apolitical

a lot have been wondering why i haven't been yakking about third world politics lately.

there have been so many things going on. the contested human security act. extra judicial killings that leave a chilling effect among journalists and administration dissenters. on Juan dela Cruz paying more taxes now but getting less of the basic services due him. the 6.7% GDP growth rate that does not even slightly impact poverty. the rising misery index (yes, there is such a thing in economics).

oh. the. mess.

when i started this blog, i wanted it to be a pulpit on which i can speak about politics and governance. but there have been a lot of things that happened in the recent past that left me confused and doubting.

i don't want to think about it. and i will not talk about it. unless, i want to go thru the next level of hell when i face the commission on appointments for my confirmation as undersecretary. or until my advertisers notify me that a 3rd world political blog is finally in vogue. or until becks sends me an email to say that he misses my political commentaries.

GGTM

anyway, does anyone know of a university or institute in the US that would take in interns to observe the 2008 elections? because right now i am very interested in Uncles Sam's presidential polls. you know, how the two party system work, what happens in primaries, how the parties raise funds, how to manage campaign in 50? 51? states-- the works. and yeah, i want to bring home some gossip on what washington's plans are with regards to this far flung archipelago.

okay, okay, aside from all those shallow reasons, the reason i want to get a US visa is: i want to meet wannabe democrat presidentiable john edwards in person.

Josmio! Ang gwapo!

***

all right, let me talk a little about the wicked and wonderful world of my homeland's politics.

at the opening of the 14th congress yesterday: the ___________ ( i don't have a term for it) within the opposition resulted to my former boss getting elected as senate president.

mr. palengke--este--mr. sipag at tiyaga
as Senate President once more

at the lower house, after all the screaming and the drama, the gentleman from i don't know which district of Pangasinan prevailed as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

House Speaker JDV
(err no.. this is yoda, something must be wrong with blogger)

there you go-- Jose de Venecia
(who do you like better? JDV or Yoda?)

of course, the opening of Congress will not be complete without the president's State of the Nation Address.

i don't know what caption to put under the photo. i mean, i didn't watch the SONA. but it doesn't mean i don't know what she talked about.

that was her 7th-- take note--7th SONA.

oh well... i'm shutting up...