Sorry, john, I don’t own a computer (not even a cell or land line). I use my daughter’s computer after she’s finished with downloading every sound available in the internet. So, sometimes, it takes time for me to respond.

Arroyo was the INCUMBENT in the May 2004 elections, john.

A vote cast for any one of the 6 (or 5?) other presidential candidates is a vote to “change” the INCUMBENT and “replace” her with the choice of the voter.

Well, perhaps, the verb “to change” or “to replace” is not synonymous anymore with “to resign” or “to be ousted.”

Also, I’m sorry if I violated any rule (is there?) regarding “double posting” (“double billing”?) and I would like to thank you for reminding me, otherwise I might be asked by the administrator to resign or be ousted from this blog.

In any case, allow me to digress (if this has not been double-posted yet), the re-election of the incumbent, or the immediate relatives (dynasty) of the incumbent, is one of the defects in the current system, a defect we are all aware of but do not seriously complain about or offer solutions to minimize it.

The terms to “oust,” “replace,” or “change” (even, perhaps, “surveys”) would be meaningless, irrelevant to a system where there is policy of ONLY one-term, no re-election, no dynasty or ineligibility of incumbents and relatives.

For it will not be the voters anymore, john, (voters who we are told can be easily exploited and bought by TRAPOS during every election); rather, it will now be the constitutional policy in place that will “oust,” “replace,” or “change” ALL the incumbent TRAPOS (and prohibit their relatives from running) at the END OF EVERY TERM–or good riddance to …

To me, john, any system–parliamentary, presidential, unitary, bicameral, whatever–would still fail if the Constitution does not demand that incumbents (and their relatives) STEP OUTSIDE AND STAY OUTSIDE FOREVER rather than asking (or forcing) them later (too late) by people power or by force to STEP DOWN, RESIGN or BE OUSTED!

http://philippinecommentary.blogspot.com/2006/03/our-vast-leftist-rightist-coup.html#c114335652879707049

one last thing domingo. it’s okay to not trust surveys. but i don’t think it’s wise to trust COMELEC’s numbers on Arroyo’s “40%” ehem… “victory” either

Arroyo, the incumbent, garnered 40% of the votes cast in May 2004 while the other 60% voted for the 6 other presidential candidates.

By opting to vote for candidates other than the incumbent, the 60% obviously wanted to change the incumbent for another.

That was May 2004.

We’re now, “in the first quarter of 2006.”

SWS now tells us that 48% say that “It is good for the country if PGMA will be removed by means of a People Power.”

Fully 60% already wanted to kick her out in 2004. Now, 2006, 48% want her “removed by means of People Power” (or similarly “kicked out”)

So, there’s that solid 60% in 2004 (with no “undecided” on votes cast) and 48% in 2006.

That’s a spread of 12% (60% minus 48%) in two years.

SWS (and Pulse Asia with an earlier survey of 65% against GMA) should comment on the “significance” of this 12% spread between years 2004 and 2006 (a “Survey Surprise”?)

—–

Dearest Bene,

Gosh, you’re so big now!
At six years old, you’re so bright and handsome.
Just like your Daddy. (Okay, Mommy contributed something, too.)

But you know what son? Mommy and I are afraid for your future.
It’s very possible that when you’re ten or 15 years old, your Philippines will be the poorest country in Asia. I’m so sorry, son. I really am.

Because my generation became selfish and chose to do NOTHING.

Oh sure, every so often, we elect–or oust–a President.
It has become national entertainment–like noontime TV shows.
But nothing new happens.

Son, let me explain how politics work in our country. Two months before elections, the country’s ten richest tycoons already know who’ll most likely win–so they pour billions of pesos into that person’s political machinery. And massive vote buying takes place in the barrios.

And some of the most corrupt congressmen, governors, and mayors also help the next president to win in their territories, so they’ll be “protected” by Malacanang.

Therefore, we’re now seen as the second most corrupt in Asia. Galing, ‘no?

Son, the hope of the Philippines won’t ever be the Philippine Government.

Our only hope for you?
If enough Filipinos will learn to love their country.

We need a new breed of heroes who’ll sacrifice their lives for their country.

These heroes will help the poor get out of poverty–through self-development, micro-entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. These heroes will fight corruption as evil. And these heroes will also include Filipino-migrants in other countries—who decide to return one day–as investors and businessmen, with their dollars and their training.

Yes, son. I want to be a hero for you.
We’ll make this country great again.

Because I love you.

Daddy

—–

(taken from The Boss Fourth Collection, Fill Your Life with Miracles: Discover God in the Ordinary…and Live Extraordinarily! 2005)

Sure has it in for the English and any one else who does not like her ideas.

Why would the American press and CNN all be coming out with the same idea that the France has become ungovernable?

They are not English?

I’m sure except I haven’t met him

But we should sell them the take-out food only if they can use a fishing rod properly to retrieve the food box hanging from a ceiling ventilator.

That will surely help them experience the kind of life many Pinoys are forced to go through today…

And we can sell take-out food to them