Free Burma!
4 October 2007
420 Comments
Read the Inquirer editorial, Battle for Burma, and Alex Magno’s column, Emergency. Asia Sentinel has Horror in Burma, and asks, Where are Burma’s Monks?
The Irrawaddy News Magazine Burma Protests page has continuous updates. So does More on Burma in the Guardian Unlimited.
Yes, free Burma! And in order not to disappoint or discourage would-be supporters or symphatizers of free Burma campaign, somebody should better ask ate Glue to shut up and that she just work silently behind the scenes.
Why we are never s brutal as these people (Burmese, Indonesians) is our choice to be gullible of being hard headed.
BrianB, Filipinos are much averse to bloodshed. hence it took 300 years b4 Filipinos can even contemplate a revolution agst the Spaniards. It took 14 years of Martial Law before Filipinos could even muster the courage to mass on the streets. People Power 1 might’ve been peaceful, but peaceful only bec the men holding guns were unwilling to fire on their own countrymen.
i think that’s the large difference between our soldiers and other countries’ soldiers. foreign soldiers inculcation of the “state” as all, and the only thing that matters, means these soldiers have completed their transformation as mere tools of their state. while our soldiers still retain some sense of individualism not controlled by the state.
a blessing in times of oppressive regimes that may order wholesale slaughter of massed civilians in protest, but a bane for continued stability as coup after coups rock the nation anytime the soldiers get it in their head to be the nation’s “savior.”
I for one, am proud of our military for refusing to fire on our people during the EDSAs, unlike Tiananmen before and Burma today (which is not to say that they’re completely clean).
Free Burma. ??? Charity begins at home.
As I have said, we should constantly watch those who hold the gun. Civilian rule, however corrupt thay maybe, should always be superior to the military.
Charity begins at home. Burma is in peril. But how about us.
Code of Conduct of the Filipino Soldier
1. I am a Filipino Soldier .I will support and
defend the constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.
2. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will fight all forces
that would destroy the freedom of the Filipino People.
3. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will obey the law,
legal orders and decrees of my lawful superiors at all times.
4. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will fight and die in the
true Filipino tradition of valor, honor, duty and loyalty.
To all these I pledge my life, my treasure and my sacred honor.
“BrianB, Filipinos are much averse to bloodshed. hence it took 300 years b4 Filipinos can even contemplate a revolution agst the Spaniards.” DevilsAdvc8
Also, the Spaniards’ effective use of “divide and conquer” and yes religion transformed the savage natives (Lapu-Lapu types) into docile subjects, they also brainwashed the affluent natives to look, act, talk, and even think like spaniards and look down on the lowly indios. With education, the Filipinos became aware, I believe one of the books Andres Bonifacio was able to read was “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Of course, JPR came into the picture plus several equally brave and educated hero types and the rest is history.
“I for one, am proud of our military for refusing to fire on our people during the EDSAs, unlike Tiananmen before and Burma today (which is not to say that they’re completely clean).”
is that the only meausurement. how about propping up a scandalous regime, aside from becoming a tool in some election “fraud.”
Was their refusal to fire on civilians something to be proud of, or were the soldiers playing politics then?
I do not advocate an armed forces killing its own people. My point is their acts in the past two EDSAs should be the gauge, not in its greatness but, but its lack in iron-clad discipline other armies have.
Imagine an army not imposing the will of the state just because there are people on the streets.
By the way, how about duing the siege of Malacanang on May 1, 2001 by Erap loyalists? They shot civilians then. Ah, selective .
Frombelow, they also shot civilians during the Mendiola Massacre so, as i said above, our military is not entirely clean, but they don’t compare with the Chinese PLA in Tiananmen and the Burmese military today. This is why a peaceful change of government was possible during EDSA and EDSA Dos. I give them credit for their clear sense of mission which is to protect the Filipino people.
Just to clarify, i’m not proud of the generals and other officers who prop up this illegitimate regime and engage in extrajudicial killings.
“Was their refusal to fire on civilians something to be proud of, or were the soldiers playing politics then?”
If I remember it right the marines commander at the time was Gen. Artemio Tadiar, he had his orders to shoot from Gen. Ver, but he did not give the order. These were unarmed civilians and clergymen bringing flowers, singing songs of peace and hope – it would be cowardly to shoot then. During Erap’s EDSA, the military was attacked by an uncontrollable mob hurling stones, carrying sticks, maybe even knives – they had to defend themselves. This travesty of EDSA was violent and destructive, it was more of a riot than a people’s organized movement.
In The Quiet Land
(By Daw Aung San Suu Kyi:NOBEL PEACE PRIZE winner;elected president but imprisoned by the military dictatorship)
In the Quiet Land, no one can tell
if there’s someone who’s listening
for secrets they can sell.
The informers are paid in the blood of the land
and no one dares speak what the tyrants won’t stand.
In the quiet land of Burma,
no one laughs and no one thinks out loud.
In the quiet land of Burma,
you can hear it in the silence of the crowd
In the Quiet Land, no one can say
when the soldiers are coming
to carry them away.
The Chinese want a road; the French want the oil;
the Thais take the timber; and SLORC takes the spoils…
In the Quiet Land….
In the Quiet Land, no one can hear
what is silenced by murder
and covered up with fear.
But, despite what is forced, freedom’s a sound
Everybody:
Its starting. It just a matter of increasing cognitive dissonance.
Army major defects from Burma
Oslo (dpa) – While telephone and internet connections with Burma remained difficult Wednesday, a former army major who fled to neighbouring Thailand said he defected since he did not want to shoot at civilians and monks.
Swedish radio news and Oslo daily Aftenposten published the interview with Major Win and his son who arrived in Bangkok Tuesday after five days on the run from Burma.
“If he had refused to obey orders, he would have been killed,” the major’s 17-year-old son said.
Father and son said they hoped to seek asylum in Norway or Sweden.
Win said he had heard rumours of some 200 killed during the protests, but had not witnessed any killings and could not confirm the numbers.
The Oslo-based opposition radio station Democratic Voice of Burma on Tuesday said it had received accounts suggesting some 200 people were killed but underlined that the figures were difficult to check.
Official Burmese tallies suggest some 10 people were killed.
Earlier, the Oslo-based station’s news editor Moe Aye told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa that telephone connections with Burma were difficult.
Some telephone numbers in the former capital Rangoon were out of order while it was not possible to get through to other cities, he said, adding that the internet connection was irregular.
Another development was that the army was trying to force people to give food and money.
“They raid markets for pork and chickens,” he said, adding that shopowners were afraid to open their shops.
Raids included a market in Hlaingthayar on the outskirts of Rangoon.
Everybody:
Its starting. It just a matter of increasing cognitive dissonance.
Army major defects from Burma
Oslo (dpa) – While telephone and internet connections with Burma remained difficult Wednesday, a former army major who fled to neighbouring Thailand said he defected since he did not want to shoot at civilians and monks.
Swedish radio news and Oslo daily Aftenposten published the interview with Major Win and his son who arrived in Bangkok Tuesday after five days on the run from Burma.
“If he had refused to obey orders, he would have been killed,” the major’s 17-year-old son said.
Father and son said they hoped to seek asylum in Norway or Sweden.
Win said he had heard rumours of some 200 killed during the protests, but had not witnessed any killings and could not confirm the numbers.
The Oslo-based opposition radio station Democratic Voice of Burma on Tuesday said it had received accounts suggesting some 200 people were killed but underlined that the figures were difficult to check.
Official Burmese tallies suggest some 10 people were killed.
Earlier, the Oslo-based station’s news editor Moe Aye told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa that telephone connections with Burma were difficult.
Some telephone numbers in the former capital Rangoon were out of order while it was not possible to get through to other cities, he said, adding that the internet connection was irregular.
Another development was that the army was trying to force people to give food and money.
“They raid markets for pork and chickens,” he said, adding that shopowners were afraid to open their shops.
Raids included a market in Hlaingthayar on the outskirts of Rangoon.
Stupefy!
ramrod,
Is the Code of Conduct pledged to in the order of importance?
Defending the constitution(1)is more important for a soldier than adhering to the chain of command(3)?
“1. I am a Filipino Soldier . FIRST and FOREMOST I will support and defend the constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.”
“3. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will obey the law,
legal orders and decrees of my lawful superiors at all times.”
This does not mean blind obedience. But blind obedience is in fact being demanded of soldiers who question the origin of the chain of command — the commander-in chief — as being in clear and present violation of the constitution which they have sworn to support and defend.
Under the present circumstance, a declaration of ‘withdrawal of support’ to the commander-in-chief by soldiers breaking out of he chain of command is not the appropriate declaration. The declaration should simply be, “I hereby honor my pledge to support and to defend the constitution.”
i wonder where karah is. been waiting for her. maybe she got irritated with me.
harry
pong,
Yes, it is in the order of importance. The premise is that “civilian authority” is superior to military authority.
harry,
Probably sleeping, she was complaining of eyebags earlier.
Under the present circumstance, a declaration of ‘withdrawal of support’ to the commander-in-chief by soldiers breaking out of he chain of command is not the appropriate declaration. The declaration should simply be, “I hereby honor my pledge to support and to defend the constitution.â€Â
Its just a shame this “code” is not included in the “articles of war,” – Querubin and company could have been vindicated.
ramrod:
she got addicted with the blog and now she’s recharging. last night, it was already 1am (rp time) and she’s still actively responding to comments.
if you have a globe postpaid and a 3G or 3.5G phone, i think the web services is quite fast. the only problem is that you have to pay per kb, not based on time usage.
i’ve got globe and pldt for my dsl purposes and so far globe is cheaper and gives higher bandwidth. pldt’s service sucks with their centralized customer service. takes weeks before they get back to you.
WE are ALL BURMESE!
tdc,
Yes. We are all Burmese!
Don’t worry, its starting, 1 major in the Burmese army has already defected, details I posted earlier.
ramrod:
she got addicted with the blog and now she’s recharging. last night, it was already 1am (rp time) and she’s still actively responding to comments.
if you have a globe postpaid and a 3g or 3.5g phone, i think the web services is quite fast. the only problem is that you have to pay per kb, not based on time usage.
i’ve got globe and pldt for my dsl purposes and so far globe is cheaper and gives higher bandwidth. pldt’s service sucks with their centralized customer service. takes weeks before they get back to you.
“i’ve got globe and pldt for my dsl purposes and so far globe is cheaper and gives higher bandwidth. pldt’s service sucks with their centralized customer service.”
They all suck.
RAMROD:
Join the “Support the Monks’ protest in Burma”Group in FACEBOOK.317,000 members now and growing!
WE ARE ALL BURMESE!
Many monks who escaped arrest in the Burmese junta’s brutal crackdown on mass demonstrations in Rangoon and Mandalay are returning to their home villages in ethnic areas and joining armed resistance groups.
Why do I have to fight???
(By Daw Aung San Suu Kyi)
They killed my father a year ago,
And they burnt my hut after that
I asked the city men “why me?” they ignored
“I don’t know, mind your business,” the men said.
One day from elementary school I came home,
Saw my sister was lifeless, lying in blood.
I looked around to ask what happened, if somebody’d known,
Found no one but living room as a flood.
Running away by myself on the village road,
Not knowing where to go but heading for my teacher
Realizing she’s the only one who could help to clear my throat,
But this time she gave up, telling me strange things in fear.
Why, teacher, why.. why.. why?
I have no dad nor a sister left.
To teach me and to care for me you said, was that a lie?
This time with tearful eyes she, again, said…
“Be a grown one, young man,
Can’t you see we all are dying?
And stop this with your might as soon as you can,
For we all are suffering.”
“Filipinos are much averse to bloodshed”
I think Indonesian men believe that laughing at tragedy is manly.
“if you have a globe postpaid and a 3g or 3.5g phone, i think the web services is quite fast. the only problem is that you have to pay per kb, not based on time usage.”
I am using my phone for surfing problem is its very slow, so now I know its because its under Smart. I’m seriously thinking of switching to Globe now that you told me.
Harry,
I think she is still in the other topic, or whatever its called.
RAMROD:
Join the “Support the Monks’ protest in Burmaâ€ÂGroup in FACEBOOK.317,000 members now and growing! – tdc
Done!
Okay, I’m switching to Globe!
pong,
You still here?
FREE Burma!!!
Bush slammed the UN and the rulers of Myanmar in his UN speech earlier this week.
The UN must do something, but they never use military force to fight.
That is a huge problem.
Illegal drug fortunes are a BIG part of this.
absurd thought -
God of the Universe wants
complete narco states
criminals in power
loving the corrupt drug war
absurd thought -
God of the Universe says
shoot peaceful protesters
calling for democracy
which you must never allow
http://absurdthoughtsaboutgod.blogspot.com/
.
Wingardium Leviosa!
The UN is toothless!!!
“i’ve got globe and pldt for my dsl purposes and so far globe is cheaper and gives higher bandwidth. pldt’s service sucks with their centralized customer service.â€Â
“They all suck.”
and did you hear the laughable news govt is floating the idea that Globe and Smart now shoulder the NBN? amidst all their bad service? they can’t even straighten up their service with their paying customers so I don’t think they have the right to even dream of taking on that project!
and much more PLDT! w/the worst record among the telcos providing internet service.
i would protest even more violently if they continue to insist on pushing that NBN, with any of the private telcos in the Philippines. it will be pure incompetence!
DevilsAdvc8,
I’ve called up “172″ so many times I think I probably talked to all the CSRs already.
These telcos are charging the government too much for their services, they will not welcome an NBN operated by the government its loss revenue.
ramrod:
karah’s at the at other article titled kowtow. i don’t think she’ll comment in here because she knows i’m in here
harry
Free Burma!!Free North Korea, Free the Philippines and the rest of the oppressed…
The “Desparates” insulted the Filipino health care professionals.
Manolo, please allow me to post this petition….
To: ABC
To the producers of “Desperate Housewives” and ABC:
We are writing to express concern and hurt about a racially-discriminatory comment made in an episode of Desperate Housewives on 9/30/07. In a scene in which Susan was told by her gynecologist that she might be hitting menopause, she replied, “Can I just check those diplomas because I just want to make sure that they are not from some med school in the Philippines.”
As members and allies of the Filipino American community, we are writing to inform you that this type of derogatory remark was discriminatory and hurtful, and such a comment was not necessary to maintain any humor in the show. Additionally, a statement that devalues Filipinos in healthcare is extremely unfounded, considering the overwhelming presence of Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the medical field. Filipinos are the second largest immigrant population in the United States, with many entering the U.S. (and successfully passing their U.S. licensing boards!) as doctors, nurses, and medical technicians. In fact, the Philippines produces more U.S. nurses than any other country in the world. So, to belittle the education, experience, or value of Filipino Americans in health care is extremely disrespectful and plain and simply ignorant. Many of the hospitals in major metropolitan areas of the U.S. (and the world) would not be able to operate without its Filipino and Filipino American staff members.
As Filipino Americans and allies, we band together to ensure that this type of hateful message should not be allowed to continue on our television and radio airwaves. Given the recent amounts of media attention that has been given to Michael Richards (against African Americans), Isaiah Washington (against gays), and Rosie O’Donnell (against Asian/ Chinese Americans), it is ridiculous that this type of hateful speech made it through various screenwriters, the show’s producers, the show’s actors, and ABC itself.
We demand a public apology to the Filipino American community, and we demand the episode be edited to remove the ignorant and racist remark. We will not allow hateful messages against our community (or any other oppressed community) to continue.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
View Current Signatures
soldiers are soldiers. while in uniform and in possession of service weapons, they could not be politicians, government critics, opinion makers or lawyers. they are to defend the constitution and the constitutional government and its instrumentalities, even against the people who would try to overthrow them.
soldiers who want to dabble in politics, or pursue careers as reformers, should first shed their uniforms, return their weapons, and seek discharge from the service. that’s the way it should be, that’s the way it is.
refusal to fire on violent aggressors on the pretext of “defending the people” is a cop out, if not outright dereliction of duty.
“religion transformed the savage natives (Lapu-Lapu types)” per ramrod
I don’t our forefathers were savages, they had their own religion, they were just trying to protect their territories from foreigners.
it should be ..I don’t think our forefathers….
My apologies, Manolo
ramrod,
a good read regarding the issue of officers and soldiers regarding their constitutional duty vis-a-vis the so-called “withdrawal of support” is an article in the Parameters journal of the US War College authored by Richard Swain. It is titled “The Ethics of Officership”. Try this link:
http://www.carlisle.army.mil/USAWC/PARAMETERS/07spring/swain.htm
PilipinoPaRin, kindly refer to my blog, linked thru my name and read why I think it inane to keep on demanding what you are demanding.
And just so you know, ABC has already issued their apology, and you should quit while you’re ahead. all fine to protest racial slurs or perceptions thereof, but to continue to beat a dead horse, your group risks showing us Filipinos as the more idiotic between ABC and Teri.
Devil,
I don’t know about you but we still have our dignity and pride.
agree with devils. enough said.
“and did you hear the laughable news govt is floating the idea that Globe and Smart now shoulder the NBN? amidst all their bad service? they can’t even straighten up their service with their paying customers so I don’t think they have the right to even dream of taking on that project!”"
Yan ang palagi kong sinasabi. Last time I talked to tech support, I had the lady on the other side pass a message from me to Ablaza. Forget the NBN project, concentrate on your current customers. Wag silang parang gubyerno, puro lubaklubak broadband nila.
The show ‘Desperate Housewives’ didn’t criticize Filipino health professionals or people. They made a joke about the Philippine Medical School industry and its quality.
absurd thought -
God of the Universe says
get insulted easy
http://absurdthoughtsaboutgod.blogspot.com/
.
Pilipino, i too still have my dignity and pride. perhaps you didn’t read my article, but there’s a difference between bullheaded defense of false pride and respectable display of REAL pride.
just watched FOX news, and golly, the americans are just laughing at us that no less than our president has had to rise at this perceived affront when local americans themselves don’t give jack shit when their own cities or localities are made the butt of jokes in TV shows and comedy bars.
and as the anchor rightly said (not exact words):
insensitive and hurtful? yes. but racial slur? i don’t think so. (and i agree)
just rest your horses and accept the apology. isn’t that enough?
as grd says, ’nuff said!
BrianB, you wouldn’t believe the horror stories I heard abt our private telcos disservice to their customers. And when I mean OUR, I mean ALL of them. Even Bayantel who recently got glowing praises from other consumers is slowly morphing into the usual suspects. it’s OVERSUBSRIPTION is what it is. my blog carries a running campaign abt this. (how i’m willing to pay to jumpstart a class suit whenever i meet like-minded consumers) and just so you know, these telcos’ lock-in clause in their contracts are ANTI-TRUST. what’s NTC doing abt it? jack shit!
Harry,
“Stalking involves one person’s obsessive behavior toward another person. Initially, stalking will usually take the form of annoying, threatening, or obscene telephone calls, emails or letters. The calls may start with one or two a day but can quickly increase in frequency. Stalkers may conduct covert surveillance of the victim, following every move his target makes. Even the victim’s home may be staked out.”
Think about it. You’re almost there.
Oo, while waiting for my fake transcript of records to be made in some recto university, I took time out to make a petition condemning the Burmese Junta….
Oy tama na yang Pinoy jokes, Chinese and Bombay jokes naman dahil hindi sila pikon….
Ewan ko ba, tao namamatay sa burma, mga peaceful oppositionists nagiging desaparecido sa Pinas, Iraq naghihirap, eh siningitan pa ng mga petitioners na ewan.
Free Burma!
(yung iba dyan ipagpatuloy ang panonood ng walang kwentang tv show)
“I don’t our forefathers were savages, they had their own religion, they were just trying to protect their territories from foreigners.” – Pilipinoparin
Lapu-Lapu was literally “my” forefather, I was born and raised in Mactan. We do not take offense to being called savages, because its true we will “savagely” fight for what we believe in. In another country they have “berserkers,” fearsome warriors both “more than human” in strength, skill, and courage and “less than human” in their propensity to kill, behead, maim, torture, etc. to send a message to their enemies that they are not “pushover” tin soldiers.
“refusal to fire on violent aggressors on the pretext of “defending the people†is a cop out, if not outright dereliction of duty.” – Bencard
Although I respect your opinion, I would like you to take some time to look at certain aspects of “soldiery.”
If your idea of a soldier is limited to the movies you have been watching, or perhaps books yo have been reading – I will give you a guided tour albeit just briefly into a soldiers’ barracks.
When you enter the door you will see written in very legible letters a certain “code” that is memorized, carved in the hearts and minds every soldier, a code that defines their very existence, the answer to the question “why am I here? what is my purpose?” and it goes like this:
Code of Conduct of the Filipino Soldier
1. I am a Filipino Soldier .I will support and
defend the constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.
2. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will fight all forces
that would destroy the freedom of the Filipino People.
3. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will obey the law,
legal orders and decrees of my lawful superiors at all times.
4. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will fight and die in the
true Filipino tradition of valor, honor, duty and loyalty.
To all these I pledge my life, my treasure and my sacred honor.
I posted this last night to see if anyone will be able to use in, understand it, and realize “why” some of our soldiers and officers are behaving “weirdly” like Querubin and company. Someone commented (very sharp person) with this :
pong :
ramrod,
Is the Code of Conduct pledged to in the order of importance?
Defending the constitution(1)is more important for a soldier than adhering to the chain of command(3)?
“1. I am a Filipino Soldier . FIRST and FOREMOST I will support and defend the constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.â€Â
“3. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will obey the law,
legal orders and decrees of my lawful superiors at all times.â€Â
This does not mean blind obedience. But blind obedience is in fact being demanded of soldiers who question the origin of the chain of command  the commander-in chief  as being in clear and present violation of the constitution which they have sworn to support and defend.
Under the present circumstance, a declaration of ‘withdrawal of support’ to the commander-in-chief by soldiers breaking out of he chain of command is not the appropriate declaration. The declaration should simply be, “I hereby honor my pledge to support and to defend the constitution.â€Â
I tried to communicate with this “pong” further but he was silent after that. I was curious because the only pong I know is Gen. Rodolfo “pong” Biazon.
Anyway, there are people who actually put their lives on the line or “stick out their necks” literally for our sakes and sometimes we take for granted the “small liberties” no the “freedom!” that they provide under the mantle of their protection and we dare question the manner they execute it. You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!
I like watching “Desperate Houswives,” the women are beautiful, sexy, smart, confident, and witty. Its high time somebody said something “truthful” about out Filipino doctors! Did we ever read or hear any doctors here sued for malpractice? (quack doctors really). They would rather protect themselves than face up to their mistakes. And what do we expect after the nursing exams “leakage” scandal? A pat on the back? Lets not kid ourselves to believing we have the “best” doctors because we don’t – “pretenders” now that we have a lot of. All this was blown out of proportion, is our ego so low that anyone can just step on it? Come on, we’re bigger than that, its too petty, not worth the effort really – maybe it was just “misdirection” as some of you perceptively pointed out?
“BrianB, you wouldn’t believe the horror stories I heard abt our private telcos disservice to their customers. And when I mean OUR, I mean ALL of them. Even Bayantel who recently got glowing praises from other consumers is slowly morphing into the usual suspects. it’s OVERSUBSRIPTION is what it is. my blog carries a running campaign abt this. (how i’m willing to pay to jumpstart a class suit whenever i meet like-minded consumers) and just so you know, these telcos’ lock-in clause in their contracts are ANTI-TRUST. what’s NTC doing abt it? jack shit!”
They sell you promising everything. Have you visited their website? Their ad for the “we roam” is really something, you can access the internet via your laptop even in non hot spot areas, in the beach, resort, etc. In the beginning like a year ago yes it was okay but lately it ridiculously slow and can’t even support our VPN. Did they oversell their capacity?
To Bencard, Ramrod, Pong,
What do you think of Randy David’s statement last March 2007?
“If it was right to force (Joseph) Estrada out of Malacañang in 2001 for plundering the public coffers, why is it wrong to oust GMA today extraconstitutionally for an even more grievous offense of stealing the presidential elections?”
“If it was right for the Catholic bishops to demand the resignation of an incompetent and immoral president and mobilize people to flock to the streets in 1986 and in 2001, why aren’t they demanding today the resignation of a president who has made a mockery of the democratic process?”
“If it was right for the Armed Forces in 1986 and in 2001 to intervene in the political sphere, why was it wrong in February 2006?”
“If it was right in 1986 to set aside the Constitution in order to give way to a revolutionary government when such powers are needed to dismantle the structures of authoritarianism, why would it be wrong today to seize the government and set aside its Constitution in order to pave the way for a formation of a truly just and free society?”
“If it was right in 1986 to set aside the Constitution in order to give way to a revolutionary government when such powers are needed to dismantle the structures of authoritarianism, why would it be wrong today to seize the government and set aside its Constitution in order to pave the way for a formation of a truly just and free society?†– GPS
Honestly, it would be very difficult to do today. The officer corps is not that united anymore and its easy to get in trouble even hinting of such ideas. There are more “squeelers” now than before. Another thing, I believe most of our soldiers are “tired” of all this already because of past experience. Just look at them, listen to them, you’ll find traces of “learned helplessness” or apathy.
Join the “Support the Monks’ protest in Burmaâ€ÂGroup in FACEBOOK.317,000 members now and growing!
The telcos’ “LOCK-IN CLAUSE” is holding us ransom for two years, two years of headaches and frustration! Sometimes I want to join the NPAs who are bombing their sites.
Ramrod,
There was a time when I had the idea that Col. Jessup being the protagonist instead of the main antagonist of that movie. Truly, something stirs the souls and hearts of men when honor, duty and country are invoked. Good and noble intentions are unassailable until one realizes that the road to hell is paved with them.
I just sometimes wander how some officers can invoke the Constitution yet thoroughly disregard it. The Senate hearings on the wiretapping controversy has revealed that wiretapping operations are routine despite what Constitution and RA 4200 says. I am not even referring to the political intelligence that the ISAFP has become infamous for the past few years. Even before the issue surfaced, I know for a fact that it is heavily utilized. Name a violation of the right to privacy of communication, the AFP has violated it. Phones, check. Mail, check. Private conversations, check. Surreptitious entry on abodes, check.
There are battalion commanders who threaten (and some have done so) to bombard villages nearby places where troops are ambushed. And yes, the AFP is behind most of the killings of activists. Junior officers openly admire Gen. Palparan.
Protect the Constitution, you say?
The best protection the military can afford the Constitution is staying out of the political arena.
Free bird towards a free Burma
(By Daw Aung San Suu Kyi)
My home…
where I was born and raised
used to be warm and lovely
now filled with darkness and horror.
My family…
whom I had grown with
used to be cheerful and lively
now living with fear and terror.
My friends…
whom I shared my life with
used to be pure and merry
now living with wounded heart.
A free bird…
which is just freed
used to be caged
now flying with an olive branch
for the place it loves.
A free bird towards a Free Burma.
Hi tdc,
We are all Burmese!
ramrod:have you posted on the Wall for the Monks?
Ramrod,
There was a time when I had the idea that Col. Jessup being the protagonist instead of the main antagonist of that movie. Truly, something stirs the souls and hearts of men when honor, duty and country are invoked. Good and noble intentions are unassailable until one realizes that the road to hell is paved with them.
I just sometimes wander how some officers can invoke the Constitution yet thoroughly disregard it. The Senate hearings on the wiretapping controversy has revealed that wiretapping operations are routine despite what Constitution and RA 4200 says. I am not even referring to the political intelligence that the ISAFP has become infamous for the past few years. Even before the issue surfaced, I know for a fact that it is heavily utilized. Name a violation of the right to privacy of communication, the AFP has violated it. Phones, check. Mail, check. Private conversations, check. Surreptitious entry on abodes, check.
There are battalion commanders who threaten (and some have done so) to bombard villages nearby places where troops are ambushed. And yes, the AFP is behind most of the killings of activists. Junior officers openly admire Gen. Palparan.
Protect the Constitution, you say?
The best protection the military can afford the Constitution is staying out of the political arena.
tdc,
I joined already, even put in my real name, how do I post on this wall?
Burma today,Philippines tomorrow!
We must support the Burmese people in their struggle against a dictatorship!Hindi sila nagiisa!
I’m sure one day the world will support us too against a looming dictatorship.
gloria will NOT step down in 2010.Mark my word.She will want to perpetuate the Pidals in power!
Press “write something ” in The WALL
lost a post. it was waiting moderation last night. now, its gone?
As per Manolo’s recommendation, I just finished reading Mabini’s “The Philippine Revolution” (available online) and he makes a similar point. As to Lapu-lapu, i think that was the first and last time we Filipinos (or our ancestors at least who are non-Muslim) were able to repel foreign invaders unassisted. I’m not sure why he is not a larger figure in the mythology of the Philippine military.
Oops, posted the above before reading Ramrod’s clarification at 8:56am.
“Lapu-lapu, i think that was the first and last time we Filipinos (or our ancestors at least who are non-Muslim) were able to repel foreign invaders unassisted. I’m not sure why he is not a larger figure in the mythology of the Philippine military.” – cvj
We have a Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu and thats just about it. Maybe because there’s not much written about him, the early historians were probably spaniards and tried as much as they could to belittle or trivialize the humiliating trouncing of their civilized soldiers by this unknown “savage.” Off with their heads!
Harry, your personal pursuit of karah is a distraction.
ramrod, honestly now, do you believe Esperon is true and faithful to the Code of Ethics of the Filipino Soldier?
Ramrod, i’m not sure how much switching to Globe will help. Although in theory, telco deregulation which brought about competition would lead to better service, Albert Hirschmann (in his ‘Exit, Voice & Loyalty’) wrote about a situation where competition leads to poorer service compared to a monopoly.
He uses the elements ‘exit’ (equivalent to apathy or in your apt words ‘learned helplessness’ and expressed as switching to the other provider) and ‘voice’ (manifested in customer complaints).
What happens right now is those disatissfied with Globe go to SMART, those disatissfied with SMART go to Globe etc. etc. Net effect of this churn is that the telcos don’t hurt enough to improve their service.
Contrast that with a situation in which there is only one provider (i.e. a monopoly) and the only alternatives for the consumers is to complain, ‘grin and bear it’ or do without phone service. Hirschmann says that in this scenario where a phone is almost a basic necessity, the consumers will have no choice but to eventually complain with the result that a government (assuming it is responsive to the people), will have to take action.
Of course Hirschmann it as a given that the government is not populated by the likes of GMA, Abalos, Neri and the like in which the result would be what we are seeing now. But he can be excused because he is not a Filipino.
Incidentally, you can apply the above dynamic to Philippine Education and the OFW phenomenon.
Shaman of Malilipot,
Honestly, (and because of our anonymity) I think Esperon has forgotten this already. Ask him to recite it, I’m pretty sure he cannot anymore.
In the most recent speech by GMA at the UN General Assembly, she singled out Myanmar (Burma). I quote:
“This is the time for Myanmar to return to the path of democracy and to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi – now – and involve all the parties including the National League for Democracy in the democratization and the constitutional process.” Quite a gutsy statement. (I hope this statement would not be viewed again that it has something to do with the present woes the Palace have).
My heart goes to the Burmese people. Even the apolitical monks have started to go to the streets to demand better governance from the Military Junta. A round of Sanctions would just aggravate the situation considering there’s widespead poverty, hunger, and chaos. Even if sanctions would be set in place, it would be the people that would suffer, not the Generals in their comfy abodes.
We can only do as much as supporting the cause and us being morale boosters to the Burmese people. Other than that, we are helpless in a sense that we cannot involve ourselves too deep in the matter because it’s the fight of the Burmese people, not ours.
Ramrod, i responded to the above but it’s under moderation. In the meantime, i reposted my response in my own blog.
GPS More than being RIGHT or WRONG, the question is: Can the OPPOSITION who has been very vocal and aggressive in calling for GMA’s resignation GATHER THE NUMBERS for such an endeavor? They have tried several times to call for another EDSA-like People Power but they have always failed miserably. What’s even more puzzling is that even CORY AQUNIO’s calls and her joining the rallyists didn’t quite have an impact “strong” enough for GMA to even consider stepping down. Now, why is this?
I have several hunches: (a) Is it because those who want GMA out as well (shall we say a portion of the Silent Majority) does not want to sleep with the very Opposition they outsted (Erap) years back? (b) Due to the past experiences, GMA learned to pamper and spoil the AFP and PNP Generals? (c) Is it because the CATHOLIC CHURCH (in hte Philippines) are also at odds among themselves at the demise of the ever Politically Active Cardinal Sin? It’s a fact that Cardinal Rosales does not say much about Philippine Politics.
All these questions of Randy David are all valid but it’s not the only questions that should be asked and should be answered.
Each and every EDSA People Power is UNIQUE. Even the situation and circumstances between EDSA 1 and EDSA 2 though the same goal was to oust a President had very different details and ramifications. A lot of people say, HISTRY REPEATS ITSELF. I beg to disagree. A better concept would be: “Parallelism in History do happen.”
karah, i wish we can trade in the Burmese monks for our Filipino clergy. i won’t be surprised if there will be a dramatic collapse (not just the ongoing slow decline) of belief in the Catholic Church in the near future just like what happened in Europe.
devils, KSP lang kasi ang pinoy.
cvj,
I read your response to “switching to Globe” in your blog, thanks, I’ll probably add a Globe line mobile phone but my fingers are really itching for the “visibility” gadget they’re promoting right now where I can access the internet via laptop outside hot spot areas faster. I keep thinking about your comment earlier re “belonging to the vendor side” and I’m more careful now before spending for another high tech gadget that turns out to be a lemon afterwards.
cvj Was born and raised as a Catholic. It is true that a number of the Clergy from the RCC are committing blunder after blunder – we can’t deny that. My faith though would not depended solely on the “priests” so to speak but on my religious and spiritual convictions. I have deep respect for Buddhism and the Monks but if you ask me now, I’d rather remain a Catholic and only compelling reasons might let me reconsider this assertion of mine.
cvj,
I read your response to “switching to Glxbe†in your blog, thanks, I’ll probably add a Globe line mobile phone but my fingers are really itching for the “visibility†gadget they’re promoting right now where I can access the internet via laptop outside hot spot areas faster. I keep thinking about your comment earlier re “belonging to the vendor side†and I’m more careful now before spending for another high tech gadget that turns out to be a lemon afterwards.
can you tell ANC and other ABS-CBN channels to start using Burma instead of Myanmar. BBC has been doing this for a while.
karah,
Its not that nobody tried. Its just that you don’t know who you can trust nowadays anymore, as I said t
“too many squeelers!” Before (when you were 5 years old), its possible to go from room to room at night and pass on the messages, flyers, etc. about the movement. They can talk in the grotto, in the hidden nooks and crannies, and nothing gets out. If you notice there are officers getting caught passing out these messages. I don’t assume to know the motive of all these “squeelers” but there was a time when squeeling was punishable by death. There was a time when you kept quiet and nursed your busted toe or broken rib in silence bacause of “what you see, what you hear, leave it here.” Now I hear they can even yell “hazing!”
Ram I’m not from Cebu but I know some of the Garcia’s (the present Governor), and one of them is a good friend of mine. Been to Cebu a good number of times.
Quite recently, there’s a Plan to merge CENTCOM (Central Command) which is within Cebu City, one of the Unified Commands of AFP and the AirForce Base in Mactan somewhere in Mactan as well.
There’s not much Security Problem in Cebu, anyways. Except for very few insurgents in the West/Northwest. As far as I know, Cebu is one of the safest Cities to live in the Philippines. Plus the fact that within CEBU CITY, there’s only ONE EXIT in the NORTH, and ONE EXIT in the SOUTH. It’s hard to do kidnapping and those stuff.
Karah, i understand that one of the reasons for remaining within a given religion is because they were born into it. i also have remained a Catholic despite the contradictions and primarily because of my Mom’s example. i’ve also been hardwired to believe in God so i cannot not believe even if i wanted to.
However i am not talking individual cases. there will be others who’s faith and disposition is such that the contradictions they see will overcome their belief in the Catholic Church. I am basing my forecast on what you refer to as the numerous ‘blunders’ committed by the clergy and RC. This all the more highlights the contradictions and will accelerate the process of collapse.
This collapse has already happened in Europe. For those with a need to believe in something, they will just channel this belief to other religions and/or cults (within or outside Christianity), other ideologies (nationalism with or without fascism).
Ram It’s because nowadays, SQUEALERS within the Military is REWARDED heftily. All this time, you didn’t notice that most of the Cabinet of GMA are former Generals from the AFP and the PNP? These Generals still have some following in their formers Division and/or National Support Office.
Gone were the days of “see, hear, and say no evil.” Now, it’s “squeal” when you’re not given any piece of the pie.
just because cardinal rosales doesn’t want to get involve with politics and go out on the streets, the catholic church is on the decline now (says who?). nothing comparable between the situation in the phils (a democratic state) and that of burma (controlled by a military junta where the opposition is being locked-up). such a world of difference. even internet in burma is banned.
grd, in a way you’re right that the situation in Burma and the Philippines are not comparable but your standards for comparability are not what i used. My standard for comparison is the reaction of the monks and clergy to an illegitimate and oppressive government. The Burmese monks are currently risking their lives while the Philippine clergy (especially Cardinal Rosales) has largely sold out.
I guess it all boils down to a collective appraisal of what the tipping point is, when the majority including the clergy decide once and for all “enough is enough”.The Burmese monks and Philippine clergy as a whole sees things differently but it does not mean that both are bereft of a high standard of morality and love of country.
ramrod, feel free to speak up against high-tech gadgets. i belong to the services side of the business and in terms of gadgets i’m agnostic and i make it a point to use technology that is one or two generations older (i.e. mature). of course sometimes, as they say, it’s better manual.
i once attended a lecture by a historian from mindanao and he pointed out that one nuance we still have to resolve, is that the nobility of the time (lapu lapu was one) were borneans, that one way to look at it, is that they were foreign leaders on our shores; or the other way is the way the malaysians view the sultan of sulu as part of the malaysian nobility; personally, one idea i’ve been exploring (gradually, for lack of time) is that what we consider the philippines was not what even the spaniards would have considered the philippines, what the americans intended to be the philippines, etc. or even what our first republic was trying to establish as the philippines. it’s a very interesting thing to explore but requires a lot of fussing around with maps, and consulting committee reports, particularly in the 1935 constitutional convention, etc. even the philippines that became independent in 1946 is not the philippines of today: only after independence in 46 did a young diplomat named diosdado macapagal gain the distinction of raising the philippine flag in the turtle islands, for example, expanding our territory marginally.
crv,
Its not that the clergy has actually sold out. After all thats happened (EDSA 1 and 2), even the involvement of its members in the radical left, the catholic church is more reserved in their responses to this situation, there are also members of the church who opt to assume a more biblical position, after all, it is clearly defined in the good book – give to Ceasar what is for Ceasar. Nowhere is the delineation between church and state taught more strictly than in the born again movements where the teachings are based directly from the bible especially if you use NIV and not from whatever comes out of the priests’ mouths.
In the Philippines, there are churches that are growing phenomenally fast and these are very radical in their intrepretation of the bible. When the minister is speaking, they take down notes and check the verse in their own bibles. They do not blindly follow what the minister or priest is saying. These churches are particularly attractive to the growing middle class as the lower class cannot relate to what might look to them as “elite” but eventually this was overcome by forming clusters to cater to this uniqueness, dialect and all. Yes, I agree that there may come a time when traditional churches will decline because the otherwise docile “yes father” flock will become more educated and will look for more meaningful ways of worshipping other than the “formula” prayers – Our Father, etc. and there is this deep need to be rebuked truthfully in love. Some of the flock may even turn to other more “scientific” form of worship. But there are members of the catholic church though who are adjusting to this new breed of christians’ need. Take a look at Bo Sanchez, and several others (I forgot) where their way of communicating with the flock mirrors that of the born again ministers, does this mean the catholic church is aware of the unrelatability of tradition and is adjusting to a more sophisticated flock?
cvj In my lifetime (which I’m only 26), I have searched and explored the Catholic Religion – studying Philosophy, Theology and Spirituality. And I can base my own convictions only in my experience that more than being born a Catholic, I believe in the traditions, the bible, and the magisterium of the RCC. Yes, good example counts a lot but when we grow older, it’s really up to us on what to choose.
I don’t think that 2000 years of History by the Catholic Church would just be destroyed by crisis here and there. Actually, the RCC faced bigger ones from the time it was established. There was even a time in Rome that just a mention, just a suspicion that you’re the Christian (Catholic, you’ll be burned alive. Remember, Nero and how he made Christians human torches in the Colosseum.
There’s a downtrend, sure, but there are Catholic Churches that might have been dormant yet Catholic Churches in Africa and Catholic Churches in South America are very vibrant. The collapse of Catholicism in Europe cannot be attributed alone to all these scandals, rather, it’s due to Atheism. How this came to be needs in-depth study of Religious History in Europe.
A person should not stay in a particular religion just because he/she was born into it or he/she was forced into it. A person should stay with his/her Religion/Beliefs because of his/her convictions and principles. This is the line that draws the HAPHAZARD BELIEVERS from the TRUE BELIEVERS.
cjv, i’m not really sold out to your notion that the phil clergy has largely sold out (is that how you portray the clergies and other filipinos, easily bought if their stand is different from yours?) again, just because according to your standards, our clergies are not risking their lives against this “illegitimate and oppressive govt”. don’t you think you’re giving our clergies too much responsibilities instead of pointing the blame on our legislators who have the power to remove this “illegitimate” govt? i would prefer a church that will not dip its hands on politics. but you know what? the scenario in our country will dramatically change after 2010. you will witness again something explosive to happen (that i guarantee) that will unite the people. that is, if gloria decides to stay (which i really doubt). now just compare 6 years of gloria’s “illegitimate” reign against the many years of burmese sufferings at the hands of an oppressive regime before the monks did their act. you can see the difference and what filipinos are capable of.
re: grd
if cardinal rosales yelled at the president she should resign, then piously tells the people let’s move on, i think he can be taken to task vs. another bishop who might say, consistently, forget politics, period and another bishop who consistently has something strong to say vs. say gambling and abductions.
institutionally, well, there’s always a silver lining and recently when i was invited to give a brief analysis to a group of foreign businessmen, i simply pointed out a mature secular democracy doesn’t rely on the clergy, so you could see it as the country finally taking a step forward toward being a secular democracy.
just as, in feb. 06, i understand that among our officer corps, a common current among even those incensed over corruption in the military was, that the military has no business governing, it’s not qualified to do so, that the intervention in edsa dos opened up more problems than it solved -in which case, maybe that’s another step forward.
for those upset with the president as i am, it also means accepting as i’ve pointed out elsewhere that while some of us may have more hard line positions than others, you never give up trying to nudge the public forward but at a certain point, also, take stock and accept there is wisdom in what the public wants and is prepared to do.
the most ferocious backlash the government faced was when it seriously proposed cancelling the may 2007 elections and abolishing presidential elections. so, those are the parameters: people don’t want a coup; they insist on elections; they want to vote for the head of state and government; and also, i do think the rules of people power i identified early on held true: those who benefited from it, cannot deny it to anyone else (the backlash against gov’t clamping down on protests); those who were its targets, cannot claim it for themselves (the manner the estrada, the national democrats, and marcoses, when they intervened, helped people power fizzle out), and that people power must be peaceful and be led by its leaders from the front and not the rear. and so on down the line, so what i told the foreigners was, parameters have been laid out; whenever anyone tries to cross the line, the backlash is equal (versus the admin and versus the opposition), that people have decided to remain open-minded to purely constitutional options like impeachment, but it’s not their fault if the processes won’t move forward.
or maybe i’m being too much of an optimist.
mlq3,
I’m particularly interested in our “true history” not these watered down textbooks that are more like reading material for beginning readers. Historians seemed to favor a different account sometimes, for instance the spanish came in and brought christianity, bringing salvation to “savages” who would have otherwise gone to hell because they were not baptized. Or the Americans, because of the Tomasites brought education, etc. Little is discussed about the massacres and the real intentions of these colonizers.
one more thing cvj, although you’re a non practicing christian, don’t you know that our clergies are involved in a lot of charity works? which do you prefer they march on the streets or tend to their destitutes and needy flocks?
Historical variables do count a lot in trying to really comprehend WHAT and HOW things are before and WHAT and HOW things in the “here and now.” The local inhabitants of the Philippines were really the Aetas (Negritos). When Malay Datu’s came – their first settlement was in Antique Province, it was the start of the spread of the Malay blood throughout the Archipelago. I have even witnessed the BINIRAYAN FESTIVAL, it’s the re-enactment when DATU PUTI (one of the Bornean Datus) bought some land from the Aeta Chieftain Marikudo with a GOLDREN SADOK (salakot or head gear). Datu Sumakwel and the other Datus went to journey into other territories and the rest is history. We cannot consider the settlement of the Bornean Datus as OCCUPATION simply because the locals welcomed them with open arms.
There are a lot of considerations in trying to understand Philippine History and Culture (you have look into Geography, History, Anthropology/Sociology, Politics, Economics, and so on and so forth). At the time of the First Republic, what was considered sa “THE PHILIPPINES THEN” up to now. As MLQ3 has mentioned, we have to look into the different historical evidences. During the time of the Spaniards, did Philippine Territory already had 7,107 islands. How many islands were considered the Philippine Archipelago at the time of the Americans, the short occupation of the Japanese and eventually the Philippine Independence up to the time the father of GMA raised a flag in Turtle Islands in the South.
ramrod, i don’t know if there’s a “true history”. only interpretations which support their interpretations with data you can agree with or disagree with. or surveying the landscape. people can be as fanatical about interpretations as religious zealots are about church dogma. there’s even the debate if history is a science or literature.
but each interpretation builds on past interpretations, the idea is to keep moving forward rather than become fossilized in your thinking. anyway, that’s my view.
we have a lot of top-down history, too little bottom-up history, and even less synthesizing of the two, pointing out where the clashes in interpretation should lead others to clarify things further.
personally, the book i recommend to people as their basic introduction is patricio abinales’ “state and society in the philippines,” as it takes us from prehispanic times to edsa dos. i understand al mccoy has long been due to publish a history of the philippines, which would be remarkable. one historian, glenn may, was basically run out of town by angry filipino historians because he dared to ask if what we think we know about bonifacio is really true.
manolo, since you are teaching (at Letran?), why don’t you assign some of your research projects on history (e.g. philippine territory during Spanish times) to your students? for bonus points?
ramrod, no religion is as docile as Buddhism but i guess the monks reached a tipping point. Unlike the idealistic days of 1986 (and 2001), i think the Catholic Church went beyond the tipping point and got coopted by the system. Fortunately (or unfortunately), the Bible and Church doctrine has enough leeway to rationalize all sorts of positions.
karah, if you were born a muslim, i bet (but of course cannot prove) that you would have done the same (but this time with the Koran and Islamic studies).
In terms of sophistication, i think the Roman Catholic Church is the most sophisticated in that it takes account of both tradition and the bible. it adjusted itself to scientific discoveries like evolution. those who take the bible literally are a threat to modernity (to the extent that its practitioners cannot compartmentalize their lives).
cvj, because this sem i was teaching opinion/editorial writing and next sem, i’ll be teaching proofreading and copyediting. it would be a stretch. let me earn my own academic spurs first and then i can unleash teams of students on study projects.
“Quite recently, there’s a Plan to merge CENTCOM (Central Command) which is within Cebu City, one of the Unified Commands of AFP and the AirForce Base in Mactan somewhere in Mactan as well.” – karah
The air force base is called “Mactan Air Base,” I used to go there a lot because at the time I could get a free though not very comfortable flight in the C130 to Manila, even Mindanao. And yes, its quite a safe place also, though lately there is a growing Korean population. In my childhood, we come home after school and take our bikes to any direction and we could be in a beach already (for free) in 30 mins or so. Now, everywhere you go are resorts, you have to pay. My favorite by the way everytime I go there to meet my clients if Mactan Shangrila, its a pocket paradise.
cvj I don’t think it relevant anymore to speculate on that. I was born a Catholic and that’s my reality. But in the business of LIFE and GROWING UP, there are no guarantees you know. Even sons/daughers of Catholics born into really Conservative and Fundamental Families does not guarantee that that person would follow the family stand.
One of the reasons the Catholic Church is still vibrant (in some continents) is that it EVOLVED, it GREW, and it listened to what they call “THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.” The TRIPOD of the Catholic Faith is (a) THE BIBLE; (b) THE SACRED TRADITIONS; (c) THE MAGISTERIUM. Just imagine the sturdiness and stability of a THREE CORNERED CHAIR compared to only one or two (just an analogy).
mlq3, re: rosales. has it been reported that rosales has dipped his hands into politics in the past? i think he’s just being consistent with his beliefs and principles maybe. people should just respect that. i myself have commented in the past that if sin is still around, maybe gloria ouster is a forgone conlusion now. but i don’t blame resales for that. i just say gloria is very lucky. and smarter too (than her detractors). i still hate her though for that “hello garci” scandal. it’s a betrayal of public’s trust. but i put the blame on our congressmen for not doing their job.
agree with you about that may 2007 backlash and just like what i wrote above, if there will be no elections in 2010 expect another backlash from the people.
grd, well, the public issue where the cardinal’s been consistent is the environment, and so, well, good for him on that.
re: 2010 and everyone knows my views on this, an interesting take by tony abaya’s here:
http://acabaya.blogspot.com/2007/10/dominatrix.html
“ramrod, no religion is as docile as Buddhism but i guess the monks reached a tipping point.” – cvj
I agree. I would have been very disappointed if they didn’t. No one, even the most pious can ignore the suffering of another for long. I’m willing to bet even GMA’s life that even the Trappist monks will come rushing out of their monasteries if they hear the wailings of suffering, tortured, maimed, raped, and hungry people over their walls.
manolo,
re: lapu-lapu. has it got to do with religion why not much is written about him?
Ram You’re one of the beneficiaries of these so-called “Mercy Flights.” Was able to ride one of those C-130 . Been inside the CENTCOM in Lahug , pretty much to most of the tourist destinations in Cebu + more. I even toured Cebu from Daan-Bantayan to Santander.
So I heard there are a lot of Koreans going to Cebu – mainly to English and some “rejects or shall we say stubborn students in Korea” are exiled in the Philippines. The growing Korean community also became an opportunity for Koreans to put up their own Business for the Koreans and for the Locals. There are reports too of some Abusive Koreans but I hope they realize that they are in a foreign land and start behaving.
Used to go to Plantation Bay, Tambuli, and Maribago Blue Water. Shangri-La is a nice place as well as well as its IMPORTED WHITE SAND. Mactan Island is rocky and the beach has a lot of corals (that’s why there’s the famour Mactan Rock). Even been to Cordova, there’s a nice resort there. Quiet and cozy resort but quite far from Lapu-Laput City itself. I miss SUTUKIL in Punta Engano.
grd, i don’t think so, just a lack of primary sources and perhaps also, not enough information putting leaders like him in the context of what was going on in the region at the time.
manolo,
thanks. this push for a parliamentary form of govt, you think it has a chance before 2010? i just can’t imagine how they are going to do it without another backlash.
grd, some time ago i boiled down palace approach as brinkmanship and the scorched earth policy.
Be right back. It’s so hard to be on your own. I’ll just put my clothes in the washer. Do some cooking and leave if for a while whilst blogging.
ok manolo. that’s interesting to watch. let’s see then how these palace spinmeisters can ram through the house another initiative without getting the ire of the people.
karah, i think you have a very good grasp of what reality really is.
grd, the rank and file clergy may not have sold out (like some of their Superiors), but the line of reasoning which uses vocational or community based service (including charity works) as an excuse for apathy on national matters is a cop-out on their part.
To blame our legislators (or other politicians) alone ignores the role of the Public Sphere in disciplining or holding accountable the agents of the State.
“ramrod, feel free to speak up against high-tech gadgets. i belong to the services side of the business and in terms of gadgets i’m agnostic and i make it a point to use technology that is one or two generations older (i.e. mature). of course sometimes, as they say, it’s better manual.” – cvj
Its true. I feel like I’m duped everytime I lock my sights on a new toy. Take for example the Sony Erickson P910i, there was a lot of hype before it hit the market but when it finally did pfffft, “thats it?” I couldn’t even use it for our company “push mail.” I complained to Smart and they pointed me to the SE service center, when i went there I was told that its a network issue, that they were not ready to support push mail, but I see my colleagues from Europe and Singapore access their pushmail when they’re here in the Philippines (of course their using Nokia communicators or Dopod). Another thing, I had this idea that the work can be done here even without putting up an office and staff and work as an extension of Singapore office, so I had this “virtual office” I have a business address in Makati where people can call and a call center will answer say my company’s name and forward the call to me wherever I am as if I’m just in the other room. Along with this, I used the “we roam” so I can be anywhere in the Philippines and still have access to the office intranet. You know how it is, you can acess all data you need through the website (with VPN of course) so there’s no need to bring tons of paper and reference materials. In my mind, I really believed that the work done before by two companies can be handled by one person provided there is the “equalizer” – technology. What I failed to input in the equation was that the Philippines may not be that prepared for this kind of set-up and as you said some things are better done manually, but it look so good in the brochures…
deny –> distort –> deflect –> distract –> defuse.
all these Ds. that’s what everything has been to me so far.
Ramrod, i think there’s a place for leading edge users of technology like you and slackers like me. In this sense, you’re like the Buddhist monks who take the lead and pay the price (in this case of the S*ny Ericks*n P91Oi) as a result. I’m like the rest of the population who benefit by getting more mature versions of these devices at a lower price.
ramrod, your story re: your virtual office woes, reminds me of a funny story a friend from the dfa assured me was true.
some years back, a new dfa sec. was appointed with grand ideas of modernizing the entire department. computerize everything! then one usec. submits a requisition for 60 typewriters. the dfa sec. is furious. modernize! modernize! the usec. starts laughing. why are you laughing there? modernize! modernize! the usec. kept laughing.
finally, the sec. starts screaming, give me one good reason why i shouldn’t fire you for this stupid requisition?
“brownouts, mr. secretary.”
the dfa sec. grabbed the requisition order and signed it.
“The best protection the military can afford the Constitution is staying out of the political arena.”-Jaxius
I couldn’t agree with more. I was referring to why the soldiers did not open fire on civilians and this being not a derelection of duty if you look at the soldier’s code of conduct. The military in politics is a double edged sword, it can be to the advantage of the real patriots or used to the advantage of scrupulous people but how do we discern who is who?
tonio :
deny –> distort –> deflect –> distract –> defuse.
all these Ds. that’s what everything has been to me so far.
Welcome to Psywar 101
Peregrine Worsthorne, who used to write for The Times UK, writes for The First Post UK:
“In theory, China, Burma’s neighbour, could intervene. But Burma is now a burden for the great Asian nations, India and China, to shoulder even that – for the same kind of reasons that have wrecked American intervention in Iraq – might make matters more bloody.
“The truth is that Burma is now a burden for the great Asian nations, India and China, to shoulder, and the less the ex-colonial power has to say about it the better. The same goes for the United States. Western medicines which have failed so tragically in the Middle East are no more likely to serve any useful purpose in South East Asia.
“Asia for the Asians. It is their turn to take charge. In the multi-polar 21st century, that is how the cookie has to crumble.
“Eventually our solutions, on their merits, may prevail. It is right to hope so. But equally certainly, Western force-feeding will delay, rather than promote, that outcome.”
I agree.
Also agree entirely with Jaxius and more particularly with Bencard’s proposition here:
“soldiers are soldiers… they are to defend the constitution and the constitutional government and its instrumentalities, even against the people who would try to overthrow them.”
Soldiers, officers and at whatever level must know that while they are expected to obey orders superiors blindly, they are bound by military laws and soldiers’ traditions to refuse to follow illegal orders, i.e., to fire on unarmed civilians, whatever the cost on their career, on their lives.
It would take a great deal of moral courage to defy illegal orders but soldiering is not only all about physical courage – a soldier and an officer must possess both physical and moral courage. Sadly, most of our current crop of officers do not possess moral courage.
And Esperon, a political appointee – (chief of staff position is a political appointment), doesn’t possess the ultimate courage, moral courage, to say wrong is wrong no matter who says or does it.
MBW, but isn’t Worthstone using ‘Western Medicines’ as a weasel word? I mean, what’s so Western about Buddhist monks marching against an oppressive government? His comparison with the Middle East (which i suppose refers to Iraq) is not applicable in the sense that (1) to my knowledge, there is no planned invasion of Burma and (2) the outrage was not the result of manufactured pretexes (e.g. WMD, Saddam-AQ conspiracy etc.).
cvj,
I think by Western medicine, he wants to pre-empt a British, as Burma’s former colonial master, military jump into Burma using the SAS.
Don’t believe he meant the Buddhist monks.
Don’t get me wrong – I’ve never been and admirer of Worthorne’s (his ultra conservative, more ultra impossible) rhetorics but this time I agree with him – Britain or NATO (unless UN approved) should not step in in case things get worse on the military front internally, Burma is an Asian problem in that respect.
MBW, i just read the entire column, i think your understanding of what he referred to as ‘Western Medicine’ (i.e. as the Brits ‘doing something’) is correct.
“Eventually our solutions, on their merits, may prevail. It is right to hope so. But equally certainly, Western force-feeding will delay, rather than promote, that outcome.â€Â
Western military intervention especially US will quickly dispense with the ruling dictator, however, what happens after? The Burmese people are capable ot charting the course of their destiny as a people and as a country whether bloody or not, at least they will able to say “we did the Burmese way!”
Free Burma!
If at all there should be external internal military intervention, it should come from the Asian countries. However, I advise against overt military intervention by anybody. It should be covert if at all that’s what is required.
An overt military intervention from the outside is not a guarantee that the Burmese will be able to chart their own course and as Ramrod says, what next?
One thing to consider, Burma has 400,000 or more troops in active service. A fraction of them can effectively get rid of their junta and the latter’s loyalists.
I’m reminded of Vietnam’s invasion of Cambodia which put an end to Pol Pot’s Killing fields. Twenty-five years later, Americans tried to follow that model in Iraq but failed miserable.
As we speak, I’m pretty certain that Aung Sii Kyu has already been approached by some officers of the Burma military regarding the possibility. Dr Aung is no doubt worried about an eventual bloodshed.
sorry, i meant miserably.
“It would take a great deal of moral courage to defy illegal orders but soldiering is not only all about physical courage – a soldier and an officer must possess both physical and moral courage.” -MBW
There is an impasse really, the soldiers “code of conduct” is not in the “articles of war” and I think there is no mention of the same in the constitution. If there was, Querubin and others could have been justified in their “withdrawal of support.”
“1. I am a Filipino Soldier . FIRST and FOREMOST I will support and defend the constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.â€Â
“3. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will obey the law,
legal orders and decrees of my lawful superiors at all times.â€Â
This does not mean blind obedience. But blind obedience is in fact being demanded of soldiers who question the origin of the chain of command  the commander-in chief  as being in clear and present violation of the constitution which they have sworn to support and defend.
Under the present circumstance, a declaration of ‘withdrawal of support’ to the commander-in-chief by soldiers breaking out of he chain of command is not the appropriate declaration. The declaration should simply be, “I hereby honor my pledge to support and to defend the constitution.â€Â
cvj,
right! So do you think a Western military intervention, particularly from the US or Britain is the right solution? I don’t think so.
this is perhaps the moment required for Asean nations to be more forceful, their moment of glory, in only morally. ASEAN leaders should get in there and toughen their stance against the Burmese junta. Of course, military intervention is not always a solution, as we’ve seen in Iraq.
Let this be a test of Asean resolve!
Let’s see the moral backbone of Asian leaders today!
Ramrod,
But I think, this passage here is excellent: ““3. I am a Filipino Soldier. I will obey the law, legal orders and decrees of my lawful superiors at all times.†”
Of course, no. 1 sums it up!
In British articles of War, similar to no. 3, “I will obey the law, legal orders, etc.,” exists.
cvj,
Besides I wouldn’t want a military jump into Burma under Brown! Beurk, beurk, beurk! He will mess up things just like Blair!
cvj,
There are Vietnamese mercenaries in the world today, maybe Aseans should hire them to get in there and do away with the burmese Junta (heheheh!)
MBW, Western (or Asian) military intervention did not cross my mind, but setting up refugee camps in India, China and Thailand and demanding safe passage for the monks (and other protesters) who want to leave is something that the surrounding countries (China, India, Thailand and Laos) can and must do.
There is also a well known highly paid Filipino mercenary who used to operate in Africa (he was once of those caught by French secret service in the early 70s but later released to the Americans).
cvj,
I don’t know if their leaving en masse, ie monks or other military would be defectors crossing into refugee camps (although these should be set up now in preparation for such an eventuality by UN or ngos) is the right answer. They should “fight” it out within Burma after all Burma is vast enough. Dr Aung needs help from within!
I think some elements of the Burmese military are now on on the move albeit clandestinely. There was a defection already, a Major in the Army at that. Suppression and cruelty to a fellow human being is not a “natural” act and will most certainly put so much stress on these men that eventually they will have to say “enough!” Granted of course that there are not many incentives to this “unnatural act.”
The next news I would like to hear is that some junior officers plotted to remove the junta, I mean “already” removed the junta, (heaven forbid that they suffer the fate of Hitler’s officers who were nipped in the bud).
And with the removal, the installing of the rightful president. The problem with coups is that there is the temptation for the military to stay in power…
Right! “The problem with coups is that there is the temptation for the military to stay in power…”
That’s why the monks should stay in, they are greatly respected, Dr Aung needs them in case a coup by junior officers gains ground.
“There is also a well known highly paid Filipino mercenary who used to operate in Africa (he was once of those caught by French secret service in the early 70s but later released to the Americans).”
I was thinking more along the lines of advisers. You know, teaching the people the rudiments of people power, how all the elements must come together, timing, and of course calculation of impact.
I think it’s evident that the only way to resolve the BURMA DILEMMA is “external intervention.” In this case, the ASEAN, as an organization could step up and prove its mettle (if it has any, that is). Burma (Myanmar) being a member of the ASEAN is already a political advantage for other ASEAN nations to convince the present Military Junta to step down and pass power to a democratic Government. It might not be easy but “expelling” Burma from ASEAN would cause more harm than good.
We all know that the UN, especially the UN Security Council is quite INUTILE in solving International Issues (may it be among fighting nations or domestic disputes). The UN is like a TIGER without TEETH and CLAWS.
By any estimation, the problem of BURMA should be resolved by the Burmese people but if other nations could help (except militarily) then why not. Frustrations comes in sometimes due to helplessness but Burma as a nation, they have their own journey to tread on. What we can do individually is to support ADVOCACIES, put pressure through popular dissatisfaction of the present Military Junta. Other than that, we can do only as much.
Re: “By any estimation, the problem of BURMA should be resolved by the Burmese people but if other nations could help (except militarily) then why not. ”
Except for overt military intervention, I think the whole world is doing that already through sanctions, intel feed, advisory level to the clandestine forces network, etc.
And right, ASEAN must prove its mettle today. This is the ultimate test of the Asian union’s resolve and in line with the union’s political doctrine of democracy.
Ramrod,
Btw, thie Fil mercenary I was talking about became an American defence industry salesman to Pinas during Cory’s FVR’s terms.
One thing we have to take into consideration is that, does this “GROUP OF MILITARY OFFICERS” who have plans to oust the JUNTA, have the capability and the numbers? I mean, it might be a bloody one and the only way the REBEL-SOLDIERS would succeed would be (a) overwhelm the military junta militarily; (b) have external support from another country military; (c) a peaceful outster? (much like edsa 1). But by the looks of it, the soldiers that support the junta are willing to kill even the Buddhist Monks. (another variable to consider).
I wonder if the JUNTA gives money or whatever to the Senior and Junior Officers for the junta to stay in power. This is one aspect that should be looked into. Yes, a COUP PLOT might just be another JUNTA. Which is damning. These are the dangers. Remember some Governments in South America, it’s a Military Junta then another Military Junta, and so on and so forth.
“Btw, thie Fil mercenary I was talking about became an American defence industry salesman to Pinas during Cory’s FVR’s terms.” – mbw
Isn’t that FVR’s job nowadays?
Re: “I wonder if the JUNTA gives money or whatever to the Senior and Junior Officers for the junta to stay in power.”
From my own readings, ordinary members of the military have very high standards of living as opposed to the ordinary Burmese citizen. They have privileges that allow members of their families to enter into business, go to schools, other great material perks, i.e., TV or cell phones even.
Obviously, the more senior, colonel and higher, must have the “highest standard of living”.
Ramrod,
If you mean by FVR’s job today is in referrence to Carlyle? I don’t think he’s selling anymore. He’s been sacked or to be more politically correct, he’s been asked to resign from the Carlyle board of advisors.
mbw
He wasn’t able to sell anything? How do we apply to this company? I think this is better than selling paper, ala Nicholas Cage in a movie. Unfortunately I forgot the title.
Re: I mean, it might be a bloody one and the only way the REBEL-SOLDIERS would succeed would be (a) overwhelm the military junta militarily;
I am confident that Western secret services are working already on officers clandestinely; we will never know to what extent until after or when the junta is toppled (
b) have external support from another country military;
Wont be surprised if this has already been considered even if only covertly
(c) a peaceful outster? (much like edsa 1).
I believe that’s what Dr Aung is aiming for. Burma has a violent history of transition of power and I think she is right to be cautious. A faction of the military that would rebel could be easily annihilated and bloody reprisals could happen.
Hazhahahahah! “He wasn’t able to sell anything? How do we apply to this company? I think this is better than selling paper, ala Nicholas Cage in a movie.”
Don’t know the movie at all but sure, why not? I can give you an address. Best thing is to get in touch with British or French Embassy DA. They will tell you. (Seriously!) Hahahahaha.
Geez, Mlq3′s minesweeper is at it again. I’m on moderation!
Will see if this get’s through:
Re: “I wonder if the JUNTA gives money or whatever to the Senior and Junior Officers for the junta to stay in power.â€Â
From my own readings, ordinary members of the military have very high standards of living as opposed to the ordinary Burmese citizen. They have privileges that allow members of their families to enter into business, go to schools, other great material perks, i.e., TV or cell phones even.
Obviously, the more senior, colonel and higher, must have the “highest standard of livingâ€Â.
OK, OK, … Mlq3’s minesweeper is at it again. I’m on moderation!
Karah,
“I wonder if the JUNTA gives money or whatever to the Senior and Junior Officers for the junta to stay in power.â€Â
From my own readings, ordinary members of the military have very high standards of living as opposed to the ordinary Burmese citizen. They have privileges that allow members of their families to enter into business, go to schools, other great material perks, i.e., TV or cell phones even.
Obviously, the more senior, colonel and higher, must have the “highest standard of livingâ€Â.
MBW Quite frankly, I do not approve of ECONOMIC SANCTIONS. When economic sanctions are put in place, it’s the people that suffers all the more and not the sitting pretty Generals of the Junta. On the military side, what are the countries that help the “underground rebel-soldiers” of Burma? I think that CHINA has a big interest in some of the Natural Resources of Burma because of it’s hunger for Raw Materials in Manufacturing.
Yes, the ASEAN are even pushing for an EU-like Community within the next 10-15 years. They want “regional integration” to happen. This is very doable among the more stable and peaceful Member-countries. How about those Member-countries that still has some problems like Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and some parts of Indonesia. This is one of those times that a question would be asked: “Does ASEAN have what it takes to discipline its own Members.”
One of the problems of Burma is that it has no oil reserves. No superpower will spend billions of dollar just to overtly help Burma for free and just listen to Aung Suu Kyi tell them “Thank you for helping us be free again”. There must be a return of investment as in the case of Iraq, even if the Americans are losing the war, they are gaining the oil. “Underneath the veneer of politics is the interest of business”.The least these superpowers can do is to help covertly and economically, I hope.
Karah,
Dr Aung herself asked for economic sanctions because the Burmese junta are the first to take advantage of the economic boom in Burma.
Example: there are various types of economic sanctions, they could come with freezing invetments in gaz explorations, western trading in mineral extracts will be frozen, etc.
GPZ,
Burma land is used for refinery and gaz transmition to the many of surrounding countries, to that effect, Burma’s geographical location is crucial!
It should be a peaceful ouster like EDSA 1. People, monks, and livestock boldly approaching the junta soldiers (but not agressively) bring flowers, etc., no weapons. The sympathetic soldiers’ task is to persuade other soldiers to spare the people – no agression, so that when the time comes, they will think twice of shooting, or maybe to position themselves at the forefront and when the order to shoot is given, they let everybody else see hesitation, and put down their weapons, embrace the people (lucky if the ones in front are pretty young women, otherwise contend with toothless monk), and then turn around towards the junta’s position and everybody join in singing “why can’t we be friends, why can’t we be friends,” or something like “magkaisa” in Burmese.
Mlq3′s minesweeper isn’t through with an earlier comment/reply to Karah’s “I wonder if the JUNTA gives money or whatever to the Senior and Junior Officers for the junta to stay in power.â€Â
Let’s see if this goes through.
From my own readings, ordinary members of the military have very high standards of living as opposed to the ordinary Burmese citizen. They have privileges that allow members of their families to enter into business, go to schools, other great material perks, i.e., TV or cell phones even.
Obviously, the more senior, colonel and higher, must have the “highest standard of livingâ€Â.
Agree, Ramrod, agree entirely!
“the ones in front are pretty young women, otherwise contend with toothless monk),”
Hahahah!
Mlq3’s minesweeper isn’t through with an earlier comment/reply to Karah’s “I wonder if the JUNTA gives money or whatever to the Senior and Junior Officers for the junta to stay in power.â€Â
Re: How about those Member-countries that still has some problems like Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and some parts of Indonesia. This is one of those times that a question would be asked: “Does ASEAN have what it takes to discipline its own Members.â€Â
Oh well, can’t answer that. Right off the bat, don’t think so.
Wonder what kind of minesweeper Mlq3 has… a Lafayette class?
“Burma land is used for refinery and gaz transmition to the many of surrounding countries, to that effect, Burma’s geographical location is crucial!” – MBW
…but not as potent as oil, well, anyway I hope you’re right. I hope this refineries and gas transmissions would serve as an incentive.
No, MLQ3 has the MINESWEEPER game (the one bundled with Windows).
ECONOMY
Burma is a resource-rich country with a strong agricultural base. It also has vast timber, natural gas, and fishery reserves and is a leading source of gems and jade. Tourist potential remains undeveloped because of weak infrastructure and Burma’s international image, which has been damaged by the junta’s human rights abuses and oppression of the democratic opposition. Due to Burma’s poor human rights record, the U.S. has imposed a range of trade sanctions, including bans on the importation of Burmese products into the U.S. and the export of financial services from the U.S. to Burma passed in 2003.
The regime’s mismanagement of the economy has created a downward economic spiral. The state remains heavily involved in most parts of the economy, infrastructure has deteriorated, and no rule of law exists. The majority of Burmese citizens subsist on an average annual income of less than $200 per capita. Inflation, caused primarily by public sector deficit spending and the eroding value of the local currency (the kyat), have reduced living standards. The Asian Development Bank estimated in December 2006 that inflation in Burma could reach 30% in 2006-2007, in contrast with official estimates of 10%.
The military’s commercial arms play a major role in the economy. The limited moves to a market economy have been accompanied by a significant rise in crony capitalism. A handful of companies loyal to the regime has benefited from policies that promote monopoly and privilege. State-controlled activity predominates in energy, heavy industry, and the rice trade. Agriculture, light industry, trade, and transport dominate the private sector.
Burma remains a primarily agricultural economy with 50% of GDP derived from agriculture, livestock and fisheries, and forestry. Manufacturing/industry constitutes only 15% of recorded economic activity, and state industries continue to play a large role in that sector. Trade and services constitute only 35% of GDP.
Foreign investment has declined precipitously since 1999 due to the increasingly unfriendly business environment and political pressure from Western consumers and shareholders. The government conserves foreign exchange by limiting imports and promoting exports. Published estimates of Burma’s foreign trade (particularly on the import side) are greatly understated because of the large volume of off-book, black-market, illicit, and unrecorded border trade.
In the near term, growth will continue to be constrained by government mismanagement and minimal investment. A number of other countries, including member states of the European Union, Canada, and Australia have joined the United States in applying some form of sanctions against the regime.
Government economic statistics are unavailable and unreliable. According to official figures, GDP growth has been over 10% annually since FY 1999-2000. However, the rate is likely much smaller. Burma’s limited economic growth results largely from its natural gas exports, which account for over half of Burma’s export receipts and foreign direct investment. Natural gas exports will increase significantly once production begins from the offshore Shwe and Shwephyu Fields, estimated to hold 5.7-10 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. In 2005-2006, the oil and gas sector accounted for $69 million in foreign direct investment. Corporations based in China, India, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia have interests in the exploration and development of several offshore blocks.
Burma remains the world’s second-largest producer of illicit opium–although it amounts to only 11% of the world’s total. Annual production of opium is now estimated to be less than 20% of mid-1990 peak levels. Burma is also a primary source of amphetamine-type stimulants in Asia. Although the Burmese Government has expanded its counternarcotics measures in recent years, production and trafficking of narcotics and failure to adequately prosecute those involved remains a major problem in Burma.
Burma is rich in natural gas and opium (good enough incentives).
MBW It must be one of the reasons why “most” of the Military Officers is still loyal to the JUNTA. What sticks to their mind is this: “What will happen to us if a DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT would be in place? Would we have the same comfort?”
Exactly! Pundits reckon that that is probably where the Burmese military (not the seniors) are.
minesweeper? of course this one:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Vigilance_%28AM-324%29
just kidding.
karah,
maybe it’s the same question some military officers of ours are asking, if they will help oust GMA.
” Would we have the same comfort?”
“From my own readings, ordinary members of the military have very high standards of living as opposed to the ordinary Burmese citizen. They have privileges that allow members of their families to enter into business, go to schools, other great material perks, i.e., TV or cell phones even.” – mbw
This was what I was afraid of, money can negate my “cognitive dissonance” theory.
Ramrod (at 6:57pm), it looks like the Burmese have sacrificed their rights and freedoms just to move their country backward.
Ram Did you get your info from the US State Department’s Profile of Burma? While reading I recalled I have already read what you have post somewhere. I have also read Burma Info from CIA, Wikipedia, and that of the US State Department.
I have an impression that CHINA is eyeing some of the resources of Burma. It’s quite known that CHINA likes to invest in countries wherein the form of Government is either Dictatorial/Authoritarian and/or Ruled by a Junta. In this way, it’s easier to talk with Government rather than a Democratically-elected Government which would go thru a lot of channels, procedures, and processes.
My heart goes to the ordinary citizens of Burma (those who are victims of all this). We can consider BURMA as a FAILED STATE inasmuch as people are starving due to hunger and poverty, people are dying due to Military excesses, people does not have access even to the most basic social services, and the list in endless.
I am very sure that most of the Opium that Burma produces goes to Thailand (being a known trans-shipment point for all sorts of drugs).
“It’s quite known that CHINA likes to invest in countries wherein the form of Government is either Dictatorial/Authoritarian and/or Ruled by a Junta. In this way, it’s easier to talk with Government rather than a Democratically-elected Government which would go thru a lot of channels, procedures, and processes.” – karah
Hmmmmmm…..Government to government agreement eh, sounds familiar.
GPS It’s a very valid assertion. Look at how GMA rewards former Generals (from the AFP and PNP).
Yes. US State Department’s Profile. By the looks of it a number of countries are siphoning their natural resources with permission from the Junta.
Good God! That IS an old minesweeper! No wonder can’t do job quickly anymore. (kidding too!)
Modern minesweepers now are made of PVC. Lafayette class is stealth.
During the Cold War, the United States also preferred to deal with Authoritarian states (like Chile, Iraq, Pakistan and of course the Philippines) as long as they sided with the West as opposed to democracies that sided with the Soviets (like India). It’s realpolitik, which is quite the opposite of Bush’s ideologically driven foreign policy.
MBW, i’m sure that the Manuel Quezon III will be made of PVC.
ramrod, the movie starred in by Nicolas Cage was Lord of War. it depicts exactly why wars never end. because its profitable. the arms industry itself fuel wars or jump start it just so they can keep on earning, supporting or fanning environments rife for war.
Hey speaking of the Barko Manuel L Quezon, I wonder whatever happened to it? Wonder if it’s been upgraded like the Aguinaldo Class or is it still in the same derelict situation as the Mabini Class
Aw shucks, perhaps they haven’t gotten to the Q class in RP Navy yet! (Come in alphabetical order…)
They’re still upgrading the J class (Jacinto class)…
cvj,
Is that because he’s using US technology? (Ok, just kidding…)
MBW, i think it’s the same boat that Manolo linked to above.
Mbw, cvj
You’re reading into it to much, its really a y-shaped stick sometimes known as divining rod.
…or the guy normally in yellow t-shirt you see in the kalye with print “metro aide” on it…oops sorry, “street sweeper” pala yun hehehe
cvj, you probably meant SHIP not boat!
Heheheh! “its really a y-shaped stick… “
DevilsAdvc8,
Yes that was it, Lord of War. Its strange how guns, drugs, and blood diamonds usually go together, along with dictators and military juntas.
Re: GPS “maybe it’s the same question some military officers of ours are asking, if they will help oust GMA.
†Would we have the same comfort?â€Â
I’m mighty sure, that’s one of the major reasons!
Re: “how guns, drugs, and blood diamonds usually go together, along with dictators and military juntas.”
Exactly where the Burma is at! Guns, loads of them from China, blood diamonds entire Burma for the extracting (well, almost) dictators a plenty!
I gather that the mining sector is what’s driving the Philippine economy as well.
In terms of legit business, Burma junta trade legally with any Western nation and Asian nation in gas and in diamonds!
So freezing trade with them at least on those 2 legit businesses could contribute eventually to undermining Burma junta living although am sure they’ve hoarded so much money abroad already so that if they are forced to fly out, they’d continue living like kings.
They should not be allowed to leave to avoid their accessing their bank accounts. If they have to be toppled, they must be charged, indicted and punished IN Burma so new govt could re-claim the Junta members’ individual ill gotten wealth.
cvj,
re I gather that the mining sector is what’s driving the Philippine economy as well.
Your graph in your blog shows that and that was one of my concerns…
Am pretty sure many of our Manila matrons can boast of at least possessing a piece of jewelry mounted with a Burmese diamond, i.e., ruby, saphire, etc.
In terms the Junta members accessing their bank accounts, i think Singapore (and other financial centers) has to agree to waive its bank secrecy laws (which i hear are more stringent than that of Switzerland’s) in preparation for a future freezing of assets.
Hey guys, guess who’s hand is it that rocks the cradle?
US Multinational Oil Giant Chevron Fuels The Brutal Regime In Burma
Harry Oo
Fueling the military junta that has ruled for decades are Burma’s natural-gas reserves, controlled by the Burmese regime in partnership with the U.S. multinational oil giant Chevron, the French oil company Total and a Thai oil firm. Offshore natural-gas facilities deliver their extracted gas to Thailand through Burma’s Yadana pipeline. The pipeline was built with slave labor, forced into servitude by the Burmese military.
The original pipeline partner, Unocal, was sued by EarthRights International for the use of slave labor. As soon as the suit was settled out of court, Chevron bought Unocal.
Chevron’s role in propping up the brutal regime in Burma is clear. According to Marco Simons, U.S. legal director at EarthRights International: “Sanctions haven’t worked because gas is the lifeline of the regime. Before Yadana went online, Burma’s regime was facing severe shortages of currency. It’s really Yadana and gas projects that kept the military regime afloat to buy arms and ammunition and pay its soldiers.”
cvj, then, perhaps the courts in Brussels (Kingdom of Belgium laws not EU) can do the job that is if the Burmese files lawsuits against the Junta guys and obtain proper court ruling ordering a bank to open its records a bit???… just a thought.
Yeah… can see the uphill battle a new Burmese govt would have to face.
Ramrod,
Yeah Chevron and Total arm in arm!
“re I gather that the mining sector is what’s driving the Philippine economy as well.
Your graph in your blog shows that and that was one of my concerns…”
Yes. Even gigantic food conglomerate San Miguel is investing in it.
But if any consolation, Total has been ordered by Pres Sarkozy to freeze investments in Burma.
French outfit I think has started closing down some of the operations in some areas there to comply with order.
“But if any consolation, Total has been ordered by Pres Sarkozy to freeze investments in Burma.” -mbw
They should. No point in their people protesting to high heavens while their industrialists hold hands with the junta boy toys. What did uncle Sam do?
Uncle Sam? Don’t know – heaven’t heard Uncle Bush mouth something specific as that yet, i.e., asking Chevron to freeze investments.
when it comes to oil and gas, there’s no such thing as sanctions for these people. it’s all about the money. the present junta in burma is actually very advantageous for some multinationals – just talk to the guy in charge and you’re set.
harry clay
Should be easier for Bush, shouldn’t it? He’s got friends in the oil industry… Wait, that might be the reason we haven’t heard him say something as specific as that publicly, coz of his friends? (Btw, where is Cheney?)
In her latest junket,Gloria Pidal received a scroll on “The Seven Social Sins” by Mahatma Gandhi.
Mrs.Pidal,I hope you read what is written in the Scroll of The Seven Social Sins:
Quoted by Mahatma Gandhi in “Young India”, 1925
1)Politics without principles
2)Wealth without work
3)Pleasure without conscience
4)Knowledge without character
5)Commerce without morality
6)Science without humanity
7))Worship without sacrifice
Gloira Pidal:Quo Vadis?
Conjunctivitis!
I Harry, just for you I copied the whole list of spells in my pc.
mr. shoot from the hip from texas is busy with iraq and how to make money. mr. quack quack cheney is busy with hunting. it’s been a tried and tested idea that when the heat is rising, these multinationals back down, when the issues dies down, they back to back. it’s how things work.
harry clay
Wow! Reciting those in front of Indians? Wow! The nerve. Did any Indian journalist ask questions?
tdc,
Wow! You just enumerated the sins of several senators, most of the congressmen, and a few tycoons, and of course presidential families.
ramrod:
the conjunctivitis curse. i’ve read that you hail from cebu? it’s good to see a province mate in here.
harry clay
“but it look so good in the brochures…”
Hi, just bought a white macbook after three months of looking around. It’s thousands cheaper than in stores, brand new. Now, the curious thing is, I know a new Mac OS will come out in a couple of weeks. I also know a new macbook design, probably aluminum (yummy) will come right after, and supposedly competitively priced (aggressive is the word Apple used). But why did I buy now? Ayokong manakaw.
“manolo, since you are teaching (at Letran?), why don’t you assign some of your research projects on history (e.g. philippine territory during Spanish times) to your students? for bonus points?”
They allow undergrads to teach in Letran?
Re: Burma
The international community should stop applying embargoes. Instead go after the leaders, not through assassination but attaching an official stigma to these leaders. For example if the US and Europe threaten PGMA and family a permanent ban on entry, they’ll think twice before doing what they’re doing now. No visas for the corrupt.
Latest:
Junta leader Than Shwe has announced that he is prepared to meet jailed opposition leader San Suu Kyi …
provided she met certain government-dictated conditions, including ending her support for sanctions on Burma.
Than Shwe is known to harbour a visceral hatred for Suu Ki, so his offer is seen by Burmese opposition activists as only another trick to divert attention from a continuing crackdown on dissidents and monasteries. Homes in Rangoon and Mandalay and a number of monasteries were again raided in the early hours of today.
http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/index.php?storyID=9006
harry,
I think I remember this fat guy talking about that on tv (awful truth stuff) and there was a movie exactly about this issue shown on cable tv starring this guy from “Foot Loose” and “Hollow Man”
“provided she met certain government-dictated conditions, including ending her support for sanctions on Burma.” – mbw
Destabilization, she’s guilty of destabilization against the strong republic of Burma!
“The international community should stop applying embargoes. Instead go after the leaders, not through assassination but attaching an official stigma to these leaders. For example if the US and Europe threaten PGMA and family a permanent ban on entry, they’ll think twice before doing what they’re doing now. No visas for the corrupt.” – BrianB
ah but some leaders of other countries came into power with the auspices of some western countries. look at marcos and how the us literally siphoned him and his family out of the philippines, i.e., using us military transport. we cannot discount the fact that us, and some countries in europe need some leaders for trade, for strategic and defense purposes, even if these leaders are persona non grata.
Brian,
Re: “For example if the US and Europe threaten PGMA and family a permanent ban on entry, they’ll think twice before doing what they’re doing now. No visas for the corrupt.”
Europe (or I suppose US for that matter though not sure of US) can only do that if the country’s people themselves have exhausted all legal avenues toward prosecuting the corrupt or if the Filipino people do the same thing as the Burmese.
Inasmuch as that is not happening, i.e., similar to Burmese people uprising, there’s not much Europe or the US for that matter can do.
There has to be an overt expression by the Filipino people at home through uprising against our corrupt leaders for a Western govt to declare these corrupt leaders persona non grata.
Europe has done this already against a few leaders here and from Africa. But they could do that because the people rose against these corrupt leaders and with proof showed that their leaders were corrupt.
Sadly, we have to go by this moral rule of law no matter how individually bad we feel.
“We can only do as much as supporting the cause and us being morale boosters to the Burmese people. Other than that, we are helpless in a sense that we cannot involve ourselves too deep in the matter because it’s the fight of the Burmese people, not ours.”
—————————————–
couldn’t agree for more
Ramrod, Heheheh! That’s why Shwe hates her!
“The international community should stop applying embargoes. Instead go after the leaders, not through assassination but attaching an official stigma to these leaders. For example if the US and Europe threaten PGMA and family a permanent ban on entry, they’ll think twice before doing what they’re doing now. No visas for the corrupt.†– BrianB
ah but some leaders of other countries came into power with the auspices of some western countries. look at marcos and how the us literally siphoned him and his family out of the philippines, i.e., using us military transport. we cannot discount the fact that us, and some countries in europe need some leaders for trade, for strategic and defense purposes, even if these leaders are persona non grata.
Brian,
In the same vein and following Ramrod’s thought above (transposing here):
““Europe can only do as much as supporting the cause and us being morale boosters to the Philippine people. Other than that, Europe are helpless in a sense that they cannot involve themselves too deep in the matter because it’s the fight of the Philippine people, not theirs.â€Â
Ooops sorry that was Rego’s thouhgt pala di si Ramrod…
“We can only do as much as supporting the cause and us being morale boosters to the Burmese people. Other than that, we are helpless in a sense that we cannot involve ourselves too deep in the matter because it’s the fight of the Burmese people, not ours.†-karah
excellent and i agree 101%, yes, it’s an internal matter. how will the people of burma learn to fight for their freedom if they won’t take it upon themselves to fight for it
harry clay
I think every bit of support helps. We’re all connected you know.
“if cardinal rosales yelled at the president she should resign, then piously tells the people let’s move on, i think he can be taken to task vs. another bishop who might say, consistently, forget politics, period and another bishop who consistently has something strong to say vs. say gambling and abductions. ”
Manolo,
Sa aking palagay wala kay Cardinal Rosales ang problema. Nasa Vatican at yung panunungkulan ni Pope Benidict VI (?)Yung Papa ang nag utos sa mga cardinal na wag makialam sa politika. Tapagpagpatupad lang si cardinal Rosales sa kautusang yan.
“I think I remember this fat guy talking about that on tv (awful truth stuff) and there was a movie exactly about this issue shown on cable tv starring this guy from “Foot Loose†and “Hollow Man— -ramrod
you referring to kevin bacon? the thing you watched, is that one of those documentaries they air on tv? there are also instances that these documentaries twist and add something to the truth more than the truth itself.
harry clay
Harry, that’s an unfair statement “how will the people of burma learn to fight for their freedom if they won’t take it upon themselves to fight for it”, thoroughly unfair!
The Burmese, just like the Filipinos have never stopped fighting for their freedom, be it against their colonial rulers or against their home grown tyrants.
When it comes to fighting for freedom, the Burmese have nothing to be ashamed of – they have gone through several bloody uprisings in modern history, perhaps more than modern Pinas ever had!
“excellent and i agree 101%, yes, it’s an internal matter. how will the people of burma learn to fight for their freedom if they won’t take it upon themselves to fight for it” – harry
They will. Suppression, repression, or whatever it is tyrants use has a bad side effect – it almost always results in rebellion unless of course you turn them into gentle sheep.
Obliviate!
Amen to that, their monks are eating bullets. They haven’t yet been infected by the move on mentality.
If at all, along those lines, perhaps modern Filipinos have something to learn from the Burmese… they are never afraid to spill blood by the thousands in one go to fight their tyrants.
Many Burmese have learned to fight for their freedom long ago…
Rego The Catholic Church has the moral authority to address social issues but not meddle with Politics. Unlike the vocal and “politically active” Cardinal Sin, Cardinal Rosales is more of a type that works silently on his own (this is my impression).
If I may ask, could you give me a link or an Article about this “admonition” of Pope Benedict XVI (not VI)? The former Cardinal Ratzinger is a very conservative and “to the letter” Cleric. I’ll be waiting where I could find the Article or some Church Document about this. Thanks in advance.
rego:
there’s no place for cardinal rosales to meddle with philippine politics unless moral issues are involved. maybe some people miss cardinal sin and his constant proclamation of his political stand on political issues.
harry clay
“you referring to kevin bacon?” – harry
Yes. It had a very interesting angle, Kevin Bacon’s character was assigned to develop this oil pipeline in a third world country but he found out some people were massacred because of this pipeline so he set out to expose it only find out that the US senator he spilled the beans to was aware of this already and they tolerated it because the country’s need for oil is more important.
Also, during WWII, the Burmese helped British and American forces fight the Japanese. They were party to the defeat of Japan.
“They will. Suppression, repression, or whatever it is tyrants use has a bad side effect – it almost always results in rebellion unless of course you turn them into gentle sheep.” -ramrod
hope so. it’s been decades. hope they wake up sooner. you getting the hang of mr. potter’s spells, ei?
harry clay
“Yes. It had a very interesting angle, Kevin Bacon’s character was assigned to develop this oil pipeline in a third world country but he found out some people were massacred because of this pipeline so he set out to expose it only find out that the US senator he spilled the beans to was aware of this already and they tolerated it because the country’s need for oil is more important.” -ramrod
happens all the time in movies. the protagonist finds out something and tries to expose only to find out that the very people who should be looking into the part are in collusion with the very people the people would implicate in a crime. funny but true. in some movies, it ends with a congressional investigation. then what? it’s futile all along.
harry clay