January 28, 2004
THE 52ND STATE:
An American president of the Philippines? (Marco Garrido, 1/29/04, Asia Times)
Much is unclear; much is ironic. It is unclear whether Fernando Poe Jr (FPJ), the front-runner in the Philippine presidential race, is even qualified to run. His citizenship at birth, one lawyer contends, was actually American. If this is found to be the case, Poe could be disqualified for not meeting the constitutional requirement of the president being "a natural-born Filipino".This would be ironic indeed. A revelation of US citizenship would probably bolster FPJ's appeal among an electorate that, by and large, considers tangible ties to the United States an unqualified positive. The perennial presidential candidate Ely Pamatong banks on this allure, campaigning, as he does, on a platform of US statehood for the Philippines.
Isn't the whole world supposed to hate us?
Posted by Orrin Judd at January 28, 2004 9:05 AM
I am afraid to ask, but who is the 51st State?
Posted by: h-man at January 28, 2004 10:44 AMLiberia!
Posted by: oj at January 28, 2004 11:10 AMThey threw us out of Subic Bay.
Posted by: Harry Eagar at January 28, 2004 5:15 PMPuertoi Rico threw us out of Vieques.
Posted by: oj at January 28, 2004 6:54 PMIf we cut off their food stamps, they'd throw us out, period, if they could.
Filipinos at home have a mixed opinion about the United States. More than 10% of the Philippines' middle class resides in the U.S., which helps explain why the country's economy is such a mess. The ones stuck in the Philippines are revulsed by American arrogance and ashamed of their attraction for us. They see us as rich but heartless.
Posted by: Harry Eagar at January 29, 2004 5:51 PMWhich explains the contest by the candidates to see who's more pro-American?
Posted by: oj at January 29, 2004 6:39 PMI said it's a mixed bag.
Posted by: Harry Eagar at January 30, 2004 1:41 PMWhere's the other half of the mix?
Posted by: oj at January 30, 2004 1:50 PM