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Obama’s message

I love U.S. President Barack Obama’s speech especially the part where he said, “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.”

Gloria Arroyo’s fake presidency fits the description to a T.

She grabbed power from an elected president in January 2001, something that she herself is ashamed of it. Now, she wants the people to forget about it while she continues to cling to power.

She tried to legitimize her illegitimate presidency in the 2004 election spending people’s money to rig the electoral process. No dice, the people still rejected her.

With the help of the military and police , notably former AFP Chief Hermogenes Esperon, whom she has elevated the other day as her right hand man as head of the Presidential Management Staff, she tampered with the results of the 2004 elections. That’s all recorded in the “Hello Garci” tapes which surfaced a year after she was proclaimed by a subservient Congress.

Harnessing government machinery and resources, she prevented the people from knowing the truth about the thwarting of the will of the people using the armed forces, who are mandated by the Constitution as protector of the people. That’s why the people never saw the light of the Mayuga report that investigated the degradation of the military into election cheating operators which even Ferdinand Marcos never attempted to do.

To pay off those who participated the grand electoral fraud, she allowed then Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos to get his reward from the NBN/ZTE deal that would have deprived the Filipinos some P1.3 trillion of their tax money.

She issued Executive Order 464 to prevent government officials from testifying in congressional investigations that seek to find out the truth about her violations of the law to keep herself in power.

It’s not surprising that Arroyo remains deaf to the message. Her spokesperson even had the gall to claim that the new US Presiodent’s ” words deeply resonate with the President’s (Arroyo) dream for the nation and the world.

As President Obama said, “You are in the wrong side of history.”

I also like the what he said about how he will deal with the menace of international terrorism which has its roots in the injustice in the Middle East.

He said, “For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

“To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.”

On the first day of his presidency, he put those words into action. Military prosecutors in the trial in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba of defendants accused of organizing the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the United States were instructed to seek a 120 day suspension of the legal proceedings.

A news report said, “The legal maneuver appears designed to provide the Obama administration time to refashion the prosecution system and potentially treat detainees as criminal defendants in federal court or have them face war-crimes charges in military courts-martial. It is also possible that the administration could re-form and relocate the military commissions before resuming trials.”

In the early hours of last Wednesday, I said a prayer that he be guided and protected to make good this promise:” And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.”

Published inForeign AffairsGovernance

131 Comments

  1. Amen. But not only that Tita Ellen. There’s a lot of missing items in the equation of which I believe leadership is missing. That’s why from top to bottom, almost always, the headlines are bad apples. Gano na ba kahaba ang listahan naten? If you may, allow me to drag Lee Iacocca here in his book “Where have all the leaders gone?”

    1.) A leader has to show curiosity and not just listening to his “Yes” people inside.
    2.) A leader has to be creative and adapt to CHANGE and not continue the destructiveness and divisiveness of corruption and more.
    3.) A leader has to communicate and not come up with some fantasies. (Remember when they fumbled Bloomberg economic news?)
    4.) A leader has to be a person with a character. Ok, let’s move on people to the next, shall we?
    5.) A leader has to have courage. Courage to tell the Filipino people, I made a mistake, I resign.
    6.) A leader has to have conviction. A passion. Ok, maybe she got it wrong.
    7.) A leader has to have charisma. Again, let’s move on to the next, shall we?
    8.) A leader has to be competent. Eeek! (Sorry po, eh nasa libro eh!)
    9.) A leader has to have common sense. Feel and touch the real world.

    I believe in Obama and I believe in his message. Yet like majority of Pinoys, I long for change in the Philippines. When is ’nuff, nuff?

  2. vic vic

    And also don’t forget the Man in Black in Robe who got paid back a handsome job as permanent Rep. to the United Nation, the Former Chief of the SC who “misinterpreted” the Constitution in one of the Greatest Conspiracies of our Time.

  3. SULBATZ SULBATZ

    Leadership is what Obama has. Respect for his leadership is what the American people has for him. He has inspired a nation.

    Gloria, on the other hand, lacks leadership. The Filipino people has only spite for her and she doesn’t inspire. And yet, Ermita has the gall to say that Obama may learn something from Gloria. That is the biggest joke of the century.

  4. andres andres

    Noong nakikinig ako kay Obama, at ng kanyang banggitin ang tungkol sa mga corrupt na kapit tuko sa pwesto, sa aking palagay talagang si GMA ang kanyang tinutukoy!

    Diba’t si GMA at ang kanyang pamilya na siguro ang maituturing na pinaka-corrupt na naging Pangulo ng bansa. Buong mag-anak ay kasangkot sa pagnanakaw sa bayan!

    Diba’t si GMA din ang Pangulo na gagawin ang lahat manatili lamang sa palasyo? Halos lahat na nag retirong mga opisyal ng militar at pulis na kakampi niya, higit 100 sila ay nailuklok na sa iba’t-ibang pwesto ng pamahalaan!

    Si GMA talaga ang tinutukoy ni Obama, super corrupt na, gahaman pa sa pwesto at ayaw ng umalis sa poder!

  5. andyv andyv

    Now that ‘Talk the talk’ is over, it’s time to ‘Walk the walk’. How can you say Obama is the kind of leader to lead America?

    1. Appoint a tax cheat to lead Internal Revenue Service.
    2. Appoint an Attorney General who freed a criminal.
    3. Now, about to close Gitmo and treat those terrorists with kid gloves. I wish he brings these detainees to Chicago as their own countries do not want to receive them.

    …. and more ‘CHANGES’ to come. I will keep you all posted.

    Oh – bummer!

  6. @andyv,

    “How can you say Obama is the kind of leader to lead America?”

    Because the American people says so? and majority of us believes that he can best deliver the change? And not the alternative? Enough with the election campaign. Whether you like Obama or not, he’s gonna be in charge of the Oval Office that will definitely impact you as well, but then again, just like what you insinuate, you and me and all of us are gonna be on the lookout for the hiccups. Give the man a break. He’s been only President for 2 days hahaha!

    Everyone is monitoring him and I do hope that he delivers and here’s the site that I will be checking from this day on.

    http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/

    So far, from the 500 promises, he’s got 6 kept, 1 stalled and the rest are in the works.

  7. Reynz, Iacocca is one of my idols. Kaya lang nasayang yung pinaghirapan niya, eto ikinakatok ng Chrysler yung lata ng sardinas sa DoF ng Tate para sa dagdag bailout. But he is second only to my top favorite, Jack Welch. Third, si Warren Buffet. Fourth, si Bill Gates. Fifth, si Ted Turner. Yung sixth pababa, puro mga kriminal na, hehehe.

  8. @TonGuE-tWisTeD,

    “Yung sixth pababa, puro mga kriminal na”

    Hahahha! SINO BA?! i mean, i used to admire somebody from Georgetown KUNO which is very close to my school. Kaso ano na nga ang nangyari sa lecheng yon?! HAHAHAH!

  9. Wrong side of history and yet Ermita has the gall brag that Gloria Arroyo has nothing to learn from Obama but it was Obama he says that can learn a lot from the Garcified president…… learn what how to act like a thief in the night?

    Crazy indeed and delusional I should say, these are things that frustrates people no end…. enough for a non-religious person to pray for change.

    http://pedestrianobserver.blogspot.com/2009/01/filipinos-unite-bloggers-prayer-for.html

  10. etcetera etcetera

    “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.”

    I guess bansot and fatboy pidal’s plan for martial law is dead.

  11. bitchevil bitchevil

    And now….this time, the Evil Bitch appoints herself as Climate Change Czar !

  12. andyv andyv

    The irony is that I voted for him – a choice of lesser evil. Now I have to live with all the decisions he’s making. I’ve been watching the Senate Committee hearings and the AG and TS seem to be not transparent on their responses. And Obama wants transparency!

    TonGuE-tWisTeD – I am just disappointed to the guy I voted for. You may say I am a loser but I just want to state the facts. peace!

  13. The decision you made was up to you. At this moment the only vote that counts is yours. Your future depends on your choice right now.Even more important, though, is what you decide to do about right to rule your life.Obama is the US president now,NO REFUND,NO EXCHANGE.You live as you believe.President come and go but the US CONSTITUTION remains the same that alone fulfills our deepest needs and provides the kind of protection, provision, justice, life, liberty, and happiness that can satisfy us both now and for 4 years.Obama is the US president who deserves our pledge of absolute allegiance.He alone has the ability to fulfill our highest hopes.But,don’t forget to pay your mortgage,keep your job and pay taxes.Hehehe!

  14. bitchevil bitchevil

    Cocoy’s attitude reflects that of a true American. Sport. Americans forget the election and move on to support the new President regardless of what party they belong. Take note that Obama does not speak ill of Bush. McCain does not bad mouth Obama, and Obama even praised McCain. That’s how Americans play the game. Win or loss, the country has to move forward.

  15. Tama nga si Ermita. Gloria cannot learn more kurakot from Obama but Obama can learn to do kurakot amidst the economic crisis from the dorobo. But then, of course, iyan ay kung kurakot ang makikinig kay Ermita. Sabi nga, demonyo lang ang makikinig sa kaniya!!! 😛

  16. BE: Take note that Obama does not speak ill of Bush.

    *****

    Yes, sure, he did not speak ill of Bush as he did not focus on the personality but more on the policies of the Bush government especially during the election campaign. May finesse kasi iyong tao.

    Out of courtesy, hindi niya pinahiya iyong idiot, who actually knew what his fellow Americans now think of him for him to say that history would be kinder to him (quoted pa si Macoy ha!), but he made his point to bring the changes that he promised during his campaign. Una na iyong Guantamo. Yehey!

    Malinaw naman na hindi niya susundin ang payo ni Bush even when he is willing to listen to all kinds of suggestions from his fellow Americans. Siyempre ayaw niyang mapulaan ang mga kalahi niyang itim.

    On the other hand, he is now the president of ALL Americans. They may just as well cooperate with him in righting the wrongs of his predecessor.

    At least, over in this part of the globe, we are assured that only the most qualified, classy and able is sent to Japan as ambassador.

    Mabuhay si Obama!

  17. bitchevil,

    Thank you for noticing where I stand regarding my political views and perspective,I may love Obama, hate him, or have an uncomfortable love-hate relationship with it but, to support him.

    The only thing that I am grateful is that; me and my family live in the United States of America.My children does not experience those kind of torture in daily life in the Philippines in catching a bus that emit poisonous gas or riding in a jeepney where snatcher is sitting besides them, where crimes,prostitution and drug addiction is rampant,they don’t live under a repressive dictatorship and on the hit list of Palparan and Esperon, where civil rights are withheld, where freedom is severely restricted, or where the government is run by self-serving “gangsters,” then they’re going to have a negative reaction. Maybe those in leadership ignore or even ridicule the moral standards of life. Or perhaps they are in a country where people have been imprisoned because they dared to talk to another person about corruption,withdrawal of support and election cheating.

    On the other hand, they may find it easy to praise the government for its efforts to uphold freedom, justice, and good morals. If they enjoy a comfortable relationship with the political system and agree with the laws of the land,my children may feel that they can honor and obey the government without having to be caught between what is right and what man says is necessary to pay a bribe.

    Perhaps, though, they feel somewhat ambivalent about government. They applaud some of what they see but they are disgusted by other activities.Their convictions about judicial decisions relating to “Pay to be Free” teens pornography, and sexual values may cause them to have some struggles in their relationship with the legal authorities. They may believe that the laws are unjust, taxes are too high that only goes to corruption, or money is misused. Although,maybe they wouldn’t want to overthrow the government, maybe they have written notes of protest to public leaders, have been involved in picketing against government policies together with the Black and White Movement,Gabriela or even Manuela and other movement or have participated in acts of civil disobedience–and they may have wondered if they were right to do so.

    With all those said and done,they maybe,send me and express mail via Federal Express or text me with their Globe cellphone—-Daddy-send me a plane ticket ASAP I don’t want to live here in the Philippines no more.Get me back there in California.

  18. florry florry

    A made to order outfit was sent by Obama to Gloria. The question is, will she wear it?

  19. Eggplant Eggplant

    I am not Obama’s admirer, I also have nothing against him. However if Obama can help stop cheating during the 2010 election I will bow my head before him and kiss his feet (perharps his ass).

  20. Phil Cruz Phil Cruz

    Reyna Elena,

    I browsed that Obama-O-Meter website that you mentioned in your comment above. It’s good.

    Tracking Obama’s promises and their implementation takes some research and close monitoring, but it is good public service.

    It’s a project that could be adopted here in the Philippines. Or is there one already?

  21. Joseseg sent me this photo of President Obama showing a teleprompter in front of him:

    Obama Inauguration

  22. @Phil Cruz,

    On the Obama-O-meter:

    If it could be done here, I’m sure, Pinoys with their extraordinary talent in web development – that could be done. Information gathering though has to be screened to make it unbiased. Of course, the press is in a much better position to do it given the level of respect we accord them. I honestly would want to see the same thing done.

    I remember OFW in Hongkong, he has this list of alleged Arroyo Corruption that I followed. It was long. And if we could show it to people that – HERE! LOOK HERE! – am sure we’d be able to awaken a few slumbering souls out there.

  23. bitchevil bitchevil

    Ellen, I thought that was bullet-proof glass.

  24. vic vic

    Ellen, during Obama speech, CBC was able to show at the same time the text of the speech at the bottom of the tv screen..don’t how they did it, maybe delayed telecast?

  25. chi chi

    Wala bang tumanggap na bansa, kahit na ang mga sariling bansa, sa mga terror detainees sa Gitmo?

    Madaling i-solve yan. Ipadala lahat nila kay Gloria Arroyo na tiyak na approve without thinking in exchange for Barack’s attention! O, di ba?

  26. bitchevil bitchevil

    Closing the detainee center is not as easy as people think. It’s easy to close but what would they do to the building and the detainees? But anyway, I’m sure Obama’s administration has remedies for such anticipated problems. I’m very impressed with the speed Obama works during the first few days of being President. Let’s hope he doesn’t get stressed and burned out too soon.

  27. vic vic

    chi,
    Omar Khadr, the only Canadian detainee in Gitmo, the 15 years old accused of hurling a grenade that killed a u.s. medic whose appointed defence counsel now wanted the government to repatriate him, but the government maintains the hands off policy as the “boy” was charged with serious crime and his guilt or innocence has to be resolved by judicial process and not by political ones. But if the case get resolved he can always come home, his brother, mother and sisters, although, been known to be fundraisers for the Al Qaeda, (his father been killed in Afghanistan, and I believe one of his brother, while the other one turned informant for the US intelligence and now back here in TO and all of them on Social Assistance one time or another…

  28. chi chi

    Thanks for that interesting info, Vic.

  29. Without a clear alternative as to where the prisoners would go, I couldn’t say for sure. And if they were being sent elsewhere, than what is the point of closing Gitmo?And send them where? San Francisco? Los Angeles? Mexico? Hey, maybe in Basilan. That sounds like the smart thing to do. I’m sure the prisoners can abuse the Koran there as well.The procedure is what needs to be reviewed and changed, not the facility.

    If Gitmo were closed, its detainees would obviously go somewhere else. It is to perform a symbolic action that says Obama want to show the world that USA is a country governed by rule of law.

    The argument goes that shutting down Gitmo would remove a major piece of propaganda that is being used by anti-americans to discredit it’s cause. I’m all for establishing clear guidelines for the treatment of POWs, as well as honoring commitments and military tradition in this regard, but I’m not sure that closing Gitmo is going to help anything.

  30. bitchevil bitchevil

    The Khadr case shows the weakness of the Canadian foreign influence and inability to protect her citizens abroad. I know of one African-Canadian who confided to me the absence of help Canada Embassy to him when he badly needed when he went to his home country for a visit. He ran into trouble and sought Canada Embassy’s help. He was ignored. He believed that it was the color of his skin. Had he been a Caucasian, Canada would have immediately help him. He now says possessing a Canadian passport is not a guarantee of government’s help abroad if you’re a colored minority.

  31. chi chi

    I rather have those CONFIRMED hardcore terrorists reside in Gitmo forever than any other place on earth.

    However, I’m all for eliminating inhumane interrogation and “establishing clear guidelines for the treatment” of the suspected terrorists, as Cocoy said.

  32. bitchevil bitchevil

    How do we make the terrorists talk and confess…that’s the question. The CIA should hire hypnotists. Once the suspect is hypnotized, he would tell the truth.

  33. bitchevil,

    These hardcore terrorist are trained not to talk,they are committed their lives on a cause beyond their beliefs on “Jihads” they rather die to meet the 70 virgins in heaven to drill them with their long and sturdy jackhammer.

    Guantanamo is a military facility. Whatever the military need to perform their duties and serve their country must be supported. No military needs, bases, funding and administration should ever be used as political issue. The military are to serve the Nation, not a political party. Presidents, senators and congressmen are elected and when their time expires, are replaced. Military is for life.Military don’t stick their nose and impose elections.Americans either stand with, for and behind their Armed Forces and the Commander in Chief or they become a liability and to the Sovereignty of their Nation.

  34. chi chi

    “These hardcore terrorist are trained not to talk…”

    Precisely, Cocoy. Kaya dun na lang sila sa Gitmo.

  35. bitchevil bitchevil

    Remember the Fil-Am General who was the whistle blower about the torture, Army Maj. General Taguba? He should be appointed by Obama to a position.

  36. I think it is an unfair justice if we give especial treatment for these hardcore terrorist compared to the thousand of victims of the 9/11 war on terror.Up to this moment not one single victim’s case from 9/11 has been heard in a court of law. Because the United States is known to be an extremely litigious society with hordes of lawyers, it was expected that the relatives of the 9/11 victims would seek justice and compensation in the courts.

    While thousands of the relatives have sought justice in the courts, they have yet to find it. Some 6,600 lawsuits were brought against the airlines and the passenger screening companies, but not one victim’s case has gone to trial.

    Much of the physical evidence, such as the steel from the World Trade Center, has been destroyed and other crucial evidence remains concealed. Thousands of government employees who may have noticed something unusual or may know something about what actually happened on 9/11 have been effectively gagged after having received secret letters ordering that they remain silent.

    Threatened with the loss of their jobs, their pensions, or their freedom, there have been very few “whistle blowers” coming forth with information.

    With all of this,Where is Justice? Do we let this terrorist go, just to please the president on his promise of foreign policies?

  37. bitchevil bitchevil

    I don’t think we’ll ever know the real mastermind of the 9/11 incident even if most believe it’s Bin Laden. There are other versions about 9/11 as well as other incidents. They would remain a mystery just like the assassination of JFK.

  38. chi chi

    Cocoy,

    While I believe that some in Gitmo were just collared without sufficient evidence, others are really into the terror business. Of course, the US military, Scotland Yard and Allies’ intelligence network have already identified some as confirmed hardcore terrorists. And PBO was already properly briefed on this siempre pa.

    To fulfill his campaign promise of shutting down Gitmo, he signed the order as one of the first orders of his office. “Within one year”, the order says so…meaning pag-aaralan pang mabuti at mabusisi kung ano ang gagawin sa mga terorista. Sa akin naman, mabuti na yung talagang pag-aralan na mabuti yan even if it takes years because it is humanity that is at stake here. I’m glad to hear that BO said he wants to govern from the center (tama hula natin Tongue). Kaya I feel na hindi yan basta-basta isasakatuparan just because he already signed the order to close the military facility. He is the president now, so I won’t hold it against him if he changes his mind and not fulfill some of his campaign promises if for the good of his country (sige, isama na natin ang mundo 🙂 ).

  39. Chi,bitchevil,
    This topic is getting interesting.I’m sorry if it took me too long to get back with both you.I went to MCdo to order the no.4 breakfast,LPG is getting expensive now here to fry 2 eggs and toast some bread.I am conserving my LPG so that maybe,I can do my part to help the Philippines boast it’s supply.I feel sorry for Tongue hearing his stories that he fried chicken on his microwave,it didn’t turn to brown because he added spices of Lucinda and his kids doesn’t want to eat it, the labor of love he spent time in preparing his specialties was wasted.

    Back to topic,Yes bitchevil the mastermind on this conspiracy theory of 9/11 is still uncovered which is just bad.Greed of money has always outweight the valuation of life in the minds of evil.There is no one person who organized the 9/11 attack.It is too complex for the average person to absorb,so those in power simplify it to one person ( we know where they point the middle finger)so that the Americans can accept this theory better.

  40. chi chi

    Bakit nandito ka, e nandun ako sa kabilang loop. I wrote something there for you.

  41. Diego K. Guerrero Diego K. Guerrero

    Re: The CIA should hire hypnotists.

    How about hiring Madame Auring? I think she’s a mind reader. The KGB recruited psychics for spying activities and parapsychological research projects.

  42. chi chi

    Heto ang ating pinag-uusapan, cocoy.
    _____

    Released detainee now Yemen al-Qaida commander
    By PAMELA HESS, AP

    WASHINGTON – A Saudi militant who was released from Guantanamo Bay after six years of confinement is now a top figure in the Yemeni branch of al-Qaida, a U.S. counterterrorism official confirmed Friday.

    Said Ali al-Shihri was released in 2007 to the Saudi government for rehabilitation. He re-emerged this week, identified by a militant-leaning Web site as a top deputy in “al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula,” a Yemeni offshoot of the terror group headed by Osama bin Laden. – http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090123/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/guantanamo_al_qaida

  43. bitchevil bitchevil

    If the Evil Bitch really wants to gain Obama’s respect, she must release the Magdalo soldiers.

  44. Chi,

    It’s frightening.The world will be in danger again if Obama release all those hardcore terrorist,they’ll be back to sow terror in the near future.The age of darkness will grip us once again.

    Terrorism has become a profession. Terrorists have no caste creed or religion. They are killers. Incidentally they pursue a cause wether is it right nor lopsided. They would not even spare any person of their own agenda when they pursue the blind attack.If we sleep over the problem today there would be no tomorrow for all of us. Do you agree? They are the burden of society and the government responsibilities is to protect it’s citizen.This responsibility does not rest with a single political entity. The responsibility lies with our society who could not consolidate responsibility is with government who could not put in place terror control system and the responsibility lies with politicians who have failed to deliver their assurance to the society. Do they deserve to be our leaders? Really enough is enough and now is the time for civil society act in unison to defeat this terrorism.

    Terrorism had started at first as an ideology to win over control of geographical area.This is the day I fear for Obama’s presidency if he release these hardcore terrorist.

    .

  45. bitchevil bitchevil

    A day after Obama’s inauguration, US bombed an area in Pakistan killing at least 10 people. Why? Did Obama order the attack?

  46. bitchevil,

    The military will not just drop a bomb without a green light from the highest command.They will be facing court martial.

  47. chi chi

    Yes, Cocoy..I agree that terrorism is both business and fanaticism.

    For sure, Barack will be cautious on the matter of releasing the confirmed terrorists and will study further the cases of each one at the Gitmo prison before deciding on their release. Amerika niya ang nakataya….

    Kesa sa masayang ang taxpayers’ money na ginastos sa paggawa ng Gitmo ay iwanan na lang dyan ang mga hardcore para hindi na magsabog pa ng dilim (buti sana kung mga sarili lang nila ang pasasabugin). Out muna ako…

  48. Tedanz Tedanz

    Wag na natin problemahin pa ang problema ng mga Kano. Mas malaki ang problema natin sa mga Pesteng Arroyo.

  49. bitchevil bitchevil

    I agree, Cocoy. Those soldiers who fail to obey the command would be called back to barracks by Barack Obama.

  50. andyv andyv

    I just had lunch with one of the staffers of our congressman here and what she was saying is that the closure of Gitmo was laid in the table a couple or so years ago in the WH. Because of the legal implications plus human rights group, ACLU, etc., the govt decided that it is safer to hold them in Gitmo. Once these ‘detainees’ set foot in the USA, they will exercise all their ‘legal’ rights – one of them is how the evidence against them were gathered will not stand in a US Civil court. They can even exercise the right to a public attorney! here goes my tax dollars. They say that if you can not prosecute them, then you have to release them. Releasing them (at least the hardened ones) is an issue – their country of citizenship are not willing to accept them – so they will end up in the US soil – again, a tax dollar burden.

    Another question is, what if the Gitmo is closed and Osama is captured. Where will US govt keep him?

    Oh, dear.

  51. vic vic

    BE, you are right about the weakness of Canadian government foreign policy as usually it lets criminals committing crimes in other countries suffers the consequence, but will offer consular assistance regardless of Colour of the skin whatsover. for your African friend, I’ll advice he’ll file a complaint of discrimination against the particular consular office or write a complaint to his MP, instead of complaining to you. he may make some money. Remember Arar, the Syrian who was rendered by the American to the Syrian Government and was Tortured because of faulty intel given by Canadian spy agency? He sued the govertment and got $12 millions in out of court Settlement and that is BIG…

  52. That is acceptable to me, andyv. Raytheon’s business is built around heat tracing and precision targetting. Products that help limit civilian deaths and other collateral damages. In this light, the choice may be a positive one and may well be a reflection of the shift in America’s overall defense strategy. I’d be cautious if a lobbyist for clusterbombs and spent uranium shells were appointed instead.

  53. chi chi

    Tongue,

    That is acceptable to me also, but not Obama’s choice of Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. Why? Because Barack just said in his inaugural address America’s “new ethics”.

    Four years, that guy did not pay his taxes which he said was “an honest mistake” and offered apology. That is simply not acceptable to me no matter how smart he is.

  54. Today’s American generals could take a lesson or two from military governor Gen. Pershing. He once captured 50 Muslim terrorists in the Zamboanga Peninsula, he ordered that two pigs be slaughtered in front of the prisoners, dipped their bullets in the pigs’ blood and killed by firing squad all but one prisoner whom he set free. For the next 4 decades, there was not a single terrorist attack. Terrorists will refuse to die that way because their deaths will not be rewarded as their bodies are unclean. What, no more 72 virgins?

    I’m going to Guantanamo to serve dinuguan at puto before the pre-release party! Take my word, all those prisoners will be peace-loving Muslims!

  55. hKofw hKofw

    Com’mon guys, point your gun where the target is. Hayaan nyo muna si Obama. Give him a chance. Hindi siya nandaya para maging presidente. Kung meron man siyang mali hindi matatawag na anomalya iyan. Wala yan sa kalingkingan ng dami ng mali at anomalya ni Gloria Dorobo.

  56. tru blue tru blue

    BE, thought you are smart. You haven’t been listening to Langhab’s retorts? 911 wasn’t a mystery, Bush and the Jews cause the controlled demolition of the Twin Towers.

    Retired two star Taguba is a very decent person. Obama, I believe has a place for him in his administration. My hunch is that – Gates will be cut loose in a year, General Shinseki will vacate his post as VA Secretary and becomes the new Defense Secretary. Obama will then bring Taguba from retirement as the VA Secretary. Hell, if it happens I will be a genius, otherwise, hoping no one remembers and swipe me with “what are you talking about crap”.

    Hypnotists? If the CIA wanted someone of this talent, all they would do is hire those Praise the Lord and Evangelical Ministers who are so good at hypnotizing their disciples.

  57. hKofw hKofw

    “Obama may learn something from Gloria” – Ermita

    Talandi talaga si gloria stariray. Di’ ba inisnab na siya ng husto sa US ni Obama noong kandidato pa ito. Ang cheap talaga. Hindi siya tumitigil sa kaiisip ng paraan para mapansin siya ni Obama. Ang kapal mukha na parang hostes at pati si Ermita Sipip ay parang bugaw na gumagawa ng paraan para lamang kunin ang atensyon ni Obama. Marami ng nabiktima si Korap Kwin na matitinong lider at mga ralihiyosong tao sa Pinas na nahawang maging corrupt at salbahe dahil sa kanya. Pati ba naman ang bagong Presidente ng Amerika na malinis ang rekord ay hahawaan niya? Si Barack Obama kahit maitim malinis ang budhi. Pero si Glued maputi nga pero ang kalooban maitim pa sa uling.

  58. tru blue tru blue

    Chi, never cared for liars myself and hypocrites. That’s the reason why these secretary position nominees need to be probed and confirmed up to the tee before the inauguration. That said, Obama is stucked with Tim G and with the dismal economy hanging in the balance, he will be confirmed. After all he admitted his wrongdoing, and he’s not ransacking the Treasury. Besides, the conservatives loves not paying taxes, no pun intended of course.

  59. hKofw hKofw

    Kung ako si Imelda ibabato ko kay Dorobo ang mga koleksyon kong sapatos sa mukha niya gaya ng ginawa ng isang Iraqi kay Bush. Bakit? Aba eh tinalo ni Glueria sa tindi ng pagkakorap, pagkasakim at pagkagahaman sa puwesto ang kanyang asawa na si dating Presidente Marcos. Dapat lang na paringgan at patamaan siya ni Obama.

  60. HKofw: Pero si Glued maputi nga pero ang kalooban maitim pa sa uling.
    *****

    Nope, hindi siya maputi, although mas lighter ang kulay niya kay Barack. Kaya nga kita mo ang kulay ng mukha ni Talandi, sa kapal ng apog na tinapal sa mukha, hindi tuloy pantay ang kulay ng leeg niya sa mukha niya.

    Maitim iyong leeg na parang ang daming libag kesa doon sa mukhang parang tinapalan ng harina (flour). Yuck! 😛

  61. chi chi

    Bakit, wala bang mapiling iba si Obama? Robertson withdrew so as not to taint Obama’s administration, why not him?

    Brilliance/smartness can not be substituted for honesty. Hihintayin pa ba na meron mangyari bukod sa hindi niya pagbabayad ng buwis?

  62. Apparently, maraming pinagkakautangan ng loob si Barack for his candidacy. Medyo disgusted nga ako pero siguro talagang kailangan niyang makisama although he has made emphasis na babawasan niya ang power and/or access ng lobbyists sa gobyerno niya. We’ll see.

    Hopefully, he’s a different breed who cannot be corrupted no matter what.

  63. chi chi

    “pinagkakautangan ng loob”, that sounds familiar, Yuko.

  64. Vic asked,

    (January 23rd, 2009 at 11:17 pm (Edit this comment)

    Ellen, during Obama speech, CBC was able to show at the same time the text of the speech at the bottom of the tv screen..don’t how they did it, maybe delayed telecast?

    Media is usually given copies of speeches in advance, embargo until delivery.It’s also “check against delivery”. So TV stations can prepare the text for the screen in advance.

    That’s very helpful to media because, we can prepare our stories in advance and send it immediately after the speech has been delivered.

    But it is important that media listen to the speech and check our copy against what the official is delivering because usually there are important, last minute additions or corrections.

    There have been instances when careless, over scoop-conscious reporters violate the embargo condition or are lazy to check against delivery. They end up quoting phrases never said.

  65. Whether Obama’s appointments make sense can only be judged when those he has chosen have an opportunity to perform. Obama no doubt understood that he would be courting disappointment or worse among those whose measure of him depended on his supposed cabinet choices.Having encouraged those assumptions as a matter of political necessity, he must have realized that if he made selections based on merit, he would inevitably recruit many of the best and brightest (written undoubtedly in their resume) of the last Democratic administration since NO ambitious republican will jump fences.Obama’s choice of rival Hillary Clinton for secretary of state shows his political wisdom.

    I think Obama’s message of change could very easily be lost, if he picks the same people who’ve been running in Washington and promising the same things for years. . . . There are a lot of young Democrats I know who wanted change and wanted something different.

    It seems as though the more that these Cabinet positions get filled by Clinton-era folks,this is just going to be a third Clinton term, then should we expect a reemergence of another Bush next time around to repeal all the progress?

    The “Clintonians” only choices he got right now.Obama will keep appointing these people to his cabinet anyway. Actually, I’m fine with Hillary and people from Bill’s administration being appointed to the Obama cabinet.There’s no question about the talent level of this recycling Clintonians, they only have a public relations problem in the appearance of not really fulfilling.

  66. romyman romyman

    Why the skepticisn this early @ andyv. Obama is barely a week in his presidency give him a break, will ya andyv. 8 years of Bush presidency trumpeting the free-market mantra has put America in an unenviable situation economicaly and militarily.

    The surge is effective not because there are more boots on the ground but rather Iraqi Sunni leaders has decided to cooperate with the American military period.

    8 years of hell culminated with a market free fall against barely a week of bliss and principled presidential actions. NO CONTEST.
    # andyv Says:

    January 23rd, 2009 at 4:19 am

    Now that ‘Talk the talk’ is over, it’s time to ‘Walk the walk’. How can you say Obama is the kind of leader to lead America?

    1. Appoint a tax cheat to lead Internal Revenue Service.
    2. Appoint an Attorney General who freed a criminal.
    3. Now, about to close Gitmo and treat those terrorists with kid gloves. I wish he brings these detainees to Chicago as their own countries do not want to receive them.

    …. and more ‘CHANGES’ to come. I will keep you all posted.

    Oh – bummer!

  67. @Tita Ellen,

    “But it is important that media listen to the speech and check our copy against what the official is delivering because usually there are important, last minute additions or corrections.”

    Now that explains why during (White House or Wall Street) press conferences, I could see some of the journalists with their reading glasses on and appears to be reading something that their holding and not looking at the speaker.

  68. bitchevil bitchevil

    tru blue Says:

    January 24th, 2009 at 7:19 am

    BE, thought you are smart. You haven’t been listening to Langhab’s retorts? 911 wasn’t a mystery, Bush and the Jews cause the controlled demolition of the Twin Towers.

    …..I never claimed to be smart, but I believe I’m smarter than you, true blue.

  69. I never claimed to be smart, but I believe I’m smarter than you, true blue.–bitchevil.

    OUCH!!!hehehe…

    General mental capability of a person is measured the way they represent themselves.–Quote from my mother..

  70. bitchevil bitchevil

    I’m smarter than true blue but you’re smarter than me, Cocoy.

  71. bitchevil,

    Let’s drop this subject.It’s getting personal.We are all created equal and it’s up to us to use that given talent.

  72. tru blue tru blue

    BE, your posts and mine are at times in contrasts. I’m pragmatic, you are not. As Pareng Cocoy’s mom aptly said, my conduct in this blog, to me represents my not “know-it-all-demeanor” which other commenters noticed. I try to learn here, and I’m not sure if I have learned something from a smart alec like you since you’re smarter than me.

    Enjoying my life and travel a lot – hope you are too. Relax, walk your dogs, watch Batman, and read the Koran – you will become a better blogger.

  73. conservatives loves not paying taxes–trueblue

    Yeah! trublue,A person who’s paying taxes probably also enjoys hitting himself on the head with a hammer. Paying taxes is kind of like going to the dentist for a root canal. It’s something that has to be done but it’s 0hhhh, so painful! As the saying goes, two things are certain in human existence, death and taxes–and people will do anything they can to avoid both.

    Taxes have been a part of life as long as there has been any form of government because it costs money to provide protection and services for a group of people. We have to pay income tax, sales tax, gasoline tax, import tax, property tax, vehicle tax, road tax, social security tax, and on and on it goes.We just can’t escape taxes.Tax collectors are far more worst compared to having a whore mistress asking for money for diapers and apartment rent.

  74. bitchevil bitchevil

    You heard Cocoy. Drop it, true blue. Let’s compromise by saying that all bloggers here are smart. This blog is only for smart people.

  75. I wonder if the keningburimo adviser of Obama has a lot to do with the “little” deceptions thought of during the inauguration like the pre-taping of the supposed live performance of Yo-yo Ma et al. The intention was good but was it necessary?

    Who-a, I hope the Unano will not say now that her cheating in the 2004 was likewise necessary, because I doubt that her intention was as good. There is actually a difference between a selfish motive from the desire to please and entertain.

  76. Tilamsik Tilamsik

    Maki saw-saw na nga…

    closing gitmo & stoping torture a good sign at this stage at least.

  77. rose rose

    A friend just called me up and asked me to read You Tube on Obama..interesting and I now understand why he is what he is…
    Cocoy: have you seen this?

  78. rose,
    I will be more interested to watch that You Tube if you can provide me the driving direction on the mapquest.Hehehe!

  79. MPRivera MPRivera

    Dagdag pork para sa 2010 election
    (Bernard Taguinod)

    http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/jan2409/news_story3.htm

    mga kababayan, ganito na kakapal ang mga mukha ng ating mararangal na kotongresmen lalong lalo na ‘yung mga kaalyado ng pinakagarapal at pinakamakapal na babaeng merong bangaw sa mukhang si PGMA (Power Grabber Macapagal-Arroyo).

  80. Another question is, what if the Gitmo is closed and Osama is captured. Where will US govt keep him?–Question by Andyv.

    Good one Andy!You know what I was thinking? I would like to see it settled this way, by putting Gloria Arroyo and Bin Laden in a cage together as an extreme fighting event! Imagine that! Bin Laden whacking with his cane and Gloria whacking with her Louis Vitton purse and suddenly Gloria kicks Bin Laden in the balls and…..then you know what? Maybe they fall in love and get married.Hehehe!

    Well as me and my family living in the US…I don’t want bin Laden here and those Gitmo. Our prisons are already too full and some prisoners are let out early because of it. I liked it just fine with them in cages (cells) in Cuba. Obviously they don’t have much to fear if some are back to being terrorists.If they don’t have something to deter their activities then why bother capturing them in the first place. They should have been shot dead on the spot and then the ACLU could have something else to complain about.

    Also like the idea of sending them to China, Russia or Malacanang,Gloria would really like to get few of the GITMO Gang in her tribe.

  81. tru blue tru blue

    BItch, I insist, you’re the top dog here, hehe…

    Pareng Cocoy – didn’t expect you to splash over that comment. Was expecting Asian D and other intense rightwingers to take a swipe at it.

  82. parasabayan parasabayan

    Heh,heh,heh Cocoy…you got that right! The bitch would like a Gitmo. Trophy niya yan eh. She collects the best in the trade. Kaya kung murderer, ang tanong, “Ilan ang napatay mo?”. Kung magnanakaw, “Ilan ang nanakaw mo?” Kung milyon lang na pesos, sisiw ka lang. Kung millions of dollars like that of the ABALAOS, remember ZTE/NBN? “In” na “in” ka kaagad! Sa Gitmo, ang tanong “Ilang gusali na ang binomba mo?” Kung ang sagot, “marami na!”. Tanggap na sa payroll kaagad!

  83. tru blue,

    That’s okey! I Love everyone here at Ellenvile.You are all my chit-chat partner.My wife is boring and she left me for now,I asked my nice looking chicana neighbor to sleep with me while my wife is gone but, she’s scared if my wife find out she use her shampoo and conditioner.

  84. tru blue tru blue

    All GITMO prisoners should be loaded to a Saudi Arabia Airliner 747 and as they pass thru the Bermuda Triangle airspace be missile-fired upon by a US Warship standing by in the vicinity. It’s a place for mysterious “now you see, now you don’t” illusions anyhow. Would the Arab world buy it, probably not – it would be more of “Death to America!” rhetorics.

  85. tru blue tru blue

    Pareng Cocoy – Chicana!! My nephew and niece in Milpitas are pure Chicano and Chicana also. Chinese Ilocano and Chinese Ilocana.

    >I love everyone here at Ellenville< Likewise here. It’s only MIND exercises and agility punching these damned keys.
    My blood pressure is only 113/69 a few minutes ago.

  86. Cocoy, Osama is no problem. In fact I will volunteer to keep him in my jacuzzi, give him a total makeover, buy him new Speedo trunks and surround him with the hottest prostitutes in town. And deliver him back to Saudi after a few days.

    But I will make sure the AIDS-infected girls will gangbang him then rub oil from bagnet all over him.

  87. tru blue tru blue

    TT – hah!! 115 is very high (I assume that’s the diastolic)and I was told that’s the evil number, good thing you still woke up. Most of the time, eh bangungot yan. You need to stop smoking. Our man Obama is trying his darnest to kick off the nicotine, so can you.

  88. Ellen was right. Aretha’s rendition of “My Country, ‘Tis of thee” was terrible. Josh Groban’s was far, far better and more touching.

    Aretha admitted in Larry King’s Live that her singing was really not good. At least, she was good enough to admit that unlike the cheat in the Philippines who thinks her “I’m sorry, lapse of judgment” was good enough to escape a term in prison for such criminal offense as stealing votes.

    Kawawang Pilipinas! Binaboy na ng husto ng mga unggoy.

  89. All those prisoners imprisoned by the US at Guantanamo should have been prosecuted in the country where they have been arrested and suspected of committing acts of terrorism. Otherwise, the US has no business imprisoning them before they are proven guilty.

    I suggest that the ignoramuses who read only US propaganda watch documentaries made by independent movie producers on the subject. There was in fact a movie a year or two ago on this subject. I just forgot the title of that movie.

    One thing sure is Obama is confident of his decision on the Guantanamo prison. Good for him. God bless his good soul!

  90. chi chi

    The “Clintonians” –

    Ha!Ha!ha! Ikaw talaga, Cocoy, salbahe.

    I admire Obama’s choice of Hillary as State Secretary, kahit “done deal” yan as Bill said. Yeah, that was a wise choice.

  91. chi chi

    “…Gloria would really like to get few of the GITMO Gang in her tribe” in exchange for Obama’s attention. Yan ang sabi ko sa bandang itaas ng loop, Cocoy.

    Walang problema yan kay Gloria, she can bed with the terrorists, number one terrorist naman sya!

  92. chi chi

    “Let’s compromise by saying that all bloggers here are smart. This blog is only for smart people.”

    BE, I’m not smart…I just want to express opinions as a “mental exercise” as TrueBlue said, and as a duty to the country (which country? Both my bansang-sinilangan and adoptive).

    Mahirap ng maging brain dead gaya ni The Goonzalez.

    Thanks, Ellen, for giving me that opportunity.

  93. I should be the one to thank you all for a healthy sharing of ideas. It’s enriching.

  94. vic vic

    Thanks Ellen for the Explanation Re: text of Obama’s Speech. At first I thought the CBC was showing the text off Teleprompter, but when I saw some words with Canadian spellings (o=ou) i knew it was not and maybe someone fast enough to catch the delivery and type the text, now I know.

    by the way, PM Harper and President Obama did a prelimary talk for their upcoming meeting next month, probably the last week. that will be the President First official foreign trip, the tradition of past President, except George W. who was a little bit disgusted with PM Chretien for not joining his Iraq War, Junior was somewhat immature.
    here the link for their chit chat:
    http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/576627

  95. bitchevil bitchevil

    tru blue Says:

    January 24th, 2009 at 3:12 pm

    BItch, I insist, you’re the top dog here, hehe…

    ….Tru Blue, you still want to continue? Be true to yourself and stop being blue. Don’t call me Bitch. I prefer Evil.

  96. Gabriela Gabriela

    Why do you quarrel over such petty matters?

  97. bitchevil bitchevil

    It all started when tru blue made a comment that he thought I was smart; and I answered back saying I’m not but smarter than him. It was not a quarrel, but a healthy exchange of two people…one smart and another not. Chi was humble to say she’s not smart. Well, nothing’s wrong to be smart. To those who believe they’re not smart, then declare it if they want.

  98. Tilamsik Tilamsik

    If Obama will support Gloria’s dictatorship, well …. balik kalsada uli. Parliamentong lansangan lang ang pwedeng magpabagsak sa Reyna sa palasyo.

  99. bitchevil bitchevil

    Sorry Ellen, but I think tru blue enjoys to read such. No matter what, I maintain my position that this smart blog is for smart people and that’s what we are.

  100. Chi,
    OO nga pala ikaw ang nagsabi na “Gloria would really like to get few of the GITMO Gang in her tribe.”

    Sometimes wacky people i mean (smart as what bitchevil said) think the same.Hehehehe!

    Tongue, I like your idea,infect bin laden with AIDS.Hehehe!

  101. tru blue tru blue

    Evil – don’t get so worked up on petty things like that as it can be construed as your personal weakness. It was complimentary but your perception is evil. Nonetheless, touche!

    There’s this age old song by Fred Panopio (Pitong Gatang), listen to it sometime, it’s good for the mind and will put more humor in yourself. Cheers!

  102. ParengPepe ParengPepe

    Comment from Grizzy:

    “…I suggest that the ignoramuses who read only US propaganda watch documentaries made by independent movie producers on the subject. There was in fact a movie a year or two ago on this subject. I just forgot the title of that movie…”
    =====================

    Just because others does not share your same point of view does not mean that they are, as you call them, “ignoramuses”.

    There are 59,934,786 people who voted for McCain or 45.7% of those who voted, did not choose Obama. Are most of these people “ignoramuses”?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_2008

    If you forgot the movie, etc., try googling it. In fact while you’re at it, why don’t you google Michael Moore. Independent movie maker – he is not, that is, if you are referring to him.

    Here’s a youtube.com link to Obama’s signing of the Gitmo closing.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTGDR_rFX-k&eurl=http://poorrepublican.today.com/2009/01/23/obama-closes-guantanamo-bans-torture-orders-cia-black-sites-closed/

    Pay very close attention to the running time at the bottom of the video and listen very carefully when it reaches (a) 40 seconds and (b) when it reaches 5.15. You’ll see that Greg Craig, Obama’s lawyer, is clearly coaching him.

    Btw, did you know that Greg Craig used to be Fidel Castro and Elian Gonzales’ father’s lawyer, head of the legal team defending Bill Clinton during his impeachment proceedings, John Hinckley, Jr., who tried to assasinate Pres. Reagan, among others? Go figure.

    Obama closed down Gitmo on a campaign promise and he is living up to that promise, I give him that. However, he did not say how he plans to do it and where he is going to transfer those that are currently detained there. It’s a legitimate concern shared by millions of others.

    One very important question remains

    – IS THE US SAFER NOW THAN BEFORE JAN. 21, 2009?

    Once again, I did not vote for Obama, but he is now my president and I support his presidency. He is my president now. This does not mean, however, that I will not object to his administration’s policies that I do not agree with. Last time I checked, we are still in a DEMOCRACY.

    Here’s a quote from S.G. Tallentyre, The Friends of Voltaire..”I may disagree with what you say, but I shall defend to the death, your right to say it…”

    May I add, if you have something to say, BACK IT UP.

    Ignoramus??? What was that all about?

  103. tru blue tru blue

    Democracy to me will always be: Two wolves and a lamb voting what’s for Dinner tonight…

    Parengpepe – what’s the relevance of Greg Craig’s past associations of the Elian Gonzales and Hinckley’s case on Obama’s signing of GITMO’s closure?

    Also, give Obama a break, the man’s head is spinning right now and to critisize him for being coached about GITMO is only normal. He can’t possibly remember to the core all the legalese involved, that’s why he’s got advisers. Is that a fair assessment?, and I could be wrong – just pitching in.

  104. bitchevil bitchevil

    Tru blue, I don’t like Fred Panopio. What I liked was Eddie Peregrina who looked like today’s Arnold Pineda.

  105. bitchevil bitchevil

    Correction: It’s Arnel (not Arnold) Pineda of Journey.

  106. Valdemar Valdemar

    I look upon President Obama to teach other leaders of the world the correct way to lead specially ours.

  107. bitchevil bitchevil

    After only a few days in office, Obama has done so much more than any past US presidents had done. However, not all his acts were acceptable to some. For example, he was criticized for reversing the ban on abortion. The first to react was of course the Vatican because the priests have no babies to abort.

  108. tru blue tru blue

    Obama should don his blinders towards Gluerilla while she’s still on the throne.

  109. chi chi

    Cocoy,

    This quote “Gloria would really like to get few of the GITMO Gang in her tribe”; mine is “in exchange for Obama’s attention”. Pero pareho tayo ng tema, iba lang ang phrasing.

    This is my orig comment. (i-clarify ko lang)

    January 23rd, 2009 at 11:31 pm

    Wala bang tumanggap na bansa, kahit na ang mga sariling bansa, sa mga terror detainees sa Gitmo?

    Madaling i-solve yan. Ipadala lahat nila kay Gloria Arroyo na tiyak na approve without thinking in exchange for Barack’s attention! O, di ba?

    ___

    Sige bakasyon muna ako.

  110. Tilamsik Tilamsik

    G. W. Bush insists that the United States does not engage in torture but has refused to disclose what interrogation methods are used at Guantanamo Bay.

    Two months after the Sept. 11 attacks, CIA paramilitary teams working with foreign intelligence services had arrested dozens of people thought to have knowledge of impending attacks on the United States.

    Guantanano prisoners are detained indefinitely on “suspect” status, why is that so?

  111. bitchevil bitchevil

    This article: http://www.nytimes. com/2009/ 01/22/us/ politics/ 22obama.html? partner=rss&emc=rss is really nice reading. It’s not the only one I have read. But it is one that could start winning me over to believing in the presidency of Obama. For a president who’s been chided for being large on rhetoric and short on accomplishment by nature of his relatively short public and political experience, Barack seems to quickly be doing what is needed to restore the credibility of government and of public officials.

    On the first day, he has signed orders to lift the veil of secrecy that was singularly a characteristic of the Bush presidency. He has given orders to stop the revolving door practice of government officials leaving to work for private companies to lobby former colleagues. That practice has grown worse to the point of rendering the government toothless to check abusive practices in the private sector.

    I have been very skeptical of the US political process, and still am. We have seen how eight years of a supposedly “compassionate conservative Christian” brought greed to heights unimagined, and as a result, death and destruction to a few countries, and wealth destruction, to the world at large. We have seen mountains built upon mountains of lies crumble under a government where honesty and transparency could be bought for a dinar, and we see ourselves financially bankrupt for the “collective failure” to stop the enemy within our midst.

    But I wish President Obama would have the wisdom to bring the country together, and use this critical moment to bring about lasting change. He has been very inclusive and accommodating, and that makes for a good transition from the bad habits, practices, policies, and checkered morality of the Bush administration. But in the coming months and years, he would need courage and, just as importantly, a good tribe, to deftly make a 180 degree turn from the Bush and even Clinton, presidency.

    It will be a difficult trick to pull off, but if the roadmap of the Obama presidency should bring the country away from the greedy and self serving control of corporate lobbyists towards one guided by service for the public good, there would be much cause for celebration. There would be hope. For peace. With justice. For shared prosperity. Not just for the US, but for the world.

    Naive or hopeful? We shall see.

  112. Mike Mike

    Sigaw ng mga Amerikano sa Presidente nila:
    Obama! Obama! Obama!

    Sigaw ng mga Pinoy sa (fake) Presidente nila:
    Baba na! Baba na! Baba na!

  113. Sorry your folks,
    I didn’t vote for Obama. Actually people voted for Barrack because George Bush was such a terrible public speaker. Bush’s oratory was so horrendous he irreparably damaged his presidency, and decimated the image of the United States of America. most Americans wanted a president who could speak in public with confidence, clarity, and conviction. On the other hand, voted for John McCain because I couldn’t vote for George Bush a third time. I think actions speak louder than words, and in my opinion, Bush’s actions spoke louder than his words when it came to the important issue of defending this country. I felt John McCain had that same quality. In about six months we should know who was right, me or you…

    I don’t agree with him closing “Gitmo”

    Call it political expediency, keeping a campaign promise, appeasing his left wing constituency, whatever you call it issuing the order to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba is not just risky but a sign of a President that either has no clue or just does not care. The risk that Obama is taking with the closing is not a personal political risk because it satisfies his liberal friends therefore keeping those who backed him happy. The risk that he is taking is with our National Security and that shows that either he does not have a clue or does not care or both. The detainees that are held in Gitmo are there for a reason. They are dangerous, an enemy to The United States and her people and pose a serious threat to the country and everyone who lives here.

    Obama, would have us believe that the reasoning behind the closing of Gitmo is because the detainees are being denied ,”their Constitutional rights,” and that the existence of the detention center is damaging to the countries image around the world.Yet if this damage is as real as they portray then why is it that there is not a country including the home lands of the detainees who want these scum bags once they are removed from Gitmo. Next is the loose interpretation of Constitutional rights. The Constitution provides for the right of a fair and expedient trial and Habeus Corpus, which the detainees are not receiving, but the stickler here is that those rights so espoused for detainees by the left are for United States citizens and NOT enemy combatants who have no rights by our Constitution.

    One thing though,your man is good at public speaking, is he good for anything other than that for all I know, he’s just going to give speeches during his tenure as President. .wanna comment? Hehehe!

  114. Tilamsik Tilamsik

    Isa sa issue na ikinatalo ng partido Republicano ay ang Guantanamo Prison:

    Salim Hamdan, a Yemeni detainee and allegedly once Osama bin Laden’s driver is one of gitmo’s tenant with no solid nor direct evidence establishing a terrorist.

    Most of the evidence of abuse at Guantanamo has emerged from lawyers’ discussions with their clients.

    Even Human rights groups and leading figures from the US military are urging the Senate reconsider gitmo’s peripheri. Among those who have written open letters are John Hutson, the former Judge Advocate General of the US Navy, and the National Institute for Military Justice, a think-tank for military lawyers.

    Ang nakararaming sambayanang amerikano ay gusto na rin talaga ang pagbabago.

  115. andyv andyv

    On the Gitmo issue, it shows some weaknesses on his management style. Why did he decide to close it and then study/review the same later (or “by and by”) ? It’s like deciding to put up a business then do the feasibility study later.

    “Obama would have us believe that the reasoning behind the closing of Gitmo is because the detainees are being denied ,”their Constitutional rights,” and that the existence of the detention center is damaging to the countries image around the world.”

    They are also trying to use the Geneva Convention for POWs. This does NOT apply to terrorists. We are at war with the terrorists – faceless, stateless cowards.

    bitchdevil:

    “He has given orders to stop the revolving door practice of government officials leaving to work for private companies to lobby former colleagues.”

    This is the same for former lobbyists getting government jobs. I don’t care if they are ‘smart’ or what, but nobody is indispensable. There are other guys capable or better that his guy. The Obama admin is now planning to give this Raytheon guy a free pass by means of a waiver.

    On Geithner, I now question his capabilities. What did he do with the financial institutions, e.g., Citibank, AIG, etc. while he was at the Federal Reserve Bank of NY? nada. zip. I think the best thing O should do is withdraw his Treasury appt and just give him a ‘consultant’/advisory position and still be part of his economic team. He was not even ‘transparent’ with the questions thrown at him at the Senate hearing. A Financial/Treasury whiz guy who uses Turbo-Tax for his returns and blaming it? Did not pay the taxes knowing the statute but later on ‘pro-actively’ paid his dues when is about to be appointed by “O”?

    On the abortion, I DO NOT want my tax dollars funding abortion abroad. I would have preferred to use the money educating the kids on safe-sex. Well, I hope his kids are not going to leverage on these ‘rights’ later on. ‘What comes around, turns around.’

    This is NOT the change I was hoping for. But well, as Chi said earlier, I have to live with this in the next four years.

    Giving him a change at this early stage? No, you nip things in the bud.

  116. andyv andyv

    corrections: (1) ‘better than this guy’. (2) Giving him a chance..’

    sorry folks. Cheers!

  117. Tilamsik Tilamsik

    The battle between Bush & Terrorism is not a political or diplomatic one. It is actually a clash between civilizations, but more than that, it seems to be a fight between humanism and cold pragmatism. Seemingly, a Terrorist repeatedly presented to us by our deluded Western media as a ‘radical’, ‘fundamentalist’ and ‘Islamofascist.

    It is the ‘West’ who label as ‘terrorist’ as much as it is the West who generously label themselves as ‘innocent’. This so-called ‘cultural clash’, it is again the ‘West’ who launched an illegal war, it is the ‘West’ who are legally and morally responsible for the ongoing genocide in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is the democratically elected government that support the Israeli atrocities in Palestine.

    It is the ‘Western’ leaders who seems happen to be the terrorists? who fail to talk to the so-called enemy. It is the ‘Western’ leaders who fail to offer any hope for peace. Instead they just prepare for many more conflicts to come.

    I am in full support of President Obama’s campaign statement that he is willing to open the table of discussion without compromise with the Islamic world leaders, i.e. Ahmadinejad of Iran.

    America is asking for a change…., this is it.!

  118. Tilamsik Tilamsik

    Correction: without precondition (not compromise)… thanks!

  119. ParengPepe ParengPepe

    Make no mistake.. George Bush did want Guantanamo closed. let’s back it up with this:

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/5102528.stm

    From True Blue:

    Parengpepe – what’s the relevance of Greg Craig’s past associations of the Elian Gonzales and Hinckley’s case on Obama’s signing of GITMO’s closure?

    Also, give Obama a break, the man’s head is spinning right now and to critisize him for being coached about GITMO is only normal. He can’t possibly remember to the core all the legalese involved, that’s why he’s got advisers. Is that a fair assessment?, and I could be wrong – just pitching in.
    =================================

    1. Greg Craig defended Bill Clinton in his impeachment hearings. He also defended Hinckley, who tried to assasinate Ronald Reagan, and was Ted Kennedy’s laywer in his (Kennedy’s) nephew, William Kennedy Smith’s rape trial. Why would Obama choose a high profile “scandal” lawyer to be his lawyer? Is he preparing us for things to come, like when he said that it will not take just one presidential term for him to fix the economy?

    2. “…Give Obama a break..his head is spinning right now..” The honeymoon is over. If his head was spinning with 1,469 days left in his administration (if he makes it), it would be detached from his shoulders in the coming days, when the liberal press (who has been running interference for him this whole time) would turn on him (what are they going to do? Bush is gone).

    This same biased media have been pounding on Bush from day one of his presidency. All Obama would have left are his friends at NBC, e.g. Keith Olberman, Rachel Maddow, Chris (thrill running up my leg) Matthews http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhnynk6XkkU.

    Bush will still be blamed, however, for years to come. Franklin Delanobama (The Messiah, The Annointed One, The Second Coming) is too big too fail.

    Sure, I’ll give him a break. I can’t say the same for the millions of other non Cool-Aid drinkers out there.

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