BAD YEAR FOR THE FORCE

 

Reputation wise, 2020 is not really good for PNP, and not only them but also of the US Police. With the death of George Floydd, and the rise and intensification of Black Lives Matter Movement. There is talk of defunding, and many more. With Trump being defeated at the polls with finality now. We don’t know what will happen to them.

But let’s focus on the PNP. Coronavirus is bad enough for the PNP, that despite it being deadly, they were sent to checkpoints as frontliners, to restrain the movement of hard headed individuals, who don’t follow health protocols. Facing their ire, with little thing they can do.Compounded also by some politicians, local and national, who are not clear to their policies, causing confusion to citizens and to the policemen. Leading to both arrest and disturbances, that should not be. Again leading to ire, and confrontations, badmouths and slurs, on both sides.

And the biggest issue, that has come out concerning both PNP, and CoVid, was nonetheless the infamous, mananita of the now PNP Chief Debold Sinas. It was the height of the ECQ, when the now PNP Chief, was given a birthday party by his colleagues. When every health official is calling for social distancing, and saying no to mass gathering. Which was the opposite of what the now PNP Chief, or his colleagues. But still with you having authority and power, can refuse. But you accept it, nevertheless.

Despite this, the President has full confidence with him, and refuse to reprimand him. Ending with him being ultimately promoted, as the highest police officer of the land. Which raise eyebrows, from both sides of the political spectrum. I myself, who is a pro-Duterte find it incredible. But this is not the biggest thing that happened this year.

Just this last week, an incident between neighbors, ended up with the deaths of two people from the Gregorio family, with Police Officer Nuezca, seen as the culprit. Shooting the unarmed individuals twice, leading to their deaths. Being the incident caught by cellphone camera, the suspect surrendered.

Him being a police officer, further stained the not so good reputation of the PNP. Again the PNP chief, General Sinas, involved himself in another statement debacle, saying, not exact quote, that we should not take videos of same incidents, even if we have opportunities. Which was contradicted by the former PNP Chief, and now Senator De La Rosa, saying, not exact  quote, it it is the persons prerogative, whether he/she wants to put himself/herself in danger. But such videos can help in investigations.

I believe the PNP Chief has good intentions, to make reforms or good initiatives. But because of that incident, and statement debacles. He has lost credibility. Which is a miracle to regain.

The police officer, that killed the members of Gregorio family, was bashed and criticized on many social media platforms. But some criticisms and bashings, seems to cross the line.

Like that of Agot Isidro, saying that PNP means Patay Ng Patay. Means always killing, for non tagalog readers. And the leftist groups, saying that the police are the terrorist. No, you the leftist are the terrorist. America said so with the EU and New Zealand. President Duterte declared you so. And youre actions on the ground, proves it.

Generalizing the police, with that isolated incident is wrong. And to the media, please stop swaying the public opinion to lose faith in the police altogether. If somewhat you triumphed in doing that. It will lead to something bad. Which is anarchy, and no one likes that. Not all policemen, are like Nuezca. Their are some killers, and corrupt official. But they are only the some, and not the whole. That Tarlac incident, is a bad year ender of events in the Philippines.

IT COULD ALSO BE CHINA

 

Attack on Titan, to me, or at least for many, is the best anime to come out this year, and maybe the last decade. It is because of two things, relativity and realism. It has the corruptions of government, horrors of war, conspiracy theories. And now they are resembling history, particularly that of Nazi Germany, and that Germany that come before it, that was screwed in World War 1.

Opening scenes of season 4, looks like just the trench warfare in the fields of France in World War 1. And to quote them: Do you remember this war we’ve been in for four years?  World War 1 started in 1914 and  ended in 1918. That's four years. Am I the only one reading between the lines like this. Of course not.

But if you saw the title, it says, it could also be China. On what sense, that it can also be China?  I am not saying; Hajime Isayama thought that it could also be China. I can never read minds. But how did you saw the German comparison? It’s on a lot of websites, that is saying that it is. What I am though, is I really love comparing things, where I saw resemblance. And I can also see resemblance of China, on Attack on Titan. Especially with the Marley Empire.

Marley is a great empire, and mainland superpower in their world. China is the mainland superpower in Asia, since 2000 years ago. It has declined, but came back as a superpower. That even the United States, thinks twice of confronting it militarily.

Marley also was persecuted, and belittled by a larger Empire, Eldia. In which they undermine it, and ultimately defeated. Making the Eldians to retreat to Paradis Island. Now in the history of China, there could be two comparisons for Eldia. And I dont think the first one was in Hajime Isayama’s mind. Because first and foremost, he is a Japanese. Or maybe because he is a Japanese, it has crossed his mind. But we can never be really sure.

Japan tried to really conquer China since the Ming Dynasty, through Joseon, now the Korean Peninsula. They succeeded for a while in the 1930’s. but because they acquired emnity with the western powers, especially the United States. China along with allies, defeated Japan. Like the Eldians, the Japanese commited atrocities, wherever they land. Most infamous of them, was the Nanking Massacre. They are also records that they commited heinous experiments, againts Chinese people. A lot of atrocities, was not forgiven by the Chinese up to these day.

Japan knowing the might of the Chinese Army, wants also to re-arm. Change the constitution, that limits or prohibits them for having an army, as a punishment for being defeated in World War 2.

Another country that might fit the gloves of being Eldia, in relation to China, is Taiwan. Before World War 2, the world recognized Chiang Kai Shek, as the leader of the Republic of China, of which the whole mainland was under his authority. But when he lost the Chinese Civil War against the Communist. He retreated to the island of Taiwan, in 1949. Both of the two countries claim authority over the entire mainland. Although the Peoples Republic of China, is the one that sits on the throne in Beijing.

And unlike in Japan, China might risk war, to retake Taiwan. The only thing that might hinder them was the protection given to Taiwan, by the United States.

China dont recognized Taiwan, even as a country. Although many countries doesnt recognized them as well. Maybe even their ally the United States, I am not really sure. Even a slight mention of it, will be met by protest, or diplomatic protest, by the Chinese citizens or government.

In the Kpop scene. Tzuyu, a Taiwanese member, of the kpop group TWICE, was scene holding a flag of Taiwan in one of their music videos. Chinese netizens protested heavily, making JYP to force Tzuyu to issue an apology to China. Which is rather unfair to the Kpop singer.

Another thing is an episode of Running Man, where they played a monopoly liked game, in which capital cities of the world was mentioned. And because Taipei was mentioned, along with Beijing, they protested. In which for an outsider, is too petty. Have you seen a Taiwanese person, who cries foul, everytime Beijing is mention as a capital of China. No. Maybe the Taiwanese people, should protest everytime there is a mention. But maybe the Taiwanese people, doesn't want to look petty in the eyes of the world.

There is still alot of resemblance, between China and Marley Empire. Some of the manga readers might have know some of it already. No wonder Attack on Titan, was banned in China. They are afraid, their people, might have this interpretation. Which is not very far fetch, because I have this comparison, and maybe interpretaion.

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: WAS HE RIGHT OR WRONG?

 

Note: This was written or finished around July 29, 2019. But for unknown reasons, I forgot to post this is on my blog. I think, the topic is still relevant, for Duterte is still the President of the Republic of the Philippines. And the issue involved will not be resolved, even in the near future. That is why I am still posting this.

I’m not really versed on what the UNCLOS says on the about the disputed territorial claims, nor the arbitral ruling, nor what the constitution says about the exclusive economic zone, or traditional fishing rights, or whatever terms that comes up, whenever we talk about the West Philippine Sea issue. What I know is the practicality of the situation, and the historical, most of the time response, of the United States on conflicts which are not directly their problem. The United States is the hope of the once that pursues to reclaim the territories now occupied by China.

But first, who should we really blame for this problem? Is it Duterte, because he is president now? Of course not. He is only 3 years in power. The one who is to blame, goes way back. It is those legislators who kicked out the Americans from Subic. Had the Americans stayed in the Philippines, would the Chinese behave this way? Of course not. Then after kickng them out, there was no effort to modernize the miltary, especially the navy. It was from Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, Arroyo, then again Aquino. Only from the Aquino the son, do they start modernizing, because the Chinese problem is apparent already. It has become too late. We lagged behind, and couldn’t catch up, in the arms race.

And the practicality. We can’t patrol the waters, because we have no or less ships, that can impose our rule there. Courage alone, can’t defend a country, we need weapons. We have less, compared to them. To those who keep blaberring, but we have the Hague Ruling? Yes, but we have no weaponry, ships. The two warships are still in South Korea, and will not come here, until after two years. Yet those two ships, are still not enough to defend it. Its too big a sea, for those two ships to handle alone. We need at least a fleet of them, and a fleet cost billions of dollars, which we can’t afford now and in the future. To upgrade the navy fully, at least the essentials, will take at least 10 years. So what we can do for the time being? Peaceful coexistent and compromise, rather than confrontation and war. War will be more expensive, both in resources and in lives. We should know better. We too, suffered from World War 2.

A statement of Former Justice Antonio Carpio, I don’t know if he still on the Supreme Court, in an interview with Winnie Monsod, that he is depending, in case of war that America will intervene. Yes America, is still a military superpower, and will not be taken over, even by Russia and China, in another 20 years. But would they helped us?

Even with Mutual Defense Treaty that had been signed, between the Philippines and The United States. History suggest, that they will take a back seat first, before responding. A lot of things will happen, as they do nothing first. And China is not a pushover country, that they can bend. US will think twice on confronting China, as to China with confronting US. But it’s a different between the Philippines and China. And China knows this too, that the US will take a back seat first. So Duterte is right, to wait for the right time to confront China, with the ruling that has been granted to us.

To historically proved it, just look at the oldest and strongest ally of the United States, Great Britain. Back in World War 2, Winston Churchill, then the Prime Minister of Britain, lobbied for support and for the US to join him in the war against Nazi Germany. He assumed office in May 1940. Only when did Churchill got his wish? On December 7, 1941. A year and seven months. A lot has happened then. France surrenders, Britain is losing on North Africa, Hitler has attack the Balkans, the Mediterrenean, Britain is being blockaded, and Soviet Union was attacked and is retreating, with the Wehrmacht threatening Moscow. Only when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, did he help Britain against Nazi Germany. Imagined if the US responded, as Churchill wants it? The thing is, as long as USA can stay out, they will stay out, especially if its against a strong power too, like that of Germany then, and of China now. If that is how they treat their oldest and strongest ally, we are only an ally, and not really an important one, what can we expect from them? United States is not a reliable ally, we can’t depend on them to defend us.

Plus, then and the current leadership of the United States, don’t want confrontation with China. Obama stated, why should we have on pieces of rocks in the sea, referring to the Scarborough Shoal, not an exact quote. And Trump, is on an America First Policy. He is turning inward, although he has some progress with North and South Korean relations, on foreign policy. Plus with the Iran deal. But Philippines is not on the radar on his foreign policy. I don’t know if he is going to be re-elected, or a Democrat candidate will take the helms of power, in the White House. But I don’t see any radical change of policy against China, even if its a new leadership. Philippines will still be not as important, as Japan and South Korea.

So for the time being, Duterte is right. Peaceful coexistence, and compromise. We can’t fight them, and our ally is not really dependable. China will one day, face trouble for what their doing to us. But it should not be a trouble that will cause us damage in lives and resources. Let’s keep the peace, and keep quiet for the time being.

ATTACK ON TITAN AND GERMANY

 

The Final Season of the show about to premiere, tomorrow December 7, 2020. The same date when the Japanese Imperial Navy, attacked Pearl Harbor. Is that a coincidence? But I am not gonna talk about that. I am gonna talk about, how attack on titan, resembles Germany, and its not the Germany, that we loved. Its that we all hate, except if your a neo-Nazi. I’m not talking about Nazi Germany only, but also the Germany that fought World War1.

At the start my only view, about AOT is that humans are the real monsterrs. Simple as that. But as the show progress, it became political deep and interesting. Although in Season 3 first half, it became too political, and it got too boring. But as season 3 second half passed. Action came again, and more intrigues. Introducing us to back story that has political intrigues and resemblance, to the infamous Germany that rose in the 1930’s.

In season 3, we have been introduced to these two, great empires in the story. The Eldian Empire, and  the Marleyan Empire. To cut the story short. Eldian is the one ruled by the Titans, until the Marleyan, undermine them and took over their former lands. Leading to the Eldian, to took refuge in the island of Paradis. In which they lock themselves into three walls. Which the story of now took place.

Again its not only the history of Germany that resembles the show, even the architecture, the names of the characters, Eren Jaeger, Erwin Smith etc. You can see German inspiration in every part of the story.

Then there’s a debate on who is the Jew, and the Nazis in comparison to the Eldians, and the Marleyans. Marleyans, definitively is Nazi Germany, and the Germany that fought World War 1. While Eldians, can be both in comparison to history, the Jews that became victims of the Holocaust, and the Nazis that wage war on Europe. And Eren, could be compared to that one infamous dictator, Adolf Hitler. We’ll get to that one by one.

Eldians trapped in the Marleyan Empire, is somewhat treated, the same like the Jews that put to Ghettos in Poland. They are hiding and segregated, from society. The most glaring resemblance, was the armband wore by Grisha Jaeger, to know that he is an Eldian. The prejudice against them, was the same that the Jews suffered, when Hitler took power.

And if you watch the show, when the restorationist movement was revealed and captured. They are brought to the island of Paradis, where, they turned them into mindless Titans. Even that has resemblance in history. The Nazis had this plan called, Madagascar Plan. A plan to relocate the Jewish population of Europe into Madagascar. But it never took place because of the British blockade of the island. And if you will look at the map of Attack on Titan. Its just an inverted world map. And Paradis is Madagascar.

So how will the Eldians in Paradis will be like Nazi Germany. That is where Eren will come to play. Grisha’s memories start being remembered by Eren. The movement, the persecution, they suffered, the secrets. And his last words, on the show is chilling. If we kill our enemies there, will we finally be free?

And as spoilers from the manga are coming out. Eren intends, and are already doing it. Killing the enemies, of Eldia.

Eldia can be compared to Germany, because they suffer the same fate. Both are Great Empires, and both had been humbled by great wars. In our world, we called it, the Great War aka World War 1. In their world, it was called the Great Titan War. And after that wars, resentment by the losing party, and harsh terms by the victors, fueled hate, and wants revenge. That’s were Adolf Hitler come into play, and in their world Eren Jaeger. Both are low ranking officers, in the military. But rose into leadership roles, where they can wage war. And not just war, but a war of annihilation.

So, by examining the history of Germany, between two world wars, and the back story provided by the show. And the pronouncement by the author Hajime Isayama, that it will have a dark ending. I somehow foresaw, how AOT will end. If we will look at history, it will be like, Berlin 1945.

Eren will cause so much destruction, on a brink of winning. But somehow humanity will find a way to defeat the Titans, and ultimately Eren. But the war will end, with the destruction of Paradis. So that the Titans, can never ever threaten humanity. No ending is darker than that. If analysis is right, that is how gonna end. I can’t pinpoint who will die, on the characters, but some are already spoiled in the web. Levi is heavily injured. But again, it will end like Berlin 1945. But again thats just me.

JOE AMERICA

 

I’m calling him Joe America, because he sometime in the past, once called his former boss, on a campaign, Barack America. It has been a subject of jokes of some comedians such as Robin Williams etc.

But kidding aside. Come January, whether Trump like it or not, he will have to step down, and swore into power, the new President of the United States of America, the President Elect, Joe R. Biden. Him winning the elections, was one of the better news, along a stream of bad news this 2020.

I may not agree, of some of Democrat’s policy. But with Trump In office, and his handling of things, especially COVID-19, any Democrat will do, that can replace him. And as Joe Biden, rose as the candidate of the Democratic Party, it’s a good thing, that despite differences is principle within the party, they all come together behind Joe Biden, unlike what happen when Hilary Clinton ran for president.

All I am saying is, Joe Biden is the common sense candidate to be voted, against Trump. Especially with the mishandling of COVID 19 in the United States. With it being still the number 1 country with most cases in the whole world. A common sense, in the presidency, must be put in place, and that is Joe Biden, more than Trump. A leader, that should encourage wearing mask, and not discourage them. And a leader that encourage social distancing, rather than encouraging mass gathering. And again, that is Joe more than Trump.

I can only speak of COVID 19 for Joe Biden, because of the failure of Trump Administrations to tackle the crisis. Even if consecutive administrations before him, put a measure in place, to tackle such crisis, yet cases and deaths skyrocketed. Cause lets face it, many countries in the world are have a declined in number of cases, and deaths cause by COVID. Some have already declared the defeat of COVID 19 in their countries, even China has a lower number of cases now, which where the contagion started. But if the US, will not tackle COVID with seriousness right now, these pandemic, will be prolonged than expected. And don’t put all your hopes, on the vaccines, despite news that it has 95% effective. It will take years, to distribute to all the world, doses of it. And not being so negative, it might still failed as a vaccine. All we need to do is to stop the spread, by following  health protocols. And America is spreading it a lot, in their own country. And if they open up, they might spread again to the world, starting an endless cycle. That’s why I am glad, that Joe Biden won the elections. Even though I am not an American.

But what would be the implications, to my home country, the Philippines. Will it affect the stability of the Duterte Administration? Knowing that his former boss, Barack Obama, is the President of the US, that our President’s hates the most. Will it also had an effect, to the candidacy of the now Vice President Leni Robredo, just like him? I hope not.  We may never know. We hope a cooperation, and not so much intervention from the incoming administration. And we hope, that the Philppines start being treated as an equal and sovereign country, and not as a vassal, or a satellite state. Hoping for good transition, and better run as the new President of the United States. Good luck, and God Bless.

AVENGERS NEW VILLAIN

 

At least in the MCU, with Tony Stark dead, Steve Rogers surrendering the shield for good, who will lead the Avengers? Is it really finished? And I am gonna talk some plot points, that might happen, and those that already happened. So spoilers ahead everyone.

There are some scenes in Spider Man Far From Home, that Nick Fury, is pushing that young Peter Parker, to be the new leader of the Avengers. And as the movie progress, it seems that he might take the role.

But what is a hero, without a villain. With Thanos, being vanished to dust, or so it seems according at least to some internet theories. There is no clear and present danger, that the Avengers might be needed to be called upon. Or at least for me, so it seems.

Today, I reached a conclusion, or at least a prediction, that one former Avenger, that might become the next big villain, for the Avengers. And that is Wanda Maximoff aka Scarlet Witch. Here are some reasons, why I reached that conclusion.

SHE IS A FORMER.  In the beginning of Age of Ultron. Wanda is working for Hydra, then later for Ultron. Until she was turned along with her brother, to the side of the Avengers. She might be turned again, because of some factors, we will talk down the line.

POWER. Wanda is confirmed by the Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, as the most powerful character, in the Avengers. That even Captain Marvel is below her in terms of power. We all witness what he had done, to Tony Stark, and also to Thanos, that led him to use his ships artillerry even against his own troops, just to be freed from Wanda’s grasps. As an old saying goes, Power corrupts. Absolute power, corrupts absolutely. And I will create a new from this. Great power, comes with great responsibility. No that’s not it. Great power, comes with great electric bill. No, still that’s not it. This is it. great power, corrupts greatly.

LOSS. In Avengers Age of Ultron, Wanda loss his brother Quiksilver, against a hail of machine gun fire, by Ultron. And look how he took revenge on Ultron, at the end. Even though it has no effect on him. Again on Infinity Wars, she was made to kill his love Vision, only to be revived again by Thanos, and killed again, to take the Mind Stone. And that time, Vision dies for good. And also Wanda was vanished to dust. But when she got revived, by the Infinity Gauntlet. Look again on how she took revenge on Thanos. Had Thanos, not used his ships guns. She might have finished him alone, by herself. Wanda is a vengeful being, it is clear.

Although I am quoting a line, from a different movie, and a different franchise, although both of them is now under Disney. Yoda said: Fear of Loss, is a part to dark side, Fear is a path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering. I think Wanda is past fear already, she is already on the suffering stage. One step more, or already she might be on the dark side.

ABSENCE. There are three persons that might be able to control Wanda from leading astray. Tony Stark, Vision, and Steve Rogers. Two of them are already dead, and Steve Rogers, doesn't want to be Captain America anymore, and retired by travelling to the past, and settling there for good. Those are the people that she might listened to for advice. All of them are gone.

And those that can challenge her through power, Captain Marvel, and Thor, are both far away from her physically.  But again Marvel confirmed, even though they are near, she is that powerful, that even they can’t stop her.

Because of that factors, No one to stop her. Her being vengeful, Her being too powerful. She might be fit for a new villain for Avengers to stop. After all Avengers shines, when the odds are against them. But again that’s only me.