In a bold and courageous move by the government of the Philippines, a cease fire has been ordered for the Christmas Season. Govt declares holiday truce with NPA This is great news and I believe a step in the right direction. So much has been in the news lately about the dire situation of the evacuees, just the thought of the kids being away from home for Christmas is heart wrenching. Manobo kids want halt to military operations in Surigao Sur Hopefully, both sides will take the needs of the people in mind during any negotiations.
Unfortunately as long as the finger pointing continues, I see little chance of meaningful resolution to the problems. NPA behind continuous evacuation in Surigao: military, Leftists want Angelina Jolie's help to save displaced farmers in RP Each story I read points the finger of blame at either the government or the NPA. I believe all of us should point the finger squarely at ourselves for letting this continue. It’s time for the residents to stand up and be counted and send a clear message that this can not continue. Too much has been lost over the years; the area has been left behind for much too long. There is so much potential in this area, but nothing can be accomplished when there is continual fighting going on keeping the tourists away from this area. All the Embassies continually issue warnings to their citizens to avoid this area. How can the economy get any better if we can’t get people coming here to bask in the wonderful climate, walk on the calm beaches, and swim the clear beautiful rivers? This area is a paradise that should be shared with the rest of the world; we need it safe for people to visit. 
Regrettably I really don’t know much about the politics of the conflict, but from what I read, I know that there is no form of communism that can be acceptable. No matter how much corruption takes place, communism is not the answer. Communism is the ultimate form of corruption, whereby only the leaders achieve any status, everyone else works to provide them with the status symbols they so cherish. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure that out, take a look at the communist countries in the world today. Korea, China, and Cuba have the worst living conditions for their people of the entire world. Yes China has been improving, but if they want to achieve greatness they will need to abolish communism to do it. So why would anyone want to spoil paradise by wanting communism? Please post your comment and let me know.
“Communism is the death of the soul. It is the organization of total conformity - in short, of tyranny - and it is committed to making tyranny universal.” Adlai E. Stevenson (American Politician. Governor of Illinois (1949-53) and Ambassador to the United Nations (1961-65)
“Communism is not love. Communism is a hammer which we use to crush the enemy.” Mao Tse-Tung quotes (Chinese statesman, the key figure in China in the 20th century, 1893-1976)
"The streets of our country are in turmoil. The universities are filled with students rebelling and rioting. Communists are seeking to destroy our country. Russia is threatening us with her might, and the Republic is in danger. Yes - danger from within and without. We need law and order! Without it our nation cannot survive." –Adolf Hitler
I am glad that you are blogging too about our small part of the world. It is voices like yours that need to be heard for you have the perspective of both worlds - that of a foreigner looking from the outside and the Lianga resident looking from within.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a university student in Cebu, I was very active in the fight against the then Marcos dictatorship. As a consequence, we all flirted with Communism. It was the fad then and there was that element of glamor and mystery attached to it. We used to quiz each other on the contents of Mao's little red book and try to catch any form of revisionism of "pure" Maoist thought.
How far have times changed since then. And those that do not change or grow more in understanding and wisdom brought about by bitter experience are doomed to lives of stagnation and despair.
With your approval, I am linking your blog to mine. For months now I have felt like one voice shouting in the wilderness and it is always a privilege and a blessing to meet others also doing their share of trying to focus attention on the problems and challenges of life in Lianga and this part of Mindanao.
Im glad to come across your blog about this remote corner of the world. I grow up in Diatagon and always love to know what is going on there. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI want you to know that your effort in making St Christine better and more progressive is not lost to a lot of people. Good luck.
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