evil of terrorism, and the costly war required in stopping it.
“Never give in. Never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” ---Sir Winston Churchill
Terrorists are determined to strike in a date, time and place of their choosing. They will do it in their own terms. Security and safety can only be achieved if they are vanquished and eradicated. It appears this is a battle that can last longer than the lifetimes of people of the present generation. Changing a warped and immoral ideology takes time especially if linked with radical religious beliefs among people with failing governments and cultures.
"We can't accommodate terrorism. When someone uses the slaughter of innocent people to advance a so-called political cause, at that point the political cause becomes immoral and unjust and they should be eliminated from any serious discussion, any serious debate." ---Mayor Rudolf Guiliani
There are those who think that the terrorists are reasonable and fair. They believe they can be made to embrace peace and be taught good moral conduct. Yet by choosing violence and seeking the destruction of their enemies (i.e. Israel and USA) how can they be trusted? The people of the world are caught between their freedoms and living in a bubble of a society on edge, raising security to avoid an attack. “This might sound arrogant, but I told the terrorist, 'You can harm my body, you can harm my mind, but you can't harm my soul. That is mine.' ---Terry Waite
It’s at this juncture that President-elect Barack Obama thinks deeply on how he’ll deal with cold-bloodied killers whose basic belief is to spread hatred and cause destruction of Western world. It is increasingly clear that those who want to destroy civilization will not stop at causing damage and physical harm. They are bent to inflict suffering, confront the world, until they gain control. “The Republic was not established by cowards; and cowards will not preserve it ... This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.---Elmer Davis
The war on terror isn’t an electoral campaign issue anymore. Rather, it’s a problem that all Americans and their allies have to tackle with undiminished resolve. Obama needs to balance diplomacy, the use of force, pragmatism, and rational judgment. It remains to be seen whether his diplomacy will open a future world order that is peaceful and prosperous.
"While we must remain determined to defeat terrorism, it isn't only terrorism we are fighting. It's the beliefs that motivate terrorists. A new ideology of hatred and intolerance has arisen to challenge America and liberal democracy."--- Sen. John Kerry
To expect enemies to abandon their violent agenda in a diplomatic negotiation table is naïve and foolhardy. Not to use force against them when it is necessary may be courting defeat. The terrorists know how to exploit any sign of weakness. With the aftermath of the Mumbai terrorist attack, those who are soft on the radicals have something serious to think about. (Photo Credits: Madalena Pestena; Reuters/Stringer; AP/Gurinder Osan; AFP/Pedro Ugarte; Harpagonis; AFP/Indrabil Muherjee; AFP/Prakash Singh) =0=
Terrorism, economic meltdown and other problems facing Americans and the world
There is a lulling effect of media's downplay of other important problems affecting Americans. As an example, in a Gallup poll taken in March 2008, only 2% worry about terrorism---as though it's a problem of the past.
This is partly an effect of liberal media's dismissal that those who are bothered by terrorism are essentially "war mongerers" and "alarmists." Many media people are averse to paying the high cost of security to a point of misleading the public. They ignore that enemies determined to harm us take their time and they wait. There are those who believe diplomacy is often effective and terrorists and Al Qaeda can be appeased in the name of friendship.
The hard reality is terrorism only needs one occasion to succeed. And terrorists are determined and clever. They pulled through in 911 at the World Trade Center (WTC) and in the cowardly killings in Spain, Bali, Kenya, Pakistan, UK, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Philippines, and in other parts of the world. Being friendly with terrorists is therefore a risky business.
The problem issues that citizens (with changing and short attention spans) have grown. But would you believe, only 2% of Americans as of March 2008 Gallup Poll thinks terrorism is a problem?
The new economic woes in Wall Street divert the nation's attention away from other equally significant problems. The world reacts the same way---finger-pointing on who is to blame after foolishly ignoring the danger signs of the economic meltdown before they blew in the people's faces.
Reckless buying of houses that they couldn't afford wasn't a problem until the mortgage crisis took its toll. Many who were stuck to what they erroneously believed were gripped with panic. Denial, complacency and short memory proved to be dangerous to the security of these individuals, the nation, and the world.
The Most Important Problem(s) Facing America, March 2008
Economic Problems.........................35%
Iraq War..........................................21%
Health Care & Costs........................8%
Fuel, Gas Costs...............................8%
Immigration & Illegal Aliens...............6%
Jobs & Unemployment.......................5%
Gov't Corruption & Incompetence.....5%
Moral Decline....................................4%
Education..........................................4%
Inflation & Cost of Living....................4%
Poverty & Hunger...............................3%
National Security................................2%
Terrorism...........................................2%
Source: Gallup Poll, March 2008/Fleeced (Morris, D; McGann E; Harper Collins Publishers, New York, 2008, pp. 46-47.) Photo Credit: Mario Zuccal. =0=
The strange illnesses which followed 911
"Today marks the seventh anniversary of the day our world was broken. It lives forever in our hearts and our history, a tragedy that unites us in a common memory and a common story."
---Mayor Michael Bloomberg (New York City, September 11, 2008)
As I listened to the names of those who perished in New York when Al Qaeda rammed planes into the Twin Towers, I felt as though I was back again to relive the horror. The tolling of the bells was a grim reminder. Almost 4,000 died including more than 300 brave firefighters who prematurely left their families, their last moments spent to saving lives and answering the call of duty
On September 11, 2001, I was at home in a high-rise building in Manhattan just a little north of Chinatown when the planes struck at the World Trade Center (WTC.) The mayhem that ensued could only be hinted by the incessant blare of sirens which went on for days in the neighborhood. On my window sill was an eerie veil of ash that rained from the sky and a pungent smell of flesh and incomplete combustion wafted in the air. The street outside was powdery as though a different kind of snow fell, off winter season.
The immeasurable damage of 911 still persists and is unraveling. As the world remembers, countless more live with the adverse effects of the tragedy. Thousands of those exposed to the toxic fumes, pulverized concrete, heavy metals and carcinogenic agents have reported health problems---from psychological stress, traumatic injuries, asthma to irreversible fibrosing damage on the lungs.
Potentially WTC-Associated Conditions
Triad Described by Clinicians:
-Chronic Rhinitis and Rhinosinusitis
-Asthma; Reactive Airways Dysfunction (RADS)
-Gartroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD);
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease (LRPD)
Source: New York City Dep't of Health & Hygiene Vol 21 (6):41-54
In the gray zones farther from ground zero there were people with preexisting medical conditions whose disease overlapped with new health problems which might be linked with the disaster’s aftermath. For majority of them however, no one could be 100% sure. As a physician, I could only imagine how hard it would be to ascribe these illnesses specifically to 911.
Though exposure to the fumes and dust of 911 wasn’t strikingly obvious to many, there’s no way to exactly quantify. My lung problem joins the umbrella of diseases seen in those exposed to the dangerous dust and fumes. I could only guess what I got, bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP,) had something to do with the pollution from the collapsed buildings. In a background of an immune blood disorder I suffered before 911 however, it would be hard to make an air-tight connection. But I knew this kind of pulmonary problem had been attributed to the respiratory illnesses that caused the debility and deaths of many rescue workers.
This uncertainty is shared by countless innocent victims of terror. Thousands of us harbor sicknesses that are confounding and debilitating, causing breathing difficulties, unspeakable pain, and mental anguish. The medical service delivery system has been taxed as health workers try to help with the rising costs of treatment. It has caused many insurance benefits to be denied. Lawsuits have to be fought in courts to settle liability claims.
Time, treasure, and money have been wasted because a few misguided rogues with warped ideologies and fanatical religious beliefs unleashed their anger on human beings who could well be their own sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, and friends.(Photo Credits: bear_inter) =0=
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Amidst complacency and denial, terror persists, USA & the world still on the edge
Two days before the 7th year after 911, a bipartisan report suggests that the United States is still dangerously at risk of being attacked by weapons of mass destruction (WMB’s.) Democrats critical of Pres. George W. Bush are quick to highlight the dangers. And they don’t leave the psyche of Americans traumatized by the randomness of the attack. “The report and supporting studies describe the failure of international cooperation to prevent terrorists from obtaining weapons of mass destruction, which they call a major problem. Many countries continue to ignore a United Nations mandate to prevent the spread of weapons; the ability of many countries to monitor potential bioterrorism is "essentially nonexistent," and dangerous chemical weapons stockpiles remain in some countries, including Russia and Libya, the report said.” AP (09/09/08, BlackledgeB; SullivanE.)
In spite of moves to make the homeland secure, the nature of terrorism makes it hard to wipe out the threats. This worry is part of the legacy of 911 when the rules of engagement of war have been defined by a small group of extremists who are bent to make America and the rest of the civilized world accede to Al Qaeda's and other Islamic toxic ideology of hate.
Bringing America down has serious implications in emerging and poor countries like the Philippines whose economies will further suffer in the midst of a threat of war, worldwide recession, dwindling resources, and exploding population. Though Pres. Bush must be credited for foiling a number of plots and in improving security during his administration, many don’t look at it this way. It is hard to see success in prevention that has an astronomical price tag.The cost of underwriting a protective shield for Americans and the world is causing a toll on the US economy. Only when another attack as spectacular and hideous as 911 will Americans, (especially the cynical and complacent) will realize that the world they know has been turned upside down by a few rogues who wait for the singular chance to do harm and damage. Terror resonates in 911 and the attacks in Madrid, London, Jerusalem, Riyadh, Nairobi, Bali, Manila and other cities worldwide. As security experts experts have said, it’s not a question of if that another attack will be waged, but when. (Photo Credits: AP/TayloC;bp.blogspot)=0=
Pres. George Bush & his fading presidency
It’s a hell of a job to be the president of the United States. Pres. George W. Bush, for all his efforts to make his second term appealing to the Americans and the world, has been met with doubts, opposition, and ridicule. He is accused of lying about Iraq though he decided to wage war on the basis of bipartisan approval by the US legislature, on the series UN resolutions versus Saddam Hussein left unimplemented, and on data supplied to him by CIA and the intelligence circles. Since 911, there is no major terrorist attack in the American heartland. Al Qaeda has withered and the troop surge in Iraq is showing positive results. That’s consoling enough for some grateful Americans, but not for the majority.
There are worrisome issues on the economy, homeland security, healthcare, illegal immigration, social security, climate change, abortion, gay marriage, stem cell research and education which stand on the way--- on which the verdict of his presidency will be based. Though history hasn’t spoken, the president’s enemies have dunked him, even campaigned for his failure. His call to drill for oil which is supported by fellow Republicans and 70% of Americans to ease up future fuel shortages, have been rebuffed by Democratic party leader Nancy Pelosi.
As Pres. Bush fades towards November, when the election of a new president comes, he visibly enjoys a respite at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In the sands of Chaoyang Park Beach Volleyball Ground, in August 9, 2008, he exchanged fun and laughter with Kerrie Walsh, a veteran US Olympian. (Photo Credit: Reuters/Downing, L)
Fast and Fair Justice Needed
Although the slow pace of justice in the Philippines has been repeatedly criticized, the verdict on the Julia Campbell case must be the blue print of how fast cases must be resolved. After more than year of investigation, confessed Benguet killer Juan Donald Duntugan, a 25 year-old woodcarver, was sentenced to 40 years in prison without parole. He was asked to pay P39 million in damages to the Campbell family.“An attack made by a man with a deadly weapon upon an unarmed and defenseless woman constitutes the circumstance of abuse that superiority which his sex, and the weapon used in the act afforded him, and by means of which the woman was overcome and rendered unable to defend herself,” said the decision of Judge Ester Piscoso-Flor of the Ifugao Regional Trial Court branch 34 on June 30, 2008. Philstar (07/01/08, Lagasca, C.)
The monetary compensation seemed huge and the prison sentence apt, but we know the wasted life a US Peace Corps volunteer is more valuable. To compare, those who perished in 911 when terrorists blew up the Twin Towers got an average of $3.1 million from the government, insurances and charitable institutions. Julia Campbell who went missing on April 8, 2008 deserved more compensation. She had a rich and productive life ahead her---more than what the US Peace Corps might have envisioned when it was started in 1961 by Pres. John F. Kennedy:
“Coming from all walks of life and representing the rich diversity of the American people, Peace Corps Volunteers range in age from college students to retirees. Every Peace Corps Volunteer's experience is different. From teaching English to elementary school children in Zambia to launching a computer learning center in Moldova to promoting HIV/AIDS awareness in South Africa to working on soil conservation in Panama, Volunteers bring their skills and life experiences to where they are needed most.“ www.peacecorps.govBe as it may, the verdict on the Campbell case brings a sigh of relief to the nation. Filipinos are pushing that other legal cases be handled expeditiously, particularly those involving crimes of citizens, irrespective of who the parties are.
There are still a lot to be desired with our justice system. It must not be too slow or too fast as Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo’s wishy-washy order (Inquirer,07/01/08, Dalangin-Fernandez, L.) that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) wrap up its findings on the Sulpicio Lines ferry tragedy in 10 short days. Critics suspect this haphazard unrealistic presidential edict as a form of political posturing which risks the proper carriage of justice.=0=
Recurrent Shipwrecks And The Horrific Maritime Record in the Philippines
“The reason why there is the repeat of negligence among these shipping lines is because the law takes such a long time. We need to execute a swift prosecution and conviction of the guilty on this case," -Sen. Francis Pangilinan. Malaya (06.25/07, Montemayor, J.)Sulpicio Lines---that’s the company! The recurrent shipwrecks befalling this shipping outfit are disgusting entries in the bloody maritime record of the Philippines. The inter-island company has the hideous distinction of being involved in several of the world’s unforgettable ship mishaps, one of them, the history’s worst sea disaster which claimed the lives of innocents, larger in number than those who perished in 911.
Princess of the Stars keeled at the height of Typhoon Frank (see pictures by Reuters.) With shifting inaccurate numbers of passengers which cast doubt on the veracity of the manifest, the ill-fated ship was whacked and swallowed by the churning waves---bigger and more fearsome than the rugged tall mountains nearby. Disaster-prone Philippines had been in a state of temporary shock, begging for international aid.
Pray for those who died. They need justice. Think of the victims’ families who shed tears, their eyes red in seething anger. In grief, they know their poor loved ones are gone, never to set foot on dry land again. Perhaps they’ll not get the justice they deserved. Think of the good works the hapless 800+ victims could have contributed in their lifetime if they weren’t cut silent by negligence, bad luck, or act of God.MV Princess of the Stars, sank during Typhoon Frank, 800 plus missing or lost, June 22, 2008
MV Dona Marilyn, sank during Typhoon Unsang, Oct 24, 1988, 250 lives lost
MV Princess of the Orient, sank during Typhoon Guding, Sept 18, 1988, 150 lives lost
MV Dona Paz, sank after a collision with tanker Vector, Dec 20, 1987, 4000+ died (worst maritime disaster in history)
How can we rest our thoughts with this? We have ample blame to spread around. The "royal" liner sank with several capsized smaller boats at the height of the storm. Littered bloated bodies in the sea soon commingled after Typhoon Frank left, making it hard to know from which sunken ferry they came from. Does God bear grudge on our people? Not learning its lessons, Sulpicio Lines pulled through (with least accountability) in the past. The rulings on earlier shipwrecks placed little blame on this company whose victims, too poor to wage protracted legal battles, hungered for justice.
Since the storm's path could be ascertained in real time, its progress could be accurately charted. There should have been ample wiggle room to successfully escape the typhoon if caution was observed.
Negligence and incompetence were more likely when too frequent mishaps recurred in the hands of the same people---the ship's crew and the Coast Guard. Whether Sulpicio Lines and the Coast Guard took safety and human life for granted was something the whole nation deserved to know.
The United States donated $100,000 to the ferry disaster fund. The French government also offered help. In appeals so familiar, the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP,) Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo and the swanky troop of 59 senators who joined her to the White House, begged for more generous donations. Who will ascertain that these dole-outs will go to the right beneficiaries? How much will the ferry company spend as aid and compensation? With taxpayer’s money, how much will the government spend to put this avoidable tragedy far in the backstage--- so that the next national disaster in the offing can catch our attention? =0=
Nostalgic Connections
April completed her pre-college schooling in Cardington, Ohio. It was in this quaint beautiful midwestern American town where the Rotary scholar, Dr. May Magdalene V. Yorobe’s daughter, started learning about the world away from home. Dr. Yorobe, a UP Ibalonian, came to visit her only girl right before graduation. She traveled the north central states to Ohio and went as far as Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York to discover, learn, and answer a few questions.What is the most helpful tool in your travel bag?
A cell phone.
Why did you come without George, your hubby?
George wanted to be with me, but he’s busy in Manila. With his tight schedule, he can’t even go home to Bicol as much as he wanted to.
What comes next for your daughter April now that she has finished school in Ohio?She’ll proceed with nursing when she returns to Manila this June. She desires to help the sick and perhaps take care of me when I grow old (laughter.)
You’ve been in many places in America. Which was the most memorable?
Washington, DC. I loved the energy and message of the Memorial Day celebration. The historic pieces of Americana shown in the parade were stunning. I was elated by the sights and sounds of native Indians in their colorful feathered costumes, the contingent of old war veterans, and the beautiful song “God Bless America.”
Did you connect with Filipinos in your travel? Definitely. I made many connections even with people I met for the first time. I couldn’t forget the petite Filipina sweetly wrapped around a burly black guy I saw in Maryland. In her tight-fitting tube blouse and matching miniskirt, the Pinay looked more American to me than most of the people around. Yet, she gave me a friendly, warm, and generous smile which I thought was lacking among other Filipinos I encountered elsewhere.
How did it feel to be in Broadway this summer?The warm weather made my light clothes from Naga wearable in Manhattan. On sunny days, the tall buildings stood with ample shade to make sunblock unnecessary. New York City looked massively claustrophobic, but the spires and glass buildings were awesome. In that crowded strip of earth in Times Square the giant neon lights were ablaze even at noontime. The Phantom of the Opera still stalked viewers at the Majestic Theatre and to my surprise, a number of Filipinos lined up to watch the show after a very long run.
What were your thoughts when you stood at the site of 9/11?
The rugged huge hole in the ground where the Twin Towers once stood made me sad. I recalled the 4,000 innocent lives which were lost when the terrorists crashed the airplanes into the buildings. It’s good another edifice, a magnificent memorial for the fallen ones, is about to rise above ground zero and reaches out for the sky.
How did you react upon seeing Ibalonians you never saw for many years?
I couldn’t help, but yell on top of my voice during the reunion. I wanted to recapture the past that suddenly materialized in front of me. It seemed eternity that I waited so long to see them. No wonder loads of stories came flowing in--- They brought back the wonderful past and the glowing present. The future, we talked about with hope, optimism, and great joy.
Who were the Ibalonians you met and those you missed?In Wisconsin, I visited Dr. Ramon Ray G. Rayel and his family. Ray has still that gracious voice that tickles my funny bone. In Indiana, I found Dr. Divinia Nolasco-Reis brimming with hospitality. Her stories were plucked straight from the heart--- red-hot and spicy. In New York, Dr. Totie Mesia got a trove of memories which made me feel good about how friendships evolve, mellow, and last through the years. We planned a huddle with fellow-Ibalonians Raniela Barbaza and Bingbing Badiola-Bretan somewhere in Queens. It didn’t happen. We simply lacked time. I wanted to see Dr. Yasmin Paje-Banzon and Gods A. Lanuza in Vancuover, BC, but they were off my itinerary.
When will you come back?
As soon as possible, preferably when George is ready to go with me in USA. =0=
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