Thanks to RMN Reader for this insightful reply ...
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Philippines... why??
Unfortunately, exactly what the coup leaders are claiming... it is corruption. Staggering corruption. Unforunately, the risk to Arroyo at this time is significant.
I have heard a lot of unbelievable stories -- from very connected and believable people. I am sure I will hear a lot more in a week or so when I head back. I listen a lot... but never say anything in return. I got that head nod-frown thing down real well. Estrada should have been so wise.
His body guards turned on him and started the ball rolling -- and Arroyo's protectors are not happy... overworked, underpaid and forced to participate in the corruption. I spend a lot of time in Manila, and that is how I know the bodyguards and others involved in politics.
I live in General Santos City -- very near to a special operations base that protects a fuel depot and acts as a base for covering the rest of the city. Those guys are not happy. The equipment is okay... equal to the MILF and NPA.
However, they rarely have time off... 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The pay is too low to feed their families, who live in the worst slums you could imagine --
located next to the base (slums on one side, fuel depot on the other). They often have no other option but to stay in the military because there are few jobs. I do not have a lot of sympathy for complainers -- but I do for these guys and especially their families.
With the morale of the bodyguards, and of the military, so low - something will have to give... if not today... soon.
Even though I think it will happen, I do not support a coup -- Arroyo is doing a good job -- corrupt or not -- she is moving the country forward about as fast as anyone could given the situation. Estrada was doing a pretty good job as well
-- and he was not any more corrupt than the others, he was just stupid and got caught.
I am in the USA now visiting family and handling business (TAXES!). When I go back - won't do the usual and spend the night at the Intercontinental hotel or have dinner at any of the US franchise restaurant's in Glorietta mall -- which is my last chance to have decent American food for the next four months.
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Even if Arroyo's pro-US administration puts down this rebellion
we know that it will not be the end of it.
Dateline for the "rebels" is 11:00 GMT Sunday ...???
CHECK WORLDTIMES
http://www.worldtimezone.com/
See latest news from Singapore Yahoo!
Sunday July 27, 7:15 PM
Philippine leader extends mutineers' ultimatum, takes emergency powers
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/030727/1/3cvlk.html
- Aladdin
Serving Freedom
and Liberty
