CNN iReporter marioradical

To do or not to do: A discourse on the naked truth, the Freedom of Expression and Individuality
I refer to the letter of Angeline Lesslar, “Young sex bloggers a sign of societal breakdown”, Malaysiakini, October 25th.
Indeed, “our young adults are once again creating headlines through their actions and exhibiting the values they uphold.” The initial question here is: so what is the problem?
The latest burning issue that is being face by our society concerns the recent posting of sexual encounters by a Malaysian law student on his blog.
I concur with the unorthodox views expressed by one on-line commentator, thus:
“I honestly don't see what the problem is. It's their own free will, their body. We have the choice of whether or not we want to read and watch what they put up on their blogs. No one is arm-twisting anyone here to read their blogs or interviews. If they're not blogging about having sex with animals or minors or little kids, I fail to see what the problem is. They're not harming anyone, except their own reputation in the future. Have they done anything to you? No? So, why the pearl-clutching?”
The fact that there is a mutual consent by the couples; I cannot see any issue that offends anybody.
Ms. Lessnar, said that:
“While the Internet provides the freedom to express oneself, one must exercise this gift responsibly.
“We must use our conscience and think before we indulge in our fantasies. Will our actions contribute positively or negatively to the morality of society as a whole?”
I cannot understand what she meant by exercising one’s right or gift responsibly! The said couple did not make love in the public; they posted their sexual escapades in their own blog. So, where is the point to protest and to contest? You are offended by the said blog? Then, deblog it, delist it, block it and to me that’s it! Finish! Subject closed! Why this brouhaha? Why this animosity and noises? What is the fuss all about?
Is the author implying that I cannot express or speak or act on my own sexuality and fantasy and physical discretion in my own blog?
I certainly believe that it is a grave form of coercion and indeed, a violation of my right to privacy and an intrusion to my own personality and cherished individuality!
She and the others may argue that: But, Sir, how about the effects of their acts to society in general? Yes, they have a right to do what they wish to do, but how about the interest of the public?
Reply:
I overwhelmingly agree to the categorical contention of Mr.Anonymous #58437020 (an on-line commentator from the Malaysiakini):
“Every day we hear of stories in the media or pregnant students and low income women getting pregnant and killing their own babies. Are Malaysians being too prudish when we know that some rich Malay man take four wives, rich Chinese and Indian men keep mistresses and here we try and tell young members of society not to have sex, and that sex is dirty. Sex is a private matter and we encourage sex amongst married members and try and promote marriage as an important social institution. However, Malaysia's progress in modern society has also created many hypocrites who are quick to pass judgment. I don't condone what these two students do, but I would urge all Malaysians especially the Malay society to think how we can actually help the young single mums.”
Same as Mr. Anonymous, I also do not condone what these two students do, yet as we are a democratic government governed by republican ideals; their acts no matter how ridiculous, absurd, preposterous, malicious, dirty, disgusting, detestable, offensive, etc. to our senses, beliefs and values --- nonetheless is protected by the Constitutional provision of the Freedom of Expression.
Believe it or not, the Freedom of Expression does not only give a citizen the right to speak his or her mind, but also the right and the discretion to humiliate himself or herself before the very eyes of the public as a whole.
Clearly, Ms. Lessnar recognizes the peoples' sovereignty, albeit in a guarded fashion. The right of expression pursuant to Article 10(1) (a) is manifest sovereignty for every citizen. The couple, though some may consider them as immoral and deviants are citizens of this country. If the right of expression means anything minus the exceptions, exclusions, excuses, and exemptions, then, what the heck is wrong with regard to the acts of this unusual couple? This is a clear case of freedom of expression that that is regardless and irrespective of whether their acts of expression are dirty, disgusting, reprehensible, etc.?
The said couple expressed themselves without reservations. That is guaranteed in the supreme law of the land, unless Article 10(1) (a) is an extreme flaw entombed in the supreme law.
In the case at bar, a couple posted pictures of their sexual escapades, some of our people are offended and dismayed, yet that is the price we have to pay to protect and advance the Free Market of Ideas rule of the Fundamental Law!
I do not subscribe to the position of Ms. Lessnar that:
“This act by the couple is regressive to mankind as it places us on par with animals which do not exercise self control and shamelessly give in to their sexual urges in public.”
This is a clear case of being self-righteous.
In school, I was taught that no person or institution has the monopoly of knowledge; the same is true in the same vein that there is no such thing as moral cartel. The unpardonable and disgusting act of some of our self-righteous people condemning and blasting the couple in the media is a form of moral discrimination. It is a form of moral discrimination by virtue of the fact that it implies that they are the only morally pure people in this society and the other individuals who does not believe or conform or subscribe to their views are immoral and impure. This is logically untenable and morally impertinent.
I directly view Ms. Lessnar’s negative view as dangerous and sinister. To quote Gusnargh (another on-line commentator):
Why the proselytizing? Why the holier-than-thou attitude? The way I see it, nobody's hurt by these actions. If this is not something you approve of, just don't watch! Nobody's forcing anyone to watch.
There you go! That’s the point! Yet, in my own view the most telling and substantive problem that needs to be addressed is the issue of being self-righteous.
Who determines society’s morals?
Is it the individuals who comprises the said society or is it the state through its government that determines what is the suitable moral social codes from its people?
My firm thesis is that it is precisely man himself that should legislate and must craft his own values, morality and virtues to the complete exclusion of the state and/or the government.
We are who we are. Ethics and morality can never ever be enacted as laws and enforced as statutes that will regulate how people and the citizens will live their lives.
If that will be the case, then it would undeniably diminished man’s humanity and autonomy. That is besides the fact that it will incontestably violates man’s right as a member of the political community.

The state has no right whatsoever to pass moral laws that impliedly telling the people how the people would live their lives.
In the lucid words of Professor Kristine Korsgaard:
“We are masters of our own self-mastery, in control of our self-control. Being human is not sapping our strength, for we still know when to fight…”
No one has the right to impose their concept of morality and sense of righteousness to another. That is a clear case of moral cartel. To each it’s own! Your morality is yours; while my ethics is mine.
Yes, this and other social problems are just symptoms of a deeper problem facing our society today.
Why are we talking about this insignificant issue? In fact, for all intents and purposes this is a non-issue by virtue of the fact that this only involves the affairs of two hot young couple?
Why don’t we talk about those matters of transcendental concerns? Those issues of national and paramount importance, such as corruption (whatever happened to that bloody submarine?), the general election (when the hell would it be held?), the sorry and horrendous status and plight of our education sector (what kind of blue print is that?), the rampant cases of baby-dumping (what is the root causes of this social problem?), etc.
In the words of Platform_sinking (another on-line commentator):
“To me it is a private matter and not a big deal. There already too many moral policemen in this country trying to impose their moral standards on others. The key thing to ask, did it harm anybody. If not, just leave it. There are many bigger problems to handle in the country like rising crime rates which are more and more violent. Also, the dropping standards of education and the increasing influx of foreign labor (talents) with the related social and health issues.”
These are the pertinent and relevant matters that should concern our minds, hearts and soul; not the sexual lives of private persons.
What kind of society do we have?
Instead of concerning ourselves and dealing with the important matters, we are wasting our time and efforts, confusing our focus and unjustly deviating our attention to those matters that does not concerns us, unnecessary and utterly irrelevant. What a shame!
I agree with Ms. Lessnar is her query that:
“Has our education system helped provide the correct knowledge and shaped the minds of our young adequately about reproduction and responsible sex?”
We all knew the answer! Sad but true, but the government, up to now fail miserably to lay down a comprehensive program with regard to this undeniably important undertaking.
I also concur with her ultimate point and central question:
“As parents, we are ultimately responsible for the way our children turn out. Have we played our role to be there for them throughout their adolescence years, especially, to guide and answer the many questions they have about life in general and sex?”
Indeed, we are who we are because of our upbringing.
The question might be asked: So, Sir, how are we going to explain the acts and the conduct of the said couple under discussion?
The rule may be state unhesitatingly and indisputably that good parents produced good children and correspondingly, bad parents will gave way to irresponsible and ungrateful offspring. However, there are some instances, wherein this rule would not apply. There are many narratives and testimonies of kids and child who were abandoned, neglected and did not receive proper and correct upbringing from their parents but still remain noble and decided to be good and do good in their characters and lives. Sadly, there are also a lot of horrible and ironic stories of good parents who did everything for their kids, yet the same child turn astray and betray all the goodness, harmony and love that were given to them by their loving parents.
Henceforth, the ultimate issue here is not only the upbringing and the rearing of the child by his or her parents. Rather, this is also unquestionably a question of the individual themselves.
Hence, it is a personal discourse, in the final analysis!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega
October 29, 2012

Lecturer IV
College of Arts and Humanities
Department of Philosophy
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines

The writer has a Master’s degree in Philosophy, a law degree and a degree in AB Political Science. He was previously teaching Philosophy, Ethics and Anthropology at an institution of higher education in the Klang Valley.

China’s imperialist designs: showing its ugly head and bloody arms
I refer to the report of Reuters by Matthew Bigg “ASEAN chief voices alarm at China plan to board ships in disputed waters” last Friday, November 30th.
Said report pertains to China’s plan to “board and search ships” it deemed to have illegally enter what it considers its “legitimate” territory in the disputed South China Sea. I concur with the grim view of the Southeast Asia’s top diplomats that China’s latest unreasonable move “could spark naval clashes and hurt the region's economy”.
In an apparent attempt to ease alarm over the issue, China said it attached "great importance" to freedom of navigation in waters that have some of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
However, “new rules that take effect on January 1 will allow police in the southern Chinese province of Hainan to board and seize control of foreign ships” which "illegally enter" Chinese waters, that according to the official China Daily on Thursday.
Indeed, as the Secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Surin Pitsuwan stated: “the Chinese plan was a very serious turn of events”.
Further, Mr. Surin has warned that:
"It certainly has increased a level of concern and a level of great anxiety among all parties, particularly parties that would need the access, the passage and the freedom to go through…”
I overwhelmingly concur with Mr. Surin’s unusually strong language in depicting the said plan of China that “could trigger a major incident that would affect confidence in East Asia, a key engine of global economic growth”.
As Matthew Bigg noted:
“Several countries have overlapping sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas. It is the region's biggest potential military flashpoint.
“A summit of Asian nations this month was overshadowed by disagreements between China and the Philippines over the dispute. Tensions were fanned again by China's move to issue new passports containing a map of its maritime claims.”
Promptly, the Philippine government in response to China’s latest imperialist design immediately decided not to stamp the said passports that shows a map of its maritime claim.
This is the latest showdown between the two countries concerning the disputed territory that begun last April!
Now, let us consider in detail China’s version of “double speak”. As already stated, China said it attached "great importance" to freedom of navigation in waters that have some of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Yet, what kind of “great importance” it attaches to the “freedom of navigation” in the said disputed waters which is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world? By boarding and inspecting those foreign vessels in passing through the said lanes? Who the devil are they to declare whether a vessel is guilty of illegal entry or not? It is my considered view and so held that they are the one who are illegally entering a territory that they do not own!
They are acting as if they owned the said international waters and disputed territories! Said unreasonable act, in my view constitutes bullyism and indiscriminate flexing of its muscles as against the convention and accord agreed upon by China with the ASEAN way back in 2002.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry is engaged in a contradictory and hypocritical stance.
"All countries have freedom of navigation in the South China Sea in accordance with international law ... At present there are no problems in this regard". However, Hong added that “Beijing wanted to resolve the dispute with neighbouring countries through negotiations”.
This is good, if this is true, yet when “asked on Thursday about the police boarding plans, Hong said that management of the seas according to the law” was "a sovereign nation's legitimate right".
China is duping and fooling the world in trying so hard to portray that it respect the freedom of navigation, yet at the same time those who will pass through the said lanes will be boarded and inspected. Wow! That is how they respect international law and attach importance to negotiation and civility to the other claimants of the said territories.
Beautifully preposterous, to say the least!
I invite the attention of the world to remember how China “negotiated” its dispute with Vietnam with regard to the Paracel Islands way back in 1974. The issue was “settled” by iron and blood!
The Giant’s greediness
China claims virtually the entire South China Sea. They anchored their spurious claim based on the stupid assertion because the name of the sea is South East China Sea if follows that all of it belongs to them! That claim is the most idiotic contentions that I have ever encountered in my entire conscious life. If that is the case, then it follows that the entire ASEAN belongs to China as well, because those countries lies precisely on the said region! What a palpably absurd and idiotic reasoning!
The Philippine President Benigno Aquino said he had asked his “foreign minister to verify the plan and that, if confirmed, Manila would lodge a diplomatic note or formal protest.”
I agree with Mr. Aquino that “China's move would be difficult to implement because it runs counter to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea”.
The problem with this is that, China does not believe in international law, despite the fact that they invoke it.
Further, the Philippine President added that:
“We might accelerate and bring it before the appropriate international tribunal to finally settle the matter or at least start the process of settling it legally and concretely”.
Scott Harrison, the managing director of Pacific Strategies and the Assessment in Manila said that
"Chinese provocation by boarding foreign vessels would roil global financial markets, add to global economic uncertainty, and impact global trade that would impact China as well”.
True, but nonetheless, one of my solutions to this perennial issue is for the various claimants to unite and enforce the Code of Conduct, strengthen the ASEAN and bring this case to the appropriate international tribunal to settle once and for all the question of the legitimate owner/s of the said disputed territories and waters.
Warning
If the various claimants will not unite and made a collective, unified stance, then that would further embolden the giant to act more aggressively and unreasonably; worst, our worst fear may come true: said disputed waters may be the theater of a future bloody war.
ASEAN must wake up, stand up, unite and do the right thing, before it is too late!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Lecturer
College of Arts
Department of Philosophy
Sta. Mesa, Manila
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

China is the Trouble Maker in the South China Sea
For the nth time, the giant bully has struck once again with another provocative statement. This time, ‘a state-owned Chinese news agency has called the Philippines a “trouble maker in the region”’. Not content on that label and being true to their being a bully even ‘warned the country against losing its “credibility” if “Manila insists on playing more tricks.”’
First point: who is the true trouble maker in the region?
Second point: what’s the moral ascendancy of China to talk about credibility?
During the SARS pandemic issue, did they inform the relevant world body, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) of the full extent of the problem?
Did they disclose to the entire world all the pertinent information and necessary data of the melamine milk crisis that killed a lot of people, especially of young children?
The latest pronouncement came amid the renewed heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute.
As reported by Fat Reyes of Inquirer.net, December 14, “China calls PH a ‘trouble maker’:
In an editorial entitled “Manila’s miscalculation” published on Wednesday, the China Daily hit Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario for saying that the Philippines would support Japan dropping its pacifist constitution to become a fully-fledged military force and act as a balance against a rising China, saying that the statements bared “Manila’s attempt to enlist support for its disputes with China.”
Further, the editorial stated in no uncertain terms that:
“As a smaller country, it has resorted to opportunism to balance the big powers. However, if it goes too far, it will have to shoulder the consequences…”
First point: who is the genuine opportunist here? The one who is fishing in the waters of another or the one who is defending one’s territory from an invader and an aggressor?
I admit that we a small country, but that is not the ultimate picture or structure of our character and persona.
Who between us is going too far? Are you threatening us?
As I wrote then to the Malaysian Insider, April 18, “The dispute over the Scarborough Shoal” and to reiterate our stand:
Question: Is this a warning to us? Are you threatening us?
Reply: To that writer of war scenario and to the whole of the Chinese empire, may I remind you that we may be small as compare to your hugeness, we may be a dwarf as compare to your gigantic size, we may be poor, as compare to your economy but our people, the Filipino people are not weak, our people have character and strength.
That was precisely shown and exemplified in action in conjunction with our latest showdown when we stood our ground, stayed put and dared you!
Don’t forget that we are the first country in Asia to overthrow a foreign power and declare a republic!
During World War II, we stood and fought the Japanese Imperial Army from day one up to the end!
We fought a dictator for more than two decades and had two revolutions. In fact, when your people tried to copied our own 1986 revolution in 1988 at Tiannamen Square, your government viciously crackdown on the people and the students who led the same!
Hence, do not take us lightly, in the same vein that we are not taking you for granted, too.
We may be small, yet we are capable of inflicting damage to you too!
As a Filipino writer puts it so succinctly, Jose Ma. Montelibano, Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 13: “China may risk killing some of us but it will find too costly to kill millions of us”.
Lastly, I am not threatening you, but warning you that we have our history of courage and greatness, too.
Hence, I implore China to learn from history: do not ever forget the lessons of the Battle of Thermopylae.
It is always the case that the tiniest of the dust often cause the greatest irritation and discomfort to the biggest bloody eyes! Again, we are also warning you!
Nearly just a week ago, the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines has assured the Filipinos that: “we are not your enemy.” Well, that is good! We are also not your enemy, but don’t mess around in our backyard!
Now, that stupid and warmonger Chinese news agency has issued this editorial that in my view instead of calming the situation has further exacerbated the already heated condition of the two countries.
I doubt if the big dogs of Beijing does not know anything about this war freak editorial!
I do not know whether that news agency is aware of the Chinese ambassador’s pronouncement in Manila.
However, I heavily doubt the sincerity of the giant. Once again, they have shown their perfection of the tactics of “double speak”. Look at this: the ambassador is calling for peace, while the state news agency is warning for war. What a shame! China is indeed the new version of Janus; albeit of the worst kind!
It further goes to claim that:
“History shows us small countries tend to get the worse of it if they seek to hijack regional peace and stability as a bargaining chip. If Manila insists on playing more tricks in this regard, sooner or later it will have to pay a dear price and lose its own credibility in the region…”
First point: if you want a piece of us, then just get it and stop engaging in this nonsense talk! But that is if you can get that piece of us!
I agreed with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, “when pressed for comments, questioned why the Philippines was being called the trouble-maker”.
Further, Hernandez added that:” the recent actions of China in relation to its nine-dash sea claims have raised concerns for the international community.”
Indeed, the DFA’s spokesperson is correct when he “said that such actions were inconsistent with international laws, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and impedes the fundamental freedom of navigation and lawful commerce.”
Nonetheless, I strongly disagree with Foreign Affairs Secretary, Alberto Del Rosario that the Philippines “would strongly support a rearmed Japan” as a balance and an added counterweight to Chinese aggression and provocation.
We must not also forget Japan’s bloody and imperialist past! It would be the heights of stupidity and absurdity to trade one monster from another. One imperialist is not better from another imperialist. Both of them must be closely guarded and seriously countered!

Undeniably the “recent weeks have seen a rise in tensions in the sea disputes, with the Philippines asking China to clarify media reports saying Chinese authorities had authorized its forces to interdict ships entering what Beijing considers its territorial waters.”
Are these the noble acts of a non-trouble maker in the region?
As I wrote then for the China Daily Mail, December 4, China’s imperialist designs; showing it’s ugly head and bloody arms (South China Sea):
However, “new rules that take effect on January 1 will allow police in the southern Chinese province of Hainan to board and seize control of foreign ships” which “illegally enter” Chinese waters, that according to the official China Daily on Thursday.
Indeed, as the Secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Surin Pitsuwan stated: “the Chinese plan was a very serious turn of events”.
Further, Mr. Surin has warned that:
“It certainly has increased a level of concern and a level of great anxiety among all parties, particularly parties that would need the access, the passage and the freedom to go through…”
I overwhelmingly concur with Mr. Surin’s unusually strong language in depicting the said plan of China that “could trigger a major incident that would affect confidence in East Asia, a key engine of global economic growth.”
The provocative editorial also said that Manila was “deceiving” itself if it believed it could count on support from countries like the United States and Japan, adding that it was also “apparently underestimating China’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and core interests.”
I certainly agree with China on this score! The Filipinos are not stupid to rely either to the US or Japan! Their business is their business, our business is our business and China has no business whatsoever hanging around at the West Philippine Sea. Hence, mind your own business and back off from our territory!
I overwhelmingly concur with Manila’s consistent position and ardent call “for a multilateral approach to dealing with the sea disputes, as well as peaceful resolutions in accordance with international law…”
The problem is: as always “China has insisted disputes should be dealt with using bilateral negotiations.”
Again, to restate the central substantive question of this perennial regional dispute:
Who is the true bloodied trouble maker of the region?
To China: don’t dare us; because we will surely fight back… to the death!
We are warning you too!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Lecturer
College of Arts
Department of Philosophy
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

President Obama’s call for “meaningful action”: the Connecticut shooting incident and the question of gun control in the US

I am writing in reference to the latest horrendous shooting incident in America. It seems to me that this cycle of violence is not only becoming rampant but a regular occurrence in their society.
I join the international community in condemning to the highest possible extent these undeniable utterly unreasonable and despicable acts of madness, massacre and senseless violence of a freak towards those young innocent children and their teachers.
On behalf of humanity, I also offer my prayers and solidarity to the love ones and families of the victims!
Matt Spetalnick and Mark Felsenthal of Reuters, Dec 15, aptly titled their report: “Tearful Obama calls for 'meaningful action' after school shooting”.
As the two correspondents lucidly narrated:
“Choking up and wiping away tears, President Barack Obama said on Friday "our hearts are broken" for the victims of a deadly shooting rampage at a Connecticut elementary school and called for "meaningful action" to prevent such violence.
“"We've endured too many of these tragedies in the past few years," Obama said during a televised appearance in the White House briefing room just hours after one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history.
“Pausing to collect himself as he expressed "overwhelming grief" as a parent, Obama deplored the "heinous" attack by a heavily armed gunman at a school in Newtown, Connecticut that killed 26 people, including 20 children. The shooter is also dead, police said.”
I commend once again the President for his beautiful words and emotional eloquence! Again and again, he keeps on sharing his heart and thoughts with the victims of these gruesome murders and senseless killings from the Tucson shooting, the Colorado shooting, the horrible shooting incident of Trayvon Martin, the Sikh bloody incident in Wisconsin and the racial shooting of a Korean! I can go on and on… Yet, the point is: when would all these senseless and incomprehensible acts of evil end?
The President, to his credit has consistently “responded to previous shooting massacres by citing the need for a national conversation about gun violence”; yet unfortunately again stopped short of calling for tougher gun-control laws.
The central substantive question is: why?
Of course, we all know that it is extremely precarious and politically dangerous for him to call for tougher gun-control laws. That is considered utterly risky to a country known for its flourishing gun culture, Wild West mindset and as the number one manufacturer, maker and distributor of all deadly weapons known to man.
I am wondering why he is afraid to confront and offend the war-lords, the rightists, the capitalists, the powerful pro-gun lobbyists and the rest of those military hawks?
Nonetheless, there seems to be hope in the horizon. As reported by Matt Spetalnick and Mark Felsenthal:
“But, little more than a month after his decisive re-election to a second term, he suggested that in the aftermath of Friday's tragedy he might be ready to take a more assertive approach.”
As the President said:
"And we're going to have to come together and take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics…"
With regard to the victims of this latest tragedy, here’s what the President said in a voice cracking with emotion:
"Our hearts are broken today, for the parents, and grandparents, sisters and brothers of these little children and for the families of the adults who were lost…
"Our hearts are broken for the parents of the survivors as well, for as blessed as they are to have their children home tonight, they know that their children's innocence has been torn away from them too early and there are no words that will ease their pain…”
I agree with the President that America must do a thorough soul-searching with regard to this violence.

Now, more than ever, President Obama has no choice but to confront the problem of gun ownership and rifle possession --- frontally!
As the President himself have stated in a categorical manner: "We can't tolerate this anymore. These tragedies must end... we must change."

It is not enough that he simply gives his emotional statements every time a barbarous shooting incident happened in any part of America!
His call for meaningful action must lead to bold action and radical transformation to change their society.
This is in conformity to the views of the renowned and noted radical film maker, Michael Moore:
"The long term solution to reducing gun deaths is to change our society from one of perpetual war and fear to one of peace and tolerance."
I know that the struggle would not be easy; that it would be a hard and mean battle, yet that is precisely the reason why he is there at the White House, in the first place and why he is the Chief Executive. He must lead the nation by doing the right thing and that is: to invoke the enormous power of the Office of the President in calling for tougher gun-control laws.
This he can validly do so under the Police Power of the State for the benefit of the General Welfare and for promoting and defending the Public Interest.
He must prove to the American people that they did not err in retaining him!

His tears are not enough! The chronic cycle of violence must stop and he must struggle seriously and doggedly against their abnormal system!
Indeed, there should be no more lives that would be shattered and destroyed by gun violence and detestable acts of madness.

Justice for the children and may their youthful memories and childhood dreams live on!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Lecturer
College of Arts
Department of Philosophy
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

The Pleasure of Reading and the Joys of Writing

It is beyond dispute that bookshops and libraries are the very reflection of learned societies. It also follows that the reading habits, not merely the pattern or pastime of its people shows the degree of their academic culture and the depth of their intellectual civilization!

Indeed, if we will not focus on encouraging our young generation to an environment of knowledge and instill in them the inherent value of disciple and worth of education, then we will be left behind in the world stage.

Books banish darkness, literature conquers ignorance, reading opens and sharpens our minds and writing widens our perspective and ultimately develops our character!

There is no scintilla of doubt that the most appropriate place for the pursuit of higher learning is no other than a university.

A university is an intellectual community wherein the primary objective is not only to teach our young to be educated, but also to gear them to become independent and critical thinkers so that they can become responsible members of society and cosmopolitan citizens of the world.

The paramount role of the school cannot be questioned, because it is the venue where the educators and teachers mould and train our young to be the best that they can be, harnessing their fullest potentials and developing their inner character.

The educator's role is not simply confined to reading to them stories, asking them to give a report and delivering lectures via Power Point presentations.

Part and parcel of being an effective teacher is to encourage the students to speak their minds and discuss and analyse critically among themselves a specific idea in conjunction with a particular lesson in a given session.

It goes without saying that our students can only do so if they keep abreast with the latest developments in all fields of knowledge.

Hence, besides encouraging our students to speak what's on their minds, the teacher must also cultivate the love of reading and the passion for books.

Such an intellectual culture would incontestably lead them to the joys of writing.

Let us not forget that in preparing our young to be the next leaders of the country, they must be armed and fully equipped with the three incontestable weapons: speaking boldly, reading voraciously and writing eloquently.

As Sir Francis Bacon famously said, “Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man.”

It logically follows that before we become good at writing; we must possess the virtue and love of reading. The more we read, the more we are open to all kinds of ideas and thoughts!

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe aptly put it thus: “If any man wishes to write in a clear style, let him first be clear in his thoughts; and if any would write in a noble style, let him first possess a noble soul.”

Reading not only clears our thoughts, it also widens our perspective and enlarges our vision. It gives us not a narrow, limited view of reality; but an incontestably universal worldview of ourselves, of life in general and the totality of the human existence as a whole.

The act of reading will lead us to the joys and pleasure of writing. We jot down notes and scribble words not only for ourselves, but also for others.

Our duty as humans is to highlight that truth of the human condition through writing, public discourse and social solidarity!

We must encourage our young to read, write and express themselves. These are the indispensable requisites of intellect and they are virtue in themselves!

Reading opens their minds to the human condition; writing leads them to feel the profundity of their existence, the beauty of life and its corresponding daily struggles; expressing themselves develops their inner self and moral character.

Reading as a habit and as a devotion will undeniably increase our knowledge! This is both vital and potent because with increased knowledge shall arise; the visions and the improvement of our horizons that is indispensably necessary in order for us to form our own independent opinion and enlightened judgment.

Furthermore, the habit of reading undeniably shall open up our minds and consciousness in order for us to able to see things more objectively than before.

In the stirring words of June Loh of Kulim, Kedah:

“The treasure of knowledge also taught me to keep an open mind and not to accept another’s views blindly.

“Reading news and non-fiction illuminates the world for us and reading fiction gives us what non-fiction cannot.

“Through reading we travel and through books we find treasures. In those wanderings we find humanity, through the characters we find knowledge.

“As how human beings need to be fed, knowledge serves as nourishment for our minds.”

Indeed, writing built our character and individuality; undoubtedly and ultimately it completes our humanity! We find and consequently completes our humanity through those wanderings, our constant travels, various characters, in the different human conditions and though our relentless efforts in searching for the meaning of life through our continuous reading and ceaseless, passionate writing!

But after schoolchildren are done putting down their thoughts on paper, those thoughts would not have a life of their own if the teacher does not ask them to elaborate on what they had written.

That is the ultimate aim of a truly free and creative education! We must train our children not only to love reading, but also to pursue writing both as a devotion and as a craft.

That would encourage them to speak boldly, to explain in detail the product of their intellectual labours and to express freely their thoughts and ideas. The purpose of these academic exercises is paramount and priceless.

We may not yet see the outcome, but suffice to say that the seeds we plant in their young minds will not be in vain. These intellectual tools would come in handy later when they go out to live and struggle in society.

It is part of our duty as educators to arm children with all the necessary intellectual equipment early in their lives.
Our duty as humans and member of society is to cultivate the habit of reading and the encouragement of writing both as a devotion and as a craft not only for our society but for the rest of humanity!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Lecturer
College of Arts
Department of Philosophy
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Hail to the Daughter of the World: A Tribute to Malala
I join the moral world and the international humanistic community in welcoming Malala Yousafzai back to us.
Last week, it was widely reported that this brave young Pakistani girl was discharged from the hospital after recuperating from gunshot wounds for quite some time.
Bravo to this courageous child!
She valiantly fought two great wars and both won gloriously and convincingly!
First, she stood against the tyranny, the sexism, intolerance, madness and the fanatical views of the Taliban. The whole world knows how she passionately struggled and fought firmly for her inherent right to education, to improve herself, to develop her knowledge for purposes of ultimately cultivating herself.
She does this not only for herself, but also for all the Pakistani children like her, especially the young girls.
The evil forces of hate and violence, mortal enemy of equality, humanity and enlightenment responded in the only nefarious fashion that they knew: first they threatened our young Malala repeatedly and when they saw that she won’t relent fighting for her cause; they shot our little angelic warrior!
Those idiots thought that by killing Malala, the right to call for education, the demand for equality and the march of reason would stop. The Taliban by virtue of this dastardly act has clearly shown to the world not only the depravity of their characters, the barbarity of their actions, but also the idiocy of their minds. Those animals never thought that even if they succeeded in killing Malala --- her ideas and principles shall continue to reverberate all across Pakistan and all over the world!
Those animals may kill a person, but they can never ever kill an idea!
In the immortal words of Kahlil Gibran:
Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.
Our angel saw it through: she cheated death and shamed the Taliban to the maximum! Hurray!
It is in this great sense that Malala’s boldness, her defiant act of standing up against the Taliban earned her the love, respect and admiration of the world over.
As Malala herself said in envisioning a confrontation with the Taliban:
I think of it often and imagine the scene clearly. Even if they come to kill me, I will tell them what they are trying to do is wrong, that education is our basic right.
Not only did she triumph against those terrorists, but she has also shown completely the bankruptcy and abnormality of that notorious group’s ‘philosophy’.
She taught a lot of people, opened not only their eyes, but most importantly their hearts and minds with regard to the harrowing and horrible plight of children, such as her in Pakistan. Indeed, her gentle yet utterly strong fortitude have shaken the world.
The whole international community wept when it learnt of the barbaric act committed against her. The people of the world forged in unison and in solidarity to her and her love ones and prayed collectively for her prompt recovery.
Hail to this brave Daughter of the world! Bravo to this courageous little warrior of education, equality and enlightenment!
Her youthful humanity has proved to all of us once again that the unexamined life is not worth living and that the only good and noble life we can have is a life that is devoted to the advancement and promotion of the general welfare and well being for the benefit of the common good!
Again, to quote her own words: My purpose is to serve humanity.
Welcome back Malala, keep it up, we all love you and will always be with you in your noble quest and cause to serve mankind and humanity.
Jose Mario Dolor De Vega
No. 19 USJ 11/3 A 47620
Subang Jaya, Darul Ehsan,
Selangor, Malaysia

Lecturer
College of Arts
Department of Philosophy
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

In Defense of a Computer Wizard: Aaron Swartz, the Great One

On behalf of all the bloggers, hacktivists, and netizens of the world, I am sincerely offering my condolences and solidarity to the family and love ones of the late Aaron Swartz, the prominent American blogger and computer prodigy who abruptly ended his life on the face of tremendous harassments and overwhelming odds --- ironically sponsored and spearheaded by his very own government!
All he wanted is a world where information is free and available for all! As he himself have said in an online “manifesto” way back in 2008:
“Information is power. But like all power, there are those who want to keep it for themselves…”
He fiercely criticized US President Barack Obama’s “kill list” and the cyber attacks against Iran; he is also equally critical of the monopoly of information by corporate cartels and believed that information should be shared and available for the benefit of society.
He was eulogized last Tuesday as a person who wanted to make the world a much better place to live in but was hounded, pressured and forced into killing himself by harsh and brutal government policies.
Aaron Swartz, the 26-year-old internet genius decided to end himself due to government prosecution and persecution in the form of multiple annoying lawsuits and dubious legal complaints.
It is on this undeniable sense that I completely concur with the straightforward statement of the deceased maverick’s father (Robert) when he categorically accused the government in killing his son.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Robert Swartz said during the eulogy service for his son held at the Central Avenue Synagogue in Highland Park that Aaron was “killed by the government, and MIT betrayed all of its basic principles…”
As reported by Michael Muskal of the Los Angeles Times:
“Facing the possibility of a long prison sentence if convicted of charges that he illegally downloaded millions of academic journal articles, Swartz hanged himself in his New York apartment Friday. The death of one of the founders of news and entertainment website Reddit and a longtime activist for an open Internet has ignited outrage among many in the electronic community who view him as a martyr to government prosecution.”
Muskal further added that:
“Today is the funeral of Aaron Swartz, who contributed so much to the launch of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and our technology during our first 20 months…
“His suicide followed an over-zealous prosecution for a crime with no victims -- by a Justice Department that has yet to prosecute the Wall Street bankers who destroyed our economy and harmed millions of lives. Our hearts go out to Aaron’s family and partner.
“Swartz was accused of stealing articles from JSTOR, an academic database at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Swartz was a longtime activist for an open Internet and it brought him into conflict with prosecutors who accused him of 13 felonies.”
It is my considered view and so hold; that Aaron is the modern version of Prometheus. This Titan is credited in stealing the fire from the gods for human use, such defiant act undeniably enabled progress and civilization. He is known for his intelligence, trickery and as a champion of humanity.
We all know that he paid heavily for his action on behalf of mankind! He was punished by the powers that be; yet he never admitted any mistake nor shown remorse.
In the same vein, our genius paid the heavy price for his love of humanity and his desire to change the world for the better!
Let me state for purposes of the record that he may be dead, yet his death is not in vain. His ideas will never die. His struggles shall never fade and his sacrifices will never ever be forgotten by mankind. His memory shall live on and his legacy will never be erased on the illustrious page of the modern history of humanity!
Bravo and hurray, Aaron Swartz! May you live forever, brother! Thank you, on behalf of all mankind…

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega
Lecturer
College of Arts
Department of Philosophy
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

I refer to the letters of Hassan Talib’s “Is there ethics in politics?” (The Star, January 24) and Robert Lim’s “Hard to find ethical politicians as the world is not ideal” (The Star, Feb. 1) respectively and I sincerely wish to respond to the controversial propositions that they jointly advanced.
To the contention that we do not live to an ideal world, let me state that: the world is the world today because of who we are. We improve the world by improving ourselves. We deserve the kind of community, society and world that we have, because whether we like it or not, we are responsible to its creation.
Undeniably, Professor A. C. Grayling lucidly remind us: “humanity is part of nature, and the beauties and pleasures of everything of everything natural are part of humanity’s inheritance. This was the view of the ancient Greeks, who saw in the exercise of man’s reason the source of his ability to recognize goodness. The Greeks extolled friendship, the quest for knowledge and the appreciation of excellence in all things, as the source of the greatest pleasure that humans can have. They sought to understand what should make a good society so that individuals within it could enjoy flourishing lives. The focus of their attention is on this world and its benefits, and they debated intelligently about how to enjoy them, share them, and get the best from them.”
As a close student of the ancient Greeks, it is my humble contention and in conformity to the Aristotelian view: that the very basis of politics is ethics. Hence, the negative outlook and pessimistic view that there is no ethics in politics is without any foundation!
Inarguably, not only that there is a room for ethics in politics, the very aim or purpose (telos) of politics is the creation of virtues citizens, a good society where the citizens are responsible and truly living a happy life; because their interest is not simply their personal one but the interest of the whole for the promotion and the development of the common good!
I concur that “morality is hard to preserve and practise in politics”, nonetheless, it does not mean that being a moral and ethical politician is improbable! Yes, it is hard, yet it does not mean that it is impossible.
True, the English philosopher Francis Bacon said: “It is hard and severe a thing to be a true politician as to be truly moral.”
I would like to thank the writer for highlighting this quotation, because he also put into the forefront the thesis of my argument.
What does it means to be a true politician? The very idea or the concept of a politician as originally envisioned by the Greeks is very different from the conception of the politician that we, the so-called “moderns” now understood.
Etymologically, a politician is what the Greeks called as a polites. A polites is an individual whose main concern is the public welfare and the promotion of the common good!
We, the so-called “moderns” unfortunately has corrupted and bastardized a very noble concept.
With regard to those so-called “politicians” who does not give a damn to the people or who do not care about the public interest or those creatures whose interest is their only interest and use power not to distribute it but to further their nefarious and selfish aims; the term given to them by the Greeks is --- an idiotes.
Those “politicians” who are in truth are the idiotes are those creatures quoted by our correspondents whose interest is their self-interest, those who are engaged in corruption (whether in money, position or power), those who do not care about the welfare of the people and don’t give a damn about problems of society.
Yes, they are idiots. They are idiots not because they are uneducated or unlettered or ignorant. Rather, they are what they are because they are blind and deaf with regard to what is the most important thing in life and in the public sphere.
They thought, idiotically and myopically that what is most important in life is money, power, position, privileges, etc.
They thought that the people exist to provide them with positions; they do not realize that instead their position exist to provide those people with freedom, justice, equity and to advance their wellbeing.
They believe that money is the most important thing, yet failed to discern that rather it is honor and virtue.
A fake “politician” thought that he or she is powerful and privileged when that individual is using it arbitrarily as against the wishes of the people; not knowing that he or she is powerless, because the true source of power is the power that comes from the people themselves.
Dr Farid captured the veracity of my claim when he himself said that: “Politics, in its true meaning, is praiseworthy”. The problem is, the idiotes of today corrupted and twisted the beautiful meaning of politics.
Now, politics is known universally as the so-called “realpolitik” which meaning is galaxy away from its original meaning.
Nevertheless, despite the negative connotation of “politics” in its general present form, politics, not merely as a profession but more importantly as a way of life can achieve a high ethical values if the very system in which politics arise have strong values as developed by the people or the citizens themselves.
The question is how? What’s to be done?
Aristotle stated that we cannot be fully be human and be a good citizen without participating in politics to create civic virtue which is utterly necessary to be a virtuous person and correspondingly a responsible citizen.
As testified by Professor Michael J. Sandel, “For Aristotle, the purpose of politics is not to set up a framework of rights that is neutral among ends. It is to form good citizens and to cultivate good character.”
To quote Aristotle’s key passage in his book the Politics:
“Any polis (society) which is truly so-called, and it is not merely one in name, must devote itself to the end of encouraging goodness. Otherwise, a political association sinks into a mere alliances… Otherwise, too, law becomes a mere covenant… “a guarantor of men’s rights against one another” --- instead of being, as it should be, a rule of life such as will make the members of a polis good and just.”
Man by nature is a socio-political animal. We cannot do much if we are alone or in isolation, because if that is the case we will fail to develop both language and moral deliberation.
Hence, to be a good, virtuous human being and a responsible citizen, it is a condition sine qua non that we must participate and take part in everything that is happening in our politics.
In the categorically stirring words of Bertolt Brecht:
“The worst illiterate is the political illiterate, he doesn’t hear, doesn’t speak, nor participates in the political events. He doesn’t know the cost of life, the price of the bean, of the fish, of the flour, of the rent, of the shoes and of the medicine, all depends on political decisions. The political illiterate is so stupid that he is proud and swells his chest saying that he hates politics. The imbecile doesn’t know that, from his political ignorance is born the prostitute, the abandoned child, and the worst thieves of all, the bad politician, corrupted and flunky of the national and multinational companies.”

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Lecturer
College of Arts
Department of Philosophy
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Humanity must come together as One to crush all forms of madness, inhumanity, superstition and fanaticism

I refer to the shocking news at happened last week In Papua New Guinea. According to the reports of the AFP:
A young mother who was accused of sorcery was stripped naked, doused with petrol and burned alive in front of a crowd including schoolchildren in Papua New Guinea.
The National newspaper, named the woman as Keapari Leniata, a 20 year old, who at the time of her brutal death have an eight-month-old daughter.
Besides her inhumane manner of death, it was also reported that she was also “tortured with a branding iron and tied up, splashed with fuel and set alight on a pile of rubbish topped with car tyres”.
Her crime?
She was torched by the villagers for allegedly claiming to have killed a six-year old boy through sorcery.
If she indeed, committed a crime, the villagers have no right whatsoever to stripped her naked, tortured with a branding iron, tied up, doused with petrol and torched to death.
Let the courts of law ascertain the facts of the case and render the appropriate judgment.
What irritates and angered me with this gruesome and undeniably barbaric act is the unfortunate fact that while those murderous villagers are putting the law into their own hands, the law enforcers, the police, were outnumbered by onlookers and unable to intervene.
This is a shame!
I am wondering: do they not have any guns, issued to them by the government? If they do, then, how come they did not fire a warning shot or two into the sky to stop the mob from carrying out this barbaric and indescribably horrendous act?
Added insult to injury is the preposterous report that “a fire truck that responded to the incident, which took place on Wednesday morning in Mount Hagen city in the Western Highlands”; which to my surprise and shock was also chased away.
Does it mean that that bloody truck has no water to disperse the crowd?
I cannot understand all of this! This is a perfect case of a comedy that ends in tragedy!
Imagine and picture the whole situation: you have some policemen that cannot enforce the law; second you have a fire truck that it waterless or perhaps the driver is so stupid that that idiot does not know what to do under the circumstances.
Third, you have a bunch of villagers that does not recognize the duly constituted authorities.
Net effect: you have a society that is backward, primitive, idiotic, barbaric, intolerant and truly unenlightened.
I understand that “there is a widespread belief in sorcery in the poverty-stricken Pacific nation”, but that is not a valid reason to burn another human being.
The police “said they were treating the torching as murder and preparing charges against those responsible”. I doubt the sincerity and courage of these individuals. How could they bring to the bar of justice the perpetrators of this horrible and violent act, when they are there exactly at the scene of the crime and they did not even lift a finger to stop the mod from violating the law?
Now, they are telling that they will do something, how come they did not do it --- on the spot --- right there and then?
I concur with the local Bishop David Piso’s contention that “many innocent people had been killed.”
Further he stated that:
"Sorcery and sorcery-related killings are growing and the government needs to come up with a law to stop such practice…”
I also subscribed to the statement issued by the US embassy in Port Moresby in strongly condemning the “brutal murder” of Leniata, who had an eight-month-old daughter. It also added that said act against the young woman is evidence of “pervasive gender-based violence”.
Portion of the statement reads in part that:
"We add our voice to those of Papua New Guinean religious and civil society leaders who have spoken out against the brutality inflicted upon Ms Leniata…”
"There is no possible justification for this sort of violence. We hope that appropriate resources are devoted to identifying, prosecuting, and punishing those responsible for Ms Leniata's murder."
Is this the kind of world we want?
A world divided by prejudice, by inhumanity of man by man, of paranoia, of distrust and mistrust, racism, ethnocentrism, of hate and bias, of anger and rage?
We have to come together as one, because we are one, despite the difference in the color of our skin, or the diversity of our background; we are all human beings and we share the same planet, we all live in the same place, breathed the same air and share the same blood!
We must all rise up from this madness, this idiocy, this inhumanity for the future of the greater mankind!
It is in this great sense that I condemn the barbaric act of those brainless and murderous villagers in burning to death Leniata.
On behalf of the international community, I call upon the duly elected authority of Papua New Guinea to do everything within its powers to bring to the bar of justice all those bloody bastards who participated in carrying out this dastardly and utterly unspeakable acts of madness, inhumanity and fanaticism.
In the immortal words of Voltaire:
Let us therefore reject all superstition in order to become more human; but in speaking against fanaticism, let us not imitate the fanatics: they are sick men in delirium who want to chastise their doctors. Let us assuage their ills, and never embitter them, and let us pour drop by drop into their souls the divine balm of toleration, which they would reject with horror if it were offered to them all at once.
Humanity must come together as One to crush all forms of madness, inhumanity, superstition and fanaticism.
Justice for Leniata and all victims like her…

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega
Concurrent Lecturer

College of Arts
Department of Philosophy
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

And

Institute of Arts and Sciences
Department of Humanities, Literature and Philosophy
Far Eastern University

China acting not only as a dirty dog, but as a lousy bully and a racist freak

Today, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that a restaurant at the historic tourist city of Houhai in Beijing put up a sign which says: “This shop does not receive The Japanese, The Philippines, The Vietnamese and dog.”
This is palpably racism in its worst kind and discrimination of the lowest order! SHAME!
I concur with the statement of condemnation issued by Professor Walden Bello that “the blatant display of racism shown by a Beijing restaurant which posted a sign prohibiting Filipinos, Japanese, Vietnamese and dogs from entering their premises” clearly exemplify China’s disregard to the basic sense of decency and humanity.
Bello added that:
Obviously, this act is in the context of the current territorial disputes between the Philippines, Japan, and Vietnam on the one hand and China on the other. It is deeply saddening that this kind of discriminatory and racist practice still exists in this day and age…
That this bully is capable of carrying-out this outrageous act is beyond comprehension.
I also agree with Vietnam’s state-run Tuoi Tre newspaper which ran a story saying the sign had “ignited online fury”. Indeed, they are correct in their claim that many Vietnamese feel this is another example of Chinese “extreme nationalism that deserves to be condemned”.
“It’s not patriotism, it’s stupid extremism,” Sy Van wrote in Vietnamese in a comment under the story, published on the paper’s website.
I join the Vietnamese, the Japanese and all people of the world who are against all forms of racism, bigotry and discrimination in condemning to the strongest possible degree these latest antics of the bloody bastard Chinese bullies, especially that idiotic bigot restaurant owner!
Just to register their stupid and flimsy point; they are not ashamed to stoop to this uncivilized and utterly barbaric level.
If the Chinese authorities has nothing to do with this ridiculous act, then the right thing to do for the government is to order that bigot and stupid restaurant owner to tear down his discriminatory and racist signage.
The whole world knows that China is “currently in border disputes with Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.”
The international community had heavily criticized China for practicing “gunboat diplomacy” for aggressively asserting its claims on islands and waters even without effective control of them, base on their preposterous and laughable assertion that they owned those islands and waters by virtue of the fact that the name of the sea wherein those territories are located is name after their country.
That would be the height of absurdity and the glorification of stupidity!
Recently, “the Philippine government has pushed for a legal and peaceful process for deciding the dispute by submitting it to the processes of an international arbitral tribunal in accordance with international law”.
The case is already before the international court, hence it is but proper for this bully to observe this convention and cease from its insidious and persistent provocative remarks!
I am writing this line, not as enemy of the Chinese people, but an ardent critic of the Chinese government, especially their warmonger military.
I certainly believe that the majority of the Chinese people do not agree with that idiotic restaurant owner and even to the way their government handles the whole issue of the dispute with regard to the South China Sea; the great problem of humanity as of the people is: political leaders of China and their military hawks and bullies.
The whole world and the rest of the international community must come together as one to tell China in its collective and firm voice that: it cannot do everything that it please.
We must all act now to contain this bully, before it is too late!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

February 27, 2013

Lecturer
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Philosophy
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Institute of Arts and Sciences
Department of Humanities, Literature and Philosophy
Far Eastern University

I concur with the statement of the Anonymous Philippines (February 28th) that President Aquino's February 26, 2013 statement on Sabah Issue is problematic.
In fact, I will even argue that the pronouncement of Mr. Aquino is unpatriotic and treasonous. Whatever little respect I have in him is completely gone the very moment I heard him uttered those traitorous words!
Shame!
Where can you find a president whose allegiance is not with his people but with another state?
I also agree with candidate Dick Gordon that Mr. Aquino is courting an impeachment case against him for not “executing faithfully the laws of the land”. In failing to do so, he is betraying the “public trust and the public and patrimonial interest of the nation.
It is beyond dispute that “the context of this action by the Sultan of Sulu and his followers is beyond question. It is not a power-grab. Neither is it a land-grab. It is a reassertion of their historic, legal and moral right to be in Sabah, the vast track of land in Northern Borneo controlled by the Federation of Malaysia. It was for them the pursuit of a noble cause.”
Anyone can check all the available sources that they can find, whether it is an encyclopedia, atlas, almanac, Wikipedia, history books, etc. In all of them, Sabah can never ever be separated with the Philippines, specifically the Sultanate of Sulu.
Consider the words of Mr. Aquino:
“You are a leader of your clan, and every leader seeks the well-being of his constituents. These times require you to use your influence to prevail on our countrymen to desist from this hopeless cause.”
I wonder who the hell is his adviser on Sabah? Whoever the hell is that creature, he/she should be immediately shot on the spot. I also wonder why it is that this so-called President appears to be ignorant and blur on the whole issue?
Are those words quoted above, the words you want to hear from your so-called Chief Executive?
Hell no! I DO NOT THINK SO!
Following the line of his ‘reasoning’, if one can imagine or construe, what kind of ‘argument’ is that: why is he egging our people to stand up and fight and not be intimidated by giant and bullish China? Yet, when it comes to the Malaysians, he seems to be soft and apathetic?
This is a clear contradiction!
If the question of the ownership of Sabah is a hopeless cause then, how about our cause against China? Is that not a hopeless case, too? Again, that is following Mr. Aquino’s ‘mental mechanism’.
If our cause against China is not hopeless, then how come our cause against Malaysia is dormant?
The aberrant position of Mr. Aquino defies logic and mock reason!
Further, I would like to ask: what is the distinction in our Sabah dispute with regard to our conflict with China? Why in the latter, he is so eager to stand up with the giant (to the point that a newspaper in China and even here went to the point of tagging and calling him/us as a “trouble maker”) yet he is so cautious and soft with regard to the former?
I see no distinction by virtue of the fact that Sabah and Scarborough Shoal, etc are both our properties and territories.
Why he is not afraid to irritate China, yet he appears to be uneasy to offend Malaysia?
Indeed, there is no shadow of doubt that “it must have been a totally disappointing and devastating feeling for Sultan Kiram and his followers to hear that their noble cause is, for the President of the Philippines, “a hopeless cause.””
Sad but true!
It is my considered view that Mr. Aquino’s call to the followers of Sultan Kiram: “To desist from this hopeless cause” is not merely an impeachable offense but undeniably treasonous and the heights of unpatriotism!
I am ashamed that he is the president of this country.
The duty of a true and valiant president is to be the first one to recognize the claim of the Sultanate of Sulu that “Malaysia has no ownership rights over Sabah and that such ownership rights belong to the Sultanate of Sulu over Sabah which is rightfully within Philippine territory. The position of the Sultanate of Sulu is, in fact and in law, exactly the international claim of the Philippines on Sabah against Malaysia.”
This argument is in conformity with Ambassador Lauro L. Baja, Jr. (A veteran Philippine diplomat. He was the Philippine Permament Representative to the United Nations (May 2003- Feb.2007). Prior to that, he was Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy) in his article ‘Don’t play into Malaysia’s hand’, VERA Files, February 27th, when we categorically state that:
Mr. Aquino’s “statements and actions give the unintended consequence of leaning on our own nationals over a foreign power. We may be playing into Malaysia's hands who have been adopting a studied but cavalier attitude over the standoff. They are exercising acts of “effectivités” over Sabah during this standoff by their actions and even by their silence over our naive pronouncements.”
The “wisdom of doing it in public” (the President’s act of appearing on TV appealing and at the same time chastising and criticizing the Sultan of Sulu over the stand-off in Sabah) has clearly shows that he has no concern with our Sabah claim and that instead of taking the cudgel of our Filipino Muslim brothers, he let them down, worst he even appears to be the Malaysian spokesperson.
The whole thing exploded to his very face!
I strongly doubt if he could still recover the trust and confidence of the people and the public as a whole!
The reaction of the people is swift. Check the Yahoo online survey. The latest is that Mr. Aquino is viewed by a greater number of our countrymen as pro-Malaysia. What a shame!
The so-called ‘president’ of daang matuwid became the pang-gulo ng kalsadang baluktot!

As Ambassador Baja said:
“The Sabah standoff should rouse the Philippine Rip van Winkle attitude towards our claim to the area. It provides the country with a unique but sensitive opportunity to revisit our claim. If the Philippines can deal with the situation with some diplomatic imagination and finesse it can correct some missteps of the past which led to the current state of helplessness insofar as the issue is concerned…
“The solid legal foundation of our claim still exists.
“In the transfer of sovereignty document which the Sultan of Sulu signed with the Philippine government, it was expressly provided that the transfer shall be deemed voided if the Philippines shall fail to pursue the claim. The sultan understandably feels he is now free to pursue the claim himself.”
Why? Because this President does not give a damn about them, hence I concur that the Sultan had no choice but to pursue their historic claim by themselves.
Indeed, “it is a sad commentary on the Philippines if our own nationals should run to the UN because their government cannot protect their rights. This is not the spectacle our country wants to portray to the international community.”
Professor Randy David is in point where he stated in his article, “The Real Sovereign”, Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 7th that:
The Sultan can very well file his private claims before a Malaysian or international court; he does not need the Philippine government’s consent to do this. Since the Philippine government has not actively pursued its sovereign claim over Sabah, the Sultan is free to seek help elsewhere.
One thing he cannot do is force the Philippine state to go to war for him.
Proposal
My suggestion is for the United Nations to intervene on this issue and assume jurisdiction.
I welcome their call this Thursday (finally, after weeks of silence) for the parties to stop from killing and wiping out each other.
I also call upon the Organization of Islamic State (OIC) to mediate between the followers of the Sultan of Sulu and Malaysia to engage in a dialogue.
Further, I certainly believe that the intervention of the Sultan of Brunei, as the original historical owner carries some moral and persuasive effect to the contending pa

Until such time that the Japanese government and so as its people is not doing the right thing, the just decision and the honorable thing to do --- them they will never ever wash their historical crimes and they will forever be haunted and hounded by the dark ghosts of the bloody past!
Their future will never be glorious or triumphant!
To all ‘comfort women’ from Korea, China, the Philippines and other countries; I admonish you all to keep up the faith, continue the struggle and never ever give up for your heavenly cause to exact justice and demand due recognition!
I applaud you all for your unwavering resolve!
Now, whether Japan admit its sins or not, issue the sincere and true apology or not is already beyond the domain of this historical case of exceptional importance.
For all intents and purposes, this quest has already assumed its central aim; because this struggle is a struggle for humanity and dignity. This is a noble crusade in reclaiming their honor.
May I remind the Japanese authorities that there is no Statute of Limitations for Crimes Against Humanity and that Command Responsibility is an accepted principle by international and local jurisprudence.
The Japanese government with a quiet acquiescence and partial conspiracy with its people may deny, even lie; but fear not, because history is neither blind nor myopic. There is no iota of doubt that the international community of nations, reason and history herself is on your side.
I am so certain about this and there is no doubt whatsoever in my mind.
We will win in the end, because the truth can never ever be defeated --- even by a thousand lies…
In the immortal words of Emile Zola:
If you deny the truth and bury it underground; it will but grow and gather to itself such explosive power that the day it burst through, it will destroy everything on its way!
Japan and its people must do the right thing and that is admitting their grave sins and horrible crimes against Humanity, specifically the women of Asia, instead of justifying these war crimes, the Japanese government publicly apologize for this systematic criminal act and pay reparations to their victims.”

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy lecturer
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Far Eastern University

This is a response to the call of the eminent and radical American Professor Noam Chomsky with regard to his call to the world to support the Turkish Resistance/Occupy Movement.
I overwhelmingly concur with the great professor in his stern condemnation of Turkey authorities’ brutal police crackdown on protesters who merely are denouncing the demolition of Taksim Gezi Park.
I agree with Chomsky that the barbaric act committed by the powers that be in Istanbul, Ankara and other cities is “the most shameful moments of Turkish history”!
According to the reports, the outspoken professor has “showed his support for the Gezi Park occupiers by sending a video message with a banner saying "I am also a 'çapulcu' in solidarity."
““Çapulcu" means "marauder" in English and it refers to a speech by the Turkish prime minister, who dismissively referred to protesters as "marauders.””
The Spark
According to the Hürriyet Daily News, “US philosopher Chomsky supports Gezi Park movement with video message” June 1st:
“The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality had planned to replace the little green patch surrounded by multi-storey hotels with a reproduction of the Artillery Barracks ("Topçu Kışlası") that used to occupy the sight. According to the project revealed by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the barracks would be converted into a shopping mall and could also serve as a residence with social facilities.
“However, the plans stirred huge debate among Istanbul locals, who objected to the conversion of one of the last green areas at the heart of the city into yet another shopping mall.”
According to the report to the Guardian of Constanze Letsch, “Social media and opposition to blame for protests, says Turkish PM”: 'Social media is the worst menace to society,' says Recep Erdogan after thousands take control of Istanbul's main square, June 3rd:
“What started last Monday as a relatively small, peaceful protest to save an inner city Istanbul park from having to make way for a kitschy Ottoman-style shopping centre, rapidly snowballed into the largest and most violent anti-government protests that Turkey has seen in years.
“Hundreds were injured, some seriously, by the heavy-handed police response and excessive use of teargas. Riot police withdrew from the city on Saturday evening, handing a victory to the demonstrators.
“The protests had spread across Turkey to half of its 81 provinces by Sunday, the interior ministry, Muammer Guler, said. Guler said 1,750 people had been detained since Tuesday, but most had since been released, while damage costs have not yet been announced. The Turkish Doctors' Association said the demonstrations had left 1,000 people injured in Istanbul and 700 in Ankara.”
Koray Caliskan, a political scientist at Istanbul’s Bosphorus University said that:
"Erdogan does not listen to anyone any more… Not even to members of his own party. But after the protests this weekend, he will have to accept that he is the prime minister of a democratic country, and that he cannot rule it on his own."
He further stated that:
"The Turkish media have embarrassed themselves…
"While the whole world was broadcasting from Taksim Square, Turkish television stations were showing cooking shows. It is now very clear that we do not have press freedom in Turkey."
Worst, “the dramatic events also exposed the complicity and almost complete government control of mainstream Turkish media, which has largely failed to report the protests.”
Tayyip Erdogan
I do not deny that formerly I place such a high hope to this man! Then, I thought that Mr. Erdogan could be a model for all Arabic and Muslim leaders for his secularism, able leadership and vibrant sense of democracy.
I even quoted him and commend him in one article concerning Syria. This is what I said in my article, SYRIA: Nations should impose economic sanction on Syria, The News Straits Time, (Malaysia), March 14, 2012:
I praise the bold stance of the Turkish government under Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, especially when he stated at a press conference held in Tripoli: "Those who are attacking their people with tanks and guns will not be able to remain in power." The Syrian authoritarian regime "will eventually have to pay the price for this”.
Now, the shoe is on the other foot!
Mr. Erdogan is now the one who is attacking his people who are merely protesting peacefully with extreme police brutality and worst, he is sanctioning the on-going state violence against his very own people! What a shame!
Then, this person who enjoys a substantial global support is now being mock as a dictator and an enemy of his own people. He attacked the dictators of Syria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt for their evil acts against the people, yet now, he is also doing the same things that he attacked --- to his very own people! I do not know now the difference between Erdogan and those dictators that he condemned. Nonetheless, in my view, they are all the same; they are all pieces that were cut from the same clothes. In a word: all of them are dictators.
What a shame!
Sad but true, but he has already shown his true colors. He is not what a true, secular and liberal Muslim leader and model should be.
Warning
The Turkish dictatorship must learn from the lessons of history. If not, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his cohorts will suffer the fate of the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya who were thrown out by the collective powers of the people, while the Syrian dictator is on his way to the garbage-can of history!
It is on this great and noble sense that I join iconoclast professor Chomsky in his official written statement, dated June 1st pledging his support and forging solidarity to the Turkish protesters.
"I would like to join Amnesty International and others who defend basic human rights in condemning the brutal measures of the state authorities in response to the peaceful protests in Taksim in Central Istanbul.
"The reports of the past few days are reminiscent of some of the most shameful moments of Turkish history, which, it seemed, had been relegated to the past during the progress of the past years that has been welcomed and praised by all of us who wish the best for Turkey and its people…”
To the people of Turkey
Turkish brothers, sisters, friends and comrades:
Soldier on! Continue with your just and noble Struggle! You are not alone! We are with you! WE SHALL OVERCOME!!!
WE ARE ALL CAPULCU!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy lecturer
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Far Eastern University

Philosophy, Reason and Enlightenment through Critical Thinking: A Review
I read with such delight and extreme joy the powerful and utterly robust critical exposition of Anas Alam Faizli, “Enlightenment through Critical Thinking”, the Free Malaysia Today, June 3rd.
Though I overwhelmingly concur substantially to all of his major theses, I beg the indulgence of the reader that I may be allow to further expound on his points and in doing so share my own views with regard to the matter that is so close to my heart and soul.
I agree with our author that:
We can’t step into First World status with a Third World mentality, severely under equipped in intellect and thought.
It is my take that what the author is trying to imply is the irrefutable fact that, Third World mentality is antithetical or a grave impediment for any country to reach a First World status.
Third World mentality is characterized by being myopic in one’s view, close-mindedness and being self-centered. This kind of mind-set or mentality is further aggravated by an intellect that is afraid to think and a thought that is not bold enough to pursue its own conclusions.
What is Enlightenment?
According to Wikipedia:
The Age of Enlightenment (or simply the Enlightenment or Age of Reason) was a cultural movement of intellectuals in the 17th and 18th centuries, which began first in Europe and later in the American colonies. Its purpose was to reform society using reason, challenge ideas grounded in tradition and faith, and advance knowledge through the scientific method. It promoted scientific thought, skepticism and intellectual interchange and opposed superstition, intolerance and some abuses of power by the church and the state. The ideas of the Enlightenment have had a major impact on the culture, politics, and governments of the Western world.
There is a universal consensus among commentators that the central principles/ideas of the Enlightenment are the following:
1. Man is not innately deprived.
2. The aim of life is life itself not the afterlife.
3. The essential condition for the good life on Earth is to freeing of men’s minds from ignorance and superstitions.
4. Man, free of ignorance and of the arbitrary powers of the State, is capable of progress and perfection.
5. Everything is interconnected and forms part of the grand scheme of a benevolent Providence.
Further, the two generally accepted slogans/mottoes of the Enlightenment are the following:
1. Sapere Aude (Have the courage to use your own reason; and
2. Carpe Diem (Seize the day).
To quote from another article of mine, “Blind Obedience is the nemesis of Critical Thinking: In Defense of Reason and the Enlightenment”, Etniko Bandido Infoshop, July 3, 2012:
The German moral philosopher, Immanuel Kant wrote in an influential and monumental essay, “What is Enlightenment” the following remarkable words:
“Enlightenment is man’s emergence from his self-incurred immaturity. Immaturity is the inability to use one’s understanding without the guidance of another.
“This immaturity is self-incurred if its cause is not lack of understanding, but lack of resolution and courage to use it without the guidance of another. The motto of enlightenment is therefore: Sapere aude! Have the courage to use your own understanding!”
And what are the root causes of man’s darkness of his mind that breeds immaturity and inability to think for oneself?
“Laziness and cowardice are the reasons why a large proportion of men, even when nature has long emancipated them from alien guidance (naturaliter maiorennes), nevertheless gladly remain immature for life.
“For the same reasons, it is all too easy for others to set themselves up as their guardians.
“It is so convenient to be immature! If I have a book to have understanding in place of me, a spiritual adviser to have a conscience for me, a doctor to judge my diet for me, and so on, I need not make any efforts at all. I need not think, so long as as I can pay; others will soon enough take the tiresome job over me.”
Hence, applying Kant’s contention in the case under consideration, there is no shadow of doubt that he will be totally opposed to those believer who blindly believes just for the sake of merely believing without question or reservation!
It logically follows that to be fully enlightened and truly rational means questioning the mistakes, misdemeanor and wrongful acts of our leaders. It does not matter whether they are political (be they the administration or the opposition), social (whether private or public) civic (whether local or international) or religious (whether they are Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and even the atheists) and always remain vigilant and critical of all their actions and policies that affect our people and society at large!
Indeed, the author is in point when he posited that: “Thinking is tool to achieve First World mentality”.
As he said:
It is only critical thinking that will enable us to extract the fruits of educating our citizens, from the belief that they consequently form and act upon.
Comment:
I concur with our author, except that I would like to add a ‘dangerous necessity’ with regard to critical thinking and that is the pleasure and delight of mental liberation and their eventual need to act!
Once, the citizen of one’s nation are already thinking, worst, critically thinking, then that is a dangerous scenario for any erring leaders, stupid administrators, unjust system, unfair policies and abnormal conditions.
The people, who are already critical will definitely raise a howl, issue their criticism, register their point and stress their concern. If the said leaders will not act upon the grievances of the people, then, the critical thinking of the people must not stop simply on the level of words, critical thinking also and most importantly requires actions and movements.
There lies the danger. For the government?
There lies the extreme need --- for the people as a whole!
Is that the reason, why up to now, we do not have even a single Department of Philosophy in any Malaysian university?
The ironic ‘trichotomy’ of thinking, knowledge and education
Engaging a Malaysia that thinks, we cannot run away from attacking the problem at its core, and that is education…
What we need Malaysian students to empathise with is something very much deeper; like observing their local communities, questioning purpose, reason, logic, being creative, appreciating literature, language and music as sciences in their own rights, being critical, innovative, improvising and technological. In the ancient world, knowledge is achieved by scholarship from great teachers who guide students into discovering the fundamental truths of existence and purpose.
Comment:
Our author is correct in this thesis! What we need is to be critical, radical and be a keen observer of everything in our daily lives.
Wrong is wrong and right will always be right! It is part and parcel of our moral duty to criticize and to right a wrong and to stand and fight for the right to always triumph — regardless of who the culprits are and irrespective of who are the erring leaders or persons!
The strict requirement of Enlightenment believes in its passion for reason and the utilization of one’s understanding, not only for the benefit of the said individual but also for the greater good of Humanity...

Again to quote the succinct words of our German philosopher, Immanuel Kant:
“Nothing is required for this enlightenment, however, except freedom; and the freedom in question is the least harmful of all, namely, the freedom to use reason publicly in all matters. But on all sides I hear: “Do not argue!” The officer says, “Do not argue, drill!” The tax man says, “Do not argue, pay!” The pastor says, “Do not argue, believe!” (Only one ruler in the World says, “Argue as much as you want and about what you want, but obey!”) In this we have examples of pervasive restrictions on freedom. But which restriction hinders enlightenment and which does not, but instead actually advances it? I reply: The public use of one’s reason must always be free, and it alone can bring about enlightenment among mankind…”
Undeniably, there is no shadow of doubt that blind obedience is the nemesis of critical thinking, in the same vein that unreasonable or dogmatic faith is the enemy of Enlightenment!
Then, our author proceeded and stated sadly that:
Now, knowledge is unemotionally reduced to condensed and concise textbooks to be memorised. Malaysians who come out of such a system are limited to a narrow idea of success, rights, boundaries and purpose. We become so confined to pursuits of economic wealth and pleasure, thus rarely think beyond the default doctrines or syllabus.
Comment:
I ardently hold the view that “there seems to be a grave confusion with regard to what we what for our students as against the interest of the general system.
“Extrinsically, we are encouraging them to memorise and aspire to get big marks, even perfect scores; yet intrinsically we are also demanding they must possess critical thinking, creativity and persuasive discourse.
“This is a blatant contradiction and self-defeating to the utmost. How could we expect our lads to possess critical thinking when we are not encouraging them to speak their minds?
“How could we expect our pupils to become creative if we consigned them to the borders of the lecture-notes and syllabus of the subjects? And most importantly, how could we expect our students to express and talk in a brilliant persuasive discourse if they lack the personality, the basic foundation and the necessary training (both the written and the oral form)?
“I believe that it is unjust for the system and for the teachers to expect too much for the students, given the confusion and contradiction of the system. It follows that it is also unfair for the student to be expected to deliver when they are not even trained and nurtured in the first place.
“How could one expect the horse to run fast if the trainer of the horse did not fully practise and exercise the maximum speed of the said horse? If we did not allow the horse to run freely in the plains to explore the vastness of the wild, but rather subjected the same to the four corners of enclosure, do we expect the said horse to perform well the day we release it for the race of life?
“Lastly, if we did not give the “finest grasses” and the “best vitamins” to the said beast, do we have the right to expect the said beast to launch and unleash its full prowess and potentials? I do not think so!” (“A discourse on a true educative blueprint”, The Malaysian Insider, Side Views, September, 19, 2012)
This ‘trichotomy of thinking, knowledge and education’ is plaguing not only us, but also much of the developed western world. For America, the battle is saving the new generation from societal doldrums, having tasted economic success. But for Malaysia, going too far down the wrong road may mean perishing even before reaching the peak. The victims, surely, are not us nor the policy makers in their glass panelled Putrajaya offices. It is our children, and Malaysia.
Comment:
Sad but true! As Chris Hedges, the notable American writer had said on this matter:
“We’ve bought into the idea that education is about training and “success”, defined monetarily rather than learning to think critically and to challenge. We should not forget that the true purpose of education is to make minds, not careers. A culture that does not grasp the vital interplay between morality and power, which mistakes management techniques for wisdom, which fails to understand that the measure of a civilization is its compassion, not its speed or ability to consume, condemns itself to death.”
Indeed, “it is common knowledge that the core business or function of schools today is to make students score and pass examinations.
“The “emphasis” is on drilling and coaching, to ensure that students do “well” in exams. It is because of this that I concur with the observations of Robert Kiyosaki, the international author, motivator and financial commentator, when he said categorically that:
““It seems to me that the school system cannot admit they are not preparing children for the real world. That would be admitting to failure, and we all know what failure means in the school system.
““It means the school thinks your child is not smart, but what it really means is that your child isn’t doing what the school tells them to do. What a shame!
““Though, this is now the current trend, let me highlight the dangerous tendency of these misplaced procedures of the school owners’ attitude ...”
“Kiyosaki said that to the school authorities, it did not matter if the students did not learn anything at all, so long as they had complied with the requirements.
“My view is that such a mindset and the indifferent attitude of the school authorities is the ultimate betrayal of the true aim of education.
“A student had once mockingly questioned a teacher: “Should we put down what we think is right, or what we think, you think, is right?”
“I am vehement that this should not be the main objective of a true, libertarian and enlightened education.
“It is incontestable that what many school administrators now implement is not education at all, neither does it cultivate the minds of our children.
“Sadly, the procedure now being subscribed to by the modern educational system is spoon-feeding. This is the worst type of brain-washing that would give rise to intellectual retardation and academic regression.
“The process of relying solely on attaining good grades in exams would undeniably kill all forms of creativity, dynamism, distinctiveness and intellectual and mental diversity.” (More to learning than good grades, The Star, Education Section, Let’s Hear It, May 5, 2013)
Rethinking critical thinking via philosophy education
My first humble proposition is to establish a faculty of philosophy in every tertiary institution. This is not new; leading Universities e.g. Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge and MIT all have a faculty of philosophy. The word philosophy originated from the Greek word philea and sophia which means love and wisdom, hence philosophy is the love of wisdom. In academia, often it is the study of basic fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and existence.
A faculty of philosophy will begin to help solve the dire need for thinkers and inculcate knowledgeable persons within our society. Philosophy opens our minds, pushes us to reason, question things, which thus prepares the perfect grounds for critical thinking. While some human capital is best placed in the industry to produce tangible economic outcomes, there must be space for those who are best to appreciate great works of past thinkers that built human civilisations, to research, explore and retrieve solutions to some of the most pertinent problems that plague society currently.
Comment:
As I stated in one of my article, “Philosophy important in knitting moral fibre”, The Star, Education Section, Let’s Hear It, August 5, 2012:
“It is sad that Malaysia does not have a university with a Department of Philosophy. Undeniably, “this absence affects the integrity of the educational mission of universities.”

“Indubitably, “it would be odd to downplay the role of the liberal arts and humanities and then decry the fact that we are not producing students with critical thinking skills”.
“I sincerely hope that one fine day, a Department of Philosophy in one great Malaysian institution of higher learning shall arise and commence the arrival of Philosophia.
“Why are these things important? More to the point: Why do they matter?
“I will argue in the affirmative. Yes, all these things are undoubtedly important. It is only through a free university with a Philosophy and Social Science Department that we can produce technicians, technocrats, future leaders, social critics, teachers, lecturers, professors and intellectuals which serve as a vital element in the continuous development of our body politic.
“However, we must not only invest materially on intellectual capital; we must also bolster the ethical and moral cultivation of our young. Intellectual power must be tempered and harmonised with ethical foundation and moral sense.
“Hence, we must engage in a two-pronged programme, which is the development of the mind and the cultivation of the inner spirits.
“These two elements must concur in order for us to mould and create students and citizens of substance and good moral character.”
Then, our author proceeded to his second proposal. Needless to state, I consider the same sound and utterly necessary.
Secondly, I propose making compulsory the subject of philosophy to all tertiary level students. Even at its most basic level, philosophy is one of the best ways to get students of knowledge to reason, because it is the foundation for every subject which will lead to the understanding of philosophy of religion, philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of sciences, philosophy of social sciences, philosophy of economics, thoughts and the list goes on. Whatever his or her field of discipline is, credit hours on philosophy will provide basic tools to keep them grounded to the purpose of studying, and the purpose of the particular field they are studying.
Comment:
I subscribed completely to our author’s proposal to make the subject of Philosophy compulsory to all tertiary level students based on all the reasons that were given above!
Undoubtedly, “relentless economic pursuits have backfired. The lack of critical thinking is arguably why we lack innovation, and thus limited economic abilities. Even with disciplines which supposedly produce ‘returns on investment’ such as medicine, sciences, engineering or business, students do not fully appreciate the philosophy behind them, and thus not many are incentivised to probe further. When knowledge is supplemented with thinking and translated into development and innovative capabilities, the economic bounty of an enlightened Malaysia is actually far larger.”
Comment:
Bull’s eye! The author in my view has certainly hit the nail at the head. Undeniably, the lack of critical thinking will lead unfortunately to lack of innovation, being box-minded, sticking to the book method and fear of committing a mistake.
Critical thinking is a kind of thinking that will compel a person to think independently beyond the normality of the situation and pursue the product of his or her logical thoughts to their conclusions without the fear of committing a mistake.
In my view, the Liberal Arts' education is the source of critical thinking. Critical thinking is the capacity to think independently beyond the ordinary conception of prevailing reality.
Its mind is reason; while its heart is humanism. The precise utilisation of critical thinking will undeniably lead our students to the joys of critical analysis which in turn will certainly give them the philosophical tools necessary and pertinent for the conscious and bold exercise of complex insights.
Again, to quote the words of Chris Hedges, "The capacity to think is the only bulwark against any centralised authority that seeks to impose mindless obedience. There is a huge difference, as Socrates understood, between teaching people what to think and teaching them how to think.”
The process is something like this:
There’s Philosophy. Philosophy will help us to reason. Then, once we are already using our own reason, we begun to ask ourselves and deliberate thoroughly. Then, once we use reason in our thinking, that kind of thinking is no longer ordinary but already critical. And finally, once we are already utilizing critical thinking, we begun to philosophize and see things in a different light and various perspective!
Countering the oppressed mentality via Thinking
Ordinary Malaysians need to understand the meaning of words to modern nation states like Malaysia, such as freedom, justice and democracy. They need to question first, in order to understand the purpose of certain jurisdictions, rulings or systems. In fact, there must be encouraging mechanisms for Malaysians to be allowed to think out of the box defined by schools, societal norms, and the government.
Comment:
I concur with the author that oppressed mentality can only be remedied by thinking and more thinking. A person or much better a nation that is fully aware cannot be cheated or dupe by any powers that be! A person that is critical and aware is a free being!
The necessity to think
Socrates is correct in his philosophy and dictum that ‘the unexamined life is not worth living’ in the same vein that a life without a discourse is no life at all!
One can only engage into a discourse is one if using one’s own reason. If one is using one’s own reason, then that individual is using his reasoning, if one is using his or her reasoning, then that person is thinking and if he or she is using reason in his or her thinking, then that kind of thinking is no longer an ordinary kind of thinking but a thinking that is a reasonable one, indeed, a thinking that is already critical. Now, if the thinking is already on that stage or level, then that individual is now ready for a discourse, not simply a typical discussion or mere ‘normal’ talk!
Hence, in my conclusion, I will passionately argue that the ultimate objective of a true libertarian educational institution whether they are public or private is to hammer our lads to be the best that they can be by developing their character through critical thinking, harnessing their soft skills and cultivating their inner moral worth.
We must teach them to think logically, exhort them to always do the right thing and at all times, admonish them to act with justice and conduct themselves in a humanitarian manner, because in the final analysis: the ultimate aim of a true, dynamic and libertarian education is not simply to teach our lads how to make a living but to live a beautiful, virtuous and happy Life…

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy lecturer
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Far Eastern University

I am writing with regard to “China boasts of strategy to “recover” islands occupied by Philippines”, posted by CHANKAIYEE2 published by the China Daily Mail on May 28, 2013.

This is with reference to the recent interview of “a well-known military expert” Major General Zhang Zhaozhong who gave a talk in a TV interview in Beijing about the current situation dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China/West Philippine Sea.

Further, the said “expert” also analyzed his country’s strategy in the said region.

The following is the translation of what this so-called “expert” had said:

What should we do about those islands and reefs? I think that in the main we have done some things relatively successfully in dealing with the Philippines. Since the 1990s, the Philippines has done quite a few illegal and irrational things in its attempt to turn the Huangyan Island into its territory by means of presidential order, domestic legislation, and so on.

COMMENT:

This creature may be an “expert” militarily, yet I cannot say the same with regard to the law, history, international relations, decency, morality and ethics.

This guy may be a great military strategist; but as a person he has no sense of shame, morality and ethics!
His cabbage strategy may be beneficial for his country at the expense of the true owner; yet undeniably in the eyes of the world, his country is a mere dirty scavenger, thieves and pirates of the worst kind!

So, to this so-called “expert” the Philippines, is the one who “has done quite a few illegal and irrational things”.

I am wondering what are these illegal and irrational things he is referring or alluding to?

I cannot understand the mind-set of China in claiming almost all of the islands in the South China Sea, even without the basis of evidence. I am referring to those evidences that are clear, credible and convincing, not the kind of evidence that they are offering that is historical which has no basis either in fact or in law.

China is claiming indisputable sovereignty in the said territories. The problem is: the basis of their claim is baseless, incredible and extremely disputable.

Consider the ABS CBNnews.com report of Jojo Malig, “WikiLeaks cable: China can't prove Spratlys claim”, April 20, 2013:

“Chinese authorities have failed to identify specific historical evidence backing Beijing's claims that it owns disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea, a confidential US embassy cable published by anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks said.

“Cable 08BEIJING3499, sent to Washington by the US embassy in Beijing in September 9, 2008, said a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) official and a local scholar could not identify specific historical records to justify China's "Nine Dashes" claim that covers the whole Spratlys and areas within other countries' exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

“MFA Department of Treaty and Law Oceans and Law of the Sea Division Deputy Director Yin Wenqiang told a US embassy political officer on August 30, 2008 that
"China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and the adjacent waters."

“However, the US official said "Yin admitted he is not aware of the historical basis for the 'Nine Dashes'" and only mentioned unspecified "Chinese historical documents" that indicate the basis for China's claims on territory west of the Philippines, according to the cable.”

COMMENT:

Wow, what kind of indisputable sovereignty it is over the islands in the South China Sea and its adjacent waters as doggedly maintained by China, if they cannot even identify SPECIFIC HISTORICAL (Written) RECORDS that will justify their claim?

Even the Division Deputy Director Yin when pressed admitted that “he is not aware of the historical basis for the ‘Nine Dashes’. This is a clear case of admission and another proof of China’s groundless claim.

It is clear from the Wikileak’s cable that the so-called “Nine Dashes” claim “that covers the whole Spratlys and areas within other countries’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs)” is just a mere hoax and a shameful and greedy invention of China to assert their baseless contention and force their idiotic claim!

Further, it was revealed that: “The US official also talked to Beijing University Asia scholar Yang Baoyun about China's claims.”

The so-called “scholar”, Yang stated that China’s claims "date back to ancient times, prior to the development of the modern nation-state."

COMMENT:

Bloody hell, what kind of scholar is that? What kind of ‘argument’ is that? The basis of their claim is anchored on the ancient times? Holy cow!

That is the most idiotic pronouncement that I ever heard in my entire conscious life. If that is the case, then there are no nation-states today in a legitimate sense, because we are all properties or territories of the ancient people!

Bwahahahahaha! I cannot contain my amusement!
That “scholar” is one of the most idiotic persons that I’ve encountered in my life! What a shame!
Undoubtedly, he is an idiot of the highest order!

Further, the cable added that:

"Neither MFA's Yin nor Beijing University's Yang could specify a historical document that indicated the basis for the demarcation of the 'Nine Dashes'…"

Instead, Yang referred to a 2000 (a not so ancient document) MFA "white paper" on the Spratlys.

"However, the white paper devotes little attention to the history of the "Nine Dashes," providing, for example, only vague references to areas frequented by Chinese fisherman from Hainan…"

COMMENT:

It is beyond dispute that China has no evidence whatsoever and only shamefacedly using force and bullying its neighbors, because of her greed!

As one commentator said:

“China is rebuffing the Philippine map of 1874 when their map only indicated that their territory by 1904 is only up to Hainan to the South.”

The Philippine claim is being supported by Spain, Germany and other nations of the international community, while China is being supported only by China. What a shame!

Further, I doubt if the Chinese people themselves are supporting their government’s idiotic contention with regard to the territorial dispute.

We all know the truth; the whole world knows the facts: China is acting as the new face of imperialism in the region.

I am wondering is there now scarcity of food in China or perhaps their resources is now beginning to dry up that’s why they are bullying, invading and fishing at other countries’ EEZs?

To the Communist Party of China

Are you now having problem with your unsustainable growth? That is why even at the expense of your people’s welfare and other countries’ interest, you are concocting stupid historical stories to grab territories of other nations?

Warning to China

Don’t dare us, don’t bully us and don’t even provoke us! We may be small, but we do have the guts and the balls to stand up and fight a bloody bully like you, that was have shown and exhibited many times.

May I remind you that during World War II, your country was ravaged and raped by Japan, yet my country had never surrendered to those barbaric Japs. We fought those bloody bastards from day one up to the end of the war.

In fact, because of the bravery and heroism of the Filipinos, we in a sense saved Australia and New Zealand from the Japanese advance. That gave MacArthur time to regroup and organize his army.

By your evil acts and greedy deeds, you are acting like the new Japan; well, we don’t give a damn about that!
We stood up and fought fiercely the Japanese Imperial Army then; if it is necessary --- we are prepare to stand up and fight you too --- to the death --- now!

You want a Part II of the April 2012 incident? Then, so be it! You want a piece of us? C’mon, come and get them; that is if you can: we dare you!

Enough of this rubbish cabbage talk, let’s prepare to rumble!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy lecturer
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

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