Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Lack of forensic science logistics in the Maguindanao massacre probe
It is like what happened to the sinking of the passenger ship Princess of the Sea at the height of a typhoon which drowned 800 or more people on June 22, 2008. The Maguindanao political massacre is posing the same problem for the investigators. The basic lack of facilities to store 57 dead bodies has hampered the probe.
The government has not done anything new to prepare for instances of mass deaths. With the global outrage over the barbaric bloodbath, the Philippines is under pressure by the human rights groups and the United Nations (UN) to come out with a clean and fair pursuit of justice.
Dr. Ben Molino who works in the group CenterLaw Philippines said he feels sad for government doctors who have to face the lack of logistics to deal with the investigation of a massacre with so many fatalities. The working conditions of the probers are bad, endangeriing and probably compromising the integrity of the investigation results. Such helplessness and embarassment have obviously been ignored by the Philippine authorities.
The investigators quickly dug the bodies by a land-fill excavator and by hands without employing caution to preserve as much evidence. Gloves were hard to find. They employ the crude lime to retard the decomposition of the bodies, many wrapped in banana leaves in the absence of freezers.
“Dr. Molino lamented that there were no refrigerators to store the bodies, nor even just air-conditioning. In a CenterLaw Philippines report, he said: “They could have at least used lime to slow down the process of composition but I did not see any indication that they did that."”—GMAnews.Tv (November 21,/2009)
Obviously, the morale of the medico-legal investigators is low. It is reported that their autopsies have been “completed,” but the doctors refuse to be interviewed. Their initial findings point to gunshot wounds as the cause of the victim's death. But it is unsure whether they have identified the brutalized bodies for proper disposition.
I have occasions of working with Dr. Ben Molino in the 1980's in similar difficult probe situations. I feel there is nothing much which changed to improve the state of forensic science in the Philippines. It is an area that the government must urgently look into to bring justice and avoid embarrassing the country in the world.(Photo Credits: Erik de Castro/ Reuters x 2) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "The Ferry Tragedy: Lack Of Body Bags And The Dearth Of Forensic Expertise" Posted by mesiamd at 6/27/2008; Maguindanao Massacre: death toll climbs with 22 mediamen dead Posted by mesiamd at 11/25/2009; Maguindanao bloodbath blamed on Ampatuans Posted by mesiamd at 11/24/2009
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Maguindanao Massacre: death toll climbs with 22 mediamen dead
Officials said 57 dead bodies were recovered in the site of massacre which occurred in Maguindanao, Philippines. The senseless political killings were reportedly carried out by the influential Ampatuan clan against political rival family--- the Mangudadatus. Wrapped in banana leaves, many of the bodies were not yet identified, but among the fatalities were 22 media men. Update of casualties was placed at 57 dead as of November 25, 2009.
“The journalists were accompanying several women of the powerful Mangudadatu clan to file the candidacy of one of the family for the provincial governor's post in elections next year.
No men from the family were present, since they believed that women would not be attacked by rivals.
Their convoy was stopped by about 100 armed men, who herded them to a remote hillside and attacked them with M-16 rifles and machetes. Two of their vehicles and many bodies were thrown into a freshly-dug pit and covered with earth by an excavator.”---Reuters (11/25/09, Castro, E.)
Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao Province to help investigate and apprehend the gunmen and the brains of the heinous killings. Hundreds of military troops were deployed in the area to lessen the tension and prevent more violence to erupt.
The aggrieved Buluan vice-mayor Ismael Mangudadatu who lost his wife and other family members have pointed to the supporters of Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr. and his son Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan, Jr as those behind the despicable murders, but government authorities have yet to arrest the suspects.
Joining the entire world in condemning the brutal crime, the United Nations secretary general Ban Ki- Moon expressed dismay and shock among groups like the European Union, and various diplomatic missions.
Although Pres. Arroyo, a known political ally of the Ampatuans vowed that justice will be served to avenge the dead, many are skeptical. Unsolved political killings especially in Muslim South are usually unsolved and unpunished in the Philippines. (Photo Credits: Reuters/ de Castro, E.; AP/ Marquez, B.; AP/ Favila, A.) =0=
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Healthcare bill hurdles the senate
The democrat-dominated US senate has voted (60-39) to continue the healthcare bill debate towards making into a law on Satruday, November 11, 2009. There were 58 democrats and 2 independents who voted to clear the 2,074-page bill for the next stage of deliberations slated after the Thanksgiving holiday. All 39 Republicans rejected the bill.
Hailed by Pres. Barack Obama, the healthcare revamp which promises medical insurance coverage for 94% of the population needs about 1 trillion to finance is deemed too expensive. Those who oppose the bill worry more government control--- lesser Medicare services such as more taxes in insurances and payroll incomes, elective operations (cosmetic surgery,) and drug manufacture (i.e. H1N1 vaccine productin.) (Photo Credit: Hoffman, Brendan/ AFP/ Getty images) =0=
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Gov. Sarah Palin: more of fans’ admiration & detractors’ condescension
A year after Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s devastating defeat in the vice-presidential race, the beauteous Republican conservative who stands against abortion and “death panels” in healthcare commands stronger attention these days. She is a visible advocate for the disabled and a supporter of drilling fuel in the US territory to be energy sufficient.
But the condescension of her political enemies who make fun of the former beauty queen-governor as a dumb incoherent public figure, is ever strong. They continue to punch on her tearing the benign soul of those who watch her derided in public.
Perhaps part envy and part dread for the political impact of the views she espouses, Palin has been a continuing magnet of fascination and vilification. Even her daughters (as in case of TV host David Letterman making fun of them in a late night comedy show) aren't spared. For being openly religiously conservative, liberal feminists do not appreciate her.
Her popular book “Going Rogue: An American Life,” a instant current best seller has the Associated Press (AP) scrambling to seek for errors assigned 11 of its staff. Their review concluded the autobiography of the self-confessed hockeymom showed indications of a campaign manifesto. The news media is strict on Palin's written work. But they were not strict enough to check the accuracy of the recent books by Pres. Barack Obama, Sen. Ted Kennedy, vice-president Joe Biden, and autobiographies by Bill or Hillary Clinton.
Gov. Palin reacted to the media saying:
"Imagine that," the post read. "11 AP reporters dedicating time and resources to tearing up the book, instead of using the time and resources to 'fact check' what's going on with Sheik Mohammed's trial, Pelosi's health care takeover costs, Hasan's associations, etc. Amazing…."
They're obsessed with trying to discredit her," said Adrienne Ross, New York state organizer for the 2012 Draft Sarah Committee. "Because she's a conservative woman, they make fun of her accent, comment about her looks. She doesn't come in the package they want her to come in."---ForxNews.com (11/17/0, Shaffer, R.)
Yes, there are more important issues roiling the country than Sarah. Political observers see how the journalists and celebrities have treated her with unusual unfairness. In a Newsweek cover this week, she is shown in a “sexist” pose smiling in red tops, shorts, and sneakers which the magazine defended as the “most interesting” picture there is for a Palin cover.
The unfazed Alaskan ex-governor seems to ride the tide well--- bringing along attention for her populist wit, her ideas, and gaining more critics and fans on the side. Without much of political campaign she is accused of, Palin is now dubbed as a "minor Evita," in reference to the commandingly (in)famous Evita Peron of Argentina who in her time blazed through politics "beyond expectation." (Photo Credit: Newsweek) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Genealogists trace Gov. Sarah Palin's family tree & Brigitte Bardot whips her" Posted by mesiamd at 10/09/2008
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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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Manny Pacquaio: admiration & wild political suggestion
There is not doubt Manny Pacquiao, Filipino sports hero and Asia's phenomenal boxing icon is great. His unsurppassed winnings in the ring don't only bring fame and fortune, they inspire admiration beyond measure especially among Filipinos. Carried too far, there are those who think the spectacular boxer is capable of all-around extra-ordinary feats---like being the next president of the Philippines. (Photo Credit: Inquirer)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: "Bravo Manny Pacquiao!" Posted by mesiamd at 11/15/2009; Pacquiao faces Cotto in MGM Grand Las Vegas match" Posted by mesiamd at 11/14/2009; "Philippine Congress attendance drops to 100 out of 263 as Pacquiao-Hatton match draws near" Posted by mesiamd at 5/01/2009
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Hillary Clinton vows support to RP’s fight versus terrorism
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton assured Philippine authorities of American commitment to help the country in its fight against terrorist groups. She also offered help to rehabilitate those affected by the devastating typhoons that hit the country.
In Marikina, one of those locales badly hit by the destructive storms, some 2,000 school children gave Hillary a rousing welcome. She arrived in the Philippine (a long-time ally of America) from a ministerial meeting in Singapore with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). After her visit, she will return to Singapore to be with Pres. Barack Obama in the APEC summit next week.
Clinton announced a $5 million worth of relief assistance in addition to the $14 million US aid for the victims of the typhoons. Much of the aid had been delivered by U.S. military servicemen stationed in the Philippines--- among them US troops of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA,) which help the Philippine military in its fight against insurgents.
The former US first lady was met by Philippine Foreign Affairs secretary Alberto Romulo, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and other government officials. Hundreds of angry anti-US demonstrators tried to intercept the Clinton, but they were prevented by police officers to reach the airport. (Photo Credit: GamberoDem) =0=
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Republicans cheer gains in two state elections
Just about a year when the Democrats and Pres. Barack Obama gained majority in the governance of America, two elections held yesterday proved that the winds of politics had change course again. In Virginia, Republican Robert McDonnell commandingly defeated Democratic senator Creigh Deeds with 59% and 41% votes respectively.
In New Jersey, Democratic governor Jon Corzine who was seeking a second term, bowed down to his rival Republican Christopher Christie by a 5% margin. New Jersey’s newly elected governor rode on issues of poor economy, joblessness, corruption, and high taxes.
Backed by the charismatic president Barack Obama who is popular in Virginia and New Jersey, the recent electoral defeats are signs of changing political tide. With growing dissatisfaction over promises versus delivery in the Obama administration, voters who supported the democrats have a change of heart.
Although majority of the voters think that Pres. Obama was not a factor in their election decision, the win of these two Republicans could be interpreted as a defeat of the White House which campaigned for the losing candidates. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Obama did not watch the electoral returns.
The poor economy, joblessness, overspending, questionable healthcare reform, and increasing government encroachment in people’s lives are main reasons why the Republicans won. It is a signal to the Obama administration that Democrats have to listen to the voice of the people rather than insulate themselves to adopt a socio-political agenda on their own. Washington has been accused of being deaf to the cares of the public that is suffering from the effects of recession and poor economy. (Photo Credit: www.lib.msu.edu) =0=
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NYC elects Michael Bloomberg mayor for the third time
When I cast my vote in the 17th precinct near Ditmars Astoria on November 3, 2009, I thought incumbent Mayor Michael (Mike) Bloomberg would win again----his third time after the term limit was lifted to allow him to run again. I was right/
Bloomberg’s campaign fund was an overkill compared to that of comptroller Bill Thompson, his rival in the mayoralty race. His self-funded campaign under Republican/Independent banner is the most expensive. The 108th NYC mayor since 2002 reportedly spent more than $100 million of his own money this time compared to $85 million he spent to defeat his opponent in 2005.
I believe the 67 billionaire who succeeded Rudy Guiliani need not spend his extra millions. His record of remarkable low NY crime and high test scores among students are reasons for his easy win.
For winning the third term with a small margin, he equaled ex-mayor Ed Koch who also served the Big Apple three times in the ‘80s. In the years that Bloomberg has served as mayor, New Yorkers seem satisfied. The mayor of Jewish-American parentage only collects a dollar as token for his job. In spite of his wealth, he uses the public transport---the subway to move around the city. (Photo Credit: mediabistro) =0=
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Credibility: a big factor in economic recovery
When Pres. Barack Obama was elected in November last year, Americans and the entire world were quick to embrace a charismatic man with a promise. Expectation was matched by soaring rhetoric and media support that made the prudent among us watchful.
There were quick infusions of capital to rescue the ailing banks, the collapsed housing market, and bankrupt auto industry---- as if the United States could buy its way out to prosperity. Short-lived jubilation came from cash-strapped Americans who believe that government entitlements would solve their money problems. They banked on Pres. Barack Obama who they thought could bring the Harvard magic and his talents to the realities of their household. At their peril, Americans suddenly learned their expectations couldn't be met as painted before the election.
A chorus of approval to Obama’s “changes” later degenerated into public insecurity. Trillions of dollars had to be paid by taxpayers on recovery plans riddled with questionable provisions. Interest groups, political allies, and large companies were direct beneficiaries while the people waited for some windfall that was hard to come by.
For instance, healthcare budget, comprising 16% of the US economy, had ominously ballooned from below $900 billion dollars to an astronomical $1.2 trillion. Many were not happy because this was not what they expected in the onset. The public saw moves to make Americans accept a plan that is very costly---a debatable proposal with hidden and confusing strings attached.
A year into Obama’s presidency, despite hopeful indications that the economy is recovering, millions of Americans are still jobless, the highest ever in 26 years. Financial experts say the recession is going away, but they are quick to qualify that the the future is uncertain and life ahead will be choppy. It's as if they don't want to be blamed if something far worse happens.
Unemployment rate has climbed to 10%. This breaks the psychological confidence of those who believe in the competence of the administration. The budget deficit has gone to the roof, worrying USA’s domestic and international business-partners. How will America be able to pay those trillions of debts from foreign lenders without mortgaging the people's future?
Despite rosy reports of improvements in US manufacturing, consumer spending has been sluggish. This causes markets to lose confidence. Investors have become panicky as the Christmas season is coming. They know tepid business will only delay the financial rebound everybody is wishing for.
“There seems to be lots of uncertainty in the markets," said Peter Lai, investment manager at DBS Vickers in Hong Kong. "I'm very cautious about the U.S. economic figures. It will be very damaging to sentiment if the U.S. unemployment rate crosses 10 percent."
Hong Kong's Hang Seng led Asia's losses, falling 380.13, or 1.8 percent, to 21,240.06 while South Korea's Kospi was down 0.6 percent at 1,549.92. Japan's market was closed for a holiday.
Elsewhere, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 closed down 0.2 percent and Taiwan's market lost 0.2 percent. China's Shanghai index bucked the trend, gaining 1.2 percent to 3,114.23 with sentiment still boosted by a weekend report manufacturing expanded for an eighth straight month in October.
As trading got under way in Europe, Britain's FTSE 100 was off 1.3 percent, Germany's DAX lost 1.4 percent and France's CAC 40 fell 1.5 percent. Stock futures pointed to losses Tuesday on Wall Street. Dow futures were down 49, or 0.5 percent, at 9,686 and S&P Futures dropped 5.9, or 0.6 percent, to 1,033.20." ----Philstar.com (11/02/09)
Aside from the economic front, there is doubt in how Untied States is dealing with the nuclear issue of North Korea and Iran which use deceitful diplomacy to proliferate weapons of mass destruction. With little options, USA is forced to deal with these rogue nations.
Lately, Obama has accepted the reinstatement of Pres. Hamid Karzai, known to have won in a rigged election which left his chief rival withdrawing in protest. Afghanistan, the center of the 911 disaster, is experiencing a resurgence of Taliban activity. Bomb attacks, killing soldiers and civilians are on the rise.
Pres. Barack Obama is ambivalent on his foreign policy in spite of the tough fight US military men are facing lately. He can only promise more US servicemen for troubled Kabul, but their number will be short of the 40,000 top US commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal is asking for to stablize the militant Islamists' lair.
Like in Afghanistan, the Al Qaeda and Taliban threats in Iraq and Pakistan continue to boil with no certainty of how to solve the terrorism problem which brazenly kills scores of innocent victims. Car bombs and suicide bombers continue to bring death and destruction the civilized world finds hard to comprehend.
If Pres. Obama can’t reverse this credibility problem, it will be hard for him to accomplish his election promises. As the public starts to know his liberal and socially progressive agenda with little laudable result, his approval rating (especially among conservatives) has gone low alienating many of the voters who supported his election early on.
His ardent supporters like US ex-president Jimmy Carter blames Obama's floundering support on race--- an assertion that many don't believe. If it is because the president is black that is a problem, how come so many Americans gave him overwhelming mandate in his election?
Obama's style of governance is creating more political divisions that make a bipartisan cooperative work difficult. Many observe the president has the tendency to blame problems on others without facing them squarely. His assistants in Washington seem out of touch with the people they serve. In the meantime, some say the president has become scrawny and fast losing weight. =0=
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Archbishop Legaspi airs opposition versus 5th district creation in Camarines Sur
Reminding the laity of the maneuvers done by elected officials to push their political agenda, Caceres Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi expressed criticism in his pulpit message on October 25, 2009 in the division of Camarines Sur from 4 to 5 districts.
Made possible by legislation RA 9716, the redistricting of Camarines Sur into 5 districts will make it possible for pro-administration politicians like Dato Arroyo (son of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo) and Rolando Andaya (known supporter of the president) to pursue congressional seats without having to compete with each other as they run for office in the coming 2010 election. --- Vox Bikol (11/01/09)
Sponsored by old time politician Luis Villafuerte, the legislative move is looked upon by Msgr. Legaspi as self-serving and does not benefit the public well. Many citizens expressed similar opposition for the questionable creation of a congressional district which does not satisfy “constitutional requirements.”
In his homily, Legaspi reminds the people to be watchful of clever reelectionist politicians----Have they accomplished something good for the community? Have they used their positions to enrich themselves? Are these politicians greedy, arrogant, and self-serving to the detriment of the people? Did these politicians improve the peace and order of the community or did they make the people less safe? (Photo Credit: www.cbconline.org) =0=
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Final plans of Mar-Korina wedding
The wedding bash with a price tag of three (3) million pesos of Sen. Mar Roxas and TV anchor Korina Sanchez in Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City was scrapped in favor a scaled-down celebration.
Opting for a fewer guests and a simpler and less extravagant celebration, the huge money to be spent for an estimated 10,000 well-wishers was instead set aside to assist the victims of the floods brought by Typhoon Ondoy and Peping. The admirable decision of the couple will surely help numerous Filipinos cope with the aftermath of the storm.
The celebrity nuptial will require Filipino attire for the limited media persons who will be granted access at the Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City where the wedding will be held.
About 2,000 invited people, mostly members of the who’s who of local politics and the glittery segment of society will pack the church grounds during the wedding where the famous Madrigal Singers and the Philippine Harmonic Orchestra will perform. Instead of a lavish feast, only light meal will be served during the reception on the church grounds. (Photo Credit: http://www.stir.ph.com) =0=
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Trapos declare presidential bid for 2010
Barely recovering from the effects of Typhoons Ondoy and Peping, the United Opposition (UNO) team declares its presidential plan for coming presidential election next year. Traditional politicians (trapos) led by ousted and convicted plunderer ex president Joseph Estrada announced his candidacy for president in front of 10,000 excited supporters in Plaza Hernandez in Tondo. He named Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay as his running mate along with 4 of 11 senatorial candidates---among them, the aged Marcos political partner Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, a long-time trapo.
Present in the rally were Estrada’s son Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, lawyer Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III and businessman Jose "Joey" de Venecia III. Expected the UNO party, but were not present were Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Reps. Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr., Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Rodolfo Plaza, and detained Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim. (Source: Malaya (10/22/09, Naval, G.)
Estrada’s candidacy brings recall the terms of the politically-motivated pardon quickly handed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo in October 2007. The controversial pardon which exonerated Estrada of corruption, thievery, and plunder stipulated that he, the movie actor, agreed not to run for public office.
It is expected that Estrada’s candidacy will stir a firestorm on the legality of his presidential ambition. Observers believe Estrada’s political maneuverings shows the persistently low-level state of politics in the country. (Photo Credit: Verongski4a) =0=
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As election nears, Mancao points to Estrada and Lacson in Dacer-Corbito murders
Philippines is again simmering with election fever. Among the contenders to run for president in 2010 is the disgraced ex-president Joseph Estrada. The aging actor-politician from San Juan, who was deposed by citizen's demand and haphazardly pardoned by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo, is bent to come back to power.
Supported by an electorate that appears not to give much premium to competence, integrity, and moral qualifications, Estrada is confident to run for presidency again. Early on, the move to circumvent the laws against his disqualification is on-going. The “rehabilitated” convicted plunderer with meager qualifications, but with strong following is tagged as the mastermind with former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Sen. Panfilo Lacson of the death, 9 years ago, of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.
Former police superintendent Cezar Mancao II, an accused witness, suddenly hugs the headlines again to rub salt on the double murder case which doesn’t get resolved. The players in the killing have muddled up the case. It is not unlikely that Estrada and Lacson are behind the murders, but nothing can be done against them unless they are proven guilty.
“The lawyer of three detained policemen who were also implicated in the crime, said Mancao had testified during the hearing yesterday that the order from Michael Ray Aquino came from Lacson, which in turn, he said came from Malacañang as part of an operation tagged as Oplan Delta. When the prosecution asked Mancao who in Malacañang gave the order, he replied "Estrada." whom he also indentified as "Bigote."---- Daily Tribune (08/27/09)
The renewed interest on Dacer-Corbito may well be connected with the election. This is another chapter in the soap-opera of corrupted politics that the public has been so tired of. On the side, politicians in Manila are busy drawing deals with other politicians in order to win---- rather than think of what they can do to advance the cause of the public good. How then can they focus on solving a sordid murder case?
The aggrieved families of Dacer and Corbito have to wait. With the sluggish court-system, Filipinos get distracted with candidates who have double faces and motives. The voters have been immensely disappointed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo. It’s time they focus on electing someone who is guileless and more competent. Otherwise, the cycle of political corruption will start again. (Photo Credit: Verongski4) =0=
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Election change proposal by Sen. Ted Kennedy smacks with partisan politics?
Hampered by brain cancer, Sen. Edward Kennedy (Massachusetts-D) requested lawmakers in his state to change the law in anticipation of a vacancy that may occur if he dies in office. He wanted to do away with the current law requiring an election to replace the vacancy. Missing Washington due to his incapacity, he thought a delay in selecting his replacement can affect the voting outcome of a democrat-dominated legislature.
Yet back in 2004 when Kennedy’s fellow party-member John Kerry ran for presidency, he spearheaded and successfully junked the law of gubernatorial choice in replacing the vacancy because it was Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican and member of the opposite party who would choose a replacement if Kerry won as president.
So what he asks the Massachusetts lawmakers now is a complete turnabout, calculated to benefit his party. With a dominant Democatric party, Kennedy' proposal will likely be decided on his favor. However, many recall the controversies of selecting a replacement by the governor. The choices for Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in Chicago and New York when they became president and secretary of state respectively were marred by disappointments. Choosing somebody by election (vs. governor's choice) is more anchored on what is best for the people and not for the benefit of the party. (Photo Credit: www.dag.nl) =0=
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Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi sentenced 18 months more
Burmese Nobel Prize awardee Aung San Suu Kyi received a sentence to serve 18 months of house arrest after the military found her “guilty” of violating her house arrest rules. The added punishment came after an American John Yettaw swam to her residence and stayed there for two days. Yettaw was sentenced to 7 years in jail for violation of Myanmar’s (Burma) immigration laws and trespassing into Aung’s home.
"British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he was "saddened and angry" at the verdict and called the sentence "purely political." The European Union, Australia and France have also condemned the sentence." ---Voice of America (08/11/09, Bayron, H.)
Aung San, the 64 year old political detainee who was unjustly incarcerated for 14 years was returned to her home after the new verdict, originally for three years, was commuted by top general, Than Shwe to 18 month amidst domestic and international outcry in support of Aung San’s human rights and freedom.
In 1990, The lady political leader and heroine of democracy won the election under the National League for Democracy, but the abusive Burmese military did not allow her to govern. Aung San's recent sentence was considered a way to stop her from participating in the forthcoming elections. (Photo Credit: Totaloutnow x 2) =0=
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GMA’s NY dinner and the discordant ritzy lifestyle of Filipinos
It was estimated the Philippines spent at least P8 billion in some 71 official travels President Gloria M. Arroyo made since she took office. Sen. Francis Escudero said the president went to trips local and abroad lasting for at least 130 days since 2001. Her meeting with Pres. Barack Obama last week that coincided with the death of ex-president Cory Aquino was her 16th US visit during her term.
Accusations of abuse, spending and extravagance are expected. It’s because the benefit derived from such official foreign travels cannot be accounted for with certainty. The public looks at them with suspicion and derision for they can’t see how these presidential jet-settings, numbering at least 16 in US alone, trickle down to benefit the country.
Filipinos had known how public officials and Malacanang friends scrambled to join GMA’s trips. Undoubtedly many people believed her companions were unneeded, but nonetheless became part of the entourage that combined business and pleasure. Who could forget the 56 congressmen asking to join a US delegation for an official visit but many openly wanted to watch Manny Pacquiao fight in a Las Vegas boxing match? Their shameful unprofessional behavior wasn’t far from what Imelda Marcos did during her time.
That’s why there is controversy about a supposed article regarding the July-August 2009 US visit of Arroyo by New York Post’s Richard Johnson. In the newspaper’s “Eat and Drink” section on August 7, 2009, it was written:
“The economic downturn hasn’t persuaded everyone to pinch pennies. Philippines President Maria Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was at Le Cirque the other night with a large entourage enjoying the good life, even though the former comptroller of her country’s armed services, Carlos Garcia, was found guilty earlier this year of perjury and two of his sons were arrested in the US on bulk cash-smuggling charges. Macapagal-Arroyo ordered several bottles of very expensive wine, pushing the dinner tab up to $20,000.”
So alas! A flag to put our leaders in attention! Even foreign observers are critical of how we spend government money. This doesn’t come as a surprise for they know of our penchant to borrow cash and use them that is incongruent to our means.
It is a simple lesson in arithmetic and corruption. The world sees how some of us live beyond our capacities. Isn’t it that our spending habits aren't compatible with our salaries and the lifestyle we live? Don’t we try to hide it by acting like those with less than a dollar to spend each day? Surely, one can argue, the Philippine president on her offical functions can't be tavelling like a pauper. She must keep the standards of foreign affairs to keep Filipino pride. But how come she goes abroad too often?
Back home however, palatial houses valued in millions are owned by our influential government officials and top military men in plush villages in Manila and the provinces. In their privacies, lavish parties are thrown by the noveau riche Filipinos. They ride in big cars which are difficult to maintain if they only bank on their honest incomes. And many go for vacations to America, Europe and Caribbean tagging along their maids and children for their usual rest and recreation.
So if no single taxpayers’ money is spent in travels of government officials abroad, where do they get their funds? How did they suddenly get so rich? The discordance of lifestyle breeds suspicion---The only way to disprove doubts is to be straightforwardly honest. Why is there only denials from the government and no disclosures of spending?
Even on tight budget, New Yorkers will say (including myself) it’s an expensive place to visit. Eating out in Manhattan with a hungry entourage using our currency back home is truly costly unless we dine at Elvie's Turo-Turo in Eastside somewhere in 12th Street and First Avenue. Without public accounting, many of us are convinced somebody sheds blood money to keep the jet-setting Joneses splurging in Waldorf Astoria or Times Square. (Photo Credit: Yummyinthetummyblog) =0=
RELATED BLOGS: Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s foreign travels questioned Posted by mesiamd at 6/28/2009; Another US trip for Pres. Gloria Arroyo Posted by mesiamd at 7/29/2009; Arroyo-Obama meeting: beholding the face of "god" & the desire to have a photo-op Posted by mesiamd at 8/01/2009
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Bill Clinton’s success in securing the release of two US journalists
In a happy note, former president Bill Clinton was able to negotiate the release of two US journalists who had been held prisoners in North Korea for 4 months on charges of “hostile acts” against the reclusive communist nation.
The two women of Asian descent Laura Ling and Euna Lee served as reporters for former Vice President Al Gore's California-based Current TV media venture. They were sentenced to 12 years of hard labor after they were picked up by North Korean soldiers near the China border.
Upon their return to the United States, the former detainees had an emotional reunion with their families. Appearing in a tearful news conference in Burbank, California on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, Ling and Lee thanked Bill Clinton and the entire American nation for the effort which gained their freedom.
“The trip and its diplomatic theatrics represent a sudden moment of goodwill and compromise between two countries with nearly 60 years of fractious relations that grew even more antagonistic over the past year.”---Fox News/ AP (08.05/09)
The negotiations to secure freedom for the American journalists had been going on for months. Controversy surrounded the deal with Kim Jong Il who snatched undetermined number and put them in prison. Bill Clinton came to meet with the dictator at a time when tensions between North Korea and the West over the former’s nuclear arms. Attempts to bring back the repressive communist regime to the 5-country disarmament negotiation table had so far been unsuccessful.
It appears the 67 year-old Kim Jong Il wanted to improve relations with the United States as he prepared his son as a successor-dictator after he suffered a stroke last year. The journalists’ walk away to freedom was a chance to project a “kinder” image of the imporverished government which had been encountering resistance within and outside the country. It would also help set a platform for renewed talks to deter nuclear arms proliferation by the North Koreans. =0=(Photo Credit: Reuters; AFP/ KCNA via KNS) =0=
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Race-relation in the White House: mending the “stupid” comment of Pres. Barack Obama
As a photo-op to mend the racial controversy sparked by Barack Obama’s siding with his friend, the black Harvard professor Henry Lewis Gates, Jr, the White House welcomed the two warring personalities----Cambridge police officer Sgt. James Crowley who was accused by Obama to have acted “stupidly” in arresting Professor Gates. The teacher was rowdy, belligerent and angry after being asked to produce an ID, prompting Crowley to arrest him..
Sgt. Crowley went to Gates’ house in response to an alleged break-in the latter’s residence. He found the black teacher suspecting the white police officer of “racially profiling” him. In truth, Crowley was just there to help.
The supposedly educated black Harvard mentor escalated the simple situation by raising a race issue----something he professed to be an “expert” of. Many viewed this case as a “Do you know who I am?” kind of thing by a teacher known to Obama which brought the incident to national attention.
In the White House on Thursday, July 30, 2009 Crowley and Gates got time with Obama. They talked and tried to mend fences over a drink of beer.
What resulted was an embarrassment for Obama who joined the controversy by siding with Gates without first knowing the facts. So they had to meet in the South Lawn of the presidential house, most likely to minimize the negative backlash. There were criticisms against the president from the police force nationwide for his “uncalibrated” comment against the police officer.
In simple terms, I believe, Obama didn’t have to meet the two in the White House. He has more important national issues to tackle. Instead of trying to deflect the real issue from himself and his black friend, he could just have apologized for a mistake----a racial bias (a Freudian slip of sorts) he expressed against Crowley. The public is smart to understand. (Photo Credit: CBS/ AFP/ Saul Loeb) =0=
RELATED BLOG: Obama backtracks from “stupid” statement against a white Cambridge police officer Posted by mesiamd at 7/27/2009
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GMA lauds her government for “strong” economy in SONA, but critics disagree
In spite of high joblessness that hovers to 27.9% and a hunger index of 23.7 percent of household (2008 SWS Survey,) the rising pressure for Filipinos to seek jobs abroad, and a poor rating in governance, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo (GMA) told her people that the country enjoys a strong economy under her leadership.
The president's State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered last Monday, July 27, 2009 left the public thinking if what they heard was what they had been living. There had surely been gains in her leadership, but the stark economic hardship of Filipinos remained. GMA blamed her critics for the lack of appreciation to her accomplishments.
Praising the president in her last SONA was Speaker Prospero Nograles who according to the Daily Tribune, said, “The President’s Sona is tough in refuting her critics but it is also solidly based on real and factual achievements. Her Sona is undeniable proof that of all the Presidents that have come and gone, her administration is probably the most accomplished in the actual delivery of all her commitments in each of her Sona in the past nine years."
Nograles’ opinion was quickly junked by former Pres. Joseph Estrada saying, "Are we better off today than in 2001? In terms of moral recovery, we are now number 1 most corrupt in the world. In terms of economics, our foreign debt stands at P4 trillion, our farm output is half of what it was in 2000. We are now the biggest importer instead of exporter of rice" and "in terms of peace and order, there has been zero progress under Arroyo," he said, stressing that her achievements are in making the Philippines the most corrupt country; the second most dangerous country for journalists; a shabu exporter and the top importer of rice.---Source: Daily Tribune, (07/28,2009, Baldo, G.; Manalo, C.)
Theere is a widely disparate assessment by Arroyo and those who don't agree with her. It appears someone is lying again when a rosy picture of the country is put forth, while at the same time, others experience the opposite in their life. What is certain is the public can’t escape truth. Improvement of economic life, advancement, and prosperity remain unreachable to many Filipinos.
Manila Archibishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales warned the president to tell the truth. If only the “good news” GMA brought to the people was as truthful as the pompous dress she wore---like those of the lady senators' attires, perhaps, many would believe what they heard in the SONA was credible. (Photo Credit: Sunnexfor2; TCO3) =0=
RELATED BLOG: GMA told to tell the truth in SONA Posted by mesiamd at 7/27/2009
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