State Of the Nation Address

hmm... actually, SONA was just the right time to speak out on all those allegations. Because it was the time when everyone can listen to whatever she wanted to say. And the leadership status is also a part of the "state" of the nation. Even the international community expressed their disbelief at the recent SONA. If she really was sincere on "making progress" with those cases, the first step is to admit that there are indeed problems. But instead she opted to stay quiet, speaking of superficial achievements that any president can do. And please do not blame those people if they chose to depend on the government. THey were only holding on to a promise made to them *before* the elections. They were only assuring themselves that they have *rights* to live in peace and secure from hunger and prosecution. One wouldn't know this if one haven't experienced it. COnsider yourself lucky that you haven't gotten to question your way of living. These people probably wouldn't rally too if they were given the same opportunities you had. They didn't have the means for a good life in the first place, and their continuing to suffer even more with unfair government policies. By the way, that comment wasn't directed at you, but if you were hit, then I'm sorry. But it wouldn't have affected you if it weren't true. If I may ask, in what way have you participated in the plight of the masses? Also, please don't say that you aren't depending on the government. From employment to education, security to the pleasantries you're living on now are partly a product of government. Too bad that only a few people are being showered, while the majority of the population are left out of the blessings. The best way for us to do is to think of putting ourselves in their shoes so we can see how they live, what they believe in, what they hope to achieve. Maybe by doing that we can see the merits in their standpoint and come to understand how their minds operate. Instead of judging them from our viewpoint when we haven't even tasted what's it like to be poor, or lose family members to the extra-judicial prosecutions. Verstehen, emphatic understanding. Then if you did that and you still think that what they're doing is rubbish, then I won't question you further. You're entitled to that opinion. So long as you see the other side of the argument and not judge them out of bias and discrimination.

well said.. but i dont think you're totally right.. im not against of the poor people.. im against of all the fights that makes our situation here in the Philippines worse. well anyway.. no president nor a person can please everybody... hahai

you were waiting for her to speak against all the allegations.. SONA is not the proper time to tell something about it.. and besides mas nang gigil ang oposition since di nya pinapatulan yun... di naman kasi talaga dapat patulan pa. if our president will keep on talking about it then it would be a sign that she's not doing any work for improvements.. let us stop arguing instead.. let us do all our duties and responsibilities as Filipinos.. their is no president of the philippines that has been perfect for all (Filipinos).. everyone had issues and allegations but President Gloria had shown greatness. and.. oh by the way.. about you said if i have been to street works or i have experienced things that the masses had.. yes i did... and i live my life not complaining on what i have now.. instead i do my best to survive.. di ko inaasa ang buhay ko sa gobyerno and i will never.

Yeah, no nation is built overnight. But we got to hurry. We are losing out on the race. And we had such a good headstart... good resources... literate laborers... But hey, the drivers are blind! Or stupid. Both I think.

thanks for your response tombiz.. ;) happy to hear that from you... im form mindanao and most of the people here are with our president.. and as i can see those who are against her have weak arguements... well.. we have nothing to do with it.. i guess its really a part of the politics

Actually, those boys are in much better condition than they were before. And this is just expected anyway. Because had they not gotten something better, all the critics of the administration would have a field day enumerating all the ills and reasons sorrunding this story. Of all the things that we Filipinos really enjoy is criticizing our leaders whether they do this or the opposite. I mean we have this innate capacity to always see something wrong, to always see the stains in a white shirt. We love to criticize. We had done this to Cory, to Ramos, to Erap and now GMA. Well, since we are enjoying this thing, I won't ever try to stop it. And I have to be honest, I also enjoy it too hehehhehehe. Anyway, we are all Filipinos here. Mabuhay ang mga Pilipino! Mabuhay! Long live, Philippines, the one and only.

Truth be told, we are not the only one who loves criticizing their leaders. It's a fact of every democratic nation, and is actually an indicator of a very good democracy - when even the leaders are not spared of the comments, bad they may be. GMA can actually be considered lucky now, as compared to what Bush is suffering. ANyway, would you rather the Philippines be a China? A Singapore? Or how about Martial Law? I agree. Let's keep the criticism healthy. And yeah, it's fun. :)

i agree... :) they will never be contented no matter who is put in power.. i just wish you did see the SONA... :) thanks for your response...:)

You say these things because you have never been on the streets. Tell me, how much do you really know of rallies? Do you know that they are mostly organized by intellectuals who have valid demands (which are promised) but are yet to be met? Do you know the fight they are battling? Have you ever made yourself aware of the plight of these masses? Please refrain from criticizing them if you are lacking information regarding their case. They are rallying because if they don't, who will take the time to look into them? You are probably enjoying the comfort of your home right now, not worried about your job, have a steady income, but have you ever went out and reached out to these masses? Have you taken time to hear them out? What they are screaming about may be just abstractions to you, but believe me, they are very real and concrete to these people. So real it makes them suffer. I have first-hand experience of the fight of our masses. All they ask is to be heard, their problems recognized. Unfortunately, the president once again played deaf to their demands, side-stepped their accusations. Empathy please.