Corruption’s a big word!

The word corruption is defined as “dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving a bribery” of public officials. The definition, if you will, is a bit too narrow. It doesn’t go beyond receipt of direct or tangible things. It means if you didn’t benefit from “personal gain” then you’re free of the filthy scourge.

I don’t like this word and it isn’t because of the negativity it conjures but because it can’t even fit as headline and even bleeds the page when highlighted with bold letters. Moreover, in a small community, it doesn’t even need any ideological or scholarly discussion.

I’m not being facetious either but you know we come from “Islas de Las Ladrones” where we could smell corruption from miles away. Plus we impose the complete opposite of American jurisprudence where, on the islands, you are guilty until proven otherwise. The heavy shadow follows you everywhere! And even that we smell with powerful scent than fully trained K-9.

Beyond the narrow definition, there’s the term “patronage” that wildly spreads privileges and rights that can’t be stashed away. It provides invisible and concrete personal gains for the official, his family, relatives, and loyalists.

Well, I’ve seen envelopes handed to our top guns. I’m sure they weren’t “Get Well” cards or “Happy Holidays” for the content was definitely loaded with one too many happy days. Are there corrupt people still in government? Definitely! Are there politicians who’ve never reported campaign materials from foreign firms worth over $50K? Isn’t this also a violation of pertinent federal laws? It shall be revealed before year’s end! Interesting Times!

Again, in a small island community you’re held guilty until proven otherwise. This hurts in more ways than one. You meet friends at a BBQ and everybody’s spouting, “Eh, more beer lai” taking quick glances at your browbeaten face. Friends and foes would poke fun at you even at your funeral. Nice thing, though, is that they’re very forgiving even of crimes you never committed. Hell, where do you find such warped generosity that never ceases to give?

But I’ve seen what the scourge could do. It’s ugly in all its form and it’s one scheme where we avoid using the “crab theory.” You’d be happily encouraged go it alone, bruddah!

The Voice
There was a happy reunion recently with a close friend I’ve known since grammar school. We’d converge and slug it out until we turn purple. We’d pontificate on global issues as though we really had final disposition on substance before final publication.

Our tête-à-tête centered on reminiscence before sliding once more into insightful discussions on technology, cultural devolution, national and local political impotency and other issues.

We both acknowledge how information technology has shifted the old ways given that almost everybody is so self-absorbed in iPhones, iPads, Kindle, and laptops. With the national media pandering into what’s hip as to ignore the search for the truth, it has turned into screens of mendacity than anything else. I’d rather watch birds on my lemon tree do quick jumps to nearby branches than turn on the TV. Well, modernism has its own benefits too. Most folks may not have everything they needed but at least they have my grand auntie calls “celery” or cellphones!

Has our cultural value system devolved too? Now, if you feel modernity has its good influences upon local tradition, would you like to share it with us? It’s healthy exchanging viewpoints in sober fashion in the interest of allowing for that difficult navigational journey ahead.

Unless we discuss it under a certain framework, most of our thoughtful views would have receded with the tide of servile acknowledgment. With strands of thoughts we could engage others in deliberative discussions focusing on real issues affecting our people. Well, it was a discussion in a dream with a friend who had since expired some 20 years ago. Perhaps he wanted to ensure that I remain polished on issues! It’s what we both call “The Voice”.

Middle East mess
I’ve been treading breaking news on President Obama’s decision to bombard northern Iraq to slow Islamist insurgents’ forward movement in the northern part of the country. This vicious fanatics move on slaughtering thousands upon thousands of Christians.

But the ill-defined mission has seemingly failed drawing criticisms from commentators to heads of Christian organizations across the country. The expectation is one of a decisive action by the president who’s headed to Martha’s Vineyard for a vacation.

He’s even accused as a believer in resolving domestic and foreign problems, delivering speeches enunciating grand goals. But the playing field in Iraq has shifted Mr. President and you must remove your blinders lest Islamic insurgents move into Pennsylvania Avenue too. This group seems fully versed of our Achilles heels—domestic problems—as to ignore everything else.

Memory seemed to have eluded our mind when the country pressured Obama to get out of Afghanistan and Iraq. He did! Most can’t see why waste American lives and taxes on a war that isn’t ours either. Obama obliged.

Obviously, the American Experiment of “democracy” has failed in the Middle East or countries where we spent billions of dollars trying to convert tribal living into our half-cocked version of democratic freedom. We overlooked the fact that historically these countries have lived as tribes for over 4,000 years. Their war is biblical. So where does our ill-conceived shortsighted agenda to democratize them fit? We need not go further than what’s happening in these countries today. Even they refuse to defend themselves!

The president hasn’t learned how to work with policymakers on Capitol Hill. So there’s nothing to expect when he slams his blinders on domestic and foreign policies. He was dissed for acting a day late and a dollar short on Iraq. He’s too busy chasing after a small white ball!