UP Ibalon Bicol: controversy

Showing posts with label controversy. Show all posts

Supreme Court steps in the National Artist controversy

8/26/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

A lifetime recognition like being a National Artist carries prestige. People work hard to be worthy of such a coveted honor. Yet, for this year’s selection, sharp objections to 4 out of 7 nominees incite a firestorm of protests that has reached the Supreme Court (SC). The highest court in Manila temporarily put a hold order in the conferment of the award to thresh out a controversy.

The search for nominees of the prestigious recognition this year was undertaken by the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCAA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) boards. A short list after a careful search of awardees was submitted for approval of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo. But in an overextended exercise of power, it is alleged, the president dropped fpir (4) nominees namely Lazaro Francisco (posthumous) for literature), Dr. Ramon Santos (music), Manuel Conde (posthumous) for film and broadcast, and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (visual arts, painting, sculpture, and mixed media).

Gloria instead chose Cecile Guidote Alvarez (theater), Magno Jose Carlo Caparas (visual arts and film), Jose 'Pitoy' Moreno (fashion design), and Francisco 'Bobby' Mañosa (architecture). The resultant controversy distracted the public from the parallel embarrassment brought by the extravagant dinners reported during Gloira's travel in the USA.

The president’s action on the nominees led to angry protests from at least four past Natioanl Artist awardees, the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, community groups and private citizens. Airing their grievances in rallies, they who did not agree with GMA. The national artists insisted her choices were less worthy than those that were originally chosen by the selection body. They petitioned the SC to intervene and rule on the case.

It’s amazing how the wholesome and inspiring cultural exercise like choosing our National Artists can be corrupted. Though winners may receive the honor, recognition, and the monetary benefits that the award carries, it is extremely shameful, if true, that the list of nominees have been tampered by the president.

Inured to power abuse and corruption, Malacanang Palace tends to shrug off this new allegtion---another gross assault to our cultural pride. With dismay, we don't want the chief executive to trivialize the National Artist Award. We don't favor her whims and her brand of politics. (Photo Credits: Sheltercrow; Sneakyzoo) =0=

=============================================================

Labels: Awards, controversy, national artist, nomination, protest, Supreme Court, Totie Mesia

Healthcare reform loses support from the elderly, chronically ill, and the disabled

8/12/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

As lawmakers went on their August recess, Americans from all sides of the political aisle had started debating on the merits of Pres. Barack Obama’s ambitious healthcare reform. Even though only a few legislators read the more than 1,000 pages of proposal to overhaul the medical insurance system whose budget constitutes a 6th of our economy, the administration had been rushing and pushing for changes that had been met with growing opposition.

The senior citizens, elderly, the handicapped and disabled are for a universal health care that is cheap. But they are up in arms against what they perceived to be a threat to their health and lives. Even with more than a trillion budget (contrary to Obama’s campaign promise that healthcare will be kept inexpensive,) the specter of rationing of services, prolonged waiting times in doctor’s offices, denial of certain medical tests and treatments, the weakening of America’s leadership in medical science, and the discrimination of the severely ill and those with disabilities are real issues that spark shouting matches in town meetings all over the country.

My Personal Experience

As a disabled with an unrelenting chronic medical condition, I have serious concerns about Obama’s healthcare proposal. Even with the current system, cost-cutting has already started. Presently, I am due for chemotherapy in New York, but my nurse told me, we have to hold-off because Medicare, our government insurance system, has not approved the treatment. In short, I am being denied access to a live-saving medical intervention. The disapproval is directly linked with cost-cutting and I need to appeal to justify my treatmen. Obviously, the denial is intrusive to medical wisdom and interferes with my doctor’s trained judgment. The delay in treatment it causes can surely jeopardize my health. So if this is happening to me now, how much more when the Obama’s proposal takes effect?

I worry for those who don’t know how to deal with the complexity of the current medical system. I'm apprehensive for us who'd be dictated by new rules that may shut-down apt treatment for the severely sick. The healthcare change will serve best if one is not sick, but when someone contracts a difficult health problem, the nightmare begins. From my experience, the sick is practically alone to negotiate the system in order to survive.

I was denied coverage of claims for certain medicines before and I had to dig deep into my pocket to pay for them. Scrimping on my budget, I had to buy additional medical insurances to supplement my coverage. Putting up medical claims is confusing and takes a lot of effort. Too much cost-cutting can lead to morbidities and deaths.

Questions Demanding Answers

Forty six (46) million people without insurance will be added in the system when Obama’s healthcare reform gets approved. How will America pay for them except from taxpayer’s money? In a socialistic bent, why will certain sectors of society pay more in favor of others? Why is personal responsibility not emphasized among us---giving priority to pay for one’s medical insurance, discouraging fraud, supporting medical tort reforms among others?

Do we have enough doctors and nurses who will take care of the newly insured? How can Obama assure there will be no lines in the ER and doctor's offices? On what basis will the sick be denied or approved of their diagnostics and treatments?

Who has the moral authority to select which patients deserve medical care over the other? Are the lives of the elderly any less important than the young as suggested by some of Obama’s radical healthcare planners?

How can the public trust Capitol Hill’s health experts when they demonstrate partisanship, show sharp adherence to their brand of morality and social agenda? Why is accountability in their decisions lacking?

Sen. Nancy Pelosi (California-Democrat) in criticizing those who oppose the healthcare plan immediately labeled them as “nazis” and "unAmerican." In her maturity, why can’t she engage in a rational, free and honest debate on the issues that will affect the people for generations?

Why do some administration officials like Obama and Pelosi rush the public to decide on the proposal just like the wishy-washy approval of the $787 financial bailouts of banks, housing and auto industries without the public’s understanding? These are some questions that aren’t satisfactorily answered by the administration who promised wild things during the past election.

As a result, in August 11, 2009, the Rasmussen poll has showed a precipitous drop in Obama’s approval---51 disapproved (with 37% strongly against) and 49 (with 30% strongly against) approved. This is expected to worsen as the real intent of his healthcare revamp is fully revealed to the public. In the meantime, the gnashing of the teeth is getting louder in limbo. (Photo Credits: Ben Heine; flikr Nurse; barack obama) =0=

==============================================================

Labels: Barack Obama, controversy, disabled, elderly, handicap, Health, medical insurance, Medicare, poll, universal healthcare

Legislation stalled: Americans question Obama's healthcare overhaul plan

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

The attempt of Pres. Barack Obama to hasten the approval of his universal health care plan met significant opposition when Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced the floor will take up the contentious matter after the August recess. At the earliest, the legislation will be voted, in September 2009 to allow time for legislators and citizens to think.

“Obama envisions legislation that would, for the first time, require all Americans to be insured. A new government insurance program would compete with private insurers, and insurance companies would be barred from excluding people with pre-existing conditions. The goals are to hold down costs and extend coverage to most of the 50 million uninsured. The price tag: $1 trillion-plus over a decade.”----AP (07/24/09, Werner, E.)

But a growing number of citizens and leaders from both sides of the political aisle are questioning the huge price tag of healthcare overhaul plan----exactly the reason why USA is pushing for a change. Many are resentful, appalled and worried that the reform will lead to rationing of medical services as 47 uninsured will be included. The danger of overtaxing the system is there---leaving doctors, nurses and caregivers overworked, underpaid, and unable to deliver the quality of care America expects.

Taxes which Obama promised to keep low, are likely to rise astronomically to subsidize at least 10 million illegal aliens who will crowd the system. The elderly and disabled may suffer denial or delays of service as the government wants to give the young and socially productive the priority in health services.

Through government machinations planned by a few supposed medical experts, many tests, procedures and treatments are in danger of being denied from the seriously sick, chronically ill, and those who suffer from rare diseases. This practice has begun even in the current system and is expected to be greater when the Obama plan takes effect.

Doctors often complain of being slowed by insurance disapprovals and delays to the detriment of their patients' health. Reimbursements of claim from medical services have been cut or denied on top of over-regulation. People have suddenly realize the creeping interference of government in their lives.

So therefore, it is easy to understand why enough time must be given for study and deliberation before a decision is made. There are reasons to doubt Obama and his contentious plan. As it is, his proposal for reform doesn't fly with the people he wants to serve (53% disapproved vs. 46 approved as one recent poll shows.)(Photo Credit: Reuters/ US Health Politics/ Reed, J; AP/ Burke, LV) =0=

==============================================================

Labels: Barack Obama, budget, controversy, Health, Legislation, medical insurance, rationing, Sen. Harry Reid, universal healthcare

Prejean drops her Miss California Crown

6/14/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

The 22 year-old Miss California who is battered and reviled because her opinion doesn’t jibe with that of some contest officials doesn’t really feel so bad being stripped of a crown. Ms. Carrie Prejean is probably more beautiful than the California beauty title. The fiesty lady, ever more popular, gracefully faced the media to explain why she lost her title---more as an offshoot of standing up for what she believes in.

A victim of a political firestorm that is not of her own making, Prejean lost in the Miss USA 2009 contest for asserting that marriage is between and a man and a woman. This angered gays and lesbians who campaign to legalize same-sex union in California.

Fortunately for the young beauty queen, most citizens of her state support her views and even the Pres. Barack Obama agrees. The pretty lady, a supporter of Proposition 8 which bans gay marriage, bravely advices women to stand against harassment. She said they must not be intimidated to stand up for truth and what they believe in.

Defending the side of Prejean, the California State Supreme Court recently ruled against the legalization of same sex unions in the Golden State. (Photo Credit: NewsYahoo.com; maCalifornia) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Miss California retains her crown as she affirms her belief that marriage is between a man and a woman" Posted by mesiamd at 5/13/2009; "Miss USA finalist graciously defends her anti-gay marriage position" Posted by mesiamd at 4/22/2009

===========================================================

Labels: beauty, beauty contest, beauty queen, California, Carrie Prejean, controversy, gay marriage, Miss California, Proposition 8, same-sex marriage, Totie Mesia

Doctor slay sparks new debate on abortion

6/02/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

If you support late term abortion----termination of pregnancy beyond the time of fetal viability, you’ll probably hail Dr. George Tiller of Wichita, Kansas as a hero. A reproductive health provider, he helped desperate women get abortions at a time when few doctors would agree of the terminations.

The controversial doctor who reportedly aborted as many as 60,000 fetuses under strict medical guideline during his career was gunned down while attending the Sunday morning church services in Wichita Reformation Lutheran Church on May 31, 2009.

The suspected killer in custody is Scott P. Roeder, a 51 year-old native of Merriam Kansas, an ardent opponent of abortion. It is unclear if the alleged gunman acted alone or in cahoots with an anti-abortion group.

“Tiller was a rallying symbol for both sides. The 67-year-old physician's clinic was bombed in 1985, and he was shot in both arms in 1993. He was acquitted of criminal charges in March related to performing late-term abortions. Abortion rights supporters praised his work."---McClatchy Newspapers (06/01/09, Goldstein, D.)

If you are against abortion, the slaying of Dr. Tiller marks the end of a baby killer who profited huge sums of money for performing termination of unwanted pregnancies. Millions of innocent fetuses are killed in utero for varying justifications in USA and the death of the physician may be looked upon by anti-abortion proponents as a “murder of a murderer.”

Yet, for most of us, Dr. Tiller and his killer’s fate must not end senselessly as this. The gruesome killing shows an apparent rush to get justice at the expense of the law. Such an unfortunate incident is likely to be exploited by groups to advance their views in such a contentious subject.

While a fraction of Americans believe that the doctor has provided needed medical services and helped women under difficult circumstances by performing abortion, as many as more than 2/3 (72%) of US citizens are against the termination of babies during the last phase of pregnancy.

In the backdrop of citizens asserting their pro-choice stance in support of abortion, the arguments against the killing of the unborn don’t only transcend cultural tradition, but contradicts religious beliefs as well. Since the news of Dr. Tiller's death, criticisms and threats of backlash are hurled in all sides of the issue which make us ask again:

"Can't we get along?" "Will we not respect the life of the defenseless babies because we are stronger than them?" "If we are the fetuses to be aborted, will we allow the procedure of babaric baby death?" (Photo Credit: AP/ Charles Riedel) =0=

==========================================================

Labels: abortion, controversy, Dr. George Tiller, fetus, Health, killings, moral values, morality, pregnancy, Pro-choice, Prolife, termination of pregnancy, Totie Mesia

Obama addresses Notre Dame University amid protests

5/18/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

Pres. Barack Obama finally was able to attend the commencement exercises of Notre Dame University on March 17, 2009 amid protests for his stance against abortion. In what many Catholic bishops consider as a scandal, the school went on to give the president an honorary degree which offended many.

There were at least 27 protesters arrested during the graduation rites who believe that terminating the life of the unborn is intrinsically wrong. They believe having Obama in the Catholic university receiving an honorary degree damages the moral teaching of the Church.

“Obama entered the arena to thunderous applause and a standing ovation from many in the crowd of 12,000. But as the president began his commencement address, at least three protesters interrupted it. One yelled, 'Stop killing our children'"--YahooNews.com/ AP (05/17/09, Pace, J)

To assuage his audience, Obama, a staunch abortion advocate called for understanding saying that willful termination of pregnancy should be rare. But many of his opponents who know how the president had used words to his advantage doubt if this will be true. (Photo Credit: Supernova)=0=

============================================================

Labels: abortion, Barack Obama, Catholic, controversy, graduation, moral values, morality, Notre Dame University, protest, Roman Catholic Church, Totie Mesia

Miss California retains her crown as she affirms her belief that marriage is between a man and a woman

5/13/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

It was disappointing for the people who want to demolish her. Carrie Prejean, current Miss California stirred a fire storm when she expressed her deeply held belief that marriage is between a Mary and John, not between Pierre and Peter or Laura and Lally.

Exercising her opinion at 2009 Miss USA pageant three weeks ago, Prejean angered a contest judge who didn't agree---preventing her from winning the beauty title. Her critics, mostly rabid supporters of same-sex marriage agenda want to punish her further by working to strip her of the Miss California title. But most of America believes she didn't do anything wrong in expressing herself. An overwhelming majority who supports her recalled she didn't mean to hurt anyone when she answered from her heart.

Today, Donald Trump, owner of the franchise of the beauty pageants and playing the referee ruled that Carrie must be allowed to be Miss California. In a reaction speech the fiesty beauty queen repeated her commitment to say what she believes in---that marriage is between consenting couples of the opposite sex. Raising her Christian faith, the stunning lady reminded the public even liberal and secular democrats like Pres. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton share the same conservative view.(Photo Credit: Eric Jamison/ AP) =0=

=============================================================

Labels: beauty contest, beauty queen, Carrie Prejean, Christians, controversy, Donald Trump, faith, Miss California, Miss USA, political correctness, politics, religion, same-sex marriage, Totie Mesia

Miss California’s advocacy against gay marriage takes an ugly turn with the release of “revealing” photos

5/06/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

“We live in a great country; a nation that was built on freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Yet my comments defending traditional marriage have led to intimidation tactics that seek to undermine my reputation and somehow silence me and my beliefs, as if opinion is only a one-way street.”----Carrie Prejean, Miss California, 2009

Well said Miss California!

Twenty one year old Carrie Prejean who emerged as the first runner up in the 2009 Miss USA pageant angered homosexuals for opining that marriage must be between a man and woman during the finals of the beauty competition. It was an opinion that comes from her as a Christian. But she couldn’t be forgiven by her detractors who attack her by releasing a partially nude picture she had as a model when she was in her teens.

“I am a Christian, and I am a model,” Prejean said in a statement released overnight to the media. “Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos. Recently, photos taken of me as a teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith. I am not perfect, and I will never claim to be.”----MSNBC.com/ Todayshow.com (05/05/09, Celizic, M)

It’s sad to see this controversy morph into a demolition job against Miss California who obviously is entitled to her belief and conviction. This seems familiar when one recalls the experience of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin who was unfairly put under the microscope and vilified for having the “audacity” to run for vice-president. The biased media dug in for every dirt that could be revealed against the woman and her family. The rest of the story is history.

The intolerance and hate by people in the progressive liberal left against these two ladies are assaults against conservatism and traditional moral values in America----a place whose people like to think of themselves as beacons of freedom and tolerance, yet are bigoted against those who don’t agree with them. (Photo Credit: AP/ Eric Jamison) =0=

For expressing her views against same-sex marriage, pageant officials in her home state are trying to boot out Miss California of her title (which is really not nothing compared to the attention she is getting for expressing her views.) It's outrageous see a woman (who at the onset said she doesn't mean to offend anyone) being singled out because of her traditional Christian point view. Obviously, there are irrational people who want to ram their agenda to people's throats.

RELATED BLOGS: "Miss USA finalist graciously defends her anti-gay marriage position" Posted by mesiamd at 4/22/2009; "Miss California lost because of a politically (in)correct answer in the Miss USA 2009 Pageant?" Posted by mesiamd at 4/21/2009

========================================================

Labels: anti-Catholic, Carrie Prejean, Christians, controversy, Freedom, gay marriage, liberal left, Miss California, same-sex marriage

Miss California lost because of a politically (in)correct answer in the Miss USA 2009 Pageant?

4/21/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

When Miss California Carrie Prejean was asked about her thoughts on same-sex marriage, she quickly shared her opinion which many believed was excellent--- an answer that came direct from her heart and mind.

“We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."

But according to reports, her answer to the question and answer portion of the contest angered an openly gay pageant judge because it wasn’t politically correct---it didn’t conform to the progressive liberal political agenda that he wants others to espouse. Her conservative innocuous comment against same-sex unions probably caused Ms. Prejean to lose the Miss USA title to another gorgeous lady, Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton.

Many questioned why the politically charged question was ever asked at all. Or why it should matter when in America, everyone is entitled to each one’s opinion. Others believe that if a person goes for traditional marriage---that which is contracted between a man and woman--- one is a bigot, a racist, and homophobe. Gay marital unions entail a redefinition of marriage and run contradictory to religious beliefs.

Miss California got praise and respect for her honest answer. Some snide remarks against the first runner-up are mostly undeserved. The controversial question intended to advance political agenda must have no place in a beauty pageant. The assault on traditional values which serve as the foundation of families and strength of society make people wonder where the American culture is heading. (Photo Credit: AP/ Eric Jamison x 2) =0=

==========================================================

Labels: beauty contest, beauty queen, Carrie Prejean, controversy, gay marriage, Miss California, moral values, pageant, political correctness, Totie Mesia

Abortion issue in Obama’s administration, the pro-life vs. pro-choice controversy, & the 50 million unborn babies killed

1/23/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

January 22, 2009 is the 36th anniversary of the controversial Roe vs. Wade when the Supreme Court ruled against all state and federal abortion laws, making termination of pregnancy legal and leading to the indiscriminate killing of about 50 million unborn babies. Since 1973, pro-life groups have relentlessly campaigned in defense of the unborn with some success:

“Laws have been passed in 46 states that protect the right of conscience for individual health care providers. Laws in 27 states protect the right of conscience for institutions such as Catholic hospitals. The Hyde Amendment restricts federal funding of abortion. The partial birth abortion ban was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2007. “Mexico City Policy” has barred the use of federal tax money to pay for abortions in other countries.” ---St. Gianna Respect for Life Committee, Immaculate Conception Church, Astoria, NY (01/09 Tabone, P)

Yet, with the Obama administration, the fight between pro-lifer and pro-choice may change in favor of abortion supporters. Obama expresses his approval for the pro-choice advocates saying that government need not intrude on private family matters.

“In consultation with a coalition of pro-abortion groups, which submitted a 55-page outline of pro-abortion policies to the Obama transition team, the Obama Administration has an agenda designed to repeal many, if not all, of the pro-life policies in place at the state and federal level.

Through their extreme agenda, the Administration wants to fund organizations that perform and promote abortion; force employer health insurance plans to cover abortion; force hospitals and health care professionals to provide abortions; and enact the so-called "Freedom of Choice Act" – a bill that would invalidate virtually all state and federal laws restricting abortion, including parental notification laws, and which would make partial-birth abortion legal again.” ---www.nrlc.org

With few media outfit willing to cover, a huge crowd of anti-abortion advocates, numbering about 250,000 trooped to Washington DC two days after Obama’s inauguration to oppose the proposed Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) in congress. Obama is a supporter of abortion rights pushed by many liberals in the media and the Democratic party. Pro-lifers have mobilized themselves to fight the new administration's abortion plan which when implemented is expected to increase terminations of unwanted pregnancy and the killing of more innocent unborn babies.

With the loss of 50 million babies since the "Roes" decided they could ignore moral considerations and rule on abortion, society must ponder on how many Albert Einsteins had been expended in clinics around the country. The sheer number had made people thinking what might have been God's plan for America's hapless victims of abortion. =0=

============================================================

Labels: abortion, controversy, FOCA, Freedom of Choice Act, laws, moral values, pregnancy, Roe vs. Wade, Totie Mesia, USA

UP Ibalon Bicol

Supreme Court steps in the National Artist controversy

Healthcare reform loses support from the elderly, chronically ill, and the disabled

Legislation stalled: Americans question Obama's healthcare overhaul plan

Prejean drops her Miss California Crown

Doctor slay sparks new debate on abortion

Obama addresses Notre Dame University amid protests

Miss California retains her crown as she affirms her belief that marriage is between a man and a woman

Miss California’s advocacy against gay marriage takes an ugly turn with the release of “revealing” photos

Miss California lost because of a politically (in)correct answer in the Miss USA 2009 Pageant?

Abortion issue in Obama’s administration, the pro-life vs. pro-choice controversy, & the 50 million unborn babies killed

Blog Archive

About Me

UP Ibalon Newsmakers

Topics/Categories

Feedjit Live Blog Stats

Topics/Categories

Featured

Ateneo de Naga HS Batch 74

ABS-CBN News

Recent Posts

GMA News.tv

Philippine Commentary

Inquirer Breaking News