Is it America's time to reclaim their "greatness"?

Is it America's time to reclaim their "greatness"?

Notes on Trump's first few days 

as President of the United States

And the discontent that still surrounds him

It seems that the newly elected president of the United States is trying to reverse everything especially when Donald Trump is promising "big changes" particularly to America's economy, welfare system, as well as foreign policy.

From his inaugural speech that calls for an "American First" policy, it leaves the world in jitters if not making Americans in doubt knowing that the billionaire businessman and celebrity is also the first commander in chief who never to have served in public office or the military; who enters the White House with historically low favorability ratings; who won an election despite losing the popular vote, and a man known for his islamophobic statements and saber rattling against "rouge states" such as Iran and People's China.

However, what made people focus more are the policies that the new American President created a reversal of sorts. That Trump seems set to keep his word on replacing "Obamacare" with his own brand of health care services; of removing most of Obama’s gun control laws, in which gun enthusiasts described as a "great thing" and "hoping that it’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his actions concerning gun rights"; of removing pages such as a "Spanish Language" portion and those concerning LGBTs in the White House website; and even clearly putting all his weight behind running proven to be extremely dangerous oil pipelines across America. 

But "the best of all", as others may say, is that unless Trump is being completely deceitful (since some of his advisers are neoconservatives if not neoliberals), his foreign policy is a "million times better than what Clinton" had offered to his constituents which others may think as necessary. For according to Trump himself, he wanted to:

"Advance America's core national interests, promote regional stability, and produce an easing of tensions in the world. Work with Congress to fully repeal the defense sequester and submit a new budget to rebuild our depleted military."

But all in all, despite using different terminologies and mellowing down of strategies, Trump's statements and actions somehow reminds of its predecessors both Republican and Democrat, of both neocon and neolib hidden behind palaeocon view. And sorry to say so but Trump's form of change is more of reversal especially in economic affairs like replacing "Obamacare" to those of pushing further the Pipeline affecting Indian communities, while trying to retain its predecessors' foreign policies especially towards "rouge states" with new terminologies; and thus makes one quite doubtful if not worth criticisable especially that in a government whose policies involves interventionism in foreign affairs and policies favourable to "1%", would promise in front of its constituents a semblance of "normalcy" in a guise of "American First" policy.
And in these makes one would think how Trump's acts are rather similar to Reagan's yet trying to be like Coolidge's or Harding's; also knowing that having an "American First" policy has more to do with prioritising America, especially in resolving economic and social matters and meddling less in foreign issues, it also means consolidation of interests especially those of its Military-Industrial complex trying to insist its relevance on both Foreign as well as Domestic policy, both as its "world police" and "enforcer of free market" as basis for a "free world". 

But then in fairness, since Trump seemed to act "straightforward" in his actions, then marry this to his commitment to remove the government’s already halfhearted attempts be it in "ensuring the welfare of its constituents" to those of fighting global warming, all knowing that despite his populist appeal, he is in bed with the dirtiest of capitalists. And could care less about the environment, which is one of the few things in America worth saving.

Otherwise, it is a series of contradictions especially when Trump promised to return troops home while at the same time afforded to saber rattling against China; or even promising to bring jobs home yet most companies from Carrier to those producing Trump ties and shirts still outsourced in cheap labour-rich countries like China and Mexico!

Anyway, unlike liberals who threatened to move to Canada (and not one left), there are those who chose to remain and perhaps even struggle out as possible, knowing that the fight is more than just Trump versus the Democrats, of Conservatives versus Liberals, but the people against the system. Trump may insist that his policies can "make America great", but given the situations ranging from his connivance to capitalists and the people expressing disgust, on which direction will the United States of America going?

Meanwhile in Manila, a still need for self-determination

Meanwhile, Filipinos both in Mainland and in the United States have different opinions in regards to Trump's first few days as US president. Some did agree to his views, especially those who think that it smacks of Reagan, Harding, and even the "typical" Filipino's conservatism; yet on the other, there are those who oppose Trump, especially after his controversial views be it his islamophobia, economic policy, or himself being representative of an order meant to be dismantle.

And like Americans, Filipinos tried much to weigh on Trump's statements although mostmost rather end up driven by emotions especially those who oppose his moves as president, especially after listening to his statements as a presidentiable such as having the Philippines in the list of "terrorist nations"; while on the other praised for not joining the "Trans Pacific Partnership" that may also affect Filipino affairs in trade and in consumer rights, if not describing Trump's idea of "protectionism" meant bringing jobs to average Americans (including Filipino-Americans) despite most companies outsourced its technical aspect to abroad such as China or Mexico.
Strange but for an average Filipino who heard Trump's controversial statements and even America's unjust policies over the Philippines, isn't it that a time to reconsider the United States of America as its top priority as its main foreign investor the way the Philippines has to reorganise out of its desire for national development? For sure one would remember if not trying to shrug the idea that in every Uncle Sam's sneeze comes Mang Juan's pneumonia!

Perhaps, it is the time for the Filipino to be themselves as a nation if not to accept the fact that Uncle Sam has less to do with national improvement regardless of its press releases; sounds repetitive as well as annoying, but that age old message asserting political and economic independence is im fact a serious chance to gain self-dignity and respect as a rising nation.

For the fact that it is the age old aspiration be it from 1870 all down to 1986, of creoles demanding self-rule to the common tao demanding socio-national justice amidst foreign and domestic impunities and injustices. And the United States knows and perhaps even tremble that the Filipino's struggle for self-determination means their end in keeping their stronghold in the Pacific, especially if agrarian reform been succeeded, industrialisation commenced further, and a swift modernisation and improvement that benefits most if not all sectors of society: a setting that imperialism cannot accept as such especially from its once third world vassal.

And since Trump won as the United States president and Filipinos has its own Duterte and his hard-headed straightforward kind of rulership, then why not let the Filipinos get serious in its patriotism, in its assertion of socio-national justice its predecessors insisted? Remember, Trump, regardless of his rhetorics, may still represent a system synonymous with vested interests.

And stubbornly retaining it also means popular disgust, discontent that may still surrounds him and his administration.

That's all for now.

GERMANOV on STALIN

GERMANOV on STALIN

Background

Several days ago, Mr. Yakov Germanov was interviewed by a kid doing a project on Marxism, and he answered those questions for him.

And with Germanov's answers showed quite detailed especially on how he, known for his adherence to Stalin and his governance and contribution to Marxist thought insists the relevance of the late Soviet leader both in Russia's Development as a nation, as well as in Marxism-Leninism being a developed political throught towards Communism.

The interview, which is posted on a social media group a day ago, shared the same views as this writer as Mr. Germanov, knowing that Stalin (as well as Lenin) has made Marxism into a national level while undertaking its internationalist task of emancipating the proletariat from the clutches of the old order; knowing that in liberating and developing a country along socialist lines comes a country that serves as an example, an inspiration for the nations desiring for national liberation and social justice.

Here it  goes:

1. Tell me a bit about you, what has made you become a Stalinist?

Germanov: I am a Stalinist due to seeing the failure of the libertarian left to affect change and realizing that more authoritarian and collectivist measures need to be imposed to enact true socialism. the idea of democratic socialism is largely a myth perpetuated by liberal entryists who swallowed anticommunist hysterics regarding Stalin while overlooking his accomplishments.

2. How the Marxist teachings which Stalin followed explain our modern day problems?

Germanov: he marxist theory put forth in das Kapital is simple, it is that labor under capitalism is exploited, and thus workers are oppressed. The reason for this is simple, that Owners of businesses have no impetus to create equal social and economic conditions for the poor, when they derive more profit from exploiting them, that is, paying them less than their rightful ownership entails, as often as the most minor amount possible, for their labor. Stalin solved this issue by clamping down hard on the kulaks which were slumlords, and collectivizing farms and other industry which allowed for simultaneously larger production, allowing for more equitable distribution of wealth and resources to be managed by the people via councils (soviet means council in Russian). It led to great prosperity and social harmony in the Soviet union, reversing the failed policies of Lenin such as the new economic policy which was in effect state capitalism. Stalin was essentially the most true and successful socialist due to his policies, and generally only opposed by Bourgeois liberal entryists, Trotskyists, and anarchists.

3. What do you think is Stalin’s greatest achievement?

Germanov: The defeat of Nazi Germany which as a state is responsible for 25+ million soviet citzens exterminated largely on racial grounds, and the liberatian of Europe.

4. What is the biggest lesson that we need to learn from the Stalin era?

Germanov: Stalin's biggest failure was not fighting Germany before the USSR was invaded, which led to a severe blow against Russia. To this day 10 million more women are part of Russia than are men in large part due to the massive amounts of war deaths in world war two. Attempts to appease fascism always result in death and destruction. Going on the offense early against true fascism such as US backed Ukrainian forces in the kiev regime is necessary. A simple peace negotion is not enough and will end in failure because the ideology of fascists is to exterminate lesser races and put lesser individuals under their boot heels. 

Today Russians and east Ukrainians are fighting fascism on the battlefield, against western backed forces that are openly supportive of fascists and racists. If we appease these forces, instead of fight them with open and brutal force, they will stop at nothing to destroy socialism and the international goals of the proletariat. To make this situation more tragic, Ukrainians and Russians are almost biologically identical peoples, with a shared cultural history, yet one side, the western backed junta, views the opposing side as a lesser race.

5.how do you think Stalin’s leadership can be applied to the 21st century?

Germanov: Stalin who is portrayed as a socipath was in fact a mild mannered and quiet person who made decisions carefully most of the time. He spoke with a sense of consideration and care for the people that he led, and to this day in Russia where I live, the elderly recall him fondly due to his kindness. He was considered like a great father because he knew when to be stern and he knew when to be kind. This is erased from the western conception of communism due to misrepresentation by capital. Since Stalin was the greatest enemy of capital and the most successful socialist, he is naturally the most demonized. There are always just criticisms of excesses in any leadership, and there are legitimate grievances against Stalin, but when weighed against the accomplishments, the oppressed people of the world, particularly Russian and eastern european proletariat rejoice in the memory of Comrade Stalin, who defended them against the interests of capital who would have otherwise thusly have subjugated them like animals. Any leader can learn from his example. And any socialist should understand the lessons of his leadership.

"30 years yet still desiring for land and justice"

"30 years yet still desiring for land and justice"

Notes on the 30th anniversary of Mendiola Massacre

And the Filipino peasant's strong desire for land and justice

Like any other decades-old issue in which a third world country continues to linger, the peasant question in the Philippines remains questionable in spite of the government's efforts to resolve that matter.

And in relation to that, it's been thirty years as peasant folks as well as the Filipino people remembers a tragic incident that swung a supposed revolutionary government into a reactionary one. As thirteen farmers end killed and thirty nine wounded, all yearning for land and justice in Mendiola.

And today, decades after the bloody massacre, the families of the victims and the survivors are still waiting for justice to be served.

Photo by Luis Liwanag

With that incident, peasants continue to live under feudal bondage to the land; facing hardship or even threat as one after another yearn for social justice. Various laws concerning the agrarian question did little to resolve if not instead consolidate the rule of the few with its interest seeking venture undermining the interests of many.

And with such failures showed how the landless and impoverished peasants been subjected to horrendous state neglect as well as violent suppression by the military forces guided by US-inspired counter-insurgency programs. Peasant related incidents like the Hacienda Luisita Massacre of 2004  and the Kidapawan Massacre, both happened under BS Aquino administration, and the recent shooting of 13 farmers of Lapanday Foods Corporation (LFC) at Mindanao attest to the continuing brutal suppression and attempts to silence peasantfolks and its desire for land and justice.

And amidst state-sponsored "reforms" and "actions", the century-old enslavement of Filipino farmers still continues to this present day, especially under the escalating assault of neoliberal globalization on the national economy that perpetuates the monopolization of enormous tracts of lands by the big landlords, emboldens the compradore bourgeoisie and bureaucrat capitalists to squeeze profits from the debt-ridden farmers, fast-tracks the conversion of agricultural lands to commercial centers with alibis such as "national development" and "foreign investments", tolerates usurious lending institutions that prey on the blood and sweat of peasantfolks, and exacerbates the massive exodus of landless farmers from rural areas to urban centers all in search of work.

Such truths are supported by multinational moneylenders whose perception of "development" has nothing to do with emancipation especially those of the peasantfolks in the Philippines, while reforms brought upon by a semifeudal-semicolonial order did little or nothing as scraps of paper as peasant, worker, all impoverished alike still desiring for a real profound sense of social justice as shown by recent mass actions.

Incidents like the Mendiola Massacre and the persistent oppression of Filipino farmers have led to the mass recruitment of these poor peasantfolks to the revolutionary movement that seeks to overthrow the yoke of feudalism, bureaucrat capitalism, as well as imperialist stranglehold on the land, as well as agricultural workers and fisherfolks. In this protracted people’s war, the revolutionary forces in its liberated zones have been successful in implementing agrarian revolution, organizing the farmers, especially women and their families as social units of production, and the free distribution of lands.

And in response to these victorious actions and awakenings, the ruling class unveiled its fascistic moves, as it unleashed the most brutal and dirtiest wars of suppression all by occupying communities into hamlets and garrisons, ransacking peasant-established schools, harassing peasant leaders and supporters, abducting and killing peasant organizers, and branding legitimate peasant organizations as subversive, and even terrorist-supporting groups.

In this vein, the resumption of peace-talks under the present Duterte Administration is a welcome development for advancing the peasant’s struggle as part of national emancipation. The coming third round of negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in Rome, Italy will focus on much needed social and economic reforms that will also address the persistent impoverishment of our landless peasants, agricultural workers, as well as their communities.

Also in this resumption of peace talks the release of political detainees, some of who are peasant leaders and supporters, will also be discussed.

Such realities has made the Filipino people to assert even further the desire for both national and social justice.  With the ever prevailing crisis and repressions especially those against peasantfolks, lies a call to put an end to feudal bondage not just a serious and trustworthy implementation of agrarian reform.
And in relation to the present status of negitiations between GRP and the NDF, lies the demand to release political detainees, especially those whose basis is their struggle for both land and justice as peasant organisers, leaders, as well as sympathisers whose charges been trumped up by the authorities; as well as an agreement on both sides involving a serious, trustworthy, and pro-people kind of socio-economic reforms; creating a way that is, towards a just and lasting peace.

All for the victims and martyrs of this decades old feudo-colonial injustice.

"To move forward both with acceptance (and with struggle)"

"To move forward both with acceptance 

(and with struggle)"

Its been a common idea that in order to move forward one has to forget the past. For treating the past in all its forms as a burden, it is usual to think that one has to forgo anything remarkable from one's past, be it good or bad, all in pursuit of moving to another chapter with greater challenges awaits them ahead.

However, reality goes like that moving forward is more of to escape and think anything especially those of "fun" and "chill". One would see it nothing wrong at first, especially on how most people think that in this present day setting as a time to move as well as spreading love and good vibes as any other day, month, or year.

However, with all the inconveniences people encountered shows the contrary to the idea of forwardness, particularly those of confronting a problem before moving to another chapter, people are rather trying to evade it especially those which are negative yet trying to shrug it off as if irrelevant yet still remains affected being a part of that community and its environment. 

And in speaking of the word community and its problems, most are quite serious in which people chose to disregard thinking that politicians or the learned has to confront such issues: that Poverty remains so is corruption and various forms of extrajudicial acts against man;

And as an observer, thinking that since people hath rather chose to disregard as if it does not matter to them and its desire for a good life then what kind of future that awaits them in a reality full of inconveniences?

What a waste of desire for change if people chose to evade the truth in the name of moving on. Call the dead dead but tolerating a culture of death or even disregarding pain and suffering seemed to mock a future they desired such as a future that is full of life; for sure they also afforded to say "no pain no gain" but why to escape from pain instead of enduring it? In the end, contrary to popular opinions, "To move on" is seemed to be an outward attempt to create a sense of forgetfulness if not escaping from the truth. And such idea is deemed valueless the way they fail to understand the nature of life what more of understanding change.

For several weeks ago, this person hath attended a lecture from a Theravada monk and asked about that popular idea such as "moving on". The monk find it interesting about that question as well as the others in that open forum, only to found that he rather disagreed the idea as well as the word itself, and instead he calls for an acceptance of the truth and to remold, for what he said that man has to be inward;
and with his words he stated that instead of just moving on it has to "bring in", to accept, and to deal with the reality with one's idealism in pursuit of personal and even social remolding.

That also somehow paves way to attaining happiness despite having life on earth as "short" and full of challenges to encounter with.

Sounds interesting and agreeable to hear his words; but despite that, only few would dare to accept that message thinking that to accept failure is too much and instead cling to the idea of "moving on" as if nothing happens to them, maybe because thinking about the past is meant to be disregarded altogether.  Quite true though knowing that in a culture where everyone leans on the future than on the present, its other side of it shows how escapism has been thoroughly cultivated in everyone's mindset; and with words like "move on", acceptance and a desire for a just closure and remolding seemed impossible. For revolutionaries, it sounds contrary to "criticism and self criticism", what more of the idea that in looking ones successes and failures lies lessons to learn with especially in remolding a character that has to do with dismantling an old social order!

And in speaking of remolding and reaffirming truths that includes studying and rectifying history. If history books failed to record shortcomings and more of successes coming from a dilapidated social order, then no wonder why there are protests in the streets against a semifeudal-semicolonial order all due to the latter's incompetencies, failures, and stubbornness as it keeps firm to an unjust order.
While on the other hand there are those who rather judge them out thinking that the desire for change is a personal and not a social matter to discuss if not to deal with, what more of shrugging the truth that made these protesters protest. Obviously, they just simply move on as they forget history and its truths, what more of tolerating a culture of death and injustices that affects man and its community;
and with a rootless future embedded in their minds as it wanders aimlessly (while describing it theirs as 'forwardness'), lies an obvious case of a collective memory loss the way they tolerate old buidings being demolished regardless of its value.

Or if they afford to reason out then perhaps "simply because it is old and useless, what is the point of keeping it?" Anyway, if history is truly consists of class struggles as Marx claimed, then why to deny it knowing that in changing societies lies struggles between the high and low sectors of the society? In progress lies erupting struggles that paves way to another settings and possible scenarios the way thesis and antithesis paves way to a sythesis.

"A continuous desire and struggle for national and social change"

"A continuous desire and struggle for national and social change"

Ramblings after an administration's message of  "change"
getting hijacked by interests

"The first six months showed a tendency already that the Duterte administration is a populist administration pushing for neoliberal policies under a smokescreen of war on drugs, national rhetoric and leftist façade,”

- Sonny Africa

Its been a observation that change has been hijacked by interests, especially those who afforded to rally on the present administration and its "profound messages."

Ranging from neoliberals to militarists, these bureaucrats, supported by landlords and compradores had tried much to dilute people's aspirations to those of theirs, popularising neoliberalism to those of glorifying extralegal acts as a form of catharsis "against a bigger problem" such as illegal drugs and various crimes, killing innocents as necessary "all for the sake of attaining justice".

Sounds too much isn't it? But basing on news reports, on various comments favouring or not the bullshit brought about by the order, this person sought how an order tries to retain by pretending, to the extent of a frustrated "sacrifice" just to show that they are "on the side of change"; while at the same time trying to retain power and prestige as in the past administrations.

And in it sounds more of a continuous thermidor than what they're trying to say continuing a revolutionary legacy such as 1986; and whatever they say, neither the two (Both Duterte or Robredo) and its hordes will afford to free a goddamned third world country from its squalor, for both of them, regardless of its populist appeal and its supposed program of actions, has nothing to do with social emancipation and genuine concord amongst sectors. But rather it has to do with the consolidation of the still continuing social order that people wishes to dismantle.

And to call it as making changes, of a continuing the revolution, or any other phrase is but a valueless phrase meant to sneer people through the ears. Marcos did that in his "revolution from the center" only to find it as a farce.

How come? Amidst the showcase called change, of accommodating both the left and the right in the spirit of social concord,  the clear and present tensions didn't wither, especially that there are still stubborn segments who still clinging in its interests; that in case of landlords who end "transforming" agricultural land to agrocommercial ones "just to escape agrarian reform" to those of compradores insisting contractualisation as a temporary measure, the word "change" is but any other term as "development", yet in fact it is but a retention of old order and its privileges.


Preaching justice yet seeing injustice

As one could hear or even see Oligarchs preaching justice while keeping firm in its coffers? Of Bureaucrats taking pride in various infrastructures yet benefited from its corruption? Of neoliberalism and globalisation diluting nationalism and negating emancipation? The nonsense brought about interest-seeking Oligarchs and corrupt Bureaucrats includes trying to curry working class support with some bread and circuses abound; yet with the fact that corruption, repression, and various forms of injustices thrive, then their populism in its frustrated from is likely to met with skepticism and even an assertion of just calls those from the order care not to deal if not less talk about.

One example is the Hacienda Luisita issue, wherein farmworkers continue to struggle for land and justice amidst tragic events in 1987 and in 2004, if not hearing reports of farmworkers having "stocks" only to be called as a "poorest stockholder" since their wage is those of 9.50. And because of these, the assertion for both land and justice is still ongoing with the progressives within Duterte's cabinet seriously insist the justness of having the controversial hacienda be under land reform; yet the Cojuangcos remain stubbornly defiant in controlling the contested land.

But on the other side of that change, bullshits remain that even in today's "anti-yellow" regime there are numerous cases of harassments brought upon by these stubborn landlords against those who are also stubborn in claiming their land under the "agrarian reform program".
In a statement from the peasant group "Ugnayan ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura",  it stated how Cojuangcos insist their "control" over the contested land amidst government's plan to be redistributed:

“The Cojuangco-Aquinos still reign in Hacienda Luisita. With this incident, Bgy. Captain Edison Diaz and his thugs are openly defying the Department of Agrarian Reform’s status quo order issued by DAR Sec. Rafael Mariano on July 8,” said Ramos. Sec. Mariano’s order was made in response to the destruction of Catalan’s crops on orders of known Cojuangco people, Buena Timbol of the Luisita Estate Management (LEM) and Villamor Lagunero, Chief Security officer of TADECO, on July 1, the first day of President Duterte in office.
“The local DAR officials in Tarlac and Central Luzon are also so obviously beholden to the Cojuangco-Aquinos. The same officials who committed atrocities against farmers under the BS Aquino regime are still in power in Tarlac,”

That incident shows that as in the past, the peasant question remains unresolved in spite of the programs and actions the government afforded to undertook. And despite Mariano's actions as Agrarian Reform secretary did made to stress DAR (as well as the government's side) as on the side of the peasants, does it mean the system in which the Cojuangcos part of be willing to give up its stubbornness in defending Luisita in favour of the landless?
Also to think about the actions Bgy. Captain Edison Diaz did, is he disregarding the order of the executive such as from DAR in favour of Cojuangco-Aquinos? Seems that he forgot that he is a public official who has to obey the law including the decision of the courts.

Another issue is how the system said to its subjects about "suspension of police and military operations" and yet there are cases of military operations in the provinces. There the system's troops that continue to encamp, go in and out of barrios, especially "rebel-controlled" areas under the guise of implementing “peace and development outreach programs”, supposedly providing armed security for "government-sponsored projects", as well as implementing the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
In a statement released from the Communist Party (whose New Peoples Army adheres to its suspension of operations), it stated that:

"Duterte has allowed the AFP to continue its armed operations in the countryside under Oplan Bayanihan. Not only do these trample on the spirit of the reciprocal ceasefire declarations, these have also brought about rampant cases of human rights abuses. These is also widespread condemnation of police and vigilante killings instigated by Duterte in his “war against drugs.”

There is bound to be much uncertainty regarding the prospects of an alliance between the revolutionary movement and the Duterte government. There will be increasing instances of sharp differences and struggle as the people become increasingly restive over their worsening socio-economic plight. They are fully-justified in advancing the national democratic struggle and demanding an end to the pro-imperialist, anti-people and anti-democratic policies."

The situation seemed to be contrary to its message such as serious adherence to cease fire. Some units of the New Peoples Army are even willing to suspend their cease fires so as to maintain security in its liberated zones. Worse, with the present regime failed to heed the people's call of releasing political prisoners and instead be treated as a "deck of cards" in exchange for a system-ordered "surrender", what more of having killings and harassments towards activists by these armed thugs in uniform, then of what is having a cease fire what more of having a negotiation in pursuit of peace?

Such nonsense brought about by a system and its frustrated "populism" has rather made its country foolish. As in the past regimes it failed to resolve issues like poverty and social injustice in spite of numerous statements on "national development" to those of "reform"; only to found out that its stubborn clinging to interests as landed gentries and as keepers of the old order rather dilutes the idea of reconstructing a country "according to its supposed principles", of making "change" that is according to the will of its people.


Choosing to be indifferent if not making laws unlawful

Worse, with all the bullshits happening all over, the system rather chose to be indifferent if not apathetic, and has urged its subjects to close their hearts to pity and treat the entire tragedy as any other show to amuse with; yet ironically, there are those who forgot to close its windows and help those who beg for mercy. The series of unjust killings and various forms of repression has becoming far from "rule of law" as supposed to be imposed by the state.
Worse, apologists and apathetics alike failed to see the truth that despite what they see as "change" is rather far from it, instead they chose to run a country like hell the way they are babbling that is, pseudo-Machiavellian.

And if so, then that "change" everyone believe today is all but a farce, the system used that word "change" just to sneer people through the ears from the realities the system also did. On the first place, why everyone hear from the president defending the actions of the police and the military no matter how thuggish they are in confronting the people? Even the "National-Democrats" within his cabinet felt irritated knowing that the president's stand is contrary to their principles, yet they have to work "all for the well-being of the people" in case of Taguiwalo and her immediate response to calamities as social welfare secretary and Mariano's serious adherence to agrarian reform amidst the order's stubbornness to keep firm in its interests.

Again, whatever they say in their press releases, neither from Duterte nor the Yellows like Robredo can truly make change as they represent the order that has to be dismantled. For both Duterte himself and Robredo knows that kind of fact the way they swore to protect the law, to maintain order, and at the same time babbling words like "ensuring the peoples well-being" to those of "accommodating those of others in the name of reform."

And in speaking of the word "law", with the fact that as time goes by, of 99% interpretations from the judges and legislators, and 1% of its literal, decreed message meant for a nation to obey, it seems that rule of law the system has afforded to babble and take proud of is all but a codified rule of men.

Worse, some of those who made laws are actually those who made its flaws, and thus it will justify the wrongs the way it tends to reinterpret the message that is, right. They circumvent the agrarian reform code to protect their interests as landed gentries, they even transform a law concerning "cybercrimes" to those stressing "libel" and hence pointing against critics using social media and the internet, what more of attempting to create "right of reply" in pursuit of harassing government critics? What a bullshit lawmaking is then by these corrupted fools assuming to be righteous!

And if they afford to say that the law is harsh, yes it is; but to disregard the reason that laws are also for the well being of a nation and instead insist its harshness if its punishments, then perhaps let's start by forgetting the loving god the new testament talks about and go back to the one who is called jealous that is, from the old. Let's also start from looking at the interpretations of Draco and of those who saidth that man as evil in nature (and in it as if that evilness drives societies to progress).

Also by the way, ever since the system talks about might is right and the rule of law as all about punishments, then is the society enjoyed being tied and whipped at the amusement of others? No wonder Lu Xun was right.

Clearly, those inconvenient facts within a "semi-feudal, semi-colonial" order makes the Filipino masses, mainly the working class and peasantry to actively, if not eager to involve in seizing political power in order to place the society and its economy on the path to genuine national development. 

Rehearsal for a "Revolution" to come.

Rehearsal for a "Revolution" to come.

Notes on the 2016 Black Nazarene "Translacion"

From its major thoroughfares, about a million and a half barefoot, maroon-and-yellow clad devotees are all praying for miracles as they all joined in a procession for the black statue of the Lord Jesus Christ that is, being paraded at Manila.

Be it pulled by ropes or pushed from behind the Nazarene's carriage, devotees expressed a fanatically kind of fervor, especially that most dare to reach for the icon, regardless of its risk, for the centuries-old dark icon is to believed having healing powers if not providing them luck especially amongst poor devotees.

However, each year, there are several people in that occasion that are injured or even killed, especially after being caught in the crown of devotees trying to reach the icon as it passes from Luneta park to Quiapo church, recalling its first transfer all from the Spanish period.

Also in that occasion, about 4,000 soldiers, police and emergency workers, supported by volunteers, were on duty for the procession; actively on alert as reports about terrorist threats been reported prior to the event itself.

But despite all the threats, police said there were no serious incidents. But then, they are ensuring security as they're observing a raucous celebration that drew millions of devotees all in a barefoot procession for several hours around Manila. 

Anyway, like any other feasts inside Metro Manila and in the Philippines itself, Quiapo's "Feast of the Black Nazarene" has been awaited by everyone: be it from the devotees themselves, tourists, media, or even terrorists whose yearly threats rather end thwarted by the "long arm of the law". And in spite of fear, all seemed normal as any other occasion: that vendors are selling wares ranging from folk medicine to replicas of the district's known image, of families from other parts of Manila seeking the Lord's graces, restaurants selling food, or even couples having their "relationship goals". That makes Quiapo's setting showed faith with the devotee's fervour, profit as stores making money on passers by, and even fun with someone lighting a firecracker known as "Sinturon ni Hudas" in the centre of the street.

However, that occasion also has its share of criticism, be it from other Christian sects because of the statue itself as an idol and the devotee as making an idolatrous act which is an anathema to their interpretation of the "word of the lord"; of apathetics for seeing the event as hindrance to progress (because of traffic and rerouting) and of their description of the devotee as fanatic yet lazy kind of person if not dismissing their devotion altogether as mere seeking miracles than an act of faith as any other Christians, and even few from the Catholics whose description of that said event as reminiscent of a football match with all its shouts (according to one missionary who failed to understand Filipino Catholicism) if not having the occasion not celebrated in Good Friday (perhaps that Catholic failed to notice that Quiapo's Nazarene procession are also celebrated on the opening year of the "panata" and at Good Friday".)

But then, despite these criticisms (including those from fellow Catholics), the devotee's faith prevailed thinking that theirs "can move mountains" the way they are trying to reach the state just to touch or wipe it with cloth; if not seeing how these devotees showed the same expression of the Nazarene himself: bearing the challenges of an inconvenient reality and the desire to bring mercy to the once sinned if not to fulfill the hopes of many.
To cite the rector Monsignor of Quiapo, Jose Clemente Ignacio, the procession and devotion is not idolatry, rather it is a reflection of "Filipino trait to want to wipe, touch, kiss, or embrace sacred objects if possible", and it is just a belief in "the presence of the Divine in sacred objects and places".

Furthermore, according to Professor Gerardo Lanuza, he stated that:

"The Black Nazarene is both an icon and idol. It can be a mirror-symbol to project one's wishful thinking, or an icon that reveals the reality greater than one's personal interests. Critics cannot therefore dismiss this devotion as pure idolatry. It is to confuse the symbol for the Reality it is supposed to reveal. It is this Reality that is contested: is God a suffering masochistic God or a rebel fighter?"

Obviously, quite easier for critics to just call the occasion itself an idolatrous act. But Lanuza, who was a former Seminarian, expressed that through the Black Nazarene it reflected the realities of man as a suffering being, and devotees, with its desire to be "pardoned" if not to be "healed" or to bring "luck" has to take the challenge, of bearing pain with faith in reaching that is, sacred.

Sadly, there are those who are appearing to be spiritual yet its character happened to be immoral as lumpens are also around the district such as thieves trying to make victims out of devotees in the thoroughfares of Quiapo according to such isolated cases.

Anyway, with all these observations, of expressions, of shouting, fanaticism, and the like, this person shared the same view as Lanuza's in how the icon showed the reality that is suffering and one's desire for change, for the Black Nazarene reminds everyone that in loving also comes suffering. But that suffering is not "masochism" as others may interpret in observing, for the fact that "there is always pain when in love" for it is the consequence of allowing one's self to take the suffering of the other. That in loving, one has to endure the pains that accompany the other's growth, welfare, and well-being, and in carrying the Cross and enduring the pain as Christ did in his passion lies the most loving gesture of a God that is infinitely loving. "Take the Cross, and follow me", as what Christ said.

Hence, can we not interpret the "traslacion" from Luneta to Quiapo Church from Sunrise to Sundown, from early morning to midnight, as a collective rehearsal of 5 to 8 million people all for the revolution to come? These people took long time to engage in that event, all brought out of love, that nonetheless resulting to be a fusion of enthusiasm, devotion, patience, perseverance, and endurance these devotees ever done; also to think that most of these devotees comes from the poor, the downtrodden, the suffering, those who desire for a good life with the lord; or from the simplest thoughts from theirs: seeking miracles and luck and paying it back with thanks.

And these observations and traits these devotees have in that event are also Revolutionary virtues a collective uprising demands. Come to think of this: what keeps this people going and persevering? 

Hope. Besides Faith and Love.

"Painted out of those useless receipts"

"Painted out of those useless receipts and scratch papers"

Its been few months back when this person made these artworks.

Brought about by having lack of money to buy a canvas yet having tubes of paint, this person sought some scratch papers and had it painted over first by a white acrylic paint, left it dry, then followed by others all according to his desires.

Quite strange at first to create out of those useless pieces of paper since most people rather had it thrown away as any other rubbish; but this person, like others who engage in a creative activity, felt that an imaginative urge compels him to vent on what is meant in a pricey canvas to those of scratch papers, and one of which was rather given from a shopkeeper after buying a stuff such as instant noodles.

And like those from his sketches, this person took time to paint it over such as those inspired by San Sebastian, Rockwell, Robina, and Jägermeister; to those of Molotov whose flames becoming fists and of birds.

Or rusticated ones that reflects a rooted, folksy life if not a setting where modenity is rather least touched with all the trees, mountains, and waters flowing undisturbed.

Invoking something even in "trash"

Most of these works, even painted in a mere scratch of paper is an attempt to merge the antiquated and of the contemporary, of antiquated thoughts painted in contemporary pieces of those rather meant to be thrown out for being a rubbish.

Perhaps because this person read some interesting books and and at times imparts what he observed in a canvas be it brought from an art store or just got from its drawer as a once lowly scratch paper;  and in it there he also shared his belief just like his writeups, that making visual art is also a part of making a world a "better place" if not a reaction of what he sought as "junk", "trash", or "shit". 

However, people be like seeing it weird especially in showing places like factories, of old churches, anything historical merged with scifi or whatsoever; who cares anyway? But the thought of seeing a deviant future is a reaction from the reality that seemed less idealistic and more hedonistic.

And in it also been imparted in those supposed rubbish, all given coats of paint be it black, white, grey, even red and blue.

Again, featuring the Schwarze Sonne

What more of featuring the Schwarze Sonne in some artworks as it invokes mysticism of not invoking the strongest and most visible expression of god, with its rays casting its light from its darkness. However, that symbol that shones within that dark, ambient, concrete setting has been synonymous to Germanic Neopaganism to those of Neo-Nazis spewing some pagan symbolism as if theirs.

Yet to cite Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke about the Schwarze Sonne, he explained that: 

"this twelve-spoke sun wheel derives from decorative disks of the Merovingians of the early medieval period and are supposed to represent the visible sun or its passage through the months of the year."

And if to believe Goodrick-Clarke's assumption, perhaps it is an attempt to de-Nazify whilst keeping the neopaganic if not Germanic, Frankish heritage of that sign signifying as the sun or god as the ever-growing power itself. Shining even at a third world setting such as Manila; be it twelve or eight rays. 

Conclusion

One may describe those works as fantasies, most likely deluded ones as it showed far from the usual be it as mystic-controversial as the black sun, as unusal as the factory with its chimneys, or as enduring as the steeled San Sebastian Church which was a showcase of both reinforced steel from the "present" and of Gothic Architecture from the "past".

Perhaps because these were done as a response from the current trends he had observed such as crass commercialism that even affects art itself and how it been conveyed. Or for reality's sake that that in a young age he chose something that is deviant from what he surrounds him.

Isn't it because his surroundings, with all its indifferences, hath alienate, misinterpret, or even fooled him? As they all enjoyed their music, the one whom they misinterpret or even fooled about took a different path the way he painted something few opted to put their heart on.

This person continues to do it, even in its controversial themes thinking that some are worth pleasing both into the eyes and to the mind, if not invoking something that is beyond their imagination such as a reaction from anything that's full of illusions.

Anyway, pardon for the camera shots.