Beware: Complete power vacuum!Share
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By TOTO CAUSING
Beware: Complete power vacuum
The premature lifting of the unlawful martial law in Maguindanao province was further prompted by a call from the Obama administration. But this is not an assurance that the Filipinos have nothing more to fear about a no-election scenario. To the contrary, the desire of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to stay in power at any cost is still a clear-and-present danger.
So what do you think will happen if there would be massive failure of elections in almost all parts of the country? As such, nobody would be elected president, vice-president, senators and congressmen in more than half of its seats even after the term of office of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Vice-President Noli De Castro ends on June 30, 2010.
For sure, we will be a country without President, without Vice-President, without Senate President and without Speaker of the House.
This is a situation of “a complete power vacuum.”
The Obama warning
Before proceeding to the explanation why Filipinos should not let their guards down, let us refresh what US President Barrack Hussein Obama said in his inaugural speech concerning corrupt world leaders, where he said:
“To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of the dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
Thereafter, Obama went to see leaders perceived to be corrupt. Among those he met was Gloria. She came to the White House where Obama repeatedly stressed that elections in the Philippines must push through.
But during their stay there, the Team Gloria went to scandalous dinners - spending one million pesos at Le Cirque restaurant in New York City and seven hundred fifty thousand pesos in Bobby Van’s Steakhouse in Washington DC.
Recently, State Secretary Hillary Clinton visited the Philippines to “follow up” and deliver America’s message: ensure holding of the elections in 2010.
The follow up made by Clinton on the Arroyo administration must have been due to the persistent intelligence reports reaching the Obama administration that she has been hell-bent on employing means available, no matter how remote, in order for her to stay.
This report is validated by the fact that countless of big corruption issues have been thrown against Gloria, including the $329-million NBN-ZTE project, the fertilizer scam used in the elections of 2004, and the Hello Garci cheating.
After martial law in Maguindanao was declared on December 4, 2009, two United States congressmen, Howard Berman and Chris Smith, passed filed on December 8 their joint resolution before the US Congress condemning the Ampatuan Massacre, calling for impartial investigation and urging the Philippine authorities to respect the free exercise of the freedom of the press. This resolution must have doubly prompted Obama to do persuasive efforts so as not to offend the Filipino-Americans.
Aside from the brutality of the massacre that is revolting to any conscience, the concerns of the US were heightened not only by its economic interests here but also due to the urgings from Filipino-Americans who now have louder voice in its political landscape.
Cling to power at all cost
It takes no fertile imagination to know why Arroyo will insist on staying in power. She is afraid of the day when her powers and immunity from suit as president expire on June 30, 2010. After that, she will surely face the possibility of arrest like what happened to her predecessor, convicted President Joseph Estrada, who she ironically pardoned.
She is also aware that when she is no longer president, there is no legal remedy available for her to prevent the filing of criminal charges against her. Now, she is determined to stay even as President in acting capacity or to change the government to a parliamentary form where she can easily be elected as prime minister to stay immune from suit.
Any of these may be difficult to achieve considering the legal obstacles and rabid opposition from the public. But she is nevertheless determined to try to go for any available remedy.
And if she won in 2004 by means of Hello Garci operations, she may also push for the success of evil objectives, considering further that top military and police positions are occupied by her “classmates” from the PMA Class of 1978.
And if it is possible for her to become acting president or prime minister, it also takes no extraordinary thinking to say why Gloria’s bid to stay in power is a clear-and-present danger: she will do everything she can to keep the powers of the President.
It is therefore not comforting to think that she will not “cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of the dissent.”
Hiding the plot
While this author was not surprised that martial law would be declared in Maguindanao following the massacre in Ampatuan town, he was surprised by the sudden lifting of it.
This was so because there was still enough time, at least two days more, for her to keep the martial rule under Proclamation No. 1959. Yet, she lifted it on the Saturday before the Congress was yet to deliberate on it on the next Monday and the Supreme Court had yet to receive the comment of the Office of the President to the petitions seeking to declare martial law illegal.
Before disserting on the next plot, it is worth noting that Gloria already knew that the martial law she declared will not hold water before the Congress and the Supreme Court, despite the fact that these bodies are being peopled by her allies. But with the clarity of the illegality of martial law, she immediately lifted it.
She did not want to do the lifting within the precarious moments to avoid the risk of getting confirmations about the fears that she had actually been trying to use the legitimate massacre case as a justification for martial law. This law can only be issued on either of the two causes: rebellion or invasion.
And if these fears are confirmed, their execution of a new plot would never get any belief that she was in good faith. Shortly after lifting the martial law, her prosecutors cited unofficial reasons that the said martial law was proclaimed only to allow them to arrest the Ampatuans. The truth, however, remains: she has been trying to hide the no-election plot while looking for ways on how to achieve it using legitimate causes.
Still believing a new plan is still feasible, she nipped her martial law in the bud to erase the doubts as to her “sincerity.”
So that aside from persuasion from the Obama administration, the purpose of lifting the martial law “prematurely” is to hide the plot.
Now that the martial law talks have died down, what is next?
Do not relax.
Evil stays clear and present
The Filipinos must remain vigilant considering the greed and the genius of Gloria’s boys and girls, including Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales; political operator Ronaldo Puno, who is occupying a material portfolio of Secretary of the Interior and Local Governments; Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who is himself a military tactician; and legal minds Raul Gonzales, who sits as the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel; and Agnes Torres Devanadera, who sits as the Justice Secretary and the Solicitor General at the same time.
Remember that the only legal way for Gloria to achieve her objective of staying in power is to cause disruptions in elections to force a suspension of proclamation of winners in presidential, vice-presidential and senatorial contests.
If there is no President who can be proclaimed, the Constitution says it is the elected Vice-President who shall take over until the new President is proclaimed. But if there is also no Vice-President to take over because he, too, cannot be proclaimed, the Senate President shall take over under the same Constitution. But if there are also no new 12 senators who can be proclaimed because there would still be votes that should be counted, then the incumbent 12 senators cannot elect a Senate President for it will be argued that it needed at least 13 senators to elect a Senate President. And if there is no Senate President, then it is the Speaker of the House who will act as President.
But there is also the danger of this extra-constitutional way: a coup d’etat or a junta in the case of complete power vacuum.
Too easy to get elected Speaker
And if Gloria wins the congressional election in one district in Pampanga, it is easy for her to win the Speaker’s post considering the enormous wealth she has acquired that she can use to bribe and the “debts of gratitude” she had forged during the entire period of her presidency.
Add to this the Supreme Court’s ruling that allowed appointed officials of Gloria to continue in their respective offices while running for congressmen, drastically increasing their chances of winning to be in the House of Representatives to help elect Gloria to be the Speaker. You can see the hint on the pretended opposition posed by the Office of the Solicitor General to the petition seeking to declare as null and void the law requiring appointed officials to resign upon filing of their certificates of candidacies. You can also see another hint in the fact that almost all justices of the Highest Court are appointed by Gloria. Another hint is the fact that Devanadera filed her certificate of candidacy for congresswoman in Quezon province.
Add to this another Supreme Court’s ruling overturning its own final decision to legalize the cityhood of 16 towns, giving big edge to Gloria’s allies running for congressmen in these localities.
Then, her allies in the present House succeeded in adding legislative districts, giving Gloria another edge of having her allies elected in the new districts. In Cavite alone, new districts were added: Bacoor district, Imus district, Dasmariñas district and another district including Tagaytay City. This brings the legislative districts of Cavite to seven from the original of three. Her ally in Iloilo City also sought and succeeded in dividing the city into two districts. These redistricting efforts looked innocent to the people who do not know of the intention of Gloria.
Thus, it is relatively easy for Gloria to become Speaker.
Can disruption of elections be enough for an evil plot?
The question now therefore is: Can a mere disruption of the elections be enough to force the suspension of proclamation of winners in the presidential, vice-presidential and senatorial races?
Yes, it is enough—and she can do it.
She needed only to disrupt elections in some parts of the country in order for her to force her issue of staying in power.
Looking at the present survey, Noynoy Aquino leads the race at 46 percent and Manny Villar comes next at 27 percent. If there are 45 million voters, these percentages mean that Noynoy would get 20.7 million votes while Villar would get 12.15 million votes.
It is hoped by Gloria’s minions that Villar would rise up further to 35 percent and Noynoy slide down to 40 percent. This hope is optimistic and can be realized considering the well-oiled machinery of Villar. And under this scenario, Noynoy should get 18 million votes and Villar would get 15.75 million votes, or a difference of a little more than two million.
Now, this means that Gloria needed to suspend or prevent elections from happening in areas where the total votes would be at least two-and-a-half million.
It would be relatively doable for her to cause disruptions in Muslim Mindanao where the total number of votes is 1.7 million.
In what other areas can she operate to reach the three-million-vote target?
By the rule of contamination that violence in one province would likely disrupt the elections in the adjacent provinces, she would likely lift her finger to cause her bright boys to operate in Sultan Kudarat province where the total votes is about 300,000 and in North Cotabato where the total vote is also about 300,000. Not too remote to handle is the next neighbor province of South Cotabato where there are also 300,000 voters to complete the three million votes to be suspended. They can also reach their tentacles to Lanao del Sur that is adjacent to Maguindanao province.
With this, we can at least say that it is doable for the Team Gloria to disrupt elections in these areas with the view of preventing any count to happen there.
But if the disruption would result in massive failure of elections, it is a bonus for her.
How would disruptions chill the votes count?
For example, Noynoy Aquino is leading after the canvassing of all votes from areas where elections would have proceeded.
Let us say that his margin of lead is only two million votes over the second-placer, assuming to be Manny Villar. Then, let us say that the total of the votes in areas where voting did not occur is more than two million.
As such, Villar will still have a chance to overturn the upper hand and win the election. Under this circumstance, Noynoy cannot be proclaimed yet.
Then, assume the same situation to be attendant in the case of the vice-presidential race so that the leading candidate cannot also be proclaimed.
Also, assume the same scenario for the senatorial race. Where the margins are to be slim between the No. 1 and No. 13, no senatorial candidate can be proclaimed a winner.
Add to this problem the legal maneuvers of protests and counter-protests to stretch the suspension of election to an indefinite period aimed to prolong the non- proclamation.
The length of time of the suspension can be made longer than the time needed for Gloria to maneuver to become the Speaker of the House with the votes of those representatives who would have already been proclaimed.
With this, Gloria will be Acting President, giving her immunity powers once more.
And if she would already sit as Acting President, the trouble she would spark would now be used as a cause to invoke another move to go parliamentary or justify another surprise move not yet known to history.
But if the trouble results in massive failure of elections, that is the grimmest to happen.
Bombing option
First, we should not discount the series of bombings that occurred in Mindanao in a not-to-distant past.
Remember the days when C4 bombs exploded in a series in different places in Mindanao. These were suspected to have been deliberately done by Norberto Gonzales’ operators.
By doing it again, it is the most viable means of scaring out the people to justify a new action that will in effect suspend the holding of elections in areas due to violations and terrorism.
If the series of bombings were pilot-tested then at a time when Norberto Gonzales was presiding over the intelligence units of the Executive and blame on the Jemaah Islamiyah, they can do it again.
Take note that it is easy to recruit persons to explode bombs that may destroy the computer machines. Recall that during the first computerized elections in ARMM, several computer-counting units were bombed. If this was done before, it can be done with more ease now.
And if bombs were to erupt simultaneously in majority of precincts in Muslim provinces, there will be a failure of elections in the provinces mentioned above and a new martial law may again be declared.
Considering the fact that the total votes in the Muslim areas alone are big enough for the second placer to overtake the leader, proclamation will for sure be suspended until the election is held on a date they could control.
Delay of automated machines
Another option may be a lot easier: the deliberate act of causing delays in the delivery of election computer machines.
Delays may be caused in delivering the machines from the manufacturers to the Comelec and from the Comelec to all precincts. These can happen by sabotaging the shipment procedures or the manufacturing plant in China, where the ZTE golfing buddies of Gloria and the First Gentleman are found.
If delays in the delivery of a good number of machines happen, it will compel the Comelec to revert to the traditional modes of using the same election returns in those areas where no computers would arrive. Rest assured, the Hello Garci dagdag-bawas (vote-shaving-and-padding) scheme would not be used. This is because all Gloria wants is for the votes in affected areas not to reach the canvassing areas through electronic transmissions.
Delays may easily be done in the delivery of computer machines to the remote precinct areas, not only in ARMM but also in other parts of the Philippines. If these delays are done, there would be failures of election and this would contribute to the suspension of proclamation of national election winners.
Now, it is with more reason that delays are more likely if the soldiers would be utilized, considering that they were also used during the Hello Garci operations. Don’t forget that the top military posts are held by the PMA Class of ‘78.
Recently, Norberto Gonzales announced the proposal to utilize soldiers in bringing the election equipment and paraphernalia to the remotest areas. Armed Forces Chief of Staff Victor Ibrado seconded the motion of Gonzales. The Comelec, for its part, sounded off it may do so although the use of the soldiers in 2004 was condemned.
Of course, with soldiers around, it would be an easy prey for the Abu Sayyaf to launch attacks that would prevent the machines from reaching the destinations.
Another, it would be easy to fake assaults to justify the failure to deliver and the destruction of the precinct machines.
Yes, the Comelec has the power to control soldiers in time of elections, but the officers on the field can do whatever they want like what happened in the Hello Garci operations.
It appears it is easy to employ these delay tactics even in non-Muslim provinces.
Robbery of computer machines
Similarly easy is to hire hoodlums to rob away the electronic machines in transit to the precincts.
If bank robberies have shown to be daring in Metro Manila, with more reason that it can be done in case of computer machines in the provinces. It therefore can happen in New People’s Army (NPA) strongholds and the act can be blamed on the Reds. It could happen in Ilocos where Gloria minions control. It could happen in the Cordilleras. It could happen in Isabela. It could happen elsewhere.
So that with these threats of robbery, there would be reasons to justify the use of the soldiers for the delivery of the automated machines.
It looks like that either way the plan to prevent the counting from happening is so doable. And if the robbery incidents would be plenty enough, it would result in massive failure of elections and justify again either the feigned martial law declaration or something worse.
And if these machines are burned in many places, there would be no bright day coming for the Philippines.
Of course, it is also easier to snatch election returns if no automated polling is conducted. By force these may be burned so that there would be nothing that the Comelec database can receive from the field to finish the national canvassing.
If this delay is coupled with legal maneuvers of protest and counter-protests, it would take till eternity for the next president, vice-president and 12 senators to be proclaimed. Gloria’s lawyer, Romulo Makalintal, is a superb election lawyer. He was the one who filed the petition that resulted in the Supreme Court voiding the law requiring the appointed officials to resign upon their filing of certificates of candidacy.
Break into computer codes
Another plan is possible but too remote.
This is a manipulation of the software or program that controls the process of how the votes in the automated elections would be tallied by the national board of canvassers and the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Board of Canvassers.
This is too remote owing to the fact that the computer machines shall all be installed as stand-alone computers. This means that they are not connected with each other to allow a hacker to have enough time to break into secrete codes.
Actually, two minutes is the longest time for each of these precinct machines to get connected to the loop: which consists of the computer machines for the municipal canvassers, machines for the district canvassers, machines for the provincial or city canvassers and machines for the national board of canvassers and another set of machines as data banks to serve as a counter-checking measure just in case.
And when one precinct computer interconnects to the loop, it does so in the manner of sending data like sending text messages to a group of cellphone numbers at the same time.
For sure, it is almost impossible for any hacker to break into the code in a span of two minutes.
Another cause of the remoteness of manipulating into the software program is the almost impossibility to enable the IT experts of Gloria to alter the software. The automation law requires the disclosure of the source codes of the software program to all political parties and stakeholders for them to be examined whether there would be hidden dagdag-bawas program command.
Certainly, it is almost possible to control the counts from all precincts if elections indeed occurred. This is because right after the voting closes, the computer machines function like big cellular phones to send text messages containing the votes of all candidates as messages, from local to national.
And when the data messages were sent and received by the canvassing machines, they can no longer be altered.
To attack MILF is too remote
It is also very remote for Gloria to capitalize on attacking Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) because the government has a commitment to the international parties, including Malaysia and Libya, to continue the ongoing peace talks to iron out kinks in the previous MOA-AD (Memorandum of Agreement-Ancestral Domain) creating the so-called Bangsamoro Juridical Entity.
Whatever plot that would be carried out next the objective is only one: To create a scenario where no president, no vice-president and no 12 senators that can be proclaimed.
Grimmest scenario: Complete power vacuum
But if the failures of election are to happen in majority parts of the country by means of massive delays in the delivery of computer machines, election forms and election ballots and boxes, there will be a complete power vacuum.
Under this case, we will have a situation where nobody is elected even after the terms of offices of Gloria and Noli end on June 30, 2009. This situation will cause vacancy in the Senate President because the incumbent senators are only 12 and they needed at least 13 senators to elect a Senate President. This circumstance will also cause vacancy in the office of the Speaker of the House because majority of the seats in the House of Representatives are vacant due to massive failures of election.
This is the grimmest scenario because the Constitution does not provide who should act as President when there is no elected President, no elected Vice-President, no elected Senate President and no elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.
There will therefore be a complete power vacuum. There will be chaos.
Under this case, the greediest and the arrogant may now arrogate unto himself or herself the powers of the President. A coup d’etat may occur to dissolve the Constitution. There might be a junta that is similar to the one proposed recently by Norberto Gonzales to Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno.
Gloria may stage the coup with the help of the members of the Class ’78 of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) who are her “honorary classmates” and the one occupying the top positions in the military and the police?
This is not to talk about the possibility that Gloria may stage a “self coup d’etat” and declare the abrogation of the Constitution.
One and the same objective: no proclamation
This author sent out a “grim warning” about the martial law plot as early as November 8, 2009, when it was not known whether the Ampatuan Massacre would occur.
Right after the occurrence of the Ampatuan Massacre on November 23, 2009, the author wrote the followup analysis that instead of fomenting war with the MILF and MNLF to justify martial law, it was easier for the Gloria tacticians to foment clan wars by means of backbiting rumors spread out to all clans against each other to stir them up to fight each other.
This was what happened between the clans of Ampatuans and Mangudadatus. Ampatuans’ minds were conditioned that the latter would grab power from the former. And when the clans erupt into war, this would be used as a justification for martial law. This indeed took place.
After the analysis of this author was published in email groups, Gloria proclaimed martial law in Maguindanao.
Somehow, notwithstanding the opposition of many Filipinos against US intervention, they all have something to thank to the US for.
Were it not for the pressure exerted by Obama, Gloria could have resorted to the tactic of continuing martial law or lifting it and proclaiming it again, and doing the same thing all over again with the purpose of preventing elections to occur in certain parts of the country.
The bottomline: No-proclamation plot is a clear-and-present danger.
Updated 6 hours ago · Comment · Like · Report Note
Abner Galino great job!
46 minutes ago · Report
In this note
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Friday, December 25, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
A Third Force is in the works
28
oct
Chiz Escudero is now a free man: A Third Force is in the works
Posted by PatricioMangubat in chiz escudero
Like what I told my friend and comrade Carlos, any one who wants to take on the presidency needs what I call a dramatis causa---a shocking event that would take everyone by surprise. Delicious surprise, I must say.
Chiz Escudero has now freed himself from the shackles of Danding Cojuangco--and for better reason. He has just announced his resignation from the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), the traditional political party that has cuddled him for eleven years. Why?
Escudero has his reasons, and legitimate ones, I must say.
First, how would one fight graft and corruption if financiers with spotty political records are behind your campaign? He was referring to Mr. Cojuangco, who is bedeviled by numerous unresolved graft cases. Second, how would you fight those who cause the further poverty of this nation if they are the ones who dictate your every political move?
Definitely, Escudero did the right thing---he is offering himself to the Filipino People. He is now, a free man. He can now decide whether to run or not for the highest post. Should he decide though, he will definitely either run as vice president or gun for the highest post.
What would now prevent him from running as president and Senator Antonio Trillianes as his running mate? No problem. Reformist groups are very strong at this point. In fact, every organizer can be tapped to help Escudero clinch the highest post of the land.
What I can now say, as Secretary General of the Young Organizers' Union (YOU), the successor of the YOU (Young Officers' Union), we respect and salute the decision of Senator Francis Escudero. Should he decide to run as president, we, and the Filipino People, will be behind him.
He can be adopted by the Democratic Party of the Philippines (DPP), a national political party. Or, we can now unite behind Escudero and form a THIRD FORCE. That THIRD FORCE will definitely defeat all these traditional political parties, like the Liberal Party, UNO, and Nacionalista.
A Third Force would surely be a welcome development in the shifting political environment.
Let me articulate what millions want---a People's Progressive Party (3P), an organization composed of all organizers in every political party uniting behind Escudero. Or a Democratic Party of the Philippines.
To Senator Escudero----don't worry about your logistics. The Spirit of Bayanihan will provide you with what you need. If we can muster billions for disaster relief, we, the Filipino People, will be behind you and give you billions more just to rehabilitate our damaged institutions.
Truly, may Bagong Umagang Parating!
This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at Wednesday, October 28, 2009 and is filed under chiz escudero . You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments feed .
oct
Chiz Escudero is now a free man: A Third Force is in the works
Posted by PatricioMangubat in chiz escudero
Like what I told my friend and comrade Carlos, any one who wants to take on the presidency needs what I call a dramatis causa---a shocking event that would take everyone by surprise. Delicious surprise, I must say.
Chiz Escudero has now freed himself from the shackles of Danding Cojuangco--and for better reason. He has just announced his resignation from the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), the traditional political party that has cuddled him for eleven years. Why?
Escudero has his reasons, and legitimate ones, I must say.
First, how would one fight graft and corruption if financiers with spotty political records are behind your campaign? He was referring to Mr. Cojuangco, who is bedeviled by numerous unresolved graft cases. Second, how would you fight those who cause the further poverty of this nation if they are the ones who dictate your every political move?
Definitely, Escudero did the right thing---he is offering himself to the Filipino People. He is now, a free man. He can now decide whether to run or not for the highest post. Should he decide though, he will definitely either run as vice president or gun for the highest post.
What would now prevent him from running as president and Senator Antonio Trillianes as his running mate? No problem. Reformist groups are very strong at this point. In fact, every organizer can be tapped to help Escudero clinch the highest post of the land.
What I can now say, as Secretary General of the Young Organizers' Union (YOU), the successor of the YOU (Young Officers' Union), we respect and salute the decision of Senator Francis Escudero. Should he decide to run as president, we, and the Filipino People, will be behind him.
He can be adopted by the Democratic Party of the Philippines (DPP), a national political party. Or, we can now unite behind Escudero and form a THIRD FORCE. That THIRD FORCE will definitely defeat all these traditional political parties, like the Liberal Party, UNO, and Nacionalista.
A Third Force would surely be a welcome development in the shifting political environment.
Let me articulate what millions want---a People's Progressive Party (3P), an organization composed of all organizers in every political party uniting behind Escudero. Or a Democratic Party of the Philippines.
To Senator Escudero----don't worry about your logistics. The Spirit of Bayanihan will provide you with what you need. If we can muster billions for disaster relief, we, the Filipino People, will be behind you and give you billions more just to rehabilitate our damaged institutions.
Truly, may Bagong Umagang Parating!
This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at Wednesday, October 28, 2009 and is filed under chiz escudero . You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments feed .
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Opinion
Maganda binitawan salita ni Capt. Guinoblay sa Interview ni Tonying Taberna 'Punto 4 Punto kanina kasama sa listahan bagong laya ng Oakwood mutiny. Quote and unquote-mahirap isalin ang kapangyarihan sa mga taong mang-abuso kung siyay nasa poder na. Tama si kapitan kaya advise sa lahat malapit na ang 2010 halalan mamili at mag scrutinize sa mga kandidato tatakbo gusto maging pinunong bayan. Pag mali tayo sa pag-pili balik din sa atin yan mga kapwa botante maging mapanuri sana tayo.
First Muslim Mayor of Rotterdam
First Muslim Mayor of Rotterdam
Photo by Robert Vos, Associated Press
Some people, both inside and outside the Muslim community, question whether Muslims should become involved in politics at all. The portrayal of the intersection of politics and religion in most mainstream media coverage of Islam leads to questions of where a Muslim politician’s loyalties might lie and whether personal faith might interfere with the job performance of an official who is supposed to act in the best interest of a broader population. It would seem that these questions should be asked of anyone of any faith who chooses to enter public office, but it seems that Muslims are singled out for special scrutiny.
These concerns are increasingly important as the number of Muslim politicians in the Western world increases. In the United States, for example, Representative Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota) became a highly visible example, especially when he asked to be sworn in on Thomas Jefferson’s copy of the Qur’an. Of course the increased involvement of Muslims in Western politics is not limited to the United States. In fact, the rapidly growing Muslim presence in Europe makes it only natural that Muslim Europeans would want to go into politics to give voice to some of the concerns of not only Muslim but also non-Muslim constituents. One such example is the mayor of Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Ahmed Aboutaleb became the first Muslim immigrant to become mayor of a major Dutch city this past January. The appointment of Aboutaleb, a Moroccan-born immigrant, has created controversy in Rotterdam, which has witnessed serious clashes over the issue of immigration.Geert Wilders, leader of the right-wing Dutch Party for Freedom, is among the most vocal of those that have questioned Aboutaleb’s loyalties. Wilders has demanded that Aboutaleb give up his Moroccan passport as a gesture of his loyalty to the Netherlands. Muslims, on the other hand, are excited and hope he can begin to build the necessary bridges between Muslims and non-Muslims there. There are also non-Muslims who support Aboutaleb as mayor, but even they seem to believe it is important that he prioritize the issue of integrating Muslims into Europe over other topics.
The competing demands will not be easy to balance. Aboutaleb has already received criticism from some Muslims for expressing support over the firing of Tariq Ramadan, a prominent Islamic scholar, and from non-Muslims who question an official trip he made to Morocco in June. Whatever the concerns of both sides, however, Aboutaleb’s appointment represents an important step for Muslims in Europe and other Western nations. It is not just a question of integration, but also one of participation in the larger society.
What do you think of Muslim participation in politics? Should someone’s faith play a role in whether they are involved in politics or not? What does integration mean for Muslims in Europe? Please leave your comments.
Monday, October 12, 2009
President Dr. Ernest B. Koroma of Sierra Leone
On president Koroma’s recent speech to Sierra Leoneans in New York
- Monday 12 October 2009.
Commentary
By Arolyn I. Koroma, USA.
The president Dr. Ernest B. Koroma appeared quite vibrant, confident and relaxed. His delegation included his spouse, First Lady Mrs. Sia N. Koroma, Foreign Minister Mrs. Zainab Bangura, Minister of Information Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, ( later joined by Hon. Minister of Mineral Resources Hon. Alpha Sahid Kanu), Press Secretary. Mr. Sheka Tarawali, and Mr. Mr. Beckley (photographer), Sierra Leone’s U.S. Ambassador H.E. Bockarie K. Stevens, and the Sierra Leone-United States Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Isatu Timbo-Nwokedi.
It was an exciting moment for others to witness and listen to a presidential update which revealed Sierra Leoneans developmental wishes for their nation were beginning to confront reality. Those who came with an open mind returned home quite pleased with the direction in which Sierra Leone is heading, and are proud of a president who is once more bringing substantial respect and development to the once forgotten nation.
The President’s strong desire to improve the quality of life of his people and his determination to bring back his nation’s positive image to the world stage is parallel to none. Being a good leader is a craft; one can’t just grab it and run with it. President Koroma excels where others have failed. He stands tall where others’ credibility is doubted.
Dr, Ernest B. Koroma’s administration’s two years achievement update was based on facts. The administration exceeded the people of Sierra Leone’s expectations, and his positive positions on critical international issues are slowly, but surely improving Sierra Leone’s image on the world stage. These growth and development strides are achievable because of his promise and commitment to improve the country’s social and economic status. The developments are neither humanly impossible, nor financially impossible, but the incompetence and corruption infested past administrations preferred to do nothing. While majority of the populace are appreciative, others are perplexed as they witnessed an exponential progression of accomplishments in 24 months, as compared to the previous administration’s 96 months of lack of action.
The ten years of SLPP rule could as well be referred to, in our country’s history, as an interregnum period, an era of no leadership. The period immediately after the war was the time for less financial hardship in Sierra Leone’s history, because the donor nations poured millions upon millions of dollars to resuscitate the country’s ailing economy and to raise the standard of living of its people. The Poverty Reduction Strategy Program (PRSP) financial aid funds were doubled each year for 6 consecutive years totaling approximately $400 million, but there was no leadership, no transparency and no accountability.
The president, in his address, succinctly outlined his two years accomplishments which further amplified the importance of the two year report and the A.P.C.’s commitment to move Sierra Leone at par with advanced states in the continent. The APC administration undertakes intricate projects whose names, before this time, only come up for election votes for years. They are now either fully operational or about to be operational.
Dr. Ernest Koroma is paving the way for future leaders to follow his footsteps. The leadership is proud to be Sierra Leonean first and resented the calling of our capital city “the darkest and most obnoxious city in the west coast of Africa.”
The Bumbuna Hydro Electric Project which the SLPP used for eight years as a political football for votes is now up and running during the two years time of the All People’s Congress administration. Potable water could once more be used in the capital city. The SLPP’s darkest city, Freetown, is once again nightly illuminated .It took the All People’s Congress Party 24 months to finish projects which the previous administration neglected or cannot finish in 96 months. The Bo-Kailahun roads construction will start soon. The Kenema- road will start soon as well.
The government has re-invigorated an anti-corruption agency which is fully empowered to track down culprits and bring them to justice. The agency has begun returning quite substantial amount of funds to the government’s coffers.
The president, in his report, mentioned that the country is not doing too well in the human development index, wherein poverty is pervasive. A very good number of our people could not afford a decent meal, illiteracy is quite high, maternal and infant mortality rate are terrible. Above all he inherited a completely collapsed economy.
As a result, his administration, together with other international agencies will put in place a system to assist pregnant women, avert child mortality and other health issues and minimize or improve the status quo.
Sierra Leone is known to be an agricultural nation. It depends heavily on agriculture, but the previous administration’s budget for FY 2007 was 1.6%. This is a joke. This sum cannot host the famous Kenema Cacao Show. The APC government budgeted 7.7% FY 2008, GDP, and it have been increased to 9.9% for FY 2010. This is done to resuscitate and alleviates the defunct agricultural industry and bring agriculture back to what it used to be. The APC government of Dr. Ernest Koroma is bringing about 250 farming tractors from India to assist distressed and frustrated farmers by probably loaning or renting them out to farmers. The iron ore industry at Lunsar in the Northern Province, which has been redundant for more than twenty years, has been given a new lease on life and operation will start soon.
.
Two world events threatened and pushed African nations’ economies to the brink. First was the February 2007 sudden soaring price of rice which is Sierra Leone’s staple food. This was caused by rice producing countries: China, India, Malaysia and Viet Nam shopping for rice in the world market. This brought a sudden rice price increase from a 25lbs bag of rice which cost $12.oo (U.S.A.) suddenly rose to $22.00, and the 50lbs which cost Le60,000 (Sierra Leone) rose to Le90,000, Le125,000 and still rising.. The price spike of commodities is further exacerbated by the sudden collapse of industrialized nation’s economies in November 2007.
The G8 countries met and put in place a mechanism to cushion and reset their economies, while Africa was left out and African countries’ economies are still bleeding from that economic calamity. This act has led to the free-fall of the Zambian Kwacha, Sierra Leone’s Leone, Nigeria’s Naira, the Liberian dollar, the Guinea’s Franc and so forth. Without the G20, the world richest nations resetting of African economies the Leone will continue to free-fall or depreciate. The global economic crisis brought most nations economies to a temporary standstill, including the 900 million potential consumers in Africa. Despite the above, Sierra Leone is experiencing an exponential development.
The above mentioned prompted the no response to SLPP N/A Chairman Augustine Boss Falay’s interview. His answers were politically rhetorical with no substance. It is no hidden secret that Sierra Leoneans knew that the previous SLPP administration built no hospitals, no schools, roads, no rice price control. They bought no life jackets for the marine activities of the people of Shenge. They neither put in place any economic mechanism, nor were a $500 million left in the SL treasury as professed by the chairman, Augustine Boss Fallay. The chairman speaks like a leader whose party struggles with its past, but forced by the desire to be heard. He lost an opportunity to promote his party, which is probably not his fault because there is no positive record to fall back on.
It is now that the opposition is beginning to know what transparency and accountability meant. While occupying the State House those words were foreign to them. They neglected things like health care, education, infrastructure, energy and power. Additionally, the SLPP missed a golden opportunity to show their leadership skills, because 1999-2007 was a period of plenty. The problem in Sierra Leone immediately after the war was not a financial problem. It was a problem of misguided policy and bad governance. Instead of an administration that loves the country, the SLPP administration specialized in illicit regional trade of the worse kind. They sold to neighboring countries for personal benefit of government rice, generators and transportation meant for Sierra Leone. And the government knew that the nation was in dire need of these items.
The government of Dr. Ernest B. Koroma is bringing back Sierra Leone to a moderate progressive nation in the sub-saharan region. Looking forward to 2012 and beyond, the administration is committed to meet its promises to its citizens. That is, it is committed to work harder to improve the economic lives of its citizens, improve the health care system, and improve the nation’s infrastructure and education.
The president finally pleaded to the Diasporans to soon be home bound, because their families and the nation need them to join the nation building.
By Arolyn I. Koroma, USA.
The president Dr. Ernest B. Koroma appeared quite vibrant, confident and relaxed. His delegation included his spouse, First Lady Mrs. Sia N. Koroma, Foreign Minister Mrs. Zainab Bangura, Minister of Information Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, ( later joined by Hon. Minister of Mineral Resources Hon. Alpha Sahid Kanu), Press Secretary. Mr. Sheka Tarawali, and Mr. Mr. Beckley (photographer), Sierra Leone’s U.S. Ambassador H.E. Bockarie K. Stevens, and the Sierra Leone-United States Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Isatu Timbo-Nwokedi.
It was an exciting moment for others to witness and listen to a presidential update which revealed Sierra Leoneans developmental wishes for their nation were beginning to confront reality. Those who came with an open mind returned home quite pleased with the direction in which Sierra Leone is heading, and are proud of a president who is once more bringing substantial respect and development to the once forgotten nation.
The President’s strong desire to improve the quality of life of his people and his determination to bring back his nation’s positive image to the world stage is parallel to none. Being a good leader is a craft; one can’t just grab it and run with it. President Koroma excels where others have failed. He stands tall where others’ credibility is doubted.
Dr, Ernest B. Koroma’s administration’s two years achievement update was based on facts. The administration exceeded the people of Sierra Leone’s expectations, and his positive positions on critical international issues are slowly, but surely improving Sierra Leone’s image on the world stage. These growth and development strides are achievable because of his promise and commitment to improve the country’s social and economic status. The developments are neither humanly impossible, nor financially impossible, but the incompetence and corruption infested past administrations preferred to do nothing. While majority of the populace are appreciative, others are perplexed as they witnessed an exponential progression of accomplishments in 24 months, as compared to the previous administration’s 96 months of lack of action.
The ten years of SLPP rule could as well be referred to, in our country’s history, as an interregnum period, an era of no leadership. The period immediately after the war was the time for less financial hardship in Sierra Leone’s history, because the donor nations poured millions upon millions of dollars to resuscitate the country’s ailing economy and to raise the standard of living of its people. The Poverty Reduction Strategy Program (PRSP) financial aid funds were doubled each year for 6 consecutive years totaling approximately $400 million, but there was no leadership, no transparency and no accountability.
The president, in his address, succinctly outlined his two years accomplishments which further amplified the importance of the two year report and the A.P.C.’s commitment to move Sierra Leone at par with advanced states in the continent. The APC administration undertakes intricate projects whose names, before this time, only come up for election votes for years. They are now either fully operational or about to be operational.
Dr. Ernest Koroma is paving the way for future leaders to follow his footsteps. The leadership is proud to be Sierra Leonean first and resented the calling of our capital city “the darkest and most obnoxious city in the west coast of Africa.”
The Bumbuna Hydro Electric Project which the SLPP used for eight years as a political football for votes is now up and running during the two years time of the All People’s Congress administration. Potable water could once more be used in the capital city. The SLPP’s darkest city, Freetown, is once again nightly illuminated .It took the All People’s Congress Party 24 months to finish projects which the previous administration neglected or cannot finish in 96 months. The Bo-Kailahun roads construction will start soon. The Kenema- road will start soon as well.
The government has re-invigorated an anti-corruption agency which is fully empowered to track down culprits and bring them to justice. The agency has begun returning quite substantial amount of funds to the government’s coffers.
The president, in his report, mentioned that the country is not doing too well in the human development index, wherein poverty is pervasive. A very good number of our people could not afford a decent meal, illiteracy is quite high, maternal and infant mortality rate are terrible. Above all he inherited a completely collapsed economy.
As a result, his administration, together with other international agencies will put in place a system to assist pregnant women, avert child mortality and other health issues and minimize or improve the status quo.
Sierra Leone is known to be an agricultural nation. It depends heavily on agriculture, but the previous administration’s budget for FY 2007 was 1.6%. This is a joke. This sum cannot host the famous Kenema Cacao Show. The APC government budgeted 7.7% FY 2008, GDP, and it have been increased to 9.9% for FY 2010. This is done to resuscitate and alleviates the defunct agricultural industry and bring agriculture back to what it used to be. The APC government of Dr. Ernest Koroma is bringing about 250 farming tractors from India to assist distressed and frustrated farmers by probably loaning or renting them out to farmers. The iron ore industry at Lunsar in the Northern Province, which has been redundant for more than twenty years, has been given a new lease on life and operation will start soon.
.
Two world events threatened and pushed African nations’ economies to the brink. First was the February 2007 sudden soaring price of rice which is Sierra Leone’s staple food. This was caused by rice producing countries: China, India, Malaysia and Viet Nam shopping for rice in the world market. This brought a sudden rice price increase from a 25lbs bag of rice which cost $12.oo (U.S.A.) suddenly rose to $22.00, and the 50lbs which cost Le60,000 (Sierra Leone) rose to Le90,000, Le125,000 and still rising.. The price spike of commodities is further exacerbated by the sudden collapse of industrialized nation’s economies in November 2007.
The G8 countries met and put in place a mechanism to cushion and reset their economies, while Africa was left out and African countries’ economies are still bleeding from that economic calamity. This act has led to the free-fall of the Zambian Kwacha, Sierra Leone’s Leone, Nigeria’s Naira, the Liberian dollar, the Guinea’s Franc and so forth. Without the G20, the world richest nations resetting of African economies the Leone will continue to free-fall or depreciate. The global economic crisis brought most nations economies to a temporary standstill, including the 900 million potential consumers in Africa. Despite the above, Sierra Leone is experiencing an exponential development.
The above mentioned prompted the no response to SLPP N/A Chairman Augustine Boss Falay’s interview. His answers were politically rhetorical with no substance. It is no hidden secret that Sierra Leoneans knew that the previous SLPP administration built no hospitals, no schools, roads, no rice price control. They bought no life jackets for the marine activities of the people of Shenge. They neither put in place any economic mechanism, nor were a $500 million left in the SL treasury as professed by the chairman, Augustine Boss Fallay. The chairman speaks like a leader whose party struggles with its past, but forced by the desire to be heard. He lost an opportunity to promote his party, which is probably not his fault because there is no positive record to fall back on.
It is now that the opposition is beginning to know what transparency and accountability meant. While occupying the State House those words were foreign to them. They neglected things like health care, education, infrastructure, energy and power. Additionally, the SLPP missed a golden opportunity to show their leadership skills, because 1999-2007 was a period of plenty. The problem in Sierra Leone immediately after the war was not a financial problem. It was a problem of misguided policy and bad governance. Instead of an administration that loves the country, the SLPP administration specialized in illicit regional trade of the worse kind. They sold to neighboring countries for personal benefit of government rice, generators and transportation meant for Sierra Leone. And the government knew that the nation was in dire need of these items.
The government of Dr. Ernest B. Koroma is bringing back Sierra Leone to a moderate progressive nation in the sub-saharan region. Looking forward to 2012 and beyond, the administration is committed to meet its promises to its citizens. That is, it is committed to work harder to improve the economic lives of its citizens, improve the health care system, and improve the nation’s infrastructure and education.
The president finally pleaded to the Diasporans to soon be home bound, because their families and the nation need them to join the nation building.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Col. M. Gadhafi Tirade at UN
UN must review the out-model charter fix the loophole written when I'm still inside the womb of my beloved mother, hit by the grand veteran leader of the desert Col. M. Gadhafi at the podium of UN General Assembly. He raised issues point-by-point. I think he has valid points & very considerable when he said UN Security Council-a Council of Terror. Sec. Gen. Ban Ki-moon you have many tasks ahead to accommodate community more meaningful and acceptable for all members of the assembly...
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Filipino Today
Over Ninety millions Pinoy today, the next Pres of the republic after 2010 should favor pinoy interest, from governance, policy formulation and economy paradigm must focus on national interest. Save Phils from the unmanageable population explosion in... the regional level of S.E.A. Fearing many, If not prevented by the expert this might create human upheaval on the ground because more & more of us will go hungry....
Monday, September 21, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Re: Rep. Joe Wilson in the Hall of Congress
I will not comment to Rep. Joe Wilson even he acted like wild Bull, if the conduct of meeting is on special or regular hearing session. But with the present of your President to address joint session of US Congress. I think little courtesy must be postured as shown of respect to the head of government the most powerful nation on earth.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Hard to be Muslim?
Hard to be Muslim?
Samira Gutoc is a freelance writer, former editor of The Moro Times, and convenor of the Young Moro Professionals Network. She is currently helping to revive the Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines. GMANews.TVBeing Muslim is hard, wrote one columnist. It’s difficult to practice fasting, wear the veil, deal with false associations with the Abu Sayyaf - the complaints go on and on.
Muslims are challenged by the complexity of the modern age. A Muslim has to grapple with the do's and don'ts of a rigid system of belief and practices, and balance it with modernity. Secondly, a Muslim, particularly in the Philippines, has to deal with multiple identities - being a Filipino, a part of mainstream society; being Moro, a part of a distinct historical community; being a Maranao, Maguindanao or Tausug, part of a cultural group; and being a Muslim, part of the larger Ummah (community of believers).
But for me, being Muslim has really made life easier, especially in the metropolis. Whether in a crowd or in a classroom, my veil has easily identified me, thus I do not get lost or discriminated against. A Muslim not discriminated against? Yep believe it, the veil or my Muslim name usually prompts a sympathetic ear or word even from strangers. Oh, so you're Muslim, a taxi driver would comment, like I was an alien object. Opo, I answer, smiling, bakit? And the curious person would usually begin to ask questions to educate himself.
Having worked and interacted with Christians all my life, I have had to actually be a "better Muslim" to answer questions from colleagues, and even media, about my faith. Some of the usual queries, usually borne out of "misconceptions," have to do with polygamy (more accurately polygyny because women cannot marry more than one man), jihad (self-struggle against evil), eating pork, and the veil.
It is timely to know about Muslims and their way of life. This month is Ramadhan, one of the holiest periods in the Islamic calendar, observed by the capable and healthy among the 1.5 billion Muslims all over the world. Fasting is one of the five pillars in Islam aside from charity, pilgrimage, five-times-a-day prayer, and a declaration that there is only One God and Muhamad is a Messenger.
Fasting was practiced by Jesus and other prophets from history. Muslim fasting is 12 hours of abstention from food, water, and sex from sunrise to sunset. Fasting is also about the avoidance of evil, the practice of good acts, and a time to be in solidarity with the poor. I close my eyes to avoid seeing “erotic" scenes on television. This is because we are also advised to avoid getting horny. But that’s only in the daytime.
In the Philippines, fasting comes at a time when thousands of evacuees in Maguindanao are living in tents. Fasting becomes more meaningful because we know how it is to have no food available even for just 12 hours.
My daily routine consists of waking up at 3 in the morning to eat a heavy meal, stopping water intake by 4 in the morning, sleeping again to prepare for the day at 7, working the whole day, reading the Holy Quran, napping in the afternoon, preparing for the 5:45 break of fast, waiting for the call for prayer, sipping water to break the fast, praying, eating a heavy meal, and then evening prayers to cap the night.
Fasting, I discovered, was also a way to strengthen friendships with my Christian friends. My freshman roommate in UP would actually wake me up at 3 in the morning so that I could prepare for morning meals that would end just after 4 in the morning. My NGO colleagues would avoid eating in front of me to show respect. Other friends went as far as fasting for several hours too, to show their oneness with Muslims.
It is difficult to work and fast at the same time; it takes getting used to. It is great that some government offices practice early office hours to dismiss Muslim employees at 3 in the afternoon to prepare for their evening meals.
And as half of the month of Ramadhan is over and Eidul Fitr draws near, the essence of fasting becomes real in the everyday smile of a Muslim to a Christian and vice versa. Abstaining from conflict and making peace real every day should be the real message of Ramadhan. - GMANews.TV
Anti-Torture Bill
Anti-torture bills had just passed by the bicameral committee, this is chaired by Senator Chiz Escudero of the Philippines Senate. This bills is an exceptional one milestone legislation for Human Rights defenders and reformist, who aspire for genuine change of our political system. With all safety-net provisions incorporated in the bills including the penalty fees and penalize provisions is suffice to criminal element of our society would think twice before committing injustices to fellow being. This state laws is long overdue sought by the International Community to the Philippines government pending in both Houses of Congress. At last its become now state laws, I think we must give credits for those personalities who sponsored this anti-torture bills. For all Human Rights advocates, peace corps volunteers, freedom lover and the rest who involved and stands for peaceful world, our kudos congratulations to Senator Chiz Escudero and the both members of the bicameral committees who works for this safety-net bills is one of kind for all as...
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Remark By the President at IFTAR Dinner
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
__________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release September 1, 2009
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT IFTAR DINNER
State Dining Room
8:08 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Please, everybody have a seat. Thank you. Well, it is my great pleasure to host all of you here at the White House to mark this special occasion -- Ramadan Kareem.
I want to say that I'm deeply honored to welcome so many members of the diplomatic corps, as well as several members of my administration and distinguished members of Congress, including the first two Muslims to serve in Congress -- Keith Ellison and Andre Carson. Where are they? (Applause.)
Just a few other acknowledgements I want to make. We have Senator Richard Lugar here, who's our Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Where is Dick Lugar? There he is. (Applause.) Representative John Conyers, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. (Applause.) Representative Rush Holt is here. Thank you, Rush. (Applause.) Have we found you a seat, Rush? (Laughter.)
REPRESENTATIVE HOLT: I’m on my way to the train. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: I got you.
We also have here -- Secretary of Defense Gates is here. Secretary Gates. (Applause.) Our Attorney General, Eric Holder. (Applause.) And Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius is here. (Applause.)
And most of all, I want to welcome all the American Muslims from many walks of life who are here. This is just one part of our effort to celebrate Ramadan, and continues a long tradition of hosting iftars here at the White House.
For well over a billion Muslims, Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection. It's a time of service and support for those in need. And it is also a time for family and friends to come together in a celebration of their faith, their communities, and the common humanity that all of us share. It is in that spirit that I welcome each and every one of you to the White House.
Tonight's iftar is a ritual that is also being carried out this Ramadan at kitchen tables and mosques in all 50 states. Islam, as we know, is part of America. And like the broader American citizenry, the American Muslim community is one of extraordinary dynamism and diversity -- with families that stretch back generations and more recent immigrants; with Muslims of countless races and ethnicities, and with roots in every corner of the world.
Indeed, the contribution of Muslims to the United States are too long to catalog because Muslims are so interwoven into the fabric of our communities and our country. American Muslims are successful in business and entertainment; in the arts and athletics; in science and in medicine. Above all, they are successful parents, good neighbors, and active citizens.
So on this occasion, we celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan, and we also celebrate how much Muslims have enriched America and its culture -- in ways both large and small. And with us here tonight, we see just a small sample of those contributions. Let me share a few stories with you briefly.
Elsheba Khan's son, Kareem, made the ultimate sacrifice for his country when he lost his life in Iraq. Kareem joined the military as soon as he finished high school. He would go on to win the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, along with the admiration of his fellow soldiers. In describing her son, Elsheba said, "He always wanted to help any way that he could." Tonight, he's buried alongside thousands of heroes in Arlington National Cemetery. A crescent is carved into his grave, just as others bear the Christian cross or the Jewish star. These brave Americans are joined in death as they were in life -- by a common commitment to their country, and the values that we hold dear.
One of those values is the freedom to practice your religion -- a right that is enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution. Nashala Hearn, who joins us from Muskogee, Oklahoma, took a stand for that right at an early age. When her school district told her that she couldn't wear the hijab, she protested that it was a part of her religion. The Department of Justice stood behind her, and she won her right to practice her faith. She even traveled to Washington to testify before Congress. Her words spoke to a tolerance that is far greater than mistrust -- when she first wore her headscarf to school, she said, "I received compliments from the other kids."
Another young woman who has thrived in her school is Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir. She's not even 5'5 -- where's Bilqis? Right here. Stand up, Bilqis, just so that we -- (laughter) -- I want everybody to know -- she's got heels on. She's 5'5 -- Bilqis broke Rebecca Lobo's record for the most points scored by any high school basketball player in Massachusetts history. (Applause.) She recently told a reporter, "I'd like to really inspire a lot of young Muslim girls if they want to play basketball. Anything is possible. They can do it, too." As an honor student, as an athlete on her way to Memphis, Bilqis is an inspiration not simply to Muslim girls -- she's an inspiration to all of us.
Of course, we know that when it comes to athletes who have inspired America, any list would include the man known simply as The Greatest. And while Muhammad Ali could not join us tonight, it is worth reflecting upon his remarkable contributions, as he's grown from an unmatched fighter in the ring to a man of quiet dignity and grace who continues to fight for what he believes -- and that includes the notion that people of all faiths holds things in common. I love this quote. A few years ago, he explained this view -- and this is part of why he's The Greatest -- saying, "Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams -- they all have different names, but they all contain water. Just as religions do -- they all contain truths."
They all contain truths. Among those truths are the pursuit of peace and the dignity of all human beings. That must always form the basis upon which we find common ground. And that is why I am so pleased that we are joined tonight not only by so many outstanding Muslim Americans and representatives of the diplomatic corps, but people of many faiths -- Christians, Jews, and Hindus -- along with so many prominent Muslims.
Together, we have a responsibility to foster engagement grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect. And that's one of my fundamental commitments as President, both at home and abroad. That is central to the new beginning that I've sought between the United States and Muslims around the world. And that is a commitment that we can renew once again during this holy season.
So tonight, we celebrate a great religion, and its commitment to justice and progress. We honor the contributions of America's Muslims, and the positive example that so many of them set through their own lives. And we rededicate ourselves to the work of building a better and more hopeful world.
So thanks to all of you for taking the time to be here this evening. I wish you all a very blessed Ramadan. And with that, I think we can start a feast. I don't know what's on the menu, but I'm sure it will be good. (Laughter.) Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.)
END
8:16 P.M. EDT
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Comments From Prof. Randy David
I want to share this!
Change
Change
There’s a popular French saying, “plus ça change, plus c’est pareil.” It means, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” This ironic observation is a testimony to the enduring nature of structures. Events in everyday life may suggest unending flux, but the fluidity can be superficial, masking the unshakable character of an underlying order. This realization however only comes with the passage of time. We can be so caught up in the drama of single events that we don’t notice the basic continuity of things.
There have been many milestones in our nation’s life. We fell under foreign rule at various times. The arrival of each new set of tyrants, wrote the nationalist historian Renato Constantino, was heralded as a moment of liberation. For many Filipinos, 1946—the year we got our formal independence from the Americans—was supposed to be a real watershed, the start of our life as a sovereign nation. But, except for the changes in fortune of the small Filipino elite that took over the reins of government, and the rise of a tiny middle class, the old order was untouched. The landscape of social inequality and mass poverty was largely preserved.
This unchanged terrain has been our most enduring legacy. Over the years following independence, it has bred its own feudal bosses and followers, its own shallow economy and hybrid consciousness. To this day, it is protected against explosive change by a thick undergrowth that keeps it securely fastened to the motherboard of its former colonial master, the United States of America. It is this entire social order that has kept us from becoming a modern, democratic and prosperous society.
Every election year, we look for new faces that can personify our people’s yearning for meaningful change. This fixation with personalities grossly exaggerates the role that individuals play in the reconstruction of society. It devalues the need for policy changes that can create the conditions for long-term shifts in the social order.
One only needs to take a look at the societies that are today being hailed as dynamic and successful in order to understand what social change entails. They share a couple of things in common. 1. Education is compulsory for everyone, rather than a function of wealth, social status, or gender. 2. The rule of law rises above the claims of wealth, power, or status, assuring justice to everyone who comes before the courts. 3. Politics is insulated from wealth, religion, and family, thus ensuring equal access to public positions. 4. Religion is a matter of individual choice. 5. The economy offers everyone open access to markets and occupations. Here, at once, we may see the principal obstacles that have constrained the full development of the Philippines into a modern society.
Access to lifelong learning and knowledge has been blocked for many of our people. This is evident not only in the way in which the State has delegated an increasing portion of the educational function to the private sector, but also in the various ways in which the government taxes the acquisition of knowledge. Every aspiring developing nation has made massive investment in basic and advanced education the spear point of its quest for modernity, except the Philippines.
Justice through the legal system has remained as elusive for the vast majority of our people as the satisfaction of their basic material needs. The corruption of our courts, the police, and the entire justice system is legendary. With no money or political connection, the poor are forced to seek justice elsewhere. The persistence of various insurgencies mirrors the failed character of our legal system.
Politics in our country is so tied up to networks and layers of patronage that our electoral campaigns are among the most expensive in the world. Instead of political parties, the prime movers of our political life are the political clans. The interests of the latter are intertwined with the business groups that control the economy. Our politicians pursue political power not to realize their vision for the nation but to protect and strengthen the position of the economic blocs that fund their political ambitions. This has resulted in the conversion of nearly every agency of the State into a tool of the ruling political-economic faction.
Thank God we are not a theocracy and the freedom to choose our religion is a reality and not just a promise. But something has to be said about the extraordinary influence that the Catholic Church still wields in the conduct of government. While we cannot fault the Church for speaking up on public issues in which it feels moral values are threatened, we expect government to be autonomous in its decision-making. Indeed, the fusion of State and ecclesiastical authority remains a problematic feature of our national order.
Finally, the economy—while it is nominally open in the sense that no one who has the means and qualification is barred from acquiring any property or entering any occupation—remains fundamentally restricted because of the highly unequal distribution of opportunity. The tight control that a few families maintain over the nation’s wealth impedes entrepreneurial growth. The money in the hands of the many is so small it casts them in the role of consumers, never as investors.
Only when we’ve seen radical changes in education, the justice system, the economy, politics and religion, can we truthfully say that things are no longer the same.
* * *
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