Thursday, March 19, 2009

I don't understand

Filipino jokes I can't laugh about.

JOKE Number 1:
Why did GMA pardon Erap, the Aquino-Galman killers, Jalosjos and soon, Daniel Smith? Because Danny Lim, Antonio Trillanes, and hundreds of juvenile delinquents are in prison.

JOKE Number 2:
Why is Gaite the new SEC Commissioner? Because Jun Lozada is still protected by the La Salle Brothers.

******

What kind of government pardons plunderers, killers, and rapist and yet imprisons those who call for change, and ignore the plight of children who are imprisoned?

What kind of government rewards those who lie and plot to kill a witness, but at the same time harass those who stood up for the truth?



Patuloy na umiibig sa Pilipinas,
At naniniwala sa galing ng Pilipino,



Froilan Grate | GreenMinds
www.NoBystanders.blogspot.com

Pagod ka na ba?

Pagod ka na ba magbasa at makinig sa mga balita?

Pagod ka na ba sumama sa mga rally at people power?

Pagod ka na ba mag rehistro at bomoto sa eleksyon?

Pagod ka na ba sa mga political statements sa Multiply, Facebook at sa blogs?

Pagod ka na ba pag usapan ang pulitika at ang ating gobyerno?

Pagod ka na ba makialam, makimasid at makibahagi?

Seguro nga pagod ka na. At alam nila yun. Kaya malakas ang loob nila na patuloy tayong gaguhin, lokohin, babuyin, pagnakawan, pagsamantalahan at lahat lahat na.

Pero isipin mo, saan na lang kayo tayo ngayon kung sila napagod din?

Paano na lang kaya kung napagod si Rizal magsulat ng mga nobela. Kung napagod si Ninoy bumalik sa Pilipinas. Kung napagod si Aguinaldo, Bonifacio, Silang, Jacinto, Melchora Aquino, at lahat ng mga katipunero at Pilipinong lumaban para sa ating kalayaan?

Paano na lang kaya kung lahat ng guro ay mapagod din sa kakaturo, kung ang nakikita lang din naman ng mga kabataan ay puro kasinungalingan at pagnanakaw?

Paano kaya kung mapagod ang lahat ng mga sundalo (di kasama ang mga kurakot na heneral) na ipaglaban ang kapayapaan, kung sila'y gagamitin lamang para mapanatili ang isang pekeng pinuno?

Saan kaya tayo ngayon?


Pagod ka na ba?

Patuloy na umiibig sa Pilipinas,
At naniniwala sa galing ng Pilipino,


Froilan Grate | GreenMinds
www.NoBystanders.blogspot.com

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Obama's Falling Star

To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of 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.

- Barack Obama, Inaugural Speech as 44th President of the U.S.

When Obama made this comment in his speech, many Filipinos believed he was referring (one of, at least) to the Philippine President, Gloria Arroyo. This was further fueled by the fact that GMA tried to meet with Obama, to no avail. Even Secretary of State Clinton did not include the Philippines in her first visit to Asia.

I personally admired Obama for this. At least, he doesn't want to be used by someone who is indeed clinging to power through corruption and deceit. That's why it came as a surprise to read on the news that it was Obama himself who called Arroyo early this week. What could have prompted the US president to call someone he snubbed repeatedly even while he was still running for president?

Ah. Of course, you just have to read the news and make the connection.

People are calling for the transfer of Daniel Smith, who was found guilty of raping a Filipina and the scrapping of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which many sectors believed to be one sided in the favor of the US. The case of Smith was proof to this.

So, Obama called GMA to affirm his country's commitment to the VFA. Commitment to the VFA? The US Congress did not even ratify the treaty! They would have the guts to cite it's provisions when it it convenient for them and it supports their cause.

This is the kind of change that Obama promised? Is this the foreign policy that he wish to pursue? The kind that disrespects the laws of other countries? The kind that treats other nations not as equals but as partners of convenience?

People say the Philippines needs an Obama. I say, no thanks! We have enough of people like him already.


Patuloy na umiibig sa Pilipinas,
At naniniwala sa galing ng Pilipino,


Froilan Grate | GreenMinds
www.NoBystanders.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Rape has a nationality

If you are a Filipino, and someone tries to rape you in the middle east, and you tried to protect your self, you will suffer the death penalty. And your government will not do anything.

If you are American and you rape a Filipina, your (American) president will call the Philippine president and the victim will recant.



Patuloy na umiibig sa Pilipinas,
At naniniwala sa galing ng Pilipino,



Froilan Grate | GreenMinds
www.NoBystanders.blogspot.com

Nicole Recants

Consider these events leading to this sad news:

1. Despite the public humiliation, Nicole stood by her accusation - she was raped by Daniel Smith.

2. The court finds Smith guilty of raping Nicole.

3. Smith was transferred to the US embassy, clearly violating the terms of the VFA.

4. The Supreme Court ordered the transfer of Smith to Philippine custody.

5. People started calling for the scrapping of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

6. Obama called GMA, in support of the VFA.

7. The Chinese sent patrol ships to Spratly's. Certain politicians said we should invoke our Mutual Defense Treaty with the US.

8. Nicole went to the US. The US!!!!

9. Nicole recants.

Wow! This country is fucked up. We've been colonized before, our forest and our women raped, and why would we allow these things to happen now?


Patuloy na umiibig sa Pilipinas,
At naniniwala sa galing ng Pilipino,


Froilan Grate | GreenMinds
www.NoBystanders.blogspot.com

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Thank god for cellphones

Just when I thought I have the worst day in my life, my dad called to ask me how I am, ask my opinion on family decisions that has to be made, and tell me many mundane things happening at home.

And it lifted my spirit.

My dad has always been the "makulit" type. When he was working abroad, he would have the chance to call for about 4 days straight, in each month. And he would call every day, for four days. And he would ask the same questions and tell the same stories as the previous day. Worst, he would call like 5 in the morning. But of course, I am not complaining. It's the least that I can do for all his sacrifices as a single parent.

Now, I welcome this "kakulitan." I especially need it today. And thank god, there was also a bonus. My brother and his entire family visited my dad today. So, I was able to talk to my nephew and niece as well. God, I miss them. Their voices sounded so sweet over the phone.

It's a bit sad that I was the only one who wasn't with them when they attended mass today, when they had lunch together. But I'm happy for the phone call.

Thanks Tatay. I love you!

New Feature: Taxi Talk

I will be starting a new section soon, called Taxi Talk. Every time I ride a taxi, I do try to have a conversation with the drivers.

One, I feel they would have second thoughts if ever they have any bad plans if they feel a certain connection with me. Second, and most important, being men of the streets, these Taxi Drivers are able to provide a different perspective on various issues and topics.

And in this section of teh blog, I hope to chronicle these meaningful conversations. Please watch out,  and you'll be surprised!

Patuloy na umiibig sa Pilipinas,
At naniniwala sa galing ng Pilipino,


Froilan Grate | GreenMinds
www.NoBystanders.blogspot.com
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