Lazing around on a lovely Saturday morning.
I don't watch the O.C. but I thought this was funny:
O.C. Spoof
---------------------
Before I rant about rallies and other shitty political things, let me sum up a few of my friends' thoughts on the matter.
moki
During all political unrest yesterday, i stayed home and read. What? Chapterhouse: Dune by Frank Herbert. Here's a particularly apt quote i found. It's part of the dialogue between the captured Reverent Mother Lucilla and the head of her captors, the Honored Matres.
"I suppose you're going to tell me you witches [the Bene Gesserit] practice a form of democracy."
"With an alertness you cannot imagine."
"Try me." She thinks you'll tell her a secret. Tell her one.
"Democracy is susceptible to to being led astray by having scapegoats paraded in front of the electorate. Get the rich, the greedy, the criminals, the stupid leader and so on ad nauseam."
"You believe as we do." My! How desperately she wants us to be like her.
"You said you were bureaucrats who rebelled. You know the flaw. A top-heavy bureauracy the electorate cannot touch always expands the system's limits of energy. Steal it from the aged, from the retired, from anyone. Especially from those we once called middle class because that's where most of the energy originates."
"You think of yourselves as... as middle class?"
"We don't think of ourselves in any fixed way. But Other Memory tells us the flaws of bureaucracy. I presume you have some form of civil service for the 'lower orders.'"
"We take care of our own." That's a nasty echo.
"Then you know how that dilutes the vote. Chief symptom: People don't vote. Instinct tells them it's useless."
"Democracy is a stupid idea anyway!"
"We agree. It's demagogue-prone. That's a disease to which electoral systems are vulnerable. Yet demagogues are easy to identify. They gesture a lot and speak with pulpit rhythms, using words that ring of religious fervor and god-fearing sincerity."
aearth
(lifted from yeli's blog)
hinahanapbuhay ko ang pagrally.
hindi ako nagbabayad ng buwis.
(bakit pa't para sa 'kin 'yun.)
pinapalipas ko ang oras sa paggawa ng anak,
pag-istambay sa kanto, at
pag-angal nang walang patos tungkol sa gobyerno.
ako ang masa.
wala akong pera. wala akong dunong.
pero may kapangyarihan ako.
bawal ako pagsalitaan ng masama.
lahat ng bagay naka-sentro sa 'kin.
ako ang masa.
wala akong nabibigay sa bayan.
tanggap lang ako ng tanggap.
(may halo pang angal)
kung bakit hindi na lang ako magtrabaho,
magpulot man lang ng basura,
tumigil sa pag-anak, ewan ko.
siguro kasi AKO ANG MASA.
(rant below, mine)
Gusto ko lang linawin. Iba ang mahirap sa masa. Ang terminong mahirap ay tumutukoy sa estadong pampinansyal - iba't-iba ayon sa iba't-ibang klase ng tao at maaring pansamantala o panghabang buhay. May mga pamilyang kapos sa isandaang libong piso ang kinikita sa isang taon. Yung mga yun ay mahirap ayon sa NEDA (National Economic Development Authority). Ang mahirap na tao pwedeng magbago - kung magtratrabaho siya o gumawa ng kung anong paraan, legal man o hindi. Pero ang masa, sila yung mga putanginang hinayupak na nakatira sa tabi ng riles kasi sinanla nila yung lupa na binigay sa kanila ng gobyerno para tumaya sa lotto o sa jueteng o sa kunganumang paborito nilang sugal, ayaw magtrabaho (kasi maliit lang daw ang kikitain nila - natural! hindi ka nagtapos ng high school gusto mo maging kasing yaman ng may-ari ng pabrika?), anak lang ng anak (kahit ang mura lang naman ng condom) at naniniwala na dapat lang silang bigyan ng bigyan o kaawaan (dahil mahirap lang sila). Hindi sila mahirap, masa sila. Ang masa, hindi na dapat nabubuhay sa mundo.
Inuulit ko. Hindi natin kailangan ang masa, hindi sa bansang ito, o kahit saang lupalop ng planetang earth Ang kailangan natin ay populasyon ng mga taong may kani-kaniyang kontribusyon para sa bansa - kahit pa man ang mga bagay na ito ay ginagawa na para sa kanilang pansariling kapakanan. Hindi kailangan magsisigaw sa kalye at manggulo sa buhay ng maybuhay. Pupwede na yung magtrabaho lang ng konti, mag-aral ng mabuti, sumunod sa batas trapiko at magpakita ng magandang halimbawa sa kabataan. Simpleng mga bagay lang, pero malaki ang magiging epekto nito sa lipunan. Siyempre sa lipunang ganto, meron paring mga mahihirap. Lagi namang magkakaroon ng mahirap. Pero mawawala na ang masa.
"Napaka-simplistic, siguradong hindi nag-isip ng mabuti ang nagsulat nito! Napaka-apathetic niya porke't bahagi siya ng bourgeoise middle class kaya't ganyan na lang ang tingin niya sa masa." Oo talaga, wala akong pakialam sa kanila kasi wala rin naman silang pakialam sa ating lahat. Kung gusto mong makipagtalastasan sa akin at ipagtanggol ang masa, pumunta ka nalang sa kalye at magsisigaw ng mga walang-kamatayan mong slogan. At nawa'y matamaan ka at yang masang ipinagtatanggol mo ng rumaragasang trak.
Galit? Hindi ha :P
pudgy_pooba
Today showed us how smart GMA is, in keeping herself in power. Not only do the events of today show us that there is general sentiment suspicious and thus against the current administration, but that the way the government is acting is the product of rigorous and calculated planning.
Some people would say that GMA should've just let the people assemble, and stage their rallies to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the EDSA revolution. And that the way she (or her administration to be clearer) reacted to the upsurge of demonstrations calling for her ouster was a sign of paranoia, of insecurity. As if immersing the entire nation unto the so-called "state of national emergency" (which in itself is a contested legal concept) was based on too much emotional stress.
I believe, however, that the main goal of immersing the country into national emergency is to further polarize the country. The anti-riot policemen were simply following their orders. The rallyists were simply exercising their constitutional right to assembly. Both sides can claim to act accordance with the law. Both sides could claim to moral principles as to justify its actions. This inevitably leads to a more polarized society.
On the other hand, polarization in this case does not necessarily mean that there exist real divisions between two competing parties. Anti-GMA and Pro-GMA camps are themselves marred with internal divisions. We have pro-Estrada camps, alongside Cory Aquino camps, under the Anti-GMA side. If Jinggoy Estrada is to be seen near former President Cory Aquino (as it was this afternoon when Cory gave a short speech), this in no way shows that these two camps have united. In my opinion, this shows that these groups are simply using the tide of public uprising to the benefit of their own private interests. On the Pro-GMA side, (in a sense the same people who are supportive of Cha-Cha today) I wouldn't be surprised if cleavages emerge between the different groups within, in the struggle for allocating a large piece of the clout pie to their own interests.
At the same time, not mentioned in this dichotomy, the apathetic majority, will serve as a buffer between these two camps. If ever conflict is to arise between these groups, we have this significant apathetic (NOTE: not neutral) sector of the population to diffuse such, as critical mass would be difficult to attain.
Declaring a state of national emergency is a smart move on the part of the GMA administration, if its goal is to stay in power. Such an action stems from a comprehensive understanding of the Filipino political context. It readily submerges the Filipino society into a confused stupor, where sides aren't clearly defined. Thus decisive and effective political action cannot be achieved. Further polarization is beneficial to the Arroyo administration, as the political deadlock experienced in the past year serves as an example.
It is my personal view then that GMA should be ousted. The abuses of this government is not based on insecurity or paranoia. NOt based on simple emotions, it is my belief that this government is willing to oppress its citizens because it has calculated correctly (but immorally) that it can without much duress on itself.
GMA is a smart woman. She knows what she's doing. All the more reason for us to call for her ouster.
lil_miao
You know what?
i am fucking tired of this. i regret that our country ever had an EDSA I, and i regret that i participated in EDSA II. because now that we've set the precedent, people think it's all fine and dandy and a-okay to keep doing it again and again.
at this point it's not even a matter of me sitting on the fence; it's a matter of be being disgusted by both sides. BOTH SIDES. GMA is going overboard and being unreasonable and hostile? maybe. but she's also still the president, and she's just defending her right to be one. "the filipino people" (i say that in quotes because i seriously doubt that we are ALL in this together) is jumping to conclusions and not thinking things through, and also compromising a lot of their principles just to go against a common enemy? maybe. but "the filipino people" doesn't know better, because this way (the EDSA way, sadly) has ALWAYS worked.
the mythology of EDSA can't save the filipino this time. if anything, it's going to ruin our country.
taking to the streets is not the answer this time. and every levelheaded filipino knows that.
marsattacks
Everyone’s over reacting - the government, the opposition, the protesters, the supposedly appathetic people.
GEEZ.
Seriously folks, the situation isn’t as bad as the media makes it out to be.
People are getting all paranoid about “martial law”. GOOD GOD. THIS IS SO FAR FROM IT. Gloria doesn’t have the balls nor is she THAT stupid to declare it. Hay nako.
Some protesters a while ago were complaining that they were being mistreated by the police. Funny, because I saw a clip where in a police man simply POKED this guy with his baton and the dude was totally faking it and acting as though he was hazed.
If I were that policeman, I would’ve whacked him silly.
Ugh, they can rally all the want.
While this whole thing sucks because I can only travel within 7 km radius, I think Rockwell is still doable.
Have fun in EDSA and Ayala Avenue folks.
kwinsi
I hate this rally.
It's stupid and senseless. I don't mean to be indifferent, but, the EDSA-revolution has become just an excuse for people to oust officials they don't like. It doesn't stand for unity and democracy and freedom anymore, and I don't think it will ever go back to that.
When EDSA I happened, everyone was awestruck. The Philippines was suddenly the model for reform and change. Then EDSA II happened, and even then, the world gave us good reviews. And then a host of other EDSAs started appearing, one after the other, uglier and worse than the last. Now it's just merely a nuisance. Senseless rallying.
Someone said that the reason why history keeps on repeating is that the world never learns. yeesh.
"Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo..." (if this is what we have to offer, then just count me out.)
yak.
PS
and to make it worse, all our shows (and I believe not just us, but a number of other orgs) had to cancel whatever event or show or whatnot they had prepared for the weekend because of the rise of certain "pressing current events." haynaku. what a waste of time.
snickersnack
My training is in science. I don't know the finer points of political science and analysis and whatnot, but here is what I have to say on the matter.
I think that rallying in the streets is a very messy way to spark real societal change. It paralyzes the financial district, keeps the population scared and uneasy, and prevents children from going to school and learning.
I think that if you throw rocks at policemen, who are HUMAN BEINGS themselves whether you would like to believe it or not, you should expect at least a 50% chance of getting hit back. Scream police brutality all you want, edit the videotapes aired on TV, but you just HAVE to know it was coming to you.
Congressmen who spend all their time shouting, making noise, or sleeping during sessions - while quietly taking their little bit out of the pork barrel - should be shot. I want to name names, but I think people know who they are already.
The cost of a presidential campaign comes to around three billion pesos. That's 3,000,000,000 - nine zeros; more money than any normal person could ever see, count, or touch in a lifetime. Contributions from private individuals are necessitated, thus perpetuating the padrino system. Whoever wins will always be in debt (not necessarily the monetary kind) to someone. So change the SYSTEM.
I hope for a proper parliamentary system, to break down the Manila-centered power and distribute it equally between the provinces. Write it well, include the proper safeguards, prevent the old names from coming back and ruining things all over again.
But... I think that the best way to go about things is to WORK HARD, pay taxes, don't throw your trash on the streets (*cough*fucking rallyists who littered the streets near my house*cough*), wear condoms, educate your children, don't cheat, EVER, and buy Filipino goods.
O.C. Spoof
---------------------
Before I rant about rallies and other shitty political things, let me sum up a few of my friends' thoughts on the matter.
moki
During all political unrest yesterday, i stayed home and read. What? Chapterhouse: Dune by Frank Herbert. Here's a particularly apt quote i found. It's part of the dialogue between the captured Reverent Mother Lucilla and the head of her captors, the Honored Matres.
"I suppose you're going to tell me you witches [the Bene Gesserit] practice a form of democracy."
"With an alertness you cannot imagine."
"Try me." She thinks you'll tell her a secret. Tell her one.
"Democracy is susceptible to to being led astray by having scapegoats paraded in front of the electorate. Get the rich, the greedy, the criminals, the stupid leader and so on ad nauseam."
"You believe as we do." My! How desperately she wants us to be like her.
"You said you were bureaucrats who rebelled. You know the flaw. A top-heavy bureauracy the electorate cannot touch always expands the system's limits of energy. Steal it from the aged, from the retired, from anyone. Especially from those we once called middle class because that's where most of the energy originates."
"You think of yourselves as... as middle class?"
"We don't think of ourselves in any fixed way. But Other Memory tells us the flaws of bureaucracy. I presume you have some form of civil service for the 'lower orders.'"
"We take care of our own." That's a nasty echo.
"Then you know how that dilutes the vote. Chief symptom: People don't vote. Instinct tells them it's useless."
"Democracy is a stupid idea anyway!"
"We agree. It's demagogue-prone. That's a disease to which electoral systems are vulnerable. Yet demagogues are easy to identify. They gesture a lot and speak with pulpit rhythms, using words that ring of religious fervor and god-fearing sincerity."
aearth
(lifted from yeli's blog)
hinahanapbuhay ko ang pagrally.
hindi ako nagbabayad ng buwis.
(bakit pa't para sa 'kin 'yun.)
pinapalipas ko ang oras sa paggawa ng anak,
pag-istambay sa kanto, at
pag-angal nang walang patos tungkol sa gobyerno.
ako ang masa.
wala akong pera. wala akong dunong.
pero may kapangyarihan ako.
bawal ako pagsalitaan ng masama.
lahat ng bagay naka-sentro sa 'kin.
ako ang masa.
wala akong nabibigay sa bayan.
tanggap lang ako ng tanggap.
(may halo pang angal)
kung bakit hindi na lang ako magtrabaho,
magpulot man lang ng basura,
tumigil sa pag-anak, ewan ko.
siguro kasi AKO ANG MASA.
(rant below, mine)
Gusto ko lang linawin. Iba ang mahirap sa masa. Ang terminong mahirap ay tumutukoy sa estadong pampinansyal - iba't-iba ayon sa iba't-ibang klase ng tao at maaring pansamantala o panghabang buhay. May mga pamilyang kapos sa isandaang libong piso ang kinikita sa isang taon. Yung mga yun ay mahirap ayon sa NEDA (National Economic Development Authority). Ang mahirap na tao pwedeng magbago - kung magtratrabaho siya o gumawa ng kung anong paraan, legal man o hindi. Pero ang masa, sila yung mga putanginang hinayupak na nakatira sa tabi ng riles kasi sinanla nila yung lupa na binigay sa kanila ng gobyerno para tumaya sa lotto o sa jueteng o sa kunganumang paborito nilang sugal, ayaw magtrabaho (kasi maliit lang daw ang kikitain nila - natural! hindi ka nagtapos ng high school gusto mo maging kasing yaman ng may-ari ng pabrika?), anak lang ng anak (kahit ang mura lang naman ng condom) at naniniwala na dapat lang silang bigyan ng bigyan o kaawaan (dahil mahirap lang sila). Hindi sila mahirap, masa sila. Ang masa, hindi na dapat nabubuhay sa mundo.
Inuulit ko. Hindi natin kailangan ang masa, hindi sa bansang ito, o kahit saang lupalop ng planetang earth Ang kailangan natin ay populasyon ng mga taong may kani-kaniyang kontribusyon para sa bansa - kahit pa man ang mga bagay na ito ay ginagawa na para sa kanilang pansariling kapakanan. Hindi kailangan magsisigaw sa kalye at manggulo sa buhay ng maybuhay. Pupwede na yung magtrabaho lang ng konti, mag-aral ng mabuti, sumunod sa batas trapiko at magpakita ng magandang halimbawa sa kabataan. Simpleng mga bagay lang, pero malaki ang magiging epekto nito sa lipunan. Siyempre sa lipunang ganto, meron paring mga mahihirap. Lagi namang magkakaroon ng mahirap. Pero mawawala na ang masa.
"Napaka-simplistic, siguradong hindi nag-isip ng mabuti ang nagsulat nito! Napaka-apathetic niya porke't bahagi siya ng bourgeoise middle class kaya't ganyan na lang ang tingin niya sa masa." Oo talaga, wala akong pakialam sa kanila kasi wala rin naman silang pakialam sa ating lahat. Kung gusto mong makipagtalastasan sa akin at ipagtanggol ang masa, pumunta ka nalang sa kalye at magsisigaw ng mga walang-kamatayan mong slogan. At nawa'y matamaan ka at yang masang ipinagtatanggol mo ng rumaragasang trak.
Galit? Hindi ha :P
pudgy_pooba
Today showed us how smart GMA is, in keeping herself in power. Not only do the events of today show us that there is general sentiment suspicious and thus against the current administration, but that the way the government is acting is the product of rigorous and calculated planning.
Some people would say that GMA should've just let the people assemble, and stage their rallies to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the EDSA revolution. And that the way she (or her administration to be clearer) reacted to the upsurge of demonstrations calling for her ouster was a sign of paranoia, of insecurity. As if immersing the entire nation unto the so-called "state of national emergency" (which in itself is a contested legal concept) was based on too much emotional stress.
I believe, however, that the main goal of immersing the country into national emergency is to further polarize the country. The anti-riot policemen were simply following their orders. The rallyists were simply exercising their constitutional right to assembly. Both sides can claim to act accordance with the law. Both sides could claim to moral principles as to justify its actions. This inevitably leads to a more polarized society.
On the other hand, polarization in this case does not necessarily mean that there exist real divisions between two competing parties. Anti-GMA and Pro-GMA camps are themselves marred with internal divisions. We have pro-Estrada camps, alongside Cory Aquino camps, under the Anti-GMA side. If Jinggoy Estrada is to be seen near former President Cory Aquino (as it was this afternoon when Cory gave a short speech), this in no way shows that these two camps have united. In my opinion, this shows that these groups are simply using the tide of public uprising to the benefit of their own private interests. On the Pro-GMA side, (in a sense the same people who are supportive of Cha-Cha today) I wouldn't be surprised if cleavages emerge between the different groups within, in the struggle for allocating a large piece of the clout pie to their own interests.
At the same time, not mentioned in this dichotomy, the apathetic majority, will serve as a buffer between these two camps. If ever conflict is to arise between these groups, we have this significant apathetic (NOTE: not neutral) sector of the population to diffuse such, as critical mass would be difficult to attain.
Declaring a state of national emergency is a smart move on the part of the GMA administration, if its goal is to stay in power. Such an action stems from a comprehensive understanding of the Filipino political context. It readily submerges the Filipino society into a confused stupor, where sides aren't clearly defined. Thus decisive and effective political action cannot be achieved. Further polarization is beneficial to the Arroyo administration, as the political deadlock experienced in the past year serves as an example.
It is my personal view then that GMA should be ousted. The abuses of this government is not based on insecurity or paranoia. NOt based on simple emotions, it is my belief that this government is willing to oppress its citizens because it has calculated correctly (but immorally) that it can without much duress on itself.
GMA is a smart woman. She knows what she's doing. All the more reason for us to call for her ouster.
lil_miao
You know what?
i am fucking tired of this. i regret that our country ever had an EDSA I, and i regret that i participated in EDSA II. because now that we've set the precedent, people think it's all fine and dandy and a-okay to keep doing it again and again.
at this point it's not even a matter of me sitting on the fence; it's a matter of be being disgusted by both sides. BOTH SIDES. GMA is going overboard and being unreasonable and hostile? maybe. but she's also still the president, and she's just defending her right to be one. "the filipino people" (i say that in quotes because i seriously doubt that we are ALL in this together) is jumping to conclusions and not thinking things through, and also compromising a lot of their principles just to go against a common enemy? maybe. but "the filipino people" doesn't know better, because this way (the EDSA way, sadly) has ALWAYS worked.
the mythology of EDSA can't save the filipino this time. if anything, it's going to ruin our country.
taking to the streets is not the answer this time. and every levelheaded filipino knows that.
marsattacks
Everyone’s over reacting - the government, the opposition, the protesters, the supposedly appathetic people.
GEEZ.
Seriously folks, the situation isn’t as bad as the media makes it out to be.
People are getting all paranoid about “martial law”. GOOD GOD. THIS IS SO FAR FROM IT. Gloria doesn’t have the balls nor is she THAT stupid to declare it. Hay nako.
Some protesters a while ago were complaining that they were being mistreated by the police. Funny, because I saw a clip where in a police man simply POKED this guy with his baton and the dude was totally faking it and acting as though he was hazed.
If I were that policeman, I would’ve whacked him silly.
Ugh, they can rally all the want.
While this whole thing sucks because I can only travel within 7 km radius, I think Rockwell is still doable.
Have fun in EDSA and Ayala Avenue folks.
kwinsi
I hate this rally.
It's stupid and senseless. I don't mean to be indifferent, but, the EDSA-revolution has become just an excuse for people to oust officials they don't like. It doesn't stand for unity and democracy and freedom anymore, and I don't think it will ever go back to that.
When EDSA I happened, everyone was awestruck. The Philippines was suddenly the model for reform and change. Then EDSA II happened, and even then, the world gave us good reviews. And then a host of other EDSAs started appearing, one after the other, uglier and worse than the last. Now it's just merely a nuisance. Senseless rallying.
Someone said that the reason why history keeps on repeating is that the world never learns. yeesh.
"Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo..." (if this is what we have to offer, then just count me out.)
yak.
PS
and to make it worse, all our shows (and I believe not just us, but a number of other orgs) had to cancel whatever event or show or whatnot they had prepared for the weekend because of the rise of certain "pressing current events." haynaku. what a waste of time.
snickersnack
My training is in science. I don't know the finer points of political science and analysis and whatnot, but here is what I have to say on the matter.
I think that rallying in the streets is a very messy way to spark real societal change. It paralyzes the financial district, keeps the population scared and uneasy, and prevents children from going to school and learning.
I think that if you throw rocks at policemen, who are HUMAN BEINGS themselves whether you would like to believe it or not, you should expect at least a 50% chance of getting hit back. Scream police brutality all you want, edit the videotapes aired on TV, but you just HAVE to know it was coming to you.
Congressmen who spend all their time shouting, making noise, or sleeping during sessions - while quietly taking their little bit out of the pork barrel - should be shot. I want to name names, but I think people know who they are already.
The cost of a presidential campaign comes to around three billion pesos. That's 3,000,000,000 - nine zeros; more money than any normal person could ever see, count, or touch in a lifetime. Contributions from private individuals are necessitated, thus perpetuating the padrino system. Whoever wins will always be in debt (not necessarily the monetary kind) to someone. So change the SYSTEM.
I hope for a proper parliamentary system, to break down the Manila-centered power and distribute it equally between the provinces. Write it well, include the proper safeguards, prevent the old names from coming back and ruining things all over again.
But... I think that the best way to go about things is to WORK HARD, pay taxes, don't throw your trash on the streets (*cough*fucking rallyists who littered the streets near my house*cough*), wear condoms, educate your children, don't cheat, EVER, and buy Filipino goods.