THINGS TO DO FOR A BETTER PHILIPPINES...
SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY...
It started off as a regular Sunday morning for me. The sun was shining, the air was clear, it couldn't have been a more perfect day for a tour of Intramuros. But when I got to San Agustin Church and saw one of those "We Oppose The RH Bill HB5043" signature sheets outside the front door, things changed a bit. At around ten am, near the end of my run, I saw a bunch of hastily xeroxed "coupon bond" petition papers with the words "We Oppose the Reproductive Health Bill" slathered all over the top. Right there and then, I stopped in my tracks and stared at it. And even though I have seen this petition for many Sundays prior, today was different. It seemed like time stopped and a spotlight washed over me - and the papers. Flapping in the warm electric fan wind of the church, the list started to taunt me. Each flap reminded me of all the years and lives that were wasted by the Catholic hierarchy's opposition to "Family Planning". Each flap was a backstreet abortion that could have been avoided if some poor mother had access to contraceptives. Each flap reminded me of how the Catholic Church heirarchy will once again use heavy handed bullying and the propagation of lies to get their way with cowardly Philippine politicians.
And I don't know what came over me, but the next thing I knew was that I saw a pair of hands -my hands - reaching up for it, tearing it off the wall, and violently crumpling it into a wad. All this in full view of all my guests. I was so livid, I had to take a break from touring to catch my breath. And when the red veils finally lifted from my eyes, I realized that I felt, well, pretty good. So good that on my way home, I stopped by Malate Church and tore off the "Say No to RH Bill" tarpaulin banner that was hanging over the side entrance and ripped it to ribbons.
And you know what? I highly recommend to anyone out there who shares my sentiments that you do the same. The act is absolutely liberating, the satisfaction was instantaneous, and believe it or not, nobody tried to stop me or arrest me. And I'm telling you, whether it be through the bold physical destruction of the Church's attempts to interfere in politics, or the simple act of enlightening someone who blindly opposes the bill about how misguided they are, it feels wonderful to just let the people around you - and the Church itself - know that there are members of the flock who are not going to be led to slaughter easily regarding this matter.
Can't wait for next Sunday.
Oh, and thanks Audrey N. Carpio for the lovely article on why Congressmen Should Join Facebook.
Labels: hb 5043
posted by carlosceldran @ 3:47 PM
28 Comments:
Nice one! I wish I have the guts. Hehe. I'll spray paint a big ex on a trap. So irritating when you see one. But it's kinda scary being arrested.
damn, i is jealous! too bad, i'm too far away to do my bit of justified vandalism.
go go go!
i bet it feels a tad better than tearing off politicians' flyers in front of their face.
Hi,
It seems like you're deliberately trying to show your lack of civility by the methods you employ. Not only have you resorted to insults and name-calling when referring to people and institutions that you don't agree with as regards this issue; you also destroy property.
Let's keep the tackling of the issues on a respectable level. That's what many of us have been doing. I think it's best to leave vandalism and name-calling to those who, unfortunately, still aren't capable of expressing their ideas in a civilized manner.
With open dialogue, we're likely to achieve more.
It doesn't seem like I being deliberate. I am TOTALLY being deliberate. Open dialogue has been tried but it is very difficult to speak against anyone who refuses to use science, economics, and logic. Worse of all, how does one argue with someone who uses "eternal damnation" as their blackmail?
Please, little ol' me against the Catholic Church? Even I am realistic enough to know that I am nothing against it. I am the little man letting my voice be known in a VERY active way.
On a personal level. It's war already. The abuse of their power has gone on too long and the time to act up against it is NOW. Think of ripping up the papers as a symbolic act, rather like the ripping up of a "cedula" or something like that. Trust me. No real estate nor animals will be harmed by such an act.
And what name calling did I use here on the post? "Misguided"?
I was referring to your blogging in general, so "misguided" is not on my mind.
That's the thing -- you see this as a religious issue, that's why you aim your ire at the Church. If you look at it beyond faith and religion, you may succeed in regarding things not in terms of who said what, but in terms of science, logic, human nature, and economics.
Of course a lot of those who are voicing out their opinions are from the Church hierarchy, and I see where you're coming from. But you have been all around the internet so it's impossible that you've missed the practical points that have been made about the things that make the rh bill unconstitutional, and why it will lead to more problems than solutions.
Also, try not to underestimate people. Many people are not ignorant about their Catholic faith, and choose to be faithful out of conviction and because they've seen that there is an answer to everything. It just takes patience to understand those answers.
"But you have been all around the internet so it's impossible that you've missed the practical points that have been made about the things that make the rh bill unconstitutional, and why it will lead to more problems than solutions "
Sorry, none of the arguments i have read are convincing - I find their arguments frankly dangerous. Poverty is of an emergency state in this town and there isn't enough time to waste ON TALK.
As a matter of fact, Sunny, Sparks in your comments section on presents clear evidence on how some segments of the Church are TWISTING words to sway opinion. And if they aren't playing fair, then it's time to take the gloves off, quite frankly.
Then you'll just have to look harder, if you're really interested in the truth (as the rest of us are).
And if you see instances of some people twisting words to sway opinion -- whether these people are within some segments of the Church, out of the Church, don't know the Church or have nothing to do with the Church -- then do correct them. Of course, with correct and accurate information.
After all, at the heart of all this is the welfare of our people. They are our common concern :-)
People who twist words and lie will just make up more lies and twist more words. One can go around "reasonably" correcting things ad infinitum.
Being reasonable and playing nice doesn't work when the other side is twisting words and lying.
While I might support any move to destroy Christianity and its stranglehold on Philippine society, I do not support any move that would violate their right to free speech.
Btw, did you get my email? Also, has Mireille messaged you yet?
Thanks.
This is was sent by J in the Visayas re: the post.
"Good for you for tearing down the garbage that the church is posting.
I noticed your brief back-and-forth with some commenter named sunnday. I
recognize his kind. I despise his kind. I'll explain ...
I'm an American living here in the Philippines. For
years, the Republicans in my country have lied, cheated, stolen, smeared,
twisted, etc. The Democrats (my side) tried to be reasonable ... tried to
explain how the Republicans were wrong, were misguided, lied, etc.
The problem was, once the Democrats got the point across about how the
Republicans were lying about one topic, the Republicans had five more lies
about another topic. It's a never-ending battle.
So, when slime-ball frontmen like sunnyday come along saying "let's be
reasonable here" ... he's really saying "hey, don't use my side's tactics
against us!"
Keep up the fight!
By the way, are you still handing out condoms and birth control pills to the
women in the barrios? And, if you are, how can I help/donate?"
And Stray! Yes I got the email. No text from Mireille yet though...
I have the GCs of Happy Feet now with me. Ill send it asap.
My favorite hater is back!
Unfortunately, I accidentally pressed the wrong button, good thing I still had a copy on my email.
"Congratulations!!!! Finally you came out in the open--a gutter level being. Now you showed who the real slimeball in this ocial discourse.
And btw, tell J from the Visayas as you claimed he is from, to keep off our country's internal affairs. He is an American and has no business in meddling in our affairs. Imperialists Americans! Population control or management is part of their foreign policy so its normal that he will advocate for it.
Hey Sunny! It is really a waste of time discussing with a bakla. he is confused with his sexuality so he can not understand more complex social issues and subject matter and he has shown his true self--vandal, anarchist, full of angst and can not tolerate a discourse in a civilized manner."
I recognize this person's style. Actually, I have a suspicion it could even be a friend of mine who might be trying to increase my hits by creating such tension. Whatever the case, I'm democratic and I am not denying their opinion and I am not denying any of the claims either. I consider all the accusations as compliments. :o)
I was especially entertained by this part, "Imperialists Americans! Population control or management is part of their foreign policy so its normal that he will advocate for it." Pretty brave words for an anonymous internet tuff guy.
I looked at my new tracker, (all I could tell by the person who visited at 1:51 is that he/she is from Makati.) Sheesh. Big help. Anyone know any other better trackers?
I love you, Carlos, but don't use the word "bakla" in that way again. We're gay, not confused.
By the way, you are damn cute in that picture.
Hello wltrrbls, So sorry for any confusion.
It was not me who used the word "bakla"... I was just quoting some anonymous guy who sent me that message. It was he that was calling ME a "bakla". And this anonymous guy always comes to my blog to call me that.
Which is totally fine by me.
Brilliant e-mail from your favorite hater, Carlos. Just shows the mentality on that side of things.
"Population control or management is part of their foreign policy so its normal that he will advocate for it."
Population control is part of the policy of many, many governments now ... including Asian ones. Over-population is becoming a serious issue worldwide. It would do the Philippines good to take a good look at it.
Oh, and calling Carlos a "bakla" while saying he "can not tolerate a discourse in a civilized manner" just shows that your hater is the one that cannot be civilized.
Civilized people address and confront issues. They don't just accept the positions of their leadership passively and scream loudly in favor of things which they do not understand.
Hi honey, oh, our hater's back.
Oh well towel. No use engaging haters when, even in hate, they're not strong enough to leave, at the very least, a name.
Anyhoo, wltrrbls, you are absolutely right, my husband is damn cute in that picture.
I'd also like to note that it takes a special kind of heartless person to know that the Philippines has the twelfth (12th) highest population in the world while it has the fifth (5th) highest hunger rate. The economy is not growing as fast as the population ... which will drive more people into poverty.
Those against the HR bill claim to care about the people. And yet, their policies end up making the people suffer.
Contraception is not abortion. If you think that it is, you need to re-take elementary school level biology because you are wrong. This is not a matter of opinion.
No fertilization means no pregnancy. No pregnancy means abortion cannot happen. Period.
Stray,
Good to hear that. Freedom of speech is also one of the things I truly value :-)
Hoy sunnyday
Lack of civility?? and insults???
the church has been insulting our intelligence for millenia ano. why should we put up with their crap? they are insulting my sensibilities with all this talk of 'eternal damnation' ek ek. puleeez.
it's time to fight back.
and vandalism??? puleeeeeez! this is the same church who sends missionaries to the far corners of the earth to vandalise cultures.
It looks like one of my comments didn't make it. Anyway, it was addressed to James. Contraception is different from abortion, as you wrote. And I like to think that nobody in his right mind would ever favor abortion, whether it is done by chemical or surgical methods, whether it becomes legal or remaihs illegal.
While contraception and abortion are two different things, some contraceptives are designed with built-in back-up components, should their primary component of stopping fertilization fail. That's why they're considered abortifacients as well besides being contraceptives.
If breakthrough ovulation occurs (which does happen), the secondary component would be the prevention of fertilization.
If this still fails, the third component would be to make the uterine wall hostile such that the fertilized egg, a zygote, is unable to implant and is thus expelled. Isn't this clearly an abortion?
Science has long established that life begins at conception. At conception, the tiny zygote contains a complete genetic code, all the DNA and all the genes that a complete human being will ever need in his life. And it's this DNA that makes him (and each of us at that stage) an individual.
I'm sure you've heard of assertions of the bill promoting abortion. It probably sounds ridiculous at first, especially after congressmen insist that they are against abortion. Maybe some of those who advocate the bill aren't aware of how contraceptives work and what "abortifacient" means. I'd like to think they are sincere.
On the other hand, some of the bill's proponents are fully aware that some of the contraceptives they propose to label as "essential medicines" are actually abortifacients. This is clearly unconstitutional because our Constitution protects the mother "and the life of the unborn from the point of conception."
So as you see, there is much to be done to inform our people so that proper measures can be taken. We all want solutions to our country's problems, and solutions that will respect and protect every person.
"Isn't this clearly an abortion?"
If the woman is not pregnant, it is not an abortion.
"Science has long established that life begins at conception."
Really? See, we've had this argument in the US for a long time. Science is NOT clear on the subject.
And, if you think about it, the sperm and eggs are already living. So, does life begin before conception?
If a fertilized egg is not viable or fails to implant, is that abortion?
See ... you're taking a very, very liberal view of what is "abortion".
I suggest that you show some degree of concern about the living adults and children in your society and stop worrying so much about the collection of cells that might grow into a human. You worry so much about something that might be fertilized, might implant, might grow ... and yet, once out of the womb, nevermind.
Like I said, it takes a really special kind of heartless inhuman being to not care about those that are here now. Currently policies are ensuring that the Philippines will become vastly overpopulated without the growth in the economy of food production to sustain those here. The suffering will be great.
I agree -- it would take a really heartless person to not care about other people. Which is why we continue to do what we do: support skills-training for those most in need, help out as much as we can in educating the youth about the things they will need for life. Life lessons -- virtues such as other-centeredness, perseverance, love for country, integrity etc.
Some of us also are in the area of educating parents on their responsibilities as parents and spouses. Some help with their time and effort, others help with their finances. There are those who give more of themselves than just one of the two.
My point is, we do what we can from where we are with what we have.
As for the other points you made...
* "If a fertilized egg is not viable or fails to implant, is that abortion?"
It certainly is abortion -- if the fertilized egg isn't viable and NATURALLY fails to implant, it's called a SPONTANEOUS ABORTION. Nature takes its course here.
If the fertilized egg fails to implant as a result of a drug or device taken by a woman or inserted into her system (both of which are designed to flush out any zygote that tries to implant), it's the kind of abortion that is at the heart of all these discussions revolving around HB 5043. There was deliberate termination of a life here so do you propose that we call this a spontaneous abortion as well?
* "Really? See, we've had this argument in the US for a long time. Science is NOT clear on the subject [of when life begins]."
It's easy to start arguments, whether you're in the US, the Philippines or elsewhere around the planet. Arguments crop up all the time. Exchange of ideas is, after all, part of growth and progress. But evidence is what settles matters that some individuals may have disputed. And science -- if it is an honest pursuit -- is based on evidence. It's up to you if you feel like debunking what science has already established and what evidence points to: that life begins at conception.
Don't take my word for it. Rather, start off with these (oh, and they're no quacks, in case that's what you have in mind):
-----------
Professor Micheline Matthews-Roth, Harvard University Medical School --
"It is incorrect to say that biological data cannot be decisive .... It is scientifically correct to say that an individual human life begins at conception .... Our laws, one function of which is to help preserve the lives of our people, should be based on accurate scientific data."
Dr. Landrum Shettles, sometimes called the 'Father of in vitro fertilization'--
"Conception confers life and makes that life one of a kind."
Dr. Albert Liley, the renowned physiologist known as the 'Father of Fetology'--
"Biologically, at no stage of development can we subscribe to the view that the unborn child is a mere appendage of the mother. Genetically, the mother and baby are separate individuals from conception."
Dr. Jerome LeJeune, professor of genetics at the University of Descartes in Paris --
"After fertilization has taken place a new human being has come into being, " and continued to say that it "is no longer a matter of taste or opinion," and "not a metaphysical contention, it is plain experimental evidence."
"Each individual has a very neat beginning, at conception."
Dr. Watson A. Bowes, University of Colorado Medical School --
"The beginning of a single human life is from a biological point of view a simple and straightforward matter -— the beginning is conception. This straightforward biological fact should not be distorted to serve sociological, political, or economic goals."
In addition to the consistent testimony found in medical textbooks, there is some equally conclusive evidence that exists on the public record, such as the US Senate Judiciary Committee report (S-158, 1981). Some of the world's most prominent and competent scientists and physicians testified as to the beginning of human life.
The Official Senate report summarized it thus:
"Physicians, biologists, and other scientists agree that conception marks the beginning of the life of a human being—a being that is alive and is a member of the human species. There is overwhelming agreement on this point in countless medical, biological, and scientific writings."
You can say all you want to deny that human life is already present at conception. It's up to you if you feel like turning a blind eye to evidence.
If I am wrong about all this, then I will have no problem admitting it. The truth, after all, is what matters.
Um. Nobody here is questioning life beginning at conception. When egg sticks, life begins. No doubt.
But that is what CONTRACEPTION is about. The prevention of the conception.
If there is no conception (i.e, if egg DOES not stick or sperm does not touch egg), then there is NO life to "kill" at all. Hence, it IS NOT abortion because there was nothing there to "kill" to begin with.
And all your quotes only confirm what have been saying all along, Sunny.
Or is what you are really saying here is that life begins at the "fucking" stage? Penis in Vagina! (it's life!)
Is that what you mean?
haha, just catching up with the blog and nearly fell out of my chair reading your favourite hater's diatribe -- what a character. 'a bakla' was a hilarious (if pathetic) attempt at dismissing an argument. also poor style/usage -- it should be 'bakla' not 'a bakla' (with an article), like an adjective not as a noun. and i agree, it's a compliment!!
sunny is such a funny person. he/she thinks all statements made by scientists are "scientific." besides, though the scientific definition of life involves minimum criteria to be met (subject to change, by the way), life does undergo different states while still satisfying the minimum criteria.
what is actually on discussion is a moral/ethical question: which state of life is worthy of protection? for instance, consider the vegetative state, dependent only on machines to live, is that worthy of protection? consider also zygotes made in vitro, are they worthy of protection? etc, etc... and the thing is, while there is broad consensus on protecting certain states of life, for some other states there is also debate between school of thoughts. and mind you, the roman catholic teachings doesn't really issue a blanket protection on all states of life, known or yet to be known.
I'm of the opinion that Church and State must always be separated. As a newly resident of the RP....the country has to get this population growth under control....for every step forward this country makes it takes two steps back...the infrastructure of the country cannot sustain this population growth. The country has such a great opportunity to catch up with the standard of living its Asian neighbors enjoy. Come on Pinoys you deserve the same opportunities as the rest of the free world in your homeland...don't fall further back!
Sunny ... we can argue about where to split the hair for days.
How about this: are you willing to support free vasectomies and free tubal ligations for all who request them (adults, of course ... but without spousal approval)?
Carlos, I admire your passion, so unlike that that cold hearted brainless and brainwashed fuckwit twat who calls himself Sunnyday! There ! If the shoe fits why not?Uncivilised My Ass! Coming from the likes of Sunnyday I'd take that as a compliment anyday. Keep up the good work mate...
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