Author Topic: The Philippines: 51st State of the United States of America? (Read 83178 times)

TOPAC · « **Reply #320 on:** September 16, 2009, 01:10:20 PM »

Wow Calle bilib ko sa imong tim-os nga paghigugma sa atong nasud nga Pilipinhon. Kato bitaw nag usob ko sa akong citizenship murag dihay guilt jud sa akong dughan adto nakahunahuna ko sa sulti ni Jose Rizal nga Ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika ba to or sa bayan ay higit pa sa malansang isda.
Ang Filipino bisan pa kapila magpachange sa citizenship filipino lang gihapon bisan pag balibalihon.

bitaw rac, na ko auntie sa florida. she's been in the US for more than 20 years. wa jud magpachange ug citizenship. bisan american ia hubby.

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TOPAC · « **Reply #321 on:** September 16, 2009, 01:15:53 PM »

he he he, mr. Calle, you were willing to take the American rights and reservations, tho, in your prior posts in this thread. he he he

But nonetheless, I respect and honor your opinion. I agree to disagree.

Ay, ba, do i have a choice of remaining filipino without the "-american" attached to it if the Phils does become a state of USA?

im not sure if i wrote it right, dong, but i think i made it clear that i will assume american privileges only in case the phils becomes an american state. but i don't dream about it. i abhor it... hehehe

check it out, bro.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #322 on:** September 16, 2009, 01:16:10 PM »

Mr. Calle, in the United States, those who are Filipino citizens by birth can apply for dual citizenship.
Your Tita is patriotic in keeping the Philippine Passport, but just from personal experience, it is fortuitous to have an American passport when travelling abroad.

When I took a tour around Europe in '06, had no trouble around the airports in Madrid, and Amsterdam (where we touched down) and back to the 'states for the return flight. But for my friends who still kept their Indian and Pakistani passports, had immigration trouble in Amsterdam as well as in the return flight to the 'states.

The United States is open to dual citizenship; the Philippines recognizes that as well.

Cheers

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #323 on:** September 16, 2009, 01:27:56 PM »

i voted no. but if ever we do become america's 51st state, do i have a choice of not getting an american citizenship without being stripped of my filipino-hood?

just asking! cause if there is, then id be more than glad to be an american citizen, hahaha.

Mr. Calle, in this comment, you said that you would be willing to embrace American citizenship without loosing the Filipino hood, which is in contradiction to your afformentioned statement 2-posts ago. he he he

My point: Being American does not mean one looses his or her racial, ethnic, religious identity.

The United States is a multi-ethnic, multi-faceted, multi-religious Nation.

We belong to the world. A nation, a super power, composed and populated by immigrants. The immigrant persona is integral to fabric in the web that is: AMERICAN, AMERICA.

per se, I am American, but I also retain and hold on to my cultural and ethnic values as a Boholano-born American.
Are we, foreign-born Americans any less than the natural born Americans? Of course not! We are as equally American as the average Joe Shmoe.

Do I love America? You bet!

That's what it means to be American. "WE"

as in, "We the People.." (reference to the bill of rights of the constution of these great United States).

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glacier_71 · « **Reply #324 on:** September 16, 2009, 11:29:43 PM »

if everybody would have loved to be USAmericans, i think Canadians would be the first to be. or the Brazilians or Mexicans. but no.

there's something about being a nation of its own. identity.

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jamo2x · « **Reply #325 on:** September 16, 2009, 11:54:02 PM »

bitaw rac, na ko auntie sa florida. she's been in the US for more than 20 years. wa jud magpachange ug citizenship. bisan american ia hubby.

it depends on her status now; if she is a green card (GC) holder, and it's over 10 years, she might have lapsed her option to become a citizen. this means she can be deported since her GC status is expired.

i know some pinoys who did not change their status from GC to citizen and now they are back in the Phils and they are even having problems getting a mere tourist visa. i personally know one who regretted not getting the citizenship.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #326 on:** September 17, 2009, 05:59:27 AM »

if everybody would have loved to be USAmericans, i think Canadians would be the first to be. or the Brazilians or Mexicans. but no.

there's something about being a nation of its own. identity.

Glacier, thats true, and I honor that sentimentality.

Just fyi btw, the United States and the Dominion of Canada have a strategic alliance that illustrates our common interest. So much, friend, that Canada and The United States have the world's longest unprotected border. The United States has a defense treaty with DOC that warrants the United States Navy, Air Force and Army/National Guard to secure Canadian territory and protect it from threats abroad. American Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard, in specific, work closely with one another especially in our shared northern territories. America's vast Alaskan frontier and Canada's expansive North West Territories and British Columbia.

Cheers!

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #327 on:** September 17, 2009, 06:08:04 AM »

The Mexicans want to be American, over 200,000 illegal immigrants cross the border annually (estimates).
Ever heard of the Monroe Doctrine?

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glacier_71 · « **Reply #328 on:** September 17, 2009, 08:28:17 AM »

Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine was a United States policy that was introduced on December 2, 1823, which said that further efforts by European governments to colonize land or interfere with states in the Americas would be viewed by the United States of America as acts of aggression requiring US intervention.[1] The Monroe Doctrine asserted that the Western Hemisphere was not to be further colonized by European countries, and that the United States would not interfere with existing European colonies nor in the internal concerns of European countries. The Doctrine was issued at the time when many Latin American countries were on the verge of becoming independent from Spain, and the United States, reflecting concerns echoed by Great Britain, hoped to avoid having any European power take Spain's colonies.[2]

US President James Monroe first stated the doctrine during his seventh annual State of the Union Address to Congress. It became a defining moment in the foreign policy of the United States and one of its longest-standing tenets, invoked by U.S. presidents, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, John F. Kennedy, and others.

The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (added during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt) was invoked to intervene militarily in Latin America to stop the spread of European influence[3].

It would have been nearly impossible for Monroe to envision that its intent and impact would persist with minor variations for almost two centuries. Its primary objective was to free the newly independent colonies of Latin America from European intervention and control. The doctrine advocated that the New World and the Old World were to remain distinctly separate spheres of influence, for they were comprised of entirely separate and independent nations.[4]

President Monroe claimed the United States of America, although only a fledgling nation at the time, would not interfere in European wars or internal dealings, and in turn, expected Europe to stay out of the affairs of the New World. The Western Hemisphere was never to be colonized again and any attempt by a European power to oppress or control any nation in the Western Hemisphere would be perceived as a direct threat to the U.S.[5]. This quid pro quo was presumptuous on its face, yet has stood the test of time.

The formalized document known as the Monroe Doctrine essentially served to inform the powers of the Old World that the Americas were no longer open to European colonization, and that any effort to extend European political influence into the New World would be considered by the United States "as dangerous to our peace and safety." Basically, the doctrine warned the European powers â€œto leave America for the Americans.â€ It also created a sphere of influence that would grow stronger with the addition of the Roosevelt Corollary.

Because the U.S. lacked both a credible navy and army at the time, the doctrine was largely disregarded internationally.[4] However, the Doctrine met with tacit British approval, and the Royal Navy mostly enforced it tacitly, as part of the wider Pax Britannica, which enforced the neutrality of the seas.

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #329 on:** September 17, 2009, 09:54:06 AM »

Ang buot ipasabot sa Monroe Doctrine: ang US of A ray mopahimulos sa Americas kay gani ang tibuok kalibotan kuwang ra sa kahangol ug kalaog ni Uncle Sam.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #330 on:** September 17, 2009, 11:15:07 AM »

The Monroe Doctrine was essential in the preservation of Independence for Latin American countries, which declared their independence from Spain during the Peninsular Wars. Coincidentally, the British Empire enforced the doctrine as a measure to preserve the status quo and the maintenance of British Naval Sea Power.

In doing so, the United States enforced Manifest Destiny and the policy would influence the strategic interests / national security concerns of the United States in regards to Latin-South America.

The 1960's Cuban-Missile Crisis was the 20th century's maintenance of the Monroe Doctrine.

The 1982 Falkland War was an extension of Monroe Doctrine, in the preservation of status quo, namely the protection of British territorial rights from the Argentine invasion, the latter falling to British military power, with American strategic initiative, of course.

North, Central, South American belong to the greater sphere of American Hegemony.

Its waters are patrolled by the United States Navy. For the preservation of regional stability.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #331 on:** September 17, 2009, 11:18:51 AM »

The United States' answer to the European Union is NAFTA.
North Americna Free Trade Agreement.

It is basically the proposal to making a greater North American community; the union of The United States, Dominion of Canada and the Federal States of Mexico.

Economic, regional, and political interests will be shared.

The concept is subject to intense debate in the United States, imho, it is an inevetible destiny. The United States will eventually gain federal and political control in these said regions. It already dominates it, financially, as well as militarily.

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TOPAC · « **Reply #332 on:** September 17, 2009, 11:19:38 AM »

Are we, foreign-born Americans any less than the natural born Americans? Of course not! We are as equally American as the average Joe Shmoe.

yes, you are. you cannot sit in the oval office.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #333 on:** September 17, 2009, 11:22:56 AM »

Addendum: A Unified North American Continent will provide greater control, of resources, but also pool the markets of the said regions. The eventual integration of Central America, and possible countries of South America, is a distinct possibility in the future.

A North American Union, so to say. One in which will have no military, or economic equal.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #334 on:** September 17, 2009, 11:24:53 AM »

yes, you are. you cannot be sit in the oval office.

That may be so, but our children can.

Barak Obama, whose father was Kenyan, and whose mother an American, currently sits in the Oval Office .

In the words of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, "The Dream Lives On."

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #335 on:** September 17, 2009, 11:27:21 AM »

We may not be able to become President, Mr. Calle, but we can become Governors.

Arnold S, is currently the governor of California, who was Austrian-born.

The former Governor of Hawaii, Cayetano, is Filipino-American.

---

Gov. Benjamin Cayetano of Hawaii and his wife.
Filipino-American.

Former Governor of the Great State of Hawaii.

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TOPAC · « **Reply #336 on:** September 17, 2009, 12:26:23 PM »

We may not be able to become President, Mr. Calle, but we can become Governors.

Arnold S, is currently the governor of California, who was Austrian-born.

The former Governor of Hawaii, Cayetano, is Filipino-American.

---

Gov. Benjamin Cayetano of Hawaii and his wife.
Filipino-American.

Former Governor of the Great State of Hawaii.

i said "you cannot sit in the oval office." not state capitol of whatever state.

and i know governors arnold and cayetano, you don't have to tell me/us.

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glacier_71 · « **Reply #337 on:** September 17, 2009, 12:27:17 PM »

America will soon realize it has nothing more than its ambitions and flawed international policies.
European Union has more robust economy. And Latin Americans will surely not allow themselves to be bullied by their Neighbor up north.

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TOPAC · « **Reply #338 on:** September 17, 2009, 12:31:35 PM »

America will soon realize it has nothing more than its ambitions and flawed international policies.
European Union has more robust economy. And Latin Americans will surely not allow themselves to be bullied by their Neighbor up north.

agree. and i would like to add china in your list, glace.

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chicogon · « **Reply #339 on:** September 17, 2009, 01:34:58 PM »

Ngana jud na basta datu o daghag kwarta kay managko ang buna ug agtang, mahimong don miguel hahaha. Daghan pod na sa ato, lisod na kab-oton sukad nisikat ug nadato. Unya the world revolves around them. Unya daghan pod manga hawod! Ingna ko di na tinuod beh?

Dili na problema sa usa ka nasud, problema na sa tawo... nature of the beast, ika nga.

I remember the poster, usa ka unggoy, with the caption: "It's hard to be humble when you're great as I am." Moral not of the saying but of the image: great lagi unta pero unggoy lang ghepaon!!!

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chicogon · « **Reply #340 on:** September 17, 2009, 01:43:46 PM »

Sa tinuod lang daghan ko nakaila sa America nga tinuoray nga mga datu - one of them makes 32 million a year - a ship magnate - daghan taga Bohol nga seaman nag trabaho sa iya company - pero they are (really are) modest and humble kaysa daghan pang mga nagpaka aron ingnon nga dato sa atua. Our Bohol seamen can attest to this. Di ilhang datu, adto kaon sa ilang kusina sa barko ug kusog kaau makig ingon-ingon.

Pero sa atoa, when given the opportunity - ug ato ning gisaway nga way hunong diri sa TB - mao sad nay mahitabo kanato ug sa atong mga katawhan nga makatung-tong sa mga importanteng posisyon: feeling important pod morag mao hahaha. Di na makab-ot ug di na managad gawas ug paryente ka o barkada.

Maajo rapong pobre ta kay lisod na... maru naman gani ta nga pobre pa. Samot nag mga datu ta ug ma gamhanan... di na ta magtagad aning TB bwahahaha! Tua na ta ga lulinghayaw sa lain-laing lugar. Au ning way lingaw kay naa ta ani mag tapok ug mag lalis-lais gamay! Pakitang gilas!!!~

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hubag bohol · « **Reply #341 on:** September 17, 2009, 09:06:32 PM »

If NAFTA is America's answer to the European Union, for God's sake it's the right answer to the wrong question. NAFTA is a mere trade bloc. (As to what the European Union is, one should read up on this.) For one, NAFTA doesn't even have a decent policy on the issue of movement of persons. Its rules of origin are vague and misleading. The three countries involved have no historical unity whatsoever, and the obvious beneficiary to a majority vote (2 out of 3) is the US of A.

International economics, anyone?

P.S. History and histology are two different subjects, by the way.

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Raquelproud boholana · « **Reply #342 on:** September 18, 2009, 12:16:13 AM »

The United States is open to dual citizenship; the Philippines recognizes that as well.

This is not for all Lorenzo. If you are Filipino born in Philippines then you give up your filipino citizenship for american citizenship you can't be dual. You got to give up one or else you lose your u.s citizenship but if you are filipino born in america you can apply for dual citizenship.
Attention sa mga parents nga naay anak nga natawo diri sa U.S Tanan baya nag assume nga abi kay filipino ka maauthomatic ug ka dual citizen inyong anak.NO !dapat ug nagwish mo magpadual sa mga anak dapat mo sumbit mo ug mga paperworks sa Philippines Consulate near you.

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jamo2x · « **Reply #343 on:** September 18, 2009, 12:50:33 AM »

If you are Filipino born in Philippines then you give up your filipino citizenship for american citizenship you can't be dual.

Raqz, pwede na ni ron dri sa US mag dual citizen, cguro more than 2 years na implement ni, approved by Arroyo admin. In reality kinahanglan nato ni para pwde mag vote (for pinoy election) and own properties. ako gani wa man pud ko nag pa dual pah pero daghn na man ko properties sa atoh

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chicogon · « **Reply #344 on:** September 18, 2009, 12:52:29 AM »

Raqz, pwede na ni ron dri sa US mag dual citizen, cguro more than 2 years na implement ni, approved by Arroyo admin. In reality kinahanglan nato ni para pwde mag vote (for pinoy election) and own properties. ako gani wa man pud ko nag pa dual pah pero daghn na man ko properties sa atoh

Ajaw lang dagan politika aron di ma question ang citizenship ug posible pod, owning properties hehehe

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jamo2x · « **Reply #345 on:** September 18, 2009, 12:58:47 AM »

Ajaw lang dagan politika aron di ma question ang citizenship ug posible pod, owning properties hehehe

korek ka padz, basi ma parehas ta ni mikey arroyo wa na declare ija property sa CA hehehe...no politiks para way labad

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chicogon · « **Reply #346 on:** September 18, 2009, 01:02:17 AM »

korek ka padz, basi ma parehas ta ni mikey arroyo wa na declare ija property sa CA hehehe...no politiks para way labad

JJ,

Ikaw ba tig pada nako ug links sa MickyGatal Connect? Kung ikaw, salamat kaayo... sige man pod ko lili didto but not join in the discussion kay wan ko mo register didto. Ari sa lang kay arang daghana baja pod dering thread hehehe...

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jamo2x · « **Reply #347 on:** September 18, 2009, 01:09:14 AM »

JJ,

Ikaw ba tig pada nako ug links sa MickyGatal Connect? Kung ikaw, salamat kaayo... sige man pod ko lili didto but not join in the discussion kay wan ko mo register didto. Ari sa lang kay arang daghana baja pod dering thread hehehe...

aw dili na ako padz, di ko hilig mag send/forward og general news/info hehe. admin cguro didto si mikey.
bisan gani dri sa TB naay mga PM nga mga general news/info, dili na dapat send sa atong mga PMs. IMHO lng

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Raquelproud boholana · « **Reply #348 on:** September 18, 2009, 01:40:07 AM »

It's amazing how the arrogance of America filters down to the bottom of the cesspool.

Lawma pud ka ug eninglish Toy oi kabuang man pud tag google ug meaning aning cesspool. Bitaw kasagaran merican both natural born ug di natural born medyo perting pagkabrainwash kay ngano you don't dare questioning Our Greatness ang most attitudes. False Patriotism na hapit. Some people are confused about true patriotism.They assume that worshipping the government is the same thing as loving the country. True patriotism is wanting what best for the people and the country contrast to the government wanting power and money.

I am proud being Filipino and thankful being an american.Daghan pinoy ing pili nga ma american dili tungod kay gisalikway na namo ang nasud nga pilipinhon kono dili aron sayon ra unya ang paglawig (travel) mostly pasayon lang ang rason jud ba.Aron sayon mobyahe bisan asa,aron makaangkon sa mga maayohon diri ug uban pa. Di nako pasobrahan akong pagkapatriotic diri kay basin kagon ta ni Jose Rizal ug ni Andress Bonifacio ug sa tanang bayani labi na jud ni Lolo Dagohoy maoy gidangat hahhaha.

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glacier_71 · « **Reply #349 on:** September 18, 2009, 02:27:24 AM »

Addendum: A Unified North American Continent will provide greater control, of resources, but also pool the markets of the said regions. The eventual integration of Central America, and possible countries of South America, is a distinct possibility in the future.

A North American Union, so to say. One in which will have no military, or economic equal.

the US is only tough for a country with nothing but subservient government. with countries as tough as Russia and China, and even Iran, what it could do is to soften its stance through diplomacy and compromise. now, with its wobbling economy, i wonder, if the US can have any better idea to exert its power as you might believe they've envisioned, to form an alliance in this region. countries Venezuela won't put any step forward into the circle. an awakening is born, revealing the picture that you don't have to be part of America to get America. a growing subtle force is beginning to emerge to challenge the American Spirit. that's why many are scared if Obama's policy will see its light for it will make the US never the same force, which it should not have been, long ago. i realize i am one those who think this country is the best country; now i see, i have to pay my ignorance.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #350 on:** September 19, 2009, 12:20:43 AM »

This is not for all Lorenzo. If you are Filipino born in Philippines then you give up your filipino citizenship for american citizenship you can't be dual. You got to give up one or else you lose your u.s citizenship but if you are filipino born in america you can apply for dual citizenship.
Attention sa mga parents nga naay anak nga natawo diri sa U.S Tanan baya nag assume nga abi kay filipino ka maauthomatic ug ka dual citizen inyong anak.NO !dapat ug nagwish mo magpadual sa mga anak dapat mo sumbit mo ug mga paperworks sa Philippines Consulate near you.

You are right, Raquel, and I stand corrected. In order to apply for dual citizenship, if a Filipino-American is born in the US, one has to apply for Philippine Citizenship via the Philippine Consulates in New York or the one in California or directly to the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C.

The option is there.

Cheers.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #351 on:** September 19, 2009, 12:21:50 AM »

America will soon realize it has nothing more than its ambitions and flawed international policies.
European Union has more robust economy. And Latin Americans will surely not allow themselves to be bullied by their Neighbor up north.

On the contrary, Glacier, the United States has contributed greatly to the financial institutions in the world economy and has provided billions of dollars/income to investing developing countries.

Let us not be one sided.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #352 on:** September 19, 2009, 02:19:06 AM »

This is not for all Lorenzo. If you are Filipino born in Philippines then you give up your filipino citizenship for american citizenship you can't be dual. You got to give up one or else you lose your u.s citizenship but if you are filipino born in america you can apply for dual citizenship.
Attention sa mga parents nga naay anak nga natawo diri sa U.S Tanan baya nag assume nga abi kay filipino ka maauthomatic ug ka dual citizen inyong anak.NO !dapat ug nagwish mo magpadual sa mga anak dapat mo sumbit mo ug mga paperworks sa Philippines Consulate near you.

Ate Raquel,

You are accurate in that Filipinos who become American Citizens have the option of forgoing their Philippine Citizenship upon their acquisition of the American Citizenship after the Oath Taking Ceremonies, but there are venues for re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship.

Citizenship Retention and Re-Acquisition Act of 2003 (Republic Act No. 9225), in particular, was implemented by the Republic of the Philippines to allow Filipino-Americans (foreign born or natural born Americans) to acquire Philippine Citizenship.

Dual citizenship of both nations is recognized by both parties; namely: The United States of America and the Republic of the Philippines.

Cheers, and God Bless!

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #353 on:** September 19, 2009, 02:26:30 AM »

the US is only tough for a country with nothing but subservient government. with countries as tough as Russia and China, and even Iran, what it could do is to soften its stance through diplomacy and compromise. now, with its wobbling economy, i wonder, if the US can have any better idea to exert its power as you might believe they've envisioned, to form an alliance in this region. countries Venezuela won't put any step forward into the circle. an awakening is born, revealing the picture that you don't have to be part of America to get America. a growing subtle force is beginning to emerge to challenge the American Spirit. that's why many are scared if Obama's policy will see its light for it will make the US never the same force, which it should not have been, long ago. i realize i am one those who think this country is the best country; now i see, i have to pay my ignorance.

The United States Government is Constitutional Democracy.
Our elected officials are but the extension of the People.

Our officials, senators, congressmen, governors, Presidents, and all elected public officials are nothing but American Citizens, chosen from amongst the people; by the People; to be the Voice of the People.

It is in the best interest of the United States Government to comply and to represent the best interests of the people and the constituents; else the elected officials that were elected on behalf of the people will be replaced, accordingly.

Its the beauty of American Politics. It relegates our revolutionary spirit. It guarantees that no power or family stays in power for too long. The spirit of revolutionary democracy still exists in these great United States.

---

It is moot to compare the United States to China or Russia. The latter two are authoritarian in form; Russia was once an autocratic Soviet Socialist state that collapsed utterly in the late 1980s and early 1990s; and China is a authoritarian capitalist state that holds on to a communist style of government. A living and breathing hypocrisy. Since the core tenents of Lenininst Communism and Mao Zhedong's vision of the 'Great Society' completely and utterly abhorred capitalists and capitalism as the root of social class mobilization and the creation of the Oligarchic Echelon. China, at the moment, is a voracious capitalist state, that has abandoned the very core ideals and footing of its existence as a nation.

No comparison. The latter two have horrendous human rights violations. The former, is the leading power of the developed world. We even closed Guantananmo and publicized our military interrogation files to the world community.

Has China and Russia and other 'enlightened' authoritarian powers dared to do something like that?
Nay, my friend, nay. And they shall never.

It is too 'American' for them.

God Bless America,
Land of The Free.
Stand be side her,
and Guid Her.

From the mountains,
to the prairies,
to to oceans, like the stars~

God Bless America,
Our Home...sweet Home.

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glacier_71 · « **Reply #354 on:** September 19, 2009, 03:39:38 AM »

On the contrary, Glacier, the United States has contributed greatly to the financial institutions in the world economy and has provided billions of dollars/income to investing developing countries.

Let us not be one sided.

everybody knows, enzo, that the US doesn't give this "help" for nothing. whether for stability of an economy or the destabilization of a government, if they think they can have something in return. it's about control, who's the Boss. and that what pukes me when i hear all these USAIDS in form of investments. one must see all what these investments do to these poor countries and to their resources. and i'm not saying it's just the US, even Canada is guilty of this.

It is moot to compare the United States to China or Russia. The latter two are authoritarian in form; Russia was once an autocratic Soviet Socialist state that collapsed utterly in the late 1980s and early 1990s; and China is a authoritarian capitalist state that holds on to a communist style of government. A living and breathing hypocrisy. Since the core tenents of Lenininst Communism and Mao Zhedong's vision of the 'Great Society' completely and utterly abhorred capitalists and capitalism as the root of social class mobilization and the creation of the Oligarchic Echelon. China, at the moment, is a voracious capitalist state, that has abandoned the very core ideals and footing of its existence as a nation.

No comparison. The latter two have horrendous human rights violations. The former, is the leading power of the developed world. We even closed Guantananmo and publicized our military interrogation files to the world community.

first, yes, no comparison in some ways. (and i dont remember comparing them with the states, by the way.) but they don't have to be like the States to be able to stand their political agenda and protect national sovereignty. these countries know, more than we do, how the US play global politics. time has come that these countries have to step up and play their role in maintaining world stability thru peaceful means, not by war against a country mistakenly possessing WMD.

by the way, closing Guantanamo, we know, is more of a political show than a "mea culpa" move from the US. do you think it will ever stop their "waterboarding" style of interrogations and other who-knows-what torture techniques in the future? nah! again, it's too American. Playing "good boy" of the world. they are not in principle really closing that "facility", they are just moving it.

finally, what a kind example this is from Uncle Sam for lambasting those countries about their unacceptable Human Rights Violation record, yet, he himself has for a long time been torturing people? not nice, isn't it?

cheers!

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #355 on:** September 19, 2009, 07:18:04 AM »

Dear Glacier,

We leave these responsibilities for government to make decisions on behalf of the people, as we elected them, expecting them to make the right decisions for the best interest of the constituents whom raised them to the pedestal of elected public official.

No government will be free of flaw, inherently, we are human, and even the 'working' governmental forms are deficient in some ways.

Nonetheless, the United States' transparency in Guantanamo and response to public opinion in closing the prisons and to inspect and try those involved is testament to the stability and purpose driven form of government that is set in place.

No other nation in the European Union, The Russian Federation, and definiately not countries like the PCR, India or The Islamic Republic of Iran would even dream of doing such a thing.

America did. Cheers.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #356 on:** September 19, 2009, 07:24:28 AM »

In the end, my friend, you and I and many freedom-loving Americans, Canadians, Filipinos, pro-western societies can express our points of view without being tried, executed. There is no such thing in China. China reserves the right to turn of the internet and public domain sites; and continues to imprison liberal pro-western intellectuals.

China and Russia continue to be in top list of nations in Human Rights Violations.

And btw, just to infer, it was the united States and the allied countries that tried the actions of Germans (Nazi) after the second world war, even after the former Nazi Party tried to destroy facts, intel on their death camps and the liquidation of over 20 million people (Jews, Slavs, Gays/Homosexuals, Gypsies)

The same for Imperial Japan. It was the Allied Judicial Board, namely headed by the United States, that tried and dispensed justice to Japanese citizens that were responsible for the ethnic genocides in Korea and Nanking, China, and on the military officials.

Liberty. and Democracy. America was so critical to its preservation when those who threatened it were unchallenged.

Many Canadians and American boys died honorably for the defense of those precious rights.
To which you and I baske in. he he

God Bless!
Cheers!

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glacier_71 · « **Reply #357 on:** September 20, 2009, 12:07:50 AM »

those were the days, enz, when Uncle Sam was regarded with honor and lots of respect. talk about nostalgia.

Guantanamo is just a tip of an iceberg of this horrendous issue your country has got into. what happens to the guardian of the so called free-world is ugly. now, who's guarding the guardian?

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #358 on:** September 20, 2009, 10:15:48 AM »

No nation is free of issues, Glacier. Even the United States cannot escape some mistakes.

The topic of the matter is the discussion of provisions of the United States and membership of the Philippines.
I will facilitate further deeper discussion the subject matter by redirecting the flow of discussion back to the subject matter.

Let us examine the laws passed in the early 20th century that offered the pathway into national inclusion / or the pathway for independence.

Lets get back to the subject.

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Lorenzo · « **Reply #359 on:** September 20, 2009, 10:19:37 AM »

Lets look into the following:

1. The Taft Commission
2. Jones Act
3. Tydings-McDuffie Act

A secondary point of interest would be our future discussion into the points of view of the American pro-inclusion pact and the American Anti-Imperialist League.

Sige, let us discuss.

Responses should be related to the subject matter.
Personal remarks will be removed.

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