First and foremost, I'd like to claim patent on the term Obama-ism. But I know I'm not riding on the legal side of things. I just thought claiming it would give me rights, just like in the old age of exploration. Btw, the operational definition of this concept is simply 'anything related to Barack Obama.'
There are so many things I'd like to share with you all about Barack Obama - his story, charismatic personality, political orientation, economic actions, among many others. This is not to say that I am an Obama expert nor an omniscient. The knowledge I have about him is not that comprehensive. But I pride myself in having a good grasp about Oooobama. Probably this is a result of the readings I laboriously encountered for one of our seminar papers in my post-grad enterprise. In this paper, we are to mapped out the personality of this "Great Man." I maybe jumping the gun here, but yes, you read it right. Very unbecoming of a researcher who do not possess enough data to deduce such, I am jumping into conclusion that Obama will standout in history, he'll make history. Though, I'm maybe just exaggerating to make a point.
Great Man and Grand Design
I've learned from the discussion I had with one of my professors about the concept of the above terminologies. Grand design, based from what I understand, is the external forces/environment or the social milieu that shapes history or the individuals within it. On the other hand, Great Man, is the individual who possesses extra-ordinary trait that serves as the main catalyst of change or main force that makes history. A great man provides impetus for the grand design to move towards the path he wanted it to be. These two forces may work hand in hand but sometimes one may outweigh each other.
In this sense, the example of our hero, Jose Rizal came into consciousness. Some scholars have said, he is a hero because he was able to identify the existing societal problems during his period and tried to provide solutions to lessen or alleviate the problem, thus epitomizing the concept of a great man. However, others have argued that he was forced only by the social conditions of the period to behave that way, the Spanish abusive government and the social ills that plagued the country; or in simple terms, the Grand Design called for Rizal to be a hero. Given the two sides of the coin, my hypothesis would be: both concept, great man and grand design, worked hand in hand during that period. Only I'm not sure the quantity each gave. Who knows, right?
Parallel to the example of Rizal, is the example of Barack Obama. The question at hand is whether Barack Obama is indeed a great man or climbed up only to pedestal because of the grand design or the social condition of this modern times--financial woes, credit crunch, bancruptcy and foreclosures issue to identify some. Again, I say, he is a "great man" possessing extra-ordinary qualities. But I believe that grand design work for him favorably as well.
Arguably, Obama has this strong character that leads people to believe that he has in fact the ability to provide change. With his excellent oratory skills, combined with awesome intellectual achievements plus his being African-American created a thinking that he could really defy traditional American politics. Aside, he has this clear principle and firm desire to uplift America from the mess they are in. Then again, the social conditions have furthered his status as a great man. He became the first US African American black president. Apparently, this setup seems to be a good starting point on how the grand design helped Obama rose to superstardom. Maybe, if one is calling for change, he must possess a peculiar trait to what is considered traditional. What I'm saying is this, no black president has served in the White house. Only white presidents have been in the White house since time in memoriam. So, right now, maybe the situation calls for a new color. And here is Barack Obama waiting to claim his throne.
Ostensibly, the economic situation, financial crisis/ recession helped Obama to have marked deeply in history. There seems to be a pattern in history that when there is an economic problem, a democrat would take the limelight and would steal the show from the republicans. One concrete example I could identify was during the great depression. This was a point in history where a democrat, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, wisely managed the problem better than the previous republican administration. Hence, with this pattern in mind plus the tempting Obama's economic plans to address the root causes of the current difficulties proved the argument that Obama's status was incremented by the current socio-political millieu, or, the grand design.
Barack Obama is starting to reify this abstraction. He'll surely face negative comments from the cynics and strong opposition from the conservatives but as any great man would, I have a hunch that he'll get away with it.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
The Philippines and the Somali Pirates
Johnry Castillo
"Piracy, like terrorism, is a disease which is against everybody, and everybody must address it together."
--- Prince Saud Al-Faisal
2008 saw a gargantuan rise in piracy attacks. Globally, an unprecedented 49 ships and nearly 900 crew members were seized by pirates. Seafarers suffered 293 attacks last year, compared from the 263 recorded in the previous year, based from the data obtained at the International Maritime Bureau in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In the Gulf of Aden alone, vessel hijacking incidents shot up almost to the high heavens. According to UNOSAT, a total of 180 hijackings off the Somali coast have been reported, 46 of which was a successful takeover, 69 attempted but failed. as of this writing, MV Longfellow is still held captive by the Somali pirates. 12 Filipino seafarer were reported to be part of the 13-man crew hijacked by assailants. The Hong-Kong-flagged, Iran-operated MV Delight was taken by suspected Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden on November 18, onboard is a 25-man crew, seven of which are Filipinos. The pirates’ best trophy so far, the Sirius Star, was hijacked within the same month by the Somali pirates in a raid several hundred miles out to sea. The Saudi Arabia-owned supertanker, which is fully loaded with million barrels of crude oil, manned by a 25 crew with 19 Filipino seamen was captured by pirates 450 miles south-east of Mombasa, Kenya . But the International Chamber of Shipping said it believed the ship was 800 miles east of Mombasa when attacked. The Pirates have demanded $25M as ransom.
Likewise, in this shipping route notorious for dozens of hijackings by Somali pirates, the Japanese-owned, Panama-flagged chemical carrier, MV Chemstar Venus had also been held in custody. Philippine authorities confirmed the presence of 18 Filipino crew men among the hostages. In addition, MT Centauri was hijacked on September 17, with 26 all-Filipino crew. This incident has been confirmed by the undersecretary for migrant workers affairs, Esteban Conejos Jr. of the DFA. He stressed out that the Somali pirates were behind the forcible take over of this Greek-owned ship. Noel Choong, head of the Kuala Lumpur-based International Maritime Bureau's (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre said in an interview, that the attacked happened about 200 nautical miles from the Somali capital Mogadishu.
Other foreign vessels captured by Somali Pirates were MT Capt. Stefanos taken last September 21, with 17 Filipino seafarers; MT African Sanderling hijacked on October 15 with 21 Pinoys; MT Stolt Strength, November 10 with 23; and F/B Tianyu #8, November 14, with three.
True enough, more than 100 Filipino seafarers from more than 10 vessels have become hostage in Somalia along with other seafarer-nationals. These events are startling up to a point of uneasiness among our fellowmen who finds hefty salary working in foreign- shipping vessels. Despite clear and present danger brought about by Pirates in the sea particularly the Somali pirates, seemingly Filipinos still leads the race of sending maritime personnel/ workers out to sea. According to Amante Maragtas, ‘RP still is the largest supplier of seafarers in the world.’ With more or less half a million Filipinos onboard foreign vessels, not including those marine personnel waiting to be onboard, this definitely is a significant number and combining it with the present problem of piracy, this is indeed alarming. A question subsequently popped out from my mind, what about their security to this threat?
These criminal activities commonly happening in the Arabian Sea between Yemen on the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula and Somalia, in the Horn of Africa, have been a source of living for the Somali pirates. This group of bandits hijacked commercial vessels and demanded ransom from ship-owners in the process. Worst, assailants are using GPS navigational aids and satellite phones to find potential targets, according to a report last month by the international affairs think tank, Chatham House. It warned of the danger a tanker could come under attack:
"As pirates become bolder and use ever more powerful weaponry a tanker could be set on fire, sunk or forced ashore, any of which could result in an environmental catastrophe that would devastate marine and bird life for years to come… The pirates' aim is to extort ransom payments and to date that has been their main focus. However, the possibility that they could destroy shipping is very real."
Overall, attacks off Somalia accounted for 42 of the hijackings and 815 of the crew abducted, International Maritime Bureau said. Indeed, ‘Pirates …in Somalia have made shipping routes off east Africa among the most dangerous in the world’. Other hotspots for brigands include Nigeria with 40 attacks last year and Indonesia with 28.But why is it frequently happening in Somalia?
I think UN Gen Sec Ban Ki Moon is right in pointing out, “We must be mindful that piracy is a symptom of the state of anarchy which has persisted in that country for over 17 years.” Somalia has not had a functioning government since 1991 and its lawless coastline is a haven for pirates. Multimillion dollar ransoms have become one of the only ways to make money in this impoverished nation.
Aside, there are many fishes in the sea. The Gulf of Aden is an important route where most tankers and vessels passed thru. Strategically speaking, it is the doorway to the Suez Canal. The Suez Canal is an important destination since it connects the red sea and Mediterranean Sea or in a larger context, Europe and Asia. It avoids the long travel of getting around Africa just to pass thru, a short cut so to speak. Hence, if the vessel is coming from the Mediterranean where most of the oil comes from and would take the Suez for a quicker trip, then definitely the Gulf of Aden will be there exit and the pirates will be there prepared to strike them. With this in mind what has been the solutions provided by the International community to solve this particular problem? Again, this leads me to ask, what really is the antidote to this problem? Is it a geo-political problem?
UN’s response to this matter was fairly feasible. The 15-member body of the UN Security Council, which unanimously adopted a resolution reiterating earlier calls to countries and regional organizations with the necessary capability to deploy naval ships and military aircraft off the coast, laid out additional measures, and proposed to bring the pirates to justice and possibly go after them on land.
Some countries heed to the call. US, Russia, France, UK and India were in the forefront of this task. South Korea and other affected nations with capability to deploy naval ships are also gearing up to guard the high seas near Somalia. These countries send support ships to act as watchdog of vessels passing in the Gulf of Aden. Developments on this case provided positive verve. One instance, an international flotilla including U.S. warships has stopped many attacks in recent weeks. However, the area is too vast to keep all ships safe in the vital sea lane that links Asia to Europe. Since the area is porous, the Somali pirates still find its way to do their bad deeds.
Further events, eight pirates arrested last month by a British warship went before a Kenyan court in Mombasa on Wednesday. France is holding pirates arrested in two separate attacks on French vessels. India also has handed over 11 Somali pirates to Yemen. The Dutch government called on European countries to ensure all arrested pirates face justice after agreeing Thursday to prosecute five suspected pirates captured this month by the Danish navy off the coast of Somalia.
Ostensibly, these nations acted, not entirely for the sake of all the affected entities. They acted for some reason like protecting their citizens’ vessels, and guarding the goods precious to them such as oil, etc. For one, America’s 5th Fleet closely monitored a pirated ship off the coast of Somalia because it carries a cargo of 33 advanced Russian-made T-72 tanks, spare parts, and ammunition. This Ukrainian vessel flying the flag of Belize was reported to be bound for Kenya, though an American military official said they were being shipped to a former rebel group in southern Sudan, the Sudan People's Liberation Army. According to a spokesman for the 5th Fleet, Lieutenant Nathan Christensen; “Our aim and focus is to deter destabilizing activities to create a lawful maritime order. Piracy is but a small part of that." They have a broader mission than go after pirates.
The problem arising in this regard is whether these nations have in mind the common interest of all or is it for some vested interests only? But then, is it really the concern of these countries to provide protection on foreign private entities? As voiced out by 5th Fleet, Vice Admiral William Gortney, vessels “must take measures to defend their vessels and crews.”Admiral Gortney said he lacked the resources to provide 24-hour protection to all of the commercial ships that pass through the Gulf of Aden. What is more, maybe the problem of who shall prosecute pirates can be seen. Nonetheless, this heightened action has been quite effective but does it really solve the problem of Piracy particularly in the Gulf of Aden?
Another perspective, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) urged governments to maintain security patrols in their waters and ships to remain vigilant against attacks amid the global financial downturn. "With the world economy in its present uncertain condition, there is a possibility of piracy increasing," the bureau said in a statement. Attacks worldwide have also grown more violent over the past year, IMB pointed out, with 11 crew members killed and 21 missing and presumed dead. The number of incidents in which guns were used nearly doubled from 72 in 2007 to 139 last year.
In a nutshell, the perspectives in solving this problem have been categorized into two principal means: one, to restore the rule of law to Somalia, the epitome of a failed state, or two, blockade the country, searching every vessel that leaves its shores. One of these solutions would be hard to implement. The other is quite realistic? Yet outside governments have refused to try. What about the Philippines’ action?
As the Philippines does not have much ocean-going commercial ships to protect much more naval warships to be deployed, it had to focus instead on its vaunted manpower policy-making prowess to make a relevant contribution to the fight against piracy in Somalia. With almost 300,000 Filipino seafarers’ deployed onboard ocean-going vessels all over the world, representing more than one-fourth of the world’s seaborne manpower, the Philippines most certainly has the right to have a say in various issues affecting the global maritime industry. Leads me to ask, is the Philippines ready and up to the challenge of anti-piracy measures? What has been the effect of Piracy among our seafarers? What the government has to say about this? What are their measures to protect their own citizens? Might as well ask, what has the stand of the Philippines and its components to the present issue of piracy?
References:
** Sean Yoong. (2009) ‘Ship hijackings hit unprecedented high in 2008’. Associated Press.16 January 2009
**UNOSAT is UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Applications Programme, implemented in co-operation with the European Organisation of High Energy Physics (CERN).
UNOSAT is a people-centred programme delivering satellite solutions to relief and development organisations within and outside the UN system to help make a difference in the life of communities exposed to poverty, hazards and risk, or affected by humanitarian and other crises.
** http://www.marinebuzz.com/2009/01/18/weekend-view-somali-pirate-attack-summary-map-for-2008-by-unosat/
** Xan Rice, Lee Glendinning. (2008) ‘Pirates anchor hijacked supertanker off Somalia coast’.
18 November 2008.
Ibid;
** Estrella Torres. (2008) ‘Pirates’ hijacking of oil tanker heightens shipping risks’. Business Mirror.
19 November2008
** Alberto, Thea. (2008) ‘DFA: Ship with all-Filipino crew hijacked off Somalia.’
** Estrella Torres. (2008) ‘Pirates’ hijacking of oil tanker heightens shipping risks’. Business Mirror.
19 November2008
**Amante, M.S.V. (2003). ‘RP still is the largest supplier of seafarers in the world.’ Philippine Daily Inquirer, Internet edition, 3 July.
** Xan Rice, Lee Glendinning. (2008) ‘Pirates take over oil tanker with British crew on board’.
17 November 2008. < http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/17/oil-tanker-pirates>
** http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=29334&Cr=somalia&Cr1=piracy
** JJ Sutherland. U.S. Admiral: Ships Must Do More To Combat Piracy. http://www.npr.org
"Piracy, like terrorism, is a disease which is against everybody, and everybody must address it together."
--- Prince Saud Al-Faisal
2008 saw a gargantuan rise in piracy attacks. Globally, an unprecedented 49 ships and nearly 900 crew members were seized by pirates. Seafarers suffered 293 attacks last year, compared from the 263 recorded in the previous year, based from the data obtained at the International Maritime Bureau in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In the Gulf of Aden alone, vessel hijacking incidents shot up almost to the high heavens. According to UNOSAT, a total of 180 hijackings off the Somali coast have been reported, 46 of which was a successful takeover, 69 attempted but failed. as of this writing, MV Longfellow is still held captive by the Somali pirates. 12 Filipino seafarer were reported to be part of the 13-man crew hijacked by assailants. The Hong-Kong-flagged, Iran-operated MV Delight was taken by suspected Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden on November 18, onboard is a 25-man crew, seven of which are Filipinos. The pirates’ best trophy so far, the Sirius Star, was hijacked within the same month by the Somali pirates in a raid several hundred miles out to sea. The Saudi Arabia-owned supertanker, which is fully loaded with million barrels of crude oil, manned by a 25 crew with 19 Filipino seamen was captured by pirates 450 miles south-east of Mombasa, Kenya . But the International Chamber of Shipping said it believed the ship was 800 miles east of Mombasa when attacked. The Pirates have demanded $25M as ransom.
Likewise, in this shipping route notorious for dozens of hijackings by Somali pirates, the Japanese-owned, Panama-flagged chemical carrier, MV Chemstar Venus had also been held in custody. Philippine authorities confirmed the presence of 18 Filipino crew men among the hostages. In addition, MT Centauri was hijacked on September 17, with 26 all-Filipino crew. This incident has been confirmed by the undersecretary for migrant workers affairs, Esteban Conejos Jr. of the DFA. He stressed out that the Somali pirates were behind the forcible take over of this Greek-owned ship. Noel Choong, head of the Kuala Lumpur-based International Maritime Bureau's (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre said in an interview, that the attacked happened about 200 nautical miles from the Somali capital Mogadishu.
Other foreign vessels captured by Somali Pirates were MT Capt. Stefanos taken last September 21, with 17 Filipino seafarers; MT African Sanderling hijacked on October 15 with 21 Pinoys; MT Stolt Strength, November 10 with 23; and F/B Tianyu #8, November 14, with three.
True enough, more than 100 Filipino seafarers from more than 10 vessels have become hostage in Somalia along with other seafarer-nationals. These events are startling up to a point of uneasiness among our fellowmen who finds hefty salary working in foreign- shipping vessels. Despite clear and present danger brought about by Pirates in the sea particularly the Somali pirates, seemingly Filipinos still leads the race of sending maritime personnel/ workers out to sea. According to Amante Maragtas, ‘RP still is the largest supplier of seafarers in the world.’ With more or less half a million Filipinos onboard foreign vessels, not including those marine personnel waiting to be onboard, this definitely is a significant number and combining it with the present problem of piracy, this is indeed alarming. A question subsequently popped out from my mind, what about their security to this threat?
These criminal activities commonly happening in the Arabian Sea between Yemen on the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula and Somalia, in the Horn of Africa, have been a source of living for the Somali pirates. This group of bandits hijacked commercial vessels and demanded ransom from ship-owners in the process. Worst, assailants are using GPS navigational aids and satellite phones to find potential targets, according to a report last month by the international affairs think tank, Chatham House. It warned of the danger a tanker could come under attack:
"As pirates become bolder and use ever more powerful weaponry a tanker could be set on fire, sunk or forced ashore, any of which could result in an environmental catastrophe that would devastate marine and bird life for years to come… The pirates' aim is to extort ransom payments and to date that has been their main focus. However, the possibility that they could destroy shipping is very real."
Overall, attacks off Somalia accounted for 42 of the hijackings and 815 of the crew abducted, International Maritime Bureau said. Indeed, ‘Pirates …in Somalia have made shipping routes off east Africa among the most dangerous in the world’. Other hotspots for brigands include Nigeria with 40 attacks last year and Indonesia with 28.But why is it frequently happening in Somalia?
I think UN Gen Sec Ban Ki Moon is right in pointing out, “We must be mindful that piracy is a symptom of the state of anarchy which has persisted in that country for over 17 years.” Somalia has not had a functioning government since 1991 and its lawless coastline is a haven for pirates. Multimillion dollar ransoms have become one of the only ways to make money in this impoverished nation.
Aside, there are many fishes in the sea. The Gulf of Aden is an important route where most tankers and vessels passed thru. Strategically speaking, it is the doorway to the Suez Canal. The Suez Canal is an important destination since it connects the red sea and Mediterranean Sea or in a larger context, Europe and Asia. It avoids the long travel of getting around Africa just to pass thru, a short cut so to speak. Hence, if the vessel is coming from the Mediterranean where most of the oil comes from and would take the Suez for a quicker trip, then definitely the Gulf of Aden will be there exit and the pirates will be there prepared to strike them. With this in mind what has been the solutions provided by the International community to solve this particular problem? Again, this leads me to ask, what really is the antidote to this problem? Is it a geo-political problem?
UN’s response to this matter was fairly feasible. The 15-member body of the UN Security Council, which unanimously adopted a resolution reiterating earlier calls to countries and regional organizations with the necessary capability to deploy naval ships and military aircraft off the coast, laid out additional measures, and proposed to bring the pirates to justice and possibly go after them on land.
Some countries heed to the call. US, Russia, France, UK and India were in the forefront of this task. South Korea and other affected nations with capability to deploy naval ships are also gearing up to guard the high seas near Somalia. These countries send support ships to act as watchdog of vessels passing in the Gulf of Aden. Developments on this case provided positive verve. One instance, an international flotilla including U.S. warships has stopped many attacks in recent weeks. However, the area is too vast to keep all ships safe in the vital sea lane that links Asia to Europe. Since the area is porous, the Somali pirates still find its way to do their bad deeds.
Further events, eight pirates arrested last month by a British warship went before a Kenyan court in Mombasa on Wednesday. France is holding pirates arrested in two separate attacks on French vessels. India also has handed over 11 Somali pirates to Yemen. The Dutch government called on European countries to ensure all arrested pirates face justice after agreeing Thursday to prosecute five suspected pirates captured this month by the Danish navy off the coast of Somalia.
Ostensibly, these nations acted, not entirely for the sake of all the affected entities. They acted for some reason like protecting their citizens’ vessels, and guarding the goods precious to them such as oil, etc. For one, America’s 5th Fleet closely monitored a pirated ship off the coast of Somalia because it carries a cargo of 33 advanced Russian-made T-72 tanks, spare parts, and ammunition. This Ukrainian vessel flying the flag of Belize was reported to be bound for Kenya, though an American military official said they were being shipped to a former rebel group in southern Sudan, the Sudan People's Liberation Army. According to a spokesman for the 5th Fleet, Lieutenant Nathan Christensen; “Our aim and focus is to deter destabilizing activities to create a lawful maritime order. Piracy is but a small part of that." They have a broader mission than go after pirates.
The problem arising in this regard is whether these nations have in mind the common interest of all or is it for some vested interests only? But then, is it really the concern of these countries to provide protection on foreign private entities? As voiced out by 5th Fleet, Vice Admiral William Gortney, vessels “must take measures to defend their vessels and crews.”Admiral Gortney said he lacked the resources to provide 24-hour protection to all of the commercial ships that pass through the Gulf of Aden. What is more, maybe the problem of who shall prosecute pirates can be seen. Nonetheless, this heightened action has been quite effective but does it really solve the problem of Piracy particularly in the Gulf of Aden?
Another perspective, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) urged governments to maintain security patrols in their waters and ships to remain vigilant against attacks amid the global financial downturn. "With the world economy in its present uncertain condition, there is a possibility of piracy increasing," the bureau said in a statement. Attacks worldwide have also grown more violent over the past year, IMB pointed out, with 11 crew members killed and 21 missing and presumed dead. The number of incidents in which guns were used nearly doubled from 72 in 2007 to 139 last year.
In a nutshell, the perspectives in solving this problem have been categorized into two principal means: one, to restore the rule of law to Somalia, the epitome of a failed state, or two, blockade the country, searching every vessel that leaves its shores. One of these solutions would be hard to implement. The other is quite realistic? Yet outside governments have refused to try. What about the Philippines’ action?
As the Philippines does not have much ocean-going commercial ships to protect much more naval warships to be deployed, it had to focus instead on its vaunted manpower policy-making prowess to make a relevant contribution to the fight against piracy in Somalia. With almost 300,000 Filipino seafarers’ deployed onboard ocean-going vessels all over the world, representing more than one-fourth of the world’s seaborne manpower, the Philippines most certainly has the right to have a say in various issues affecting the global maritime industry. Leads me to ask, is the Philippines ready and up to the challenge of anti-piracy measures? What has been the effect of Piracy among our seafarers? What the government has to say about this? What are their measures to protect their own citizens? Might as well ask, what has the stand of the Philippines and its components to the present issue of piracy?
References:
** Sean Yoong. (2009) ‘Ship hijackings hit unprecedented high in 2008’. Associated Press.16 January 2009
**UNOSAT is UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Applications Programme, implemented in co-operation with the European Organisation of High Energy Physics (CERN).
UNOSAT is a people-centred programme delivering satellite solutions to relief and development organisations within and outside the UN system to help make a difference in the life of communities exposed to poverty, hazards and risk, or affected by humanitarian and other crises.
** http://www.marinebuzz.com/2009/01/18/weekend-view-somali-pirate-attack-summary-map-for-2008-by-unosat/
** Xan Rice, Lee Glendinning. (2008) ‘Pirates anchor hijacked supertanker off Somalia coast’.
18 November 2008.
Ibid;
** Estrella Torres. (2008) ‘Pirates’ hijacking of oil tanker heightens shipping risks’. Business Mirror.
19 November2008
** Alberto, Thea. (2008) ‘DFA: Ship with all-Filipino crew hijacked off Somalia.’
** Estrella Torres. (2008) ‘Pirates’ hijacking of oil tanker heightens shipping risks’. Business Mirror.
19 November2008
**Amante, M.S.V. (2003). ‘RP still is the largest supplier of seafarers in the world.’ Philippine Daily Inquirer, Internet edition, 3 July.
** Xan Rice, Lee Glendinning. (2008) ‘Pirates take over oil tanker with British crew on board’.
17 November 2008. < http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/17/oil-tanker-pirates>
** http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=29334&Cr=somalia&Cr1=piracy
** JJ Sutherland. U.S. Admiral: Ships Must Do More To Combat Piracy. http://www.npr.org
February 1, 2009
Just a realization:
It's February already.
3 months at work. 2 events handled this month; (1)Smaller reporting Company regulatory relief and simplification, (2) SFAS 144: Accounting Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived assets.
2 months to go, and my first year in my post-graduate studies is over. 2 months to go, I haven't made any draft for my paper, mapping out the belief system of Obama, to name one.
February, Valentine's day, Sheena...
It's February already.
3 months at work. 2 events handled this month; (1)Smaller reporting Company regulatory relief and simplification, (2) SFAS 144: Accounting Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived assets.
2 months to go, and my first year in my post-graduate studies is over. 2 months to go, I haven't made any draft for my paper, mapping out the belief system of Obama, to name one.
February, Valentine's day, Sheena...
Blogging again!
Whew! After some months of absence, here I am again, can't stop my fingers from typing with my old-rugged keyboard. So what's install for us today? I actually do not know! Or maybe, I just want to say a lot of things, just don't know where to begin. We have experienced a lot of happenings in the past days, weeks or months. For one, the momentuous, Obama-ism ( I coined it as such to describe the fad Obama brought into politics and the change he's bringing to the world). Also, the problem of piracy in the horn of Africa. Again, last Jan 31, 2009, 12 Filipino crew were involved in the hijacking incident of the MV Longchamp. There's a lot more! Indeed, political events can leave you behind. I was left behind but now I'm catching up, doubling the pace if necessary. As to my personal day-to-day experience, I've encountered developments, pains and success these past weeks or months. I also would like to share those. And a lot lot lot more...Provided only if I can carved some time out of my busy schedule.
Now, I just want to, again, welcome myself to this habit of blogging. I'll discuss important political issues from time-to-time, provide my perspectives on relevant issues. From your end, what I'd like you to do is to provide me important issues and share with me your insights so that we can have an instant forum at hand.
Thanks much for your time!
Kind regards,
Johnry
Now, I just want to, again, welcome myself to this habit of blogging. I'll discuss important political issues from time-to-time, provide my perspectives on relevant issues. From your end, what I'd like you to do is to provide me important issues and share with me your insights so that we can have an instant forum at hand.
Thanks much for your time!
Kind regards,
Johnry
Thursday, December 04, 2008
WHY3X, "WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW WONT HURT YOU"
I address this to all concern.
The idiom "What you don't know wont hurt you," is indeed correct. Some things need not to be discovered particularly those beyond our comprehension. It'll just blow your mind away. In relationships, I think its better not to find out what your partner is actually doing or what has s/he done that could ruin your trust and respect. By discovering so, you'll or you might just trouble yourself by thinking too much---what have I done, what is with me, what do you want, why, why and more why's...
Unfortunately, for a researcher like me (I consider myself as a Researcher since I have some training in NEDA as EDS and I currently work as a Research Analyst. Plus my academic endeavors dwell more on research), its really difficult to take out of the picture blurred things that you'll subsequently try to find or to provide clear answers. As a researcher you're swimming with data, not all, but enough to accidentally discover info that would, instead of clearing things, compounds more questions and blurred visualizations. As a researcher, you have various means to utilize. these stupid people will not think that you could find out where their stashes are hidden. happily and sadly (ironic), you can...I can, for one.
Consider me a masochist, but I put myself into troubles by knowing things that I know will hurt me. but then again, I ask, why, why, and more why???
The idiom "What you don't know wont hurt you," is indeed correct. Some things need not to be discovered particularly those beyond our comprehension. It'll just blow your mind away. In relationships, I think its better not to find out what your partner is actually doing or what has s/he done that could ruin your trust and respect. By discovering so, you'll or you might just trouble yourself by thinking too much---what have I done, what is with me, what do you want, why, why and more why's...
Unfortunately, for a researcher like me (I consider myself as a Researcher since I have some training in NEDA as EDS and I currently work as a Research Analyst. Plus my academic endeavors dwell more on research), its really difficult to take out of the picture blurred things that you'll subsequently try to find or to provide clear answers. As a researcher you're swimming with data, not all, but enough to accidentally discover info that would, instead of clearing things, compounds more questions and blurred visualizations. As a researcher, you have various means to utilize. these stupid people will not think that you could find out where their stashes are hidden. happily and sadly (ironic), you can...I can, for one.
Consider me a masochist, but I put myself into troubles by knowing things that I know will hurt me. but then again, I ask, why, why, and more why???
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
An assessment of the current international crisis and its implications to Philippine External Relations
1) Let me call this "Mumbai Episodes"
Johnry Castillo
Recently, multiple sites in the Indian city of
Terrorism covers all territory and terrorist is not bounded by any boundary. Ostensibly, the terrorist attacks in Mumbai could be seen parallel to Rizal Day Bombings. The Deccan Mujahedeen could be likened to Abu Sayyaf group. Affected civilians of terrorist acts encompass nationalities whether you are Indian or Filipinos. Hence, our country is not excuse whatsoever to the effect of the recent bombings in Mumbai.
With regard to our Philippine external relations, the Mumbai episodes could be a distress call to our policemen and armed forces to always be on the red alert, to maintain peace and order and subsequently provide security. It is good that our armed forces (PNP and AFP) joined conferences and coordinate among global peers to strengthen knowledge, tactics, and counter-terrorist measures but please do away with what the Euro Generals had committed---bringing along their wives with unstated huge amount of money.
This attack could be a signal to our legislators to provide tooth and claws and not just white elephant laws on Terrorism. What’s the update of our Human Security Act? We haven’t heard for a while. Maybe we are going to hear from it when terrorists provide another terrifying sorrow to the society. Should we wait for a Mumbai attack in our hotels, religious centers and shopping malls?
The Mumbai episodes stir up our foreign emissaries to prove their worth in protecting our citizens and advancing our interests across the globe. In case of a terrorist act, our consulates and embassies must strive harder to safely and efficiently move away our fellowmen out of trouble.
To our entrepreneurs and businessmen thinking of investing in
Historically, this kind of crisis is what we in general, tend to consider as teacher. Such event is a class subject that teaches us to be more pragmatic on our daily lives. One example, our Human Security Act is an offshoot of the 9/11 attack in US. Moreover, this terrorist attack, taught security personnel to be stricter in letting in and out customers in mall. Finally, such event warns us to be more careful on riding MRT or going to malls on Rizal day. Mag-ingat…
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
OhhhhBAMA...
Well I don't know where to start. I tell you, I am not a pro-Obama but I'm overwhelmed with his victory in the recently concluded US presidential election. Before, Obama was just a joke, my uncle always used to tease his wife. He told us, when his wife is in the comfort room, it seems there's a rally for Obama because her crap goes out loudly with a sound like this "barack barack barack barack!" And laughter follows. But now, Obama and his cry for change is a joke no more.
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After an almost landslide victory in popular and in electoral votes, we now vigilantly awaits the change Obama is vehemently forwarding. What are the implications of his election as president of US to the world affairs particularly to our planet in peril and to the financial crisis? We can't really tell since he is just reaping the fruits of his personal labor. Lets give him the day and maybe tomorrow, we can talk about this issue again.
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As to why Barack Obama won, I say he was tailored to be elected at this situation. Rizal said, heroes are not born they are produced by the economic and social factors of that period. Hence, Obama concomitant to Rizal's idea, satisfies the economic needs and the social clamor as of the moment that's why he won. Why? First, with the current financial crisis what US needs is a leader who is knowledgeable and really equipped with the highest of education not a Vietnam war captive John McCain. (See my October article, Obama vs McCain) Aside, the party matters. History has shown that a democrat won when there is a financial crisis. This was true particualrly in the 1930's with Franklin Roosevelt.
Moreover social clamor against rascism, for equality and change definetely have played a major role. Obama is an african-american. But who cares when US is forwarding the idea of anti-racism. Obama had started to inch over his republican opponent with his famous speech in 2004 “young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled — Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America." This underscored the importance of equality, unity and not racism.
on a much much lighter note, even in dance prowess Obama has the advantage! take a look at this.
OHHHHHHHHHHBAMA.......
*************************************************************************************
After an almost landslide victory in popular and in electoral votes, we now vigilantly awaits the change Obama is vehemently forwarding. What are the implications of his election as president of US to the world affairs particularly to our planet in peril and to the financial crisis? We can't really tell since he is just reaping the fruits of his personal labor. Lets give him the day and maybe tomorrow, we can talk about this issue again.
*************************************************************************************
As to why Barack Obama won, I say he was tailored to be elected at this situation. Rizal said, heroes are not born they are produced by the economic and social factors of that period. Hence, Obama concomitant to Rizal's idea, satisfies the economic needs and the social clamor as of the moment that's why he won. Why? First, with the current financial crisis what US needs is a leader who is knowledgeable and really equipped with the highest of education not a Vietnam war captive John McCain. (See my October article, Obama vs McCain) Aside, the party matters. History has shown that a democrat won when there is a financial crisis. This was true particualrly in the 1930's with Franklin Roosevelt.
Moreover social clamor against rascism, for equality and change definetely have played a major role. Obama is an african-american. But who cares when US is forwarding the idea of anti-racism. Obama had started to inch over his republican opponent with his famous speech in 2004 “young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled — Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America." This underscored the importance of equality, unity and not racism.
on a much much lighter note, even in dance prowess Obama has the advantage! take a look at this.
OHHHHHHHHHHBAMA.......
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