RAIN OF FIRE

Cesar G. Bonilla
Obama, jobs, bonuses and model educators

LAOAG CITY – The destiny of man is written in the stars. Brilliant and confident Democratic Presidential-elect Barrack Obama is like a comet who just brightened the political history of United States of America by breaking the barriers of indifference, fear and discrimination to establish a new beginning for the American people.

The desolate conditions of the black people especially those who were sold into slavery in America in the 18th century are despicable. In The Liberator, an anti-slavery paper edited by William Lloyd Garrison in 1831 said the American Anti-Slavery Society was founded in Philadelphia.

Some abolitionists used their homes as “stations” for fugitive slaves and the movement produced literature, such as Harriet Beecher Stone’s novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin. In 1840 the abolitionists split over the formation of a political party, and John Brown’s single-handed effort to free the slaves in 1859 was a failure. Increasingly a crucial political issue, abolitionism was a major factor in the outbreak of the Civil War.

The great President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation (1863) and the 1313th Amendment (1865) completed the abolition of slavery in the U.S. and that, several other movements in Great Britain had been spearheaded to abolish the slave trade (1807) and slavery.
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The 44th President-elect of the United States of America is likened to that of the charismatic US President John F. Kennedy, one of the youngest occupants of the White House and the first Roman Catholic to be elected president of a powerful country.

His presidency was short-lived because of an assassin’s bullet that ended his colorful career. The late President Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest who at age of 42 was destined to be elected chief executive of the American nation. We all pray for the success of President Obama in leading the US not only for the American people, but also the underdeveloped countries whose survival have been dependent upon the overseas workers’ effort to work in the United States and other parts of the globe to send (honest) money remittance to poverty-stricken relatives or dependents.

That the global crisis can be solved by judicious application of economic measures that will catapult strong economic principles as a vital equalizer in the field of financial growth with the vision of President Obama and unity of the American people. God bless America.
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Senator John McCain is a rare breed of a refined gentleman and statesman who proved himself a worthy opponent. I truly admire his humility in accepting defeat without mental reservation and hostile attitude towards his victorious political nemesis. This is the beauty of America.

This is unlike other countries in the world who use violence just to be installed in the highest government position of the land. The loser, instead of cooperating with the winner in building a strong and stable government, malign and destroy the good name of the sitting chief executive.

Pride and self-centeredness can be a dangerous precedent in molding a republic. McCain and other politicians whose political ideology are for the greatness of the US deserve praise and commendation by freedom-loving people.
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Jobs nowadays, in the Philippines, are difficult to find. Some companies and institutions require applicants to present their college diploma and at the same time, scrutinize their resume for evaluation. Some require applicants must be graduates of a masteral or doctoral degree to be able to work in that company or institution.

This is good to ensure competence and productivity but would this be the proper evaluation to measure someone’s intelligence? That only those who are certified doctors, lawyers, engineers and accountants. have the right to earn a living and serve the country and those who failed in their academic pursuit are unworthy of respect and admiration of the populace?

This is the truth about the system of employment in the Philippines puera de los Buenos. The acquisition of higher education often changes a humble individual into an egoistic sycophant. But there are some professionals though they are at the height of intellectual grandeur, still manifest Christian spirit in dealing with others.
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Bonuses would give happiness to government and private employees this Christmas. This is the time to reward those who are deserving of the trust and confidence of the sovereign Filipino people. How about the poor taxpayers and those who have no jobs? Those whom the community consider as indolent and of no value?

Certainly, they will not experience the lavishness and the material celebration of Christmas for they are deprived. I consider the poorest of the poor as lucky to celebrate the season in a spiritual manner because they humbly welcome the Messiah in their hearts. For those living in abundance, it would be good if you share your good fortune with the poor. God will reward you a thousand fold. .
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I would like to greet the Capuchin Poor Clares in Laoag City like: Mother Ma. Lilia, Sr. Amada, Sr. Ma. Ana, Sr. Ma. Teresa, Sr. Eden, Sr. Milagros, Sr. Lorie Luz Ma., Sr. Ana Veronica, Sr. Lily, Sr. ANniy, Sr. Corazon, Sr. Vangie, Sr. Marithes, Sr. Annie Marie, and Sr. Postulant Josefina including Sisters from the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
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I would also like to greet my students at DATA Center College of the Philippines including the president, vice-president for academic affairs Dr. Vicente A. Bonoan (model educator and brilliant dean), deputy VPAA Nenita Respicio, Florencia Ascension, and Sister Catalina Coloma-Ascension. Sister Cathy is kind and always in a festive mood whenever I need her help. My ever-more thanks. Also to the director of student affairs Efren Valdez, a perfect gentleman. To all the readers of the Northern Philippine Times in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Mabuhay tayong lahat!
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We give recognition to all God-fearing citizens of the country who continuously share their love to the less fortunate by sponsoring scholarships and educational assistance for poor but deserving students who excel in their courses. Since we are just pilgrims in this world, we must feel the pulse of the masses and share what we have.