Advocatus Diaboli

Dear Friend,

During these times of political fluidity I remember two quotes and a fable about revolutions and the change of government. The first comes from Historians Will and Ariel Durant's book "The Lessons of History".

"The only real revolution is in the enlightenment of the mind and the improvement of character, the only real emancipation is individual, and the only real revolutionaries are philosophers and saints."

The next quotation comes from Ambrose Bierce's satirical work "The Devil's Dictionary",

"REVOLUTION, n. In politics, an abrupt change in the form of misgovernment. . . . the substitution of the rule of an Administration for that of a Ministry, whereby the welfare and happiness of the people were advanced a full half-inch."

And the last comes from George Orwell's fable "Animal Farm". In the tale the animals liberate themselves from their human oppressors and begin to build an equitable society. They set-up the basic laws of their society:

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.
5. No animal shall drink alcohol.
6. No animal shall kill any other animal.
7. All animals are equal.

In due time things changes slowly. Their leaders, the pigs, fight for power and the victors - gradually changes the law.

1. Four legs good, two legs better!
2. No animal shall sleep in a bed with sheets.
3. No animal shall drink alcohol to excess.
4. No animal shall kill any other animal without cause.
5. All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. .

Yes...

"All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others"

Often times what needs to be said has already been said and just needs to be repeated.

Have a nice day!

Playing Devil's Advocate

Dear Friend,

So the President has finished with her SONA, or State of the Nation Address. Manuel Quezon III covered the affair well in his post. Its also worthwhile to look at the PCIJ Blog 's post on the the SONA.

This was the President's shortest speech on record lasting around thirty minutes. She outlined her achievements and long term plan. Each of her statement were punctuated by applause from her loyal allies. The Opposition did boycott the event so there was no one about to boo her pronouncement or walk out. One of the many things the Opposition has bungled in recent weeks.

Two things to note about the speech. One, She did not directly talk about the political scandal hounding her government. No direct mention at all. And two, she was now for constitutional change and federalism as the cure for the decrepit political system.

As Manolo (MLQ) said she stated what Ramos wanted. The Speaker of the House was of course estatic and so were the other allies of the President - Congressmen and the local executives. Ramos who was acknowledge in the speech even before Drilon was acknowledge looks like the chesire cat from Wonderland.

And Drilon, poor looked forlorn. Had he just witnessed the impending doom of the Senate.

And where was the Opposition? In the street rallying. After failing to muster the much needed number of signitures for their impeachment. Now the complaint is going to the committee on justice and not to the Senate.

And how about the rally? Well today was a holiday so what did they meet on the road only the Pro-Gloria forces, the anti-riot squads, and the news media. Political milleage from a rally is difficult to get during a public holiday.

So are we now approaching the Kingmaker scenario. Where the loosing player has and will influence the succession to the party that have been kind to her during her stint in the game.

Have a nice day!

Playing Devil's Advocate