The number of foreclosures in the US is rising by the day
Ten years after the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis, the world is again at the bust end of the cycle. While I preoccupy myself writing about a place I’ve never been to – captivating Capiz – First World countries are experiencing a part of the hardships that Third World countries are experiencing daily.
Should I sympathize? Unfortunately I can’t bring myself to do just that, because I know sooner or later, we will be affected too. Sure, President Gloria Arroyo said that the Philippines can survive the global economics but what about the Filipinos? We are already struggling as it is, how much more can Juan dela Cruz take? Mrs. Arroyo believes in the Filipino’s ability to bounce back with every adversity – is that even fair to the thousands who are earning less than 100 pesos daily? Not because we have an uncanny sense of humor doesn’t mean that our situation is funny. According to the latest price watch, we need ___ per person per day to survive. Why don’t we challenge the President budget such amount and let’s see if she can feed a family of five.
We keep talking about globalization and how many jobs there are abroad. Most people who opt to work abroad are in huge debt which they have to pay for years! Where are the jobs promised to us here in the Philippines? Overseas jobs was a temporary solution for the domestic unemployment in the 70’s, today, it is the primary industry that’s keeping our economy afloat. Imagine what could’ve happened if there are no OFWs! Do we consider it our achievement that 80% of our overseas workers abroad are unskilled? Should we consider it our achievement that we are known for our domestic helpers and unskilled laborers?
According to the latest economics news from Inquirer.net, the current economic crisis in the US will push investors towards Asia. Yahoo! That’s great! Or is it? If you think that’s a great thing, then you better remember the 1998 economic crisis which plagued Asia first and soon spread around the world. Do we really want that transient money on our doors?
What does a “healthy economy” mean Mrs. President? When you say “withstand the crisis”, do you also mean “feed the poor”? Or are you just thinking of an increase in both GNP and GDP? Don’t you think its time to look at the statistics and start targeting that ever increasing percentage of families who are living below the poverty line?
I’m pretty sure I’m not the first person to say this. But unlike many, I do not want you to step down, unfortunately, I don’t see anyone else who has the right aptitude and attitude to run this country. There’s something really wrong here. Peaceful rallies are okay but I don’t think they’re going to lead anywhere. Maybe what’s happening in Mindanao is a precursor to what’s going to happen to the rest of the country.
We’ve been asking far too long for change, to no avail. We have leftists, separatists, even terrorists, but none could make the government do what it should, so what now? Unfortunately, nature is already running its course. It’s forcing its will upon us. Troubleshooting is passé – but I still hope it isn’t. What do we do now? How can we help? How can you help?
