2007 has been one of the best years in recent memory. Here's a month by month breakdown to be followed up with a photo entry.
January: I traveled to the Philippines December 29th and stayed for two weeks at Balay Kalinaw at the University of the Philippines, Diliman campus. During that time, I met with members of GABRIELA, MIGRANTE INTERNATIONAL, SAMAKANA, and TASK FORCE SUBIC RAPE. I ushered in 2007 in Tagaytay (an hours drive, depending on the traffic from metro Manila) with some friends. I believe the way I spent the last few days of 2006 and the beginning of 2007 set the tone for the rest of my year.
February: J and I traveled to NYC for a weekend visit to celebrate our 10th, yes 10th, anniversary. We ate at a fabulous Greek restaurant on Bleeker street, stayed at a very cool gay-owned B and B in Chelsea, and watched the Indianapolis Colts whoop the Chicago Bears in a classic Super Bowl match-up somewhere in the West Village . . .good times.
March: J and I traveled to Minnesota to visit some friends. The highlight of the trip was visiting Minneapolis once more, one of my favorite cities in the U.S.
April: Some down time.
May: J and I drove to West Virginia for her mother's surprise 80th birthday party. My mom traveled from Ohio (she was on her own personal journey during the summer) to meet up with us and partake in the celebration. The big event took place at Eccles Baptist Church in Eccles, WV . . . the church was packed with relatives that had come from far and near to celebrate Viola Barry's birthday! She never looked happier than when she saw her sisters (hailing from TX and OH) walk through the door.
June: Some much needed down time. We worked on getting our vegetable garden planted and our backyard together for some summer fun.
July: J and I went to Ireland for 10 days. This occasion marked the very first time J had ever traveled out of the country. I thought it was particularly fitting that we would visit Ireland, where many of her relatives are from. We rented a car (Nissan Micra), braved driving on the left, and toured the entire country. It was fantastic. I visited some migrant organizations to discuss the migration of Filipino nurses to the country.
August: Enjoyed the remains of the summer by the creek, enjoying a campfire with our hound dog. Prepared for the beginning of Fall semester.
September: J and I went to Connecticut and Rhode Island to celebrate the 69th birthday of my mentor and friend. Took a boat tour around Rhode Island to see "how the other half" lives . . . swank, swank, swank.
October: I traveled to Hartford, CT to attend a conference. Enjoyed the panels and made some wonderful contacts along the way . . .
November: J and I flew to Amsterdam and Edinburgh. Needless to say, Amsterdam was all I had hoped it to be and more. I met with members of MIGRANTE-Europe and learned about the situation of many Filipinos who work in the service industry there. In Edinburgh we visited with friends and a former colleague we used to work with at MNSU. The highlight of Scotland was the chance to drink some very nice whisky.
December: J and I spent the Christmas holiday in a cabin in the Adirondacks (Indian Lake, the central part of the Adirondack park). With the hound dog, we embarked on two trails (Rock River and Rock Lake) and snow shoed our asses off. And, tonight, on the last day of 2007 we are spending a quiet night at home with some friends. A little wine, a little bubbly, and hopes for a peaceful 2008.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Down Time
The past month has been a whirlwind of traveling for J and I. In November we took off for Amsterdam and Edinburgh for an 8 day visit. On Monday we returned from the mountain state after a short visit with Js family to usher in the holiday season. Thankfully, we are grounded for a while, at least a month, barring a few day trips here and there, to catch our breath, clean the house, and return to our natural winter state of being house cats.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
A Tangled Affair
For the past couple of months a peculiar drama has been unfolding on an academic listserv to which I subscribe. On any given day, you are likely to receive at least 10-15 messages from people advertising jobs, posting CFPS for journals or conferences, posing pedagogical questions, etc. The list is ruled with a firm hand by a techie-type matriarch who lurks about making sure the topics and postings are confined to areas of teaching and NOT politics. Often times, people will stray off course, only to be publicly admonished for an "off topic" post. Should one accrue multiple warnings from the self described "nag," all privileges to list will be revoked. Personally, I think her rationale for keeping the listserv so narrowly focused is stupid. I don't think one can be a good teacher without understanding how one's pedagogy is influenced by politics and political discussions. But, I digress.
It would appear the nag has "left the building" as they say, because a troubling, yet fascinating, academic drama has been unfolding without a peep from our ever diligent list serve owner. The drama concerns a well known academic researcher (a mentor to a former "friend" (deep sarcasm here) of ours) and her involvement, er, "investigation" into a controversy surrounding the publication of a 2003 book by a researcher/scientist some have considered an unethical, hack, peddling in pseudo scientific theories re sexuality. The well known (and well respected--at least before this broke out) researcher has taken it upon herself to write a 60 page essay about the controversy--essentially determining that the while the science and research is shoddy, the attacks on this work by detractors, is far worse. Obviously, this essay is being read by many as an "apology" for the 2003 publication . . . drawing the ire of many, and refueling the controversy.
A few months ago a CFP was posted to the listserv for a panel critiquing both the 2003 monograph and the 2007 "investigation" by a grad student. Unfortunately, the author of the 2007 investigation is on the list and had a very public, meltdown. For the past several weeks she has written a torrent of hateful emails accusing these people (including the grad student) of attempts to "ruin" her reputation in the same manner they tried with the author of the 2003 study. Threats of lawsuits based on defamation of character have been made . . . all on this listserv! What would compel such an implosion? Isn't "critique" the heart of academic inquiry? Why the fuss? Why would a well known academic feel threatened by a conference session organized by a grad student?
More importantly, why am I so fucking absorbed into this drama?
Life in the academy is a tangled affair. It's also a very, very, small world. The researcher who is imploding on the list happens to be the mentor of a person that I had the unfortunate occasion to be "friends" with at my last institution. And, like mentor, like student, this "friend" exhibited the same type of arrogance and bullish behavior her mentor has been exhibiting on the list.
I've gotten some pleasure, as shameful as it is to admit, from all of this mess. I always wondered if there ever would be justice in the world . . . if people who really screwed people over would ever experience the pain and hurt they inflict on others (an eye for an eye? perhaps). This "friend" would use her association with her mentor as a trump card--a badge advertising how cool she was to be affiliated with such a "top notch" researcher in the field . . .and now, what must she be feeling as her mentor slowly goes down in flames, publicly humiliating herself in front of peers?
Schadenfreude? Absolutely.
It would appear the nag has "left the building" as they say, because a troubling, yet fascinating, academic drama has been unfolding without a peep from our ever diligent list serve owner. The drama concerns a well known academic researcher (a mentor to a former "friend" (deep sarcasm here) of ours) and her involvement, er, "investigation" into a controversy surrounding the publication of a 2003 book by a researcher/scientist some have considered an unethical, hack, peddling in pseudo scientific theories re sexuality. The well known (and well respected--at least before this broke out) researcher has taken it upon herself to write a 60 page essay about the controversy--essentially determining that the while the science and research is shoddy, the attacks on this work by detractors, is far worse. Obviously, this essay is being read by many as an "apology" for the 2003 publication . . . drawing the ire of many, and refueling the controversy.
A few months ago a CFP was posted to the listserv for a panel critiquing both the 2003 monograph and the 2007 "investigation" by a grad student. Unfortunately, the author of the 2007 investigation is on the list and had a very public, meltdown. For the past several weeks she has written a torrent of hateful emails accusing these people (including the grad student) of attempts to "ruin" her reputation in the same manner they tried with the author of the 2003 study. Threats of lawsuits based on defamation of character have been made . . . all on this listserv! What would compel such an implosion? Isn't "critique" the heart of academic inquiry? Why the fuss? Why would a well known academic feel threatened by a conference session organized by a grad student?
More importantly, why am I so fucking absorbed into this drama?
Life in the academy is a tangled affair. It's also a very, very, small world. The researcher who is imploding on the list happens to be the mentor of a person that I had the unfortunate occasion to be "friends" with at my last institution. And, like mentor, like student, this "friend" exhibited the same type of arrogance and bullish behavior her mentor has been exhibiting on the list.
I've gotten some pleasure, as shameful as it is to admit, from all of this mess. I always wondered if there ever would be justice in the world . . . if people who really screwed people over would ever experience the pain and hurt they inflict on others (an eye for an eye? perhaps). This "friend" would use her association with her mentor as a trump card--a badge advertising how cool she was to be affiliated with such a "top notch" researcher in the field . . .and now, what must she be feeling as her mentor slowly goes down in flames, publicly humiliating herself in front of peers?
Schadenfreude? Absolutely.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
End of the Beach Bum
I'm sipping on the last of my corona lite, winding down after a pretty chill vacation at home. i needed to leave the stress of publishing pressure, class preparation, fellowship applications, and all the other tedious aspects of my job. despite the beer intake, which seemed inevitable, i managed to stay on diet pretty well. i've subsisted on a steady diet of shellfish (lobster, blue crabs, rock shrimp) and fish (sea bass--i've felt guilty about this one, given how overfished it is these days, but i couldn't resist when i ate at one of the better chinese restaurants in altamonte, fl: eastern pearl). so, i figure indulging in my love of beer should be ok. plus, i simply hate red wine in 88 degree heat. fuck diet. enjoy vacation.
While here, I acquired some pretty cool reading material: Naomi Klein's *Shock Doctrine* and Susan Faludi's *Terror Dream*. The latter I'm reading for both an online reading discussion to take place on Nov. 19 over at Pandagon and for my upcoming women and war class . . . I think Faludi is doing some interesting stuff that might resonate with this generation. And, Klein's book has been heralded since it was published . . .though the media (mainstream that is) has pretty much ignored her. What else is new?
I take off from the 'house of the mouse' at 6:00 pm, back to the cool, fall weather of upstate NY. It's been good. Hope to return soon.
While here, I acquired some pretty cool reading material: Naomi Klein's *Shock Doctrine* and Susan Faludi's *Terror Dream*. The latter I'm reading for both an online reading discussion to take place on Nov. 19 over at Pandagon and for my upcoming women and war class . . . I think Faludi is doing some interesting stuff that might resonate with this generation. And, Klein's book has been heralded since it was published . . .though the media (mainstream that is) has pretty much ignored her. What else is new?
I take off from the 'house of the mouse' at 6:00 pm, back to the cool, fall weather of upstate NY. It's been good. Hope to return soon.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
F-L-O-R-I-D-A
October in Florida is surreal. It's mad hot in the day, with warm, humid breezes cooling everything down in the evening. There's no bugs. No hassles with skeeters. Just fresh, salty air that sticks with you the rest of the night -- gets in your clothes, your hair, your skin.
Driving North on US-1 from Titusville is a great way to see "old Florida." Live oaks with spanish moss, trailer parks, palm trees, alligator farms, flea markets, remains of former fruit stands bankrupted by one frost too many, and in the fall, an abundance of pumpkin patches! I've only been here for three days, but I've already lost track of time. I had totally forgotten it was Fall . . . where's the cider? The sweaters? The chill in the air?
New Smyrna is gearing up for Biketoberfest . . . just another reason to party around here. Tourism remains the only stable industry amidst a sea of foreclosure signs decorating the front of condominiums. Cranes hang like old skeletons, hovering above three stories of unfinished concrete blocks of tackiness--another development project gone belly up. Perhaps the silver lining in this dismal national economy can be found in Florida, where the boom of development is having to take a break . . . give the gators a rest, the egrets a place to hang, the turtles a chance to hatch, and the shoreline a mere moment to breathe. But only for a moment, I'm sure.
Taking US-1 from Ormond to Daytona will take you through the grittiness of my birthplace. The seedy hotels with neon palm trees flashing "vacancy" and "clean rooms," chicks hawking their wares in cut off shorts, emergency pregnancy centers (this was the actual name), cash checking businesses, krispy creme donuts, tobacco exotica (a favorite high school haunt), and good old, "bucks gun shop" complete with a picture of a .38 emblazoned on a big yellow sign. Slimy store fronts in run down strip malls advertise religion, jesus, and salvation. My favorite sign: 7 days without Church is a week without Jesus.
Guns, God, and Pink Flamingos. I love being home.
Driving North on US-1 from Titusville is a great way to see "old Florida." Live oaks with spanish moss, trailer parks, palm trees, alligator farms, flea markets, remains of former fruit stands bankrupted by one frost too many, and in the fall, an abundance of pumpkin patches! I've only been here for three days, but I've already lost track of time. I had totally forgotten it was Fall . . . where's the cider? The sweaters? The chill in the air?
New Smyrna is gearing up for Biketoberfest . . . just another reason to party around here. Tourism remains the only stable industry amidst a sea of foreclosure signs decorating the front of condominiums. Cranes hang like old skeletons, hovering above three stories of unfinished concrete blocks of tackiness--another development project gone belly up. Perhaps the silver lining in this dismal national economy can be found in Florida, where the boom of development is having to take a break . . . give the gators a rest, the egrets a place to hang, the turtles a chance to hatch, and the shoreline a mere moment to breathe. But only for a moment, I'm sure.
Taking US-1 from Ormond to Daytona will take you through the grittiness of my birthplace. The seedy hotels with neon palm trees flashing "vacancy" and "clean rooms," chicks hawking their wares in cut off shorts, emergency pregnancy centers (this was the actual name), cash checking businesses, krispy creme donuts, tobacco exotica (a favorite high school haunt), and good old, "bucks gun shop" complete with a picture of a .38 emblazoned on a big yellow sign. Slimy store fronts in run down strip malls advertise religion, jesus, and salvation. My favorite sign: 7 days without Church is a week without Jesus.
Guns, God, and Pink Flamingos. I love being home.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
DEsperate Housewives Sucks. Click below to find out why.
Whether it's Mel Gibson going ballistic about Jews, Michael Richards hatin on blacks, or Rosie, dear Rosie, saying "ching chong", it all fucking sucks and hurts the communities targetted. Racism is virulent in the United States. I wonder if these fuck-wits at ABC know the colonial history between the US and the RP? Are they aware of the numerous treaties established to coerce med students in the RP to practice in primarily poor areas in the US? It all goes back to 1898 my friends . . .
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Free the Jena 6!
I sat for the Jena 6 on my campus today, while thousands upon thousands of people descended on the small town of Jena, LA to protest the unjust arrests and sentencings of 6 black youths. On the morning news, I heard media pundits describing the events of today as the possible dawning of a new "civil rights" era in the U.S. We can only hope this is the case . . . it's important that the outrage and public protests is carried on well after September 20, resulting in real systemic change. And, I think we need to galvanize the anger this case has generated into a larger movement that is capable of connecting this case of domestic racism to the larger world where the US is running roughshod over the global south, destroying communities, nations, families, etc with its neo-liberal agenda and illegal occupation of iraq (soon to be iran). our policies of hatred, violence, and destruction are coming back to haunt a country that has never healed from its foundational moments of slavery and genocide . . .for more on the jena 6, check out this website.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Life and Death
My Dad turns 70 today. I feel like I officially entered the stage where I have an "elderly" parent. As long as both my folks remained comfortably in their 60s, I was content to think of them as "getting old" but not really old. And, maybe 70 isn't that big of a deal, but I can still recall when my mom hired a banner plane to fly over my dad's office (ok, yes, this may seem excessive, but it is my family and one hell of a memory) that read: Life Begins At 40 Rene! Love, Gayle, Anne and Malcolm. I was still in elementary school, pigtails and all, learning the harsh lessons of reading, writing, and arithmetic, when I was called out of class to see my Dad's birthday message. For those familiar with my Dad and I, you already know we have had a rocky, inconsistent, relationship. Still, for all the months filled with silence, brought on by one of his tantrums about one thing or another, he is my Dad and he has done well by me. I just got off the phone with him and it was strange to hear him tell me how much he "hated" turning 70 before launching into this sad list of all his friends that have died within the past month. A lot of his colleagues seem to be dropping off like flies . . . so he assured me his PSA levels are good, his blood pressure is stable, and his diabetes is under control. As he talked about his health, we were interrupted by his errant fax machine which kept beeping (Dad never was good at hooking up electrical equipment), and he kept trying, unsuccessfully, to fix it. I imagined him padding around in his slippers, trying to "silence" the "goddamned" machine. More than likely, he broke it, because all of a sudden, it was silent. Just me and Dad and all these years between us.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Week in Review
Monday: Prep like hell for Tuesday's classes.
Tuesday: Finish work, drive to Ithaca for Nanci Griffith concert.
Wednesday: Same as Monday.
Thursday: Work, meeting, wine.
Friday: Work (kinda), meet with friends, pub, noodles, bed.
Saturday: See 3:30 showing of The Brave One, cook chili.
Sunday: Football in the afternoon. Watch Oscar hunt down mouse and slowly torture until J. spares the poor rodent further humiliation. Bags mouse, throws outside for nature to do its thing.
Tuesday: Finish work, drive to Ithaca for Nanci Griffith concert.
Wednesday: Same as Monday.
Thursday: Work, meeting, wine.
Friday: Work (kinda), meet with friends, pub, noodles, bed.
Saturday: See 3:30 showing of The Brave One, cook chili.
Sunday: Football in the afternoon. Watch Oscar hunt down mouse and slowly torture until J. spares the poor rodent further humiliation. Bags mouse, throws outside for nature to do its thing.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Bleaching your Bum
I know. I was just surprised as you might be to find out that a process known as "anal bleaching" exists. A student made a casual reference to this in class, and I could not resist the google temptation to find out more about this latest phase in body "beautification". Here is a good article exploring the low depths people have sunk to for the sake of a good looking ass. Pink cheeks anyone?
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
speaking in fragments
this morning i walked around with a cup of tea, mumbling nonsense, repeating random (maybe not so random) words like "bad," "bitches," "bad,", etc. you get the picture. there's a nanci griffith song that mentions a "worried mind" (though she uses this to refer to jealousy, or at least i think she does) but i felt it aptly described my morning state of being. i was jacked up on the last of a pg tips tea bag, speaking in fragments, hoping to heal a rather wounded ego from the previous day's battering by an anonymous reviewer. by mid-afternoon, i pulled it together, trudged to the office, printed off two essays, brought home three books, and plowed through the first 50 pages of a textual analysis of sexuality, love, and desire. since my latest effort was characterized as "stubbornly unreflective," by some anonymous turd with a little bit of power, i spent the afternoon reflecting on how every feminist text i read these days feels like it was hooked up to foucault's (or derrida's, or lacan's, or lyotard's, or whatever the name of your favorite postructuralist is) brain by ethernet and transferred to the hard drive of contemporary feminist criticism. it's this type of reflection that gets me into trouble and it's more than likely why i typically generate the most unpleasant outside reviews. though this latest one stung, it also reminded me of my very first paper rejection i received in grad school . . . i was described as creating a "demonic postcolonialism". imagine that. me. demonic. postcolonialism. i should title my fucking book that for all my anonymous fans.
to continue with yesterday's post: i'm out of the mainstream with my discipline. i'm out of step with most people writing on similar things. i don't want to treat my work like a mad lib and plug in "agency" "power" "constitutive" "resistance" in random spots to illustrate how well i've absorbed the good teachings of postmodernity. instead, i use terms like "exploitation" "prostituted" "liberation" and, god forbid, "nationalism" only to be treated like a relic from another planet. and, don't bother talking about imperialism, cause that shit aint cool these days. it's all about representation baby . . . and, isn't it a shame that feminist crit. seems to have drifted further and further away from reality/material conditions (at least in the U.S.) at the precise moment things are worsening around the world? when another foreclosure sign gets posted in front of a house sending shady and unscrupulous investors hiding under their hedge fund, or 500 people are blown to bits by suicide bombers, or the petraus report is really the bush report, or any number of things that are bound to happen to us in this fucked up situation of satellites and domestic spying, theorists are going to have to come to grips that this aint no simulacra . . . no imagined community. this shit is real with enormous consequences. i remain stubbornly convinced that we should theorize these things to make sense of our world, and as the old saying goes, to change it. damn. is that so hard?
to continue with yesterday's post: i'm out of the mainstream with my discipline. i'm out of step with most people writing on similar things. i don't want to treat my work like a mad lib and plug in "agency" "power" "constitutive" "resistance" in random spots to illustrate how well i've absorbed the good teachings of postmodernity. instead, i use terms like "exploitation" "prostituted" "liberation" and, god forbid, "nationalism" only to be treated like a relic from another planet. and, don't bother talking about imperialism, cause that shit aint cool these days. it's all about representation baby . . . and, isn't it a shame that feminist crit. seems to have drifted further and further away from reality/material conditions (at least in the U.S.) at the precise moment things are worsening around the world? when another foreclosure sign gets posted in front of a house sending shady and unscrupulous investors hiding under their hedge fund, or 500 people are blown to bits by suicide bombers, or the petraus report is really the bush report, or any number of things that are bound to happen to us in this fucked up situation of satellites and domestic spying, theorists are going to have to come to grips that this aint no simulacra . . . no imagined community. this shit is real with enormous consequences. i remain stubbornly convinced that we should theorize these things to make sense of our world, and as the old saying goes, to change it. damn. is that so hard?
Friday, August 17, 2007
Not of the Mainstream
Markos Moulistas (founder of the Daily Kos) had an interesting take on the use of MSM by some of those in the blogosphere when referring to the mainstream media. Markos argues that we should not distance ourselves from the mainstream, but embrace it, thereby pushing right wing pundits to the fringe. I don't agree. He supports his comments by pointing out that blogs have more power than ever, are representative of what a democracy should look like, etc etc etc. All this is true, but I don't want to be the mainstream . . . life on the fringe is better. . .gives a clearer picture of things. Mainstream is boring, boring, boring stuff. I was disappointed that many progressive blogs are failing to acknowledge the current crisis in the Philippines or the recent detainment of the activists. This should have been news considering the Philippines is in lock step with US policies concerning "terror". I digress. In my own sequestered world, otherwise known as the life of the mind, I am reminded by peers through anonymous reviews that I am not mainstream enough . . . too fringe . . .too "stubbornly unreflective." The peer review process is a lot like posting scathing, derisive comments on someone's blog, just cause you know you will never have to meet the person or actually have a decent conversation with them. Anonymity makes people assholes. Instead of wallowing in my own deflated ego today, I've decided to embrace this outlaw status in my field -- one governed by idealogues worshipping at the temple of all that is diverse and complex. Fuck em.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Off the "watchlist"--GABNET 3 Update
Apparently, the Arroyo regime lifted Enrile, Rosca, and Mirkinson off the "watch list" and allowed them to return to the United States yesterday. I guess GMA and her cronies felt 9 days of unwarranted harassment were enough. What a mess.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Free the GABNET 3!
On August 5th, Dr. Annalisa Enrile (chairperson of GABRIELA NET USA) was prevented from returning home to the U.S. after a month-long stay in the Philippines. According to airport authorities she was on a "watchlist" of the Philippine government. In addition to Enrile, Ninotchka Rosca and Judith Mirkinson (both renowned for their work on women's rights, Filipino activism, human rights, etc) are allegedly on the watchlist too . . . they had plans to board a plane on the 14th, but we'll have to see what happens. I would offer you a hyperlink to the various articles concerning this deteriorating situation in the RP, but due to a new computer, operating system, what have you, the toolbar in blogger is preventing me from doing so. I might have to download Mozilla Firefox to see if that changes anything, but in the meantime, I will paste the pertinent information below. Clearly, the impact of the recently passed "Human Security Act" in July 2007 by the Macapagal-Arroyo regime are being illustrated by this unjust detention of human rights activists. To update: since her election in 2001 there have been 885 extra-judicial killings in the Philippines, and hundreds more disappeared. Of this number, 98 are women activists, mostly associated with GABRIELA the umbrella federation of women's groups. Below is Enrile's letter to the U.S. Embassy and a chronology of events.
Letter of Prof. Annalisa Enrile
to the US Ambassador to the Philippines
August 8, 2007
Her Excellency Kristie A. Kenney
Ambassador. Embassy of the United States of America
Roxas Boulevard, Manila
Philippines
Your Excellency:
I am an American citizen, an assistant professor of the University of
Southern California who recently brought and led a graduate class of
25 for direct field experience on the subject "Feminist Theory and
Social Change."
I am requesting the Embassy's assistance because the Philippine
government is refusing to let me return to the United States even
though I know of no charges or cases against my person.
Furthermore, I have been and am being shuffled from the Department of
Justice to the Bureau of Immigration to some office called NICA.
Since August 5, 2007 when I was stopped from boarding my flight home,
I have not been told any specific reason as to why I am being
prevented from returning to my home country.
My human and civil rights are being violated by this surrealist
procedure dictated by some unknown entity/person. This is causing me
extreme distress, as well as jeopardizing my professional standing
and causing me financial hardship.
As I have not made provisions to stay in the Philippines beyond August
5, I am practically a homeless person, dependent on the good will of
friends for my board and lodging.
I am of mind to sue whoever gave the "hold" order for actual and
punitive damages, which are accumulating daily. It would be good if
the Embassy can help me find out the basis for this hold order and
its veracity, as well as its origins so that I may seek justice.
Please find attached my signed declaration on the events of the past
four days. I may be reached at 0918-273-0744.
Thank you very much.
Respectfully,Annalisa Vicente Enrile, Ph.D., MSW
Assistant Professor
University of Southern California
School of Social Work
**********
Chronology of Events
On August 5, 2007, 8 p.m., I checked in my luggage for my flight back
to Los Angeles via Philippine Airlines.
I was accompanied by three other women who were all US citizens. Five
of my students who were on the same flight had gone ahead and checked
in without incident. Twenty students and an instructor who had earlier
flights also were able to leave without incident.
I paid my airport terminal fee and proceeded to the Immigration booth
to have my passport exit-stamped. The agent scanned my passport and
then called a supervisor over. The two conferred. They asked me my
name and I gave them my name: Annalisa Vicente Enrile. They said I
was on the watchlist.
I asked them what that meant and what was a watchlist. They said I
couldn't leave the country; that I needed to get clearance from the
Bureau of Immigration and Deportation. They then returned my boarding
pass, having written "offloaded" on it. They also returned my
passport.
As it was already quite late, I had my bags taken off the plane and
proceeded to a friend's house so I could wait for office hours. The
next day, I went to the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation where
they told me I had to file an affidavit of denial because the name on
the "watchlist" didn't have a middle name nor a birthdate on it. I had
to seek the help of a lawyer to prepare this affidavit.
When I tried to file the affidavit of denial, the Bureau of
Immigration and Deportation told me to get clearance from the
Department of Justice. By this time, I was so exhausted and
traumatized that I asked a lawyer-friend to help me get the
clearance.
At the Department of Justice, she was told to get a clearance for me
from NICA. At NICA, she was told to go back to the Bureau of
Immigration and Deportation.
Today, August 8th, we were told by the Bureau of Immigration and
Deportation that we should go to the Department of Justice.At this
point, it became clear that this process was one of intimidation and
harassment, that there was actually no legal nor ethical basis to
hold me in the Philippines and to prevent me from returning to my
home country.
This is such an overt violation of my civil and human rights that I
decided to seek the help of the US Embassy in Manila, which in
accordance with the stated foreign policy of the US government,
should be in support of open, clear and democratic processes, and
should be fostering respect for civil and human rights, first and
foremost for it's own citizens. -
Annalisa Vicente Enrile,
Ph.D., MSW Assistant Professor
University of Southern California
School of Social Work
Letter of Prof. Annalisa Enrile
to the US Ambassador to the Philippines
August 8, 2007
Her Excellency Kristie A. Kenney
Ambassador. Embassy of the United States of America
Roxas Boulevard, Manila
Philippines
Your Excellency:
I am an American citizen, an assistant professor of the University of
Southern California who recently brought and led a graduate class of
25 for direct field experience on the subject "Feminist Theory and
Social Change."
I am requesting the Embassy's assistance because the Philippine
government is refusing to let me return to the United States even
though I know of no charges or cases against my person.
Furthermore, I have been and am being shuffled from the Department of
Justice to the Bureau of Immigration to some office called NICA.
Since August 5, 2007 when I was stopped from boarding my flight home,
I have not been told any specific reason as to why I am being
prevented from returning to my home country.
My human and civil rights are being violated by this surrealist
procedure dictated by some unknown entity/person. This is causing me
extreme distress, as well as jeopardizing my professional standing
and causing me financial hardship.
As I have not made provisions to stay in the Philippines beyond August
5, I am practically a homeless person, dependent on the good will of
friends for my board and lodging.
I am of mind to sue whoever gave the "hold" order for actual and
punitive damages, which are accumulating daily. It would be good if
the Embassy can help me find out the basis for this hold order and
its veracity, as well as its origins so that I may seek justice.
Please find attached my signed declaration on the events of the past
four days. I may be reached at 0918-273-0744.
Thank you very much.
Respectfully,Annalisa Vicente Enrile, Ph.D., MSW
Assistant Professor
University of Southern California
School of Social Work
**********
Chronology of Events
On August 5, 2007, 8 p.m., I checked in my luggage for my flight back
to Los Angeles via Philippine Airlines.
I was accompanied by three other women who were all US citizens. Five
of my students who were on the same flight had gone ahead and checked
in without incident. Twenty students and an instructor who had earlier
flights also were able to leave without incident.
I paid my airport terminal fee and proceeded to the Immigration booth
to have my passport exit-stamped. The agent scanned my passport and
then called a supervisor over. The two conferred. They asked me my
name and I gave them my name: Annalisa Vicente Enrile. They said I
was on the watchlist.
I asked them what that meant and what was a watchlist. They said I
couldn't leave the country; that I needed to get clearance from the
Bureau of Immigration and Deportation. They then returned my boarding
pass, having written "offloaded" on it. They also returned my
passport.
As it was already quite late, I had my bags taken off the plane and
proceeded to a friend's house so I could wait for office hours. The
next day, I went to the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation where
they told me I had to file an affidavit of denial because the name on
the "watchlist" didn't have a middle name nor a birthdate on it. I had
to seek the help of a lawyer to prepare this affidavit.
When I tried to file the affidavit of denial, the Bureau of
Immigration and Deportation told me to get clearance from the
Department of Justice. By this time, I was so exhausted and
traumatized that I asked a lawyer-friend to help me get the
clearance.
At the Department of Justice, she was told to get a clearance for me
from NICA. At NICA, she was told to go back to the Bureau of
Immigration and Deportation.
Today, August 8th, we were told by the Bureau of Immigration and
Deportation that we should go to the Department of Justice.At this
point, it became clear that this process was one of intimidation and
harassment, that there was actually no legal nor ethical basis to
hold me in the Philippines and to prevent me from returning to my
home country.
This is such an overt violation of my civil and human rights that I
decided to seek the help of the US Embassy in Manila, which in
accordance with the stated foreign policy of the US government,
should be in support of open, clear and democratic processes, and
should be fostering respect for civil and human rights, first and
foremost for it's own citizens. -
Annalisa Vicente Enrile,
Ph.D., MSW Assistant Professor
University of Southern California
School of Social Work
Monday, July 16, 2007
On vacation
J and I are off to Ireland tomorrow for a 10 day research trip/vacation. And, no, we aren't researching how many pubs/pints of guiness we can consume (though I'm sure we will do our fair share). I'm looking into the Filipino diaspora from the Irish side--to determine what jobs most women perform, why they choose Ireland, conditions of employment, organizing efforts, etc. Most Filipinos migrate to Ireland as nurses/caregivers . . . an interesting situation considering that Ireland (pre-EU) was primarily an exporting state with nurses being a hot commodity at one time. How does a primarily white country deal with the new influx of migrants? The one thing they do have in common is religion . . . so I wonder if that is part of the appeal for Filipinos? I shall soon find out. I have plans to attend a "clinic" with the Philippine Consulate on Saturday (Js birthday). Will try to post as often as I can from the Emerald Isle.
Until then, I'm out.
Until then, I'm out.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Post Your Comment
What is the purpose of a blog? I return to this question each and every time I wish to hit the "delete" button on this damn thing. Not that it really matters anyway. But, I marvel at the popularity of "blogs" these days which simply rehearse/repost a news item, followed by a bunch of anonymous armchair cultural critics, posting their missives for all to see, waiting for the next flame war to ignite. The power of anonymity. Everyone is in on the game. For every crappy news item about Paris, Scooter, Nicole, Cheney, Iraq you can "post a comment." If you want a taste of virulent racism, sexism, classism, go to the "comments" section at the end of a "news" item and read to your heart's content. In reaction to a news item posted about the return of Venus and Serena to Wimbledon, someone repeatedly used "savages" and "tribe" to describe the Williams family. On Culture Kitchen, there was a recent post about the horror of eating food at Bob Evans Restaurants. Accompanying this post was a grainy photo (I'm sure shot with a trendy PDA phone) of a salad which had a mysterious dressing that distressed this dear, "liberal", blogger. The classism, evidenced in the judgemental tone and observations of the blogger (noting that every diner in Bob Evans was overweight), was so fucking blatant it made my skin crawl. Oh, to be a NYC blogger, with all the hip toys of the digital community, completely removed from the world, save for a few adventures into "rural" America. Hypocrites.
Feminists have made an impact on the progressive blogosphere, rankling the deep-seated conservatism of 10-65 year old men who have nothing better to do at the office then whip out some of the most disturbing mysoginistic messages. To claim we have "moved on" in terms of systemic oppression is to ignore the world of the blogs . . . where all the reactionaries converge, concealed and comforted by the anonymous world of electronic communication. Still, even these feminist blogs leave me wanting for more. It's tiresome to discuss gender and sexuality in a vacuum . . . sometimes accompanied by a penetrating analysis of race and class . . . only to be shot down by an "expert" on the comments section accusing one of hating white people and/or men. So simplistic are these analyses . . .
Today, I read a post discussing the current state of Katrina victims (yes, for those that did manage to live in one of those chemical filled, pressboard, toxic "trailers") who are still waiting for permanent housing and help from the federal government. Fat chance sucka. It didn't surprise me to see one of the very first posts accuse Katrina victims of not doing enough, individually and collectively, to survive. In other words, this person wondered why haven't they formed shopping cooperatives? Why haven't they formed collective day care units? Why haven't they done more dammit? Oh, I get it. Wow. What a fucking brilliant idea! Cooperatives! Maybe even an organic garden too . . . if only we could be assured that the soil won't make our skin peel off.
And what, exactly, is the purpose of all those little gadgets, annoying buttons (diggit, reddit, stumble, etc) that now grace the end of individual blog entries? What used to be a unique and innovative perspective, has now become so thoroughly commodified and homogenized, it's hard to determine the purpose these days.
Of course, I count this faltering little piece of e-real estate I founded 2 years ago, to be among the guilty.
Feminists have made an impact on the progressive blogosphere, rankling the deep-seated conservatism of 10-65 year old men who have nothing better to do at the office then whip out some of the most disturbing mysoginistic messages. To claim we have "moved on" in terms of systemic oppression is to ignore the world of the blogs . . . where all the reactionaries converge, concealed and comforted by the anonymous world of electronic communication. Still, even these feminist blogs leave me wanting for more. It's tiresome to discuss gender and sexuality in a vacuum . . . sometimes accompanied by a penetrating analysis of race and class . . . only to be shot down by an "expert" on the comments section accusing one of hating white people and/or men. So simplistic are these analyses . . .
Today, I read a post discussing the current state of Katrina victims (yes, for those that did manage to live in one of those chemical filled, pressboard, toxic "trailers") who are still waiting for permanent housing and help from the federal government. Fat chance sucka. It didn't surprise me to see one of the very first posts accuse Katrina victims of not doing enough, individually and collectively, to survive. In other words, this person wondered why haven't they formed shopping cooperatives? Why haven't they formed collective day care units? Why haven't they done more dammit? Oh, I get it. Wow. What a fucking brilliant idea! Cooperatives! Maybe even an organic garden too . . . if only we could be assured that the soil won't make our skin peel off.
And what, exactly, is the purpose of all those little gadgets, annoying buttons (diggit, reddit, stumble, etc) that now grace the end of individual blog entries? What used to be a unique and innovative perspective, has now become so thoroughly commodified and homogenized, it's hard to determine the purpose these days.
Of course, I count this faltering little piece of e-real estate I founded 2 years ago, to be among the guilty.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Underdog
Like other tennis fans around the world, I spent the last two weeks waiting for the crappy London weather to break so some tennis matches could be played. I was amazed that bright sun greeted me on Saturday AND Sunday as I watched Venus win #4 and Federer #5. After one of the most amazing men's finals in recent history, I found myself bummed out, irritable, and agitated that Rafa Nadal lost in the 5th set -- after having two break opportunities at 15-40. During the match I found myself engaged in a school yard text-message fight with a friend who didn't seem to understand why I would root for the underdog Nadal. In sports, I tire of one player constantly dominating. Plain and simple. I always enjoy the upset. I don't see how this is an odd position to take, and I'd wager many feel the same as me. Speaking of wagering, it's always fun to bet on the "long-shot" horse too . . .
I think, however, my rooting for the underdog results from feeling so miserable with the current state of world affairs. Living in the global hegemon, with a military capable of taking over the entire world, it feels natural to want to see an underdog emerge victorious. Now, I am not so foolish to compare a tennis match, bourgeois sport that it is, to this unjust war on terror. However, I always feel compelled to root for the so-called losers . . .Anyway, this stupid fight over Federer's greatness resumed this morning via an email message from aforementioned pal--still bullying me about my love of Nadal's game. And, then, I realized that the biggest underdog in this situation is my poor, insecure friend who cannot feel good unless they belittle/berate their peers.
Life is too fucking short to bicker over idiotic nonsense when Iraqi's are geting blown to smithereens on a daily basis while the Scooter Libby's of the world get a free pass to be thieves, liars, and scoundrels. Enough.
I think, however, my rooting for the underdog results from feeling so miserable with the current state of world affairs. Living in the global hegemon, with a military capable of taking over the entire world, it feels natural to want to see an underdog emerge victorious. Now, I am not so foolish to compare a tennis match, bourgeois sport that it is, to this unjust war on terror. However, I always feel compelled to root for the so-called losers . . .Anyway, this stupid fight over Federer's greatness resumed this morning via an email message from aforementioned pal--still bullying me about my love of Nadal's game. And, then, I realized that the biggest underdog in this situation is my poor, insecure friend who cannot feel good unless they belittle/berate their peers.
Life is too fucking short to bicker over idiotic nonsense when Iraqi's are geting blown to smithereens on a daily basis while the Scooter Libby's of the world get a free pass to be thieves, liars, and scoundrels. Enough.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Summer '07
Three months later and I'm back to blogging. Here's an update on events since I last posted.
1. The PPT (Permanent People's Tribunal) found both Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and President George W. Bush guilty of human rights violations. Today, the death toll in the Philippines since GMA assumed office in 2001 is over 850 political activists, many women, and all opponents of her regime.
2. Speaking of the Philippines . . . there is a 2004 documentary titled Imelda which is worth checking out. Not surprisingly, this is not a flattering protrayal of the former beauty queen.
3. Movies: J and I have been visiting the theaters this summer, mostly to break the monotony of our work schedules, and to enjoy some AC during these hot days. The one flick I recommend thus far: Waitress. I'm looking forward to Sicko.
4. Travel: We cannot wait for our Ireland trip. Just a little over two weeks before we head there. I've made contact with a migrant rights group in Dublin, so we are going to stay about two or three days there (including Js birthday) before heading to Belfast and Galway. I'm a bit nervous over the driving situation, but I believe driving is the only effective way to see the country. In the fall we would like to visit the wine country in CA for a weekend trip. And, for next summer: the Netherlands, with a short stop in England, and Spain for a conference!
5. Music: J downloaded this country chick: Miranda Lambert (worth a listen to) and the White Stripes Icky Thump -- this is one of my favorite albums.
6. Books on rotation: Ellen Meiksins Wood: Empire of Capital, Paul Kramer: Blood of Government, Cynthia Enloe: The Curious Feminist and Bananas, Beaches, and Bases, John Bellamy Foster: Naked Imperialism, E. San Juan Jr., On the Presence of Filipinos in the United States and Filipina Insurgency, Delia D. Aguilar: The Feminist Challenge, Toward a Nationalist Feminism, Michael Chossudovsky: The Globalization of Poverty, William Blum: Rogue State
1. The PPT (Permanent People's Tribunal) found both Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and President George W. Bush guilty of human rights violations. Today, the death toll in the Philippines since GMA assumed office in 2001 is over 850 political activists, many women, and all opponents of her regime.
2. Speaking of the Philippines . . . there is a 2004 documentary titled Imelda which is worth checking out. Not surprisingly, this is not a flattering protrayal of the former beauty queen.
3. Movies: J and I have been visiting the theaters this summer, mostly to break the monotony of our work schedules, and to enjoy some AC during these hot days. The one flick I recommend thus far: Waitress. I'm looking forward to Sicko.
4. Travel: We cannot wait for our Ireland trip. Just a little over two weeks before we head there. I've made contact with a migrant rights group in Dublin, so we are going to stay about two or three days there (including Js birthday) before heading to Belfast and Galway. I'm a bit nervous over the driving situation, but I believe driving is the only effective way to see the country. In the fall we would like to visit the wine country in CA for a weekend trip. And, for next summer: the Netherlands, with a short stop in England, and Spain for a conference!
5. Music: J downloaded this country chick: Miranda Lambert (worth a listen to) and the White Stripes Icky Thump -- this is one of my favorite albums.
6. Books on rotation: Ellen Meiksins Wood: Empire of Capital, Paul Kramer: Blood of Government, Cynthia Enloe: The Curious Feminist and Bananas, Beaches, and Bases, John Bellamy Foster: Naked Imperialism, E. San Juan Jr., On the Presence of Filipinos in the United States and Filipina Insurgency, Delia D. Aguilar: The Feminist Challenge, Toward a Nationalist Feminism, Michael Chossudovsky: The Globalization of Poverty, William Blum: Rogue State
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Permanent Peoples' Tribunal
The Permanent Peoples' Tribunal Second Session on the Philippines will begin today at the Hague. Although UN Representative Alston's report essentially indicted the AFP and Arroyo for committing human rights abuses, the militarization of the urban areas continue. On a symbolic level, the Tribunal is important for airing the Philippine people's grievances against both Arroyo and the United States for plundering the country's resources -- material, natural, and human. 820 people have been murdered or disappeared since Arroyo assumed office in 2001. A large part of the Tribunal will focus on these issues.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
Illegal Occupation: Year 4
On the 4th anniversay of this despicable war, I'll keep my comments brief. Aside from the various pundits weighing in on what the state of Iraq is (chaos anyone?) after four years of occupation, I've been struck by the propaganda machine in Washington. For the past several days, MSN has greeted me with one news item after another declaring another "high profile terorist" confession. Today, we learned the "mastermind" behind the Cole attacks has confessed at a Guantanamo hearing. And, the day before, another mastermind has confessed to 9/11. One has to wonder how many years of torture the masterminds endured to finally 'fess up. Our media is too stupid to care. In a recent issue of The Nation, there was a piece about Jose Padilla's upcoming trial. Apparently, his lawyers are saying he cannot aid in his defense anymore because the US government has driven him insane using "sensory deprivation" techniques (total isolation (9X7 cell), blacked out goggles when moving in daylight, and earphones to block out noise). After a period of deprivation, they begin to use "sensory overload" techniques (blasting heavy metal music, shining light in his face, etc). This type of "humane treatment" compliments of the United States, went on for over 1000 straight days. For a glimpse of what I'm describing check this article out. And, I doubt the torture stops there . . .
Impeach Bush. Arrest Bush and Cheney. They need to be prosecuted for war crimes at the International Criminal Court. War mongers.
Impeach Bush. Arrest Bush and Cheney. They need to be prosecuted for war crimes at the International Criminal Court. War mongers.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Spring Fling
Three months into the year 2007, and here is where we find ourselves:
1. Still frigid in the Northeast, buried beneath a Valentine's Day layer of snow. No melt in site.
2. Mired in a deadly, bloody war that was predicated on nothing but lies, fabrications, and deception by Cheney, Bush, et al. As J likes to say, "it's rotten from the top down."
3. After 4 long years, Libby is indicted, only to have Fitzgerald declare the CIA leak case "closed." Cheney and Bush must be made of teflon. Will nothing stick to these war mongers?
4. The US media continues to suck ass. Example: comparing Coulter's latest moment of idiocy to the Dixie Chicks. Are you fucking kidding me?
5. UN representative Alston visits the RP in February to investigate the 800 "extrajudicial" killings that have taken place since Arroyo assumed office in 2001, issuing a damning report indicting both GMA and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Militarization of the urban areas continues.
6. The Arcade Fire releases their second album yesterday, making the mess we are in, almost bearable.
1. Still frigid in the Northeast, buried beneath a Valentine's Day layer of snow. No melt in site.
2. Mired in a deadly, bloody war that was predicated on nothing but lies, fabrications, and deception by Cheney, Bush, et al. As J likes to say, "it's rotten from the top down."
3. After 4 long years, Libby is indicted, only to have Fitzgerald declare the CIA leak case "closed." Cheney and Bush must be made of teflon. Will nothing stick to these war mongers?
4. The US media continues to suck ass. Example: comparing Coulter's latest moment of idiocy to the Dixie Chicks. Are you fucking kidding me?
5. UN representative Alston visits the RP in February to investigate the 800 "extrajudicial" killings that have taken place since Arroyo assumed office in 2001, issuing a damning report indicting both GMA and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Militarization of the urban areas continues.
6. The Arcade Fire releases their second album yesterday, making the mess we are in, almost bearable.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Weathering the Blues
I'm trying to beat the winter bleakness that is central NY. So far, the grimness of winter and all that accompanies it (dirty pants, dirty streets, wet cars, freezing temps, icicles threatening to kill you the moment you walk out the door, and relentless (annoying?) snowfall) appear to be winning. In other words, I'm blue. Very blue. Super blue. Bluer than the color blue. Blue dammit. Oh sure, I can tell myself that the fucking groundhog saw his shadow indicating the early arrival of Spring, but can a bucktoothed rodent named Phil really pull me from the grips of winter sadness? Can it melt my frigid, icy, mood that grips me from morning 'til night? I could also order one of those razzle dazzle lights that will emulate natural sunlight (without the cancer causing agents), but I'm so fucking sick of winter and everything associated with it, I can't even do that small task. Oh, I should recall my motto: laugh, love, fuck, and drink liquor. Well, I have no problem with the drinking aspect (though I prefer a good red to the hard stuff), which is probably part of the problem. Le'ts break this motto down for fun . . .
1. Laugh: Over what? I suppose TV has served some of it's entertainment puposes. Idol is fuck all funny. And, Saturday Night Live has been having its moments. Hard to laugh about the country though. We are headed to war with Iran and the stupid ass media continues to spew more idiocy from the "senior" administration officials. Have we learned nothing?
2. Love: I've been doing more hatin than lovin lately. Must be the scorpion mixed with the winter that has created this awful brew. I do have some writing pressure breathing down my neck which makes loving anything fairly difficult. I love the fam. I love the cats. I love the dog--but found this weekend a little difficult to bear. He's also fallen prey to the winter blues or what I like to call: "Getting Fat in February" because I do LOVE to eat. Caught up in a moment of wild, canine frenzy, our beloved hound scoped out some used tampons (oh yeah, the period does nothing to uplift my spirits) and ATE them. He must have consumed 4 total (3 regular and one super). Smith got no love from me. I wanted to photograph a turd with a tampon string coming out the end, but found it simply too distasteful, even for this rather nasty entry. He shit a Playtex Multipack all weekend. Dumb dogs.
For all those who are bitter about romantic love, I suggest listening to the latest gem from Lucinda Williams: West Bitter, Raw, Obsessed. I enjoy it more each time I hear it . . .
3. Fuck: None of your business. But I aint complaining.
4. Drink Liquor (wine): We have resorted to buying wine by the case and I think we should double the order. At least til Spring arrives. Cheers mothafucka. I'm out.
1. Laugh: Over what? I suppose TV has served some of it's entertainment puposes. Idol is fuck all funny. And, Saturday Night Live has been having its moments. Hard to laugh about the country though. We are headed to war with Iran and the stupid ass media continues to spew more idiocy from the "senior" administration officials. Have we learned nothing?
2. Love: I've been doing more hatin than lovin lately. Must be the scorpion mixed with the winter that has created this awful brew. I do have some writing pressure breathing down my neck which makes loving anything fairly difficult. I love the fam. I love the cats. I love the dog--but found this weekend a little difficult to bear. He's also fallen prey to the winter blues or what I like to call: "Getting Fat in February" because I do LOVE to eat. Caught up in a moment of wild, canine frenzy, our beloved hound scoped out some used tampons (oh yeah, the period does nothing to uplift my spirits) and ATE them. He must have consumed 4 total (3 regular and one super). Smith got no love from me. I wanted to photograph a turd with a tampon string coming out the end, but found it simply too distasteful, even for this rather nasty entry. He shit a Playtex Multipack all weekend. Dumb dogs.
For all those who are bitter about romantic love, I suggest listening to the latest gem from Lucinda Williams: West Bitter, Raw, Obsessed. I enjoy it more each time I hear it . . .
3. Fuck: None of your business. But I aint complaining.
4. Drink Liquor (wine): We have resorted to buying wine by the case and I think we should double the order. At least til Spring arrives. Cheers mothafucka. I'm out.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
My New Motto
The other night I was cooking dinner to The Coup's Pick a Bigger Weapon and was struck by song 3's funky ass rhythm (actually, for all you funk fans, this album is a a hell of a ride) and refrain:
Laugh, Love, Fuck and Drink Liquor (and help the damn revolution come quicker).
In an instant I knew this would be my motto for 2007.
Laugh, Love, Fuck and Drink Liquor (and help the damn revolution come quicker).
In an instant I knew this would be my motto for 2007.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday
Since returning from the RP, I've been rather short on items to blog about. It's not as if I don't do anything day in and day out, but sometimes life in the village feels like the Bill Murray flick "Groundhog's Day" or the classic Dunkin Donuts commercial "Time to Make the Donuts". In short, life in the village, especially during the winter months, feels rather redundant.
Speaking of winter, I am very glad I don't live in Oswego, Parish, or Mexico, NY where snowfall totals in a week's period were simply beyond comprehension. 8 feet of snow? Are you fucking kidding me? FREEZE LAKE ONTARIO! FREEZE! Just as I was counting my lucky stars for not living near the lake, the 2007 Valentine's Day Nor'easter (the bold is for dramatic effect) strikes central NY, dumping approx. 32 inches of snow in a 24 hour period. Pics are fothcoming. Seriously, since Wednesday, we have been living in a Siberian-esque hell. Help!
Here's what's been in rotation since I last posted:
1. NYC weekend visit: Entire time spent in West and East village. Lots of shoe stores, coffee shops, restaurants, bars. Recommend: Loves Save the Day. A very cool popular culture store in the E. Village. The Cubbyhole: Good old fashioned eye candy for the queer girl.
2. Shut Up and Sing: Another cool Barbara Kopple documentary. I haven't seen one of her docs that I haven't enjoyed, but my favorite remains Harlan County, USA.
3. Ear Candy: Kanye West's The College Dropout, Band of Horses Everything All The Time
4. Reading: Weekly, Kathleen *The Communist Party of the Philippines: 1968-1993*, Mulder, Niels *Filipino Images*, The Nation, Harper's
5. TV: American Idol, Food Network (Barefoot Contessa, Nigella Bites), The Weather Channel
Speaking of winter, I am very glad I don't live in Oswego, Parish, or Mexico, NY where snowfall totals in a week's period were simply beyond comprehension. 8 feet of snow? Are you fucking kidding me? FREEZE LAKE ONTARIO! FREEZE! Just as I was counting my lucky stars for not living near the lake, the 2007 Valentine's Day Nor'easter (the bold is for dramatic effect) strikes central NY, dumping approx. 32 inches of snow in a 24 hour period. Pics are fothcoming. Seriously, since Wednesday, we have been living in a Siberian-esque hell. Help!
Here's what's been in rotation since I last posted:
1. NYC weekend visit: Entire time spent in West and East village. Lots of shoe stores, coffee shops, restaurants, bars. Recommend: Loves Save the Day. A very cool popular culture store in the E. Village. The Cubbyhole: Good old fashioned eye candy for the queer girl.
2. Shut Up and Sing: Another cool Barbara Kopple documentary. I haven't seen one of her docs that I haven't enjoyed, but my favorite remains Harlan County, USA.
3. Ear Candy: Kanye West's The College Dropout, Band of Horses Everything All The Time
4. Reading: Weekly, Kathleen *The Communist Party of the Philippines: 1968-1993*, Mulder, Niels *Filipino Images*, The Nation, Harper's
5. TV: American Idol, Food Network (Barefoot Contessa, Nigella Bites), The Weather Channel
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
2007: A Cautionary Tale
I have some pics I need to upload to help visualize my previous entries on the Philippines--will get to that this weekend.
At present, I'm listening to "Karma Police" by Radiohead. Probably one of the best tunes/bands to listen to while suspended 39,000 feet in the air. Actually, it was at this altitude, on a trip to Florida, that my appreciation of this band developed. Unfortunately, I'm sitting down, back in front of the old desktop, plugging along on reading schedules, assignments, and the like. Karma.
The past five days have sucked. I've been wide awake every evening at 3:00 am. This morning I stayed up until the sun rose, only to awake again an hour later. I've had physical sickness from water, food adjustments. And, my karma, is way off at the dawn of 2007. Why? In the Philippines, most believe that how you spend your new year's eve is indicative of how the rest of your year will go. I laughed this "superstition" off Jan. 1, but now am beginning to believe I am, indeed, cursed.
Here's how my last day of 2006 shook out: To avoid the fireworks and gunfire (a tradition in the RP, and apparently, a dangerous enough one that my mentor wanted to avoid) we took off to Tagaytay, a resort area about 3 hours away from Quezon City. Because we booked our reservations so late, we ended up at this "apartment/hotel" that only cost P2000 for 5 people. This roughly translates into $8 per person. A bargain. Before checking in, we spent the day cruising around the village, taking in the beautiful sites of Lake Taal (pics forthcoming), Imelda Marcos' failed project: People's Park in the Sky, Mahogany Market (typical eating place where we indulged in "special bulalo"), and a swank eating resort that offered a range of ethnic food. By 6pm, we were back at our home away from home, resting, reading, watching tv, and anxiously awaiting the crack of fireworks. Mosquitos were intense this evening, but K and I hung out for a while on the roadside, chatting about this and that, until we finally gave in and retired early. This is where the trouble begins. M and I were in the front room facing the bathroom and its fussy toilet. In other words: flush at own risk. On any other occasion (that is with my stomach cooperating and not revolting against water) this would not have been a big deal. However, with a rumble and a roll, I had to dash to the toilet, pray the thing would flush, and return to my bed unnoticed by surrounding company. Not to be. The whole things overflows (from the tank, base, everywhere, my waste is slowly floating out to my bedroom). And, it's not midnight, yet. Eventually, things subside and go down the floor drain, but it's still a troublesome situation to be in. Next person up: flushes. And the next: overflows. This steady leak of fetid toilet water continues well into the morning (Happy New Year!) with the five of us practically running away from our beloved room. K and I (sorta serious and sorta not) wondered if this meant 2007 would be shitty. Judging from my awful re-entry/re-adjustment since returning to the states: definitely shitty.
If anyone has some old fashioned advice on reversing this trend while it's in its early stages, let me know. Perhaps I should engage in a reenactment of Dec. 31 sans diarreah, leaky toilets, and gunfire?
At present, I'm listening to "Karma Police" by Radiohead. Probably one of the best tunes/bands to listen to while suspended 39,000 feet in the air. Actually, it was at this altitude, on a trip to Florida, that my appreciation of this band developed. Unfortunately, I'm sitting down, back in front of the old desktop, plugging along on reading schedules, assignments, and the like. Karma.
The past five days have sucked. I've been wide awake every evening at 3:00 am. This morning I stayed up until the sun rose, only to awake again an hour later. I've had physical sickness from water, food adjustments. And, my karma, is way off at the dawn of 2007. Why? In the Philippines, most believe that how you spend your new year's eve is indicative of how the rest of your year will go. I laughed this "superstition" off Jan. 1, but now am beginning to believe I am, indeed, cursed.
Here's how my last day of 2006 shook out: To avoid the fireworks and gunfire (a tradition in the RP, and apparently, a dangerous enough one that my mentor wanted to avoid) we took off to Tagaytay, a resort area about 3 hours away from Quezon City. Because we booked our reservations so late, we ended up at this "apartment/hotel" that only cost P2000 for 5 people. This roughly translates into $8 per person. A bargain. Before checking in, we spent the day cruising around the village, taking in the beautiful sites of Lake Taal (pics forthcoming), Imelda Marcos' failed project: People's Park in the Sky, Mahogany Market (typical eating place where we indulged in "special bulalo"), and a swank eating resort that offered a range of ethnic food. By 6pm, we were back at our home away from home, resting, reading, watching tv, and anxiously awaiting the crack of fireworks. Mosquitos were intense this evening, but K and I hung out for a while on the roadside, chatting about this and that, until we finally gave in and retired early. This is where the trouble begins. M and I were in the front room facing the bathroom and its fussy toilet. In other words: flush at own risk. On any other occasion (that is with my stomach cooperating and not revolting against water) this would not have been a big deal. However, with a rumble and a roll, I had to dash to the toilet, pray the thing would flush, and return to my bed unnoticed by surrounding company. Not to be. The whole things overflows (from the tank, base, everywhere, my waste is slowly floating out to my bedroom). And, it's not midnight, yet. Eventually, things subside and go down the floor drain, but it's still a troublesome situation to be in. Next person up: flushes. And the next: overflows. This steady leak of fetid toilet water continues well into the morning (Happy New Year!) with the five of us practically running away from our beloved room. K and I (sorta serious and sorta not) wondered if this meant 2007 would be shitty. Judging from my awful re-entry/re-adjustment since returning to the states: definitely shitty.
If anyone has some old fashioned advice on reversing this trend while it's in its early stages, let me know. Perhaps I should engage in a reenactment of Dec. 31 sans diarreah, leaky toilets, and gunfire?
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Philippines Pt. 3
Today is my last day in las islas filipinas. This trip definitely surpasses the one I took 10 years ago. I'm much more politicaly aware these days than I was back then, and I've even surprised myself by just how much I do know about this country. I'm not one too brag, or to boast about knowledge, but I am happy to know that all my years of studying this country has, indeed, paid off.
In my two weeks since I've been here lots has transpired, providing good source material for an essay I plan to launch once I return to the states. The transfer of Daniel Smith to the US embassy, the beginning of the ASEAN summit in Cebu today, the ongoing political killings, the supposed "peak" performance of the peso (now P48.9 to the dollar) for the first time in six years, and the endless propaganda of GMA has given me more than enough to think about.
I've also been wondering about my own role as a researcher interested in furthering and understanding women's liberation in the Philippines. A friend I met here asked me to think seriously about how my work in the US would further women's liberation in the RP. I don't know just yet . . . but I definitely feel that if I contribute anything, it cannot be compared to the level of devotion and committment I've witnessed among the many people I've been fortunate enough to meet. That is, I am safe in the academy writing and analyzing the contemporary situation in the RP, far from the daily, dangerous, bloody struggle that has come to characterize Philippine life in the early part of the 21st century. And, it is a struggle with all sorts of people my age, willing to participate in the revolutionary movement for national liberation--an unfinished struggle begun in 1896 with the launch of the Philippine Republic. I suppose my confusion (angst?) is typical of those who are engaged and committed on an intellectual level, in the classroom, to furthering social justice. It is the clear cut crisis of theory v. practice. I believe Lenin and others always knew that practicioners alone cannot win the struggle . . . and that being a practicioner didn't automatically mean that one would necessarily have a theoretical understanding of the situation. So, perhaps the division between theory and practice, as I've sketched it out here, is truly false. One needs the other . . . but I've always found those engaged in the daily grind of life (brave, willing to die for a cause) far more interesting than what I've become: an intellectual who derives great pleasure from musty books and theoretical argumentation. I'm not prepared to sacrifice the comforts of the "life of the mind" . . . probably because deep down I know I'm just a coward. I can only understand life through words--it is my training and a privilege granted to me by class and nation. And, so, it is with all these inconsistencies and contradicitions in my own life that I will have to find some sort of solace. But the memories and conversations I've shared with those that I've no guarantee will be around the next time I visit will always remain with me. It is the way they have chosen to live their life, that will now always inform the way I choose to live mine.
In my two weeks since I've been here lots has transpired, providing good source material for an essay I plan to launch once I return to the states. The transfer of Daniel Smith to the US embassy, the beginning of the ASEAN summit in Cebu today, the ongoing political killings, the supposed "peak" performance of the peso (now P48.9 to the dollar) for the first time in six years, and the endless propaganda of GMA has given me more than enough to think about.
I've also been wondering about my own role as a researcher interested in furthering and understanding women's liberation in the Philippines. A friend I met here asked me to think seriously about how my work in the US would further women's liberation in the RP. I don't know just yet . . . but I definitely feel that if I contribute anything, it cannot be compared to the level of devotion and committment I've witnessed among the many people I've been fortunate enough to meet. That is, I am safe in the academy writing and analyzing the contemporary situation in the RP, far from the daily, dangerous, bloody struggle that has come to characterize Philippine life in the early part of the 21st century. And, it is a struggle with all sorts of people my age, willing to participate in the revolutionary movement for national liberation--an unfinished struggle begun in 1896 with the launch of the Philippine Republic. I suppose my confusion (angst?) is typical of those who are engaged and committed on an intellectual level, in the classroom, to furthering social justice. It is the clear cut crisis of theory v. practice. I believe Lenin and others always knew that practicioners alone cannot win the struggle . . . and that being a practicioner didn't automatically mean that one would necessarily have a theoretical understanding of the situation. So, perhaps the division between theory and practice, as I've sketched it out here, is truly false. One needs the other . . . but I've always found those engaged in the daily grind of life (brave, willing to die for a cause) far more interesting than what I've become: an intellectual who derives great pleasure from musty books and theoretical argumentation. I'm not prepared to sacrifice the comforts of the "life of the mind" . . . probably because deep down I know I'm just a coward. I can only understand life through words--it is my training and a privilege granted to me by class and nation. And, so, it is with all these inconsistencies and contradicitions in my own life that I will have to find some sort of solace. But the memories and conversations I've shared with those that I've no guarantee will be around the next time I visit will always remain with me. It is the way they have chosen to live their life, that will now always inform the way I choose to live mine.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Philippines Pt.2
Logging on to blogger has been an arduous task since my last entry. Each time I've attempted to post my thoughts after a meeting or a particular interview, I've been thwarted by a "Cannot Find Server" notice. So, this time, I'll spare you with my political ramblings and keep this post focused on my observations as an outsider Fil-Am atempting to negotiate life in the Philippines.
1. Coffee: Whenever the opportunity arises to get fresh "brewed" coffee, take it! Instant coffee is the rage here for obvious reasons: it's cheap and easy to prepare. You don't need a coffee pot. So, it's only been within the past 3 days that I've discovered the joys of a genuine caffeine buzz . . . and I'm no coffee drinker either, but on one particular outing I made a point to down three cups! Also, due to the tropical climes, you will only get powdered creamer.
2. Palmetto Bugs: Gross. The ultimate cockroach. Only this one has wings. I had the unfortunate experience of having one fly over my head the other night and it scared me to death. I swear this thing was the size of a bat!! God. Try to keep your head about you when this occurs and realize that this is part of the adventure.
3. More bugs: Yesterday I awoke with 8 bites concentrated on my right elbow. Being a total germ freak, I've made the necessary adjustments with the ants, the mosquitos, the other unidentifiable things that go bzzz . . . but I'm not so clear on how my one elbow got so mangled in the night. Guess there was more crawling around in the night (or the bed) than I realized.
4. San Miguel Pale Pilsner: That's right. Anyone that knows me understands how much I enjoy my beer. Since I've been immersed in the world of books for 2 solid weeks, I've missed my beer. I finally (can you believe it? 3 days before I'm to leave this country??) found the UP hotel where they have a restaurant selling San Miguel. Oh happy day. Kind of. Being a woman in this country, drinking beer, is often met with strange looks. Beer, afterall, is the world of men. So, I've been twice to the hotel and had beer with my dinner, but my order is always regarded as strange . . .and last night one of the waiters (trying to fuck with me I'm sure) told me to "avail" myself of the special offer: buy 4 beers and get the 5th one free. Feeling weirded out, I slammed my second beer and promptly left. Ah, it aint easy being a woman.
5. Lost in Translation: That's me. I have missed more than half of every conversation I've been involved in. Sad but true. I must take a crash course in Tagalog--just to understand the world around me. I'd feel better taking public transportation too . . .
6. Filipino TV: a propaganda machine for GMA. Every commercial features the same pictures of her holding a sick baby with a bad Filipino band playing in the background. At midnight, she has a show called: The Working President which features GMA in blue jeans cutting ribbons, showcasing sewers, etc. It's a sham and I think most everyone can see right through it. To further divert the population from the grinding socioeconomic conditions around them (the RP is currently on the same level as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) you can tune into: Philippine Dream Academy, Philippine Idol, and Pinoy Big Brother. The latter is the same series that is in Britain and the US . . . only Pinoy Big Brother cuts out the sex scenes. You can't shake 350 years of Spanish colonization just like that, now can you?
7. Malls, malls, malls: The commodification of everyday life is everywhere around you, making for some very sharp contradictions. For instance, the RP is home to the 3rd largest mall in the world The Mall of Asia (The Mall of America is ranked 6th or 7th). But who can shop at these malls? 70-80% of the population is poor. Not only that, they are hungry. Consumerism is not going to develop this country. But it will depoliticize the youth . . . an unfortunate consequence when you understand the essential role they have historically played in the revolutionary movement here. So, why discuss national liberation when you can go and eat Taco Bell at SM North?
8. Ah, I'm not sure of you can google image the Philippine 100 peso, but if you can, it's worth looking at.
I only have 2 more days in the country, but I'll definitely return. And, this time I won't wait another 10 years. It's too exciting here. There is much to explore, much to discover.
So long from Alicia's Internet Cafe (my home away from home for the past 2 weeks).
1. Coffee: Whenever the opportunity arises to get fresh "brewed" coffee, take it! Instant coffee is the rage here for obvious reasons: it's cheap and easy to prepare. You don't need a coffee pot. So, it's only been within the past 3 days that I've discovered the joys of a genuine caffeine buzz . . . and I'm no coffee drinker either, but on one particular outing I made a point to down three cups! Also, due to the tropical climes, you will only get powdered creamer.
2. Palmetto Bugs: Gross. The ultimate cockroach. Only this one has wings. I had the unfortunate experience of having one fly over my head the other night and it scared me to death. I swear this thing was the size of a bat!! God. Try to keep your head about you when this occurs and realize that this is part of the adventure.
3. More bugs: Yesterday I awoke with 8 bites concentrated on my right elbow. Being a total germ freak, I've made the necessary adjustments with the ants, the mosquitos, the other unidentifiable things that go bzzz . . . but I'm not so clear on how my one elbow got so mangled in the night. Guess there was more crawling around in the night (or the bed) than I realized.
4. San Miguel Pale Pilsner: That's right. Anyone that knows me understands how much I enjoy my beer. Since I've been immersed in the world of books for 2 solid weeks, I've missed my beer. I finally (can you believe it? 3 days before I'm to leave this country??) found the UP hotel where they have a restaurant selling San Miguel. Oh happy day. Kind of. Being a woman in this country, drinking beer, is often met with strange looks. Beer, afterall, is the world of men. So, I've been twice to the hotel and had beer with my dinner, but my order is always regarded as strange . . .and last night one of the waiters (trying to fuck with me I'm sure) told me to "avail" myself of the special offer: buy 4 beers and get the 5th one free. Feeling weirded out, I slammed my second beer and promptly left. Ah, it aint easy being a woman.
5. Lost in Translation: That's me. I have missed more than half of every conversation I've been involved in. Sad but true. I must take a crash course in Tagalog--just to understand the world around me. I'd feel better taking public transportation too . . .
6. Filipino TV: a propaganda machine for GMA. Every commercial features the same pictures of her holding a sick baby with a bad Filipino band playing in the background. At midnight, she has a show called: The Working President which features GMA in blue jeans cutting ribbons, showcasing sewers, etc. It's a sham and I think most everyone can see right through it. To further divert the population from the grinding socioeconomic conditions around them (the RP is currently on the same level as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) you can tune into: Philippine Dream Academy, Philippine Idol, and Pinoy Big Brother. The latter is the same series that is in Britain and the US . . . only Pinoy Big Brother cuts out the sex scenes. You can't shake 350 years of Spanish colonization just like that, now can you?
7. Malls, malls, malls: The commodification of everyday life is everywhere around you, making for some very sharp contradictions. For instance, the RP is home to the 3rd largest mall in the world The Mall of Asia (The Mall of America is ranked 6th or 7th). But who can shop at these malls? 70-80% of the population is poor. Not only that, they are hungry. Consumerism is not going to develop this country. But it will depoliticize the youth . . . an unfortunate consequence when you understand the essential role they have historically played in the revolutionary movement here. So, why discuss national liberation when you can go and eat Taco Bell at SM North?
8. Ah, I'm not sure of you can google image the Philippine 100 peso, but if you can, it's worth looking at.
I only have 2 more days in the country, but I'll definitely return. And, this time I won't wait another 10 years. It's too exciting here. There is much to explore, much to discover.
So long from Alicia's Internet Cafe (my home away from home for the past 2 weeks).
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Philippines Pt.1
I arrived safe and sound to Aquino International Aiprort Dec. 29. Took the official airport taxi to the University of the Philippines campus and have been having meeting new people almost every day. I've already conducted 3 interviews and I haven't even been here a week!
Initial thoughts:
1. Pollution: It's really terrible to take public transportation around here, even though it is the cheapest, because the air is so thick with fuel, gunk, and fumes that feel like they are asphyxiating you by the end of your ride. Not fun.
2. The legacy of Spanish and US colonialism is evident everywhere you turn around. To even believe this country is remotely independent is a misnomer. Take for example the Daniel Smith case. Smith, a US Marine, was convicted of raping a Filipina woman last year. He was ordered to spend his time in Makati Jail and sentenced to 40 years. On Dec, 29, Smith was shuttled out of the jail and into the safe arms of the US due to the VFA where he will wait his appeal or whatever the hell he's doing. What matters, though, is the soveriegnty of the RP has been completely sacrificed AGAIN. In other words, this country is completely dominated by US interests.
3. The issue of corruption leads me to think about the current administration of GMA. She wants to push through a charter change (referred to as "Cha-Cha" around here) which would effectively change the 1987 constitution. So, for example, right now the RP has rules that states 60% of corporations/businesses have to be owned by Filipinos, with the remaining 40% owned by outside, foreign interests. If this charter change is pushed through, GMA wants to remove these barriers and open up the country to 100% foreign ownership. She also is working on pushing through a "Constiutional Assembly" (known as "Con-Ass" around here) which would ensure here rule and her cronies rule for many years to come (it would move the RP to a parlimentary system). So, everywhere you look you see signs that read: No to Cha-Cha! No to Con-Ass!
4. The military. How can GMA pass these initiatives and retain power? The military. Though the govt. vehemently denies any involvement in the incredible number of political killings ravaging this country (approx. 186 or 187 in 2006), the military is moving from the provinces into the urban centers targetting human rights groups, lawyers, activists, and journalists. Scary. What makes her different from Marcos is she doing all of these things without declaring martial law! And, she's targeting the human rights workers in ways that Marcos never did.
5. The debt. The squatters. The poverty. The privatization of public utilities. The corruption. The endless corruption.
6. For more information check out this site.
7. Committment to political organizing and activism is incredible. Unlike anything I've witnessed in the US. And, the women's movement? I'll save that for tomorrow or the next day. Suffice it to say that this is what a movement really looks like . . .it's not contained and isolated in the hallowed halls of the academy.
From Quezon City, I'm out.
Initial thoughts:
1. Pollution: It's really terrible to take public transportation around here, even though it is the cheapest, because the air is so thick with fuel, gunk, and fumes that feel like they are asphyxiating you by the end of your ride. Not fun.
2. The legacy of Spanish and US colonialism is evident everywhere you turn around. To even believe this country is remotely independent is a misnomer. Take for example the Daniel Smith case. Smith, a US Marine, was convicted of raping a Filipina woman last year. He was ordered to spend his time in Makati Jail and sentenced to 40 years. On Dec, 29, Smith was shuttled out of the jail and into the safe arms of the US due to the VFA where he will wait his appeal or whatever the hell he's doing. What matters, though, is the soveriegnty of the RP has been completely sacrificed AGAIN. In other words, this country is completely dominated by US interests.
3. The issue of corruption leads me to think about the current administration of GMA. She wants to push through a charter change (referred to as "Cha-Cha" around here) which would effectively change the 1987 constitution. So, for example, right now the RP has rules that states 60% of corporations/businesses have to be owned by Filipinos, with the remaining 40% owned by outside, foreign interests. If this charter change is pushed through, GMA wants to remove these barriers and open up the country to 100% foreign ownership. She also is working on pushing through a "Constiutional Assembly" (known as "Con-Ass" around here) which would ensure here rule and her cronies rule for many years to come (it would move the RP to a parlimentary system). So, everywhere you look you see signs that read: No to Cha-Cha! No to Con-Ass!
4. The military. How can GMA pass these initiatives and retain power? The military. Though the govt. vehemently denies any involvement in the incredible number of political killings ravaging this country (approx. 186 or 187 in 2006), the military is moving from the provinces into the urban centers targetting human rights groups, lawyers, activists, and journalists. Scary. What makes her different from Marcos is she doing all of these things without declaring martial law! And, she's targeting the human rights workers in ways that Marcos never did.
5. The debt. The squatters. The poverty. The privatization of public utilities. The corruption. The endless corruption.
6. For more information check out this site.
7. Committment to political organizing and activism is incredible. Unlike anything I've witnessed in the US. And, the women's movement? I'll save that for tomorrow or the next day. Suffice it to say that this is what a movement really looks like . . .it's not contained and isolated in the hallowed halls of the academy.
From Quezon City, I'm out.
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