"If your government knows California floods, then drought, and the Mississippi valley is unsafe, why do they not prepare?"
"Well, " I say, and point out to Manila.
He looks puzzled.
"It's the Philippines."
This man knows that particular phrase all-too-well. We both laugh and laugh and stare at each other.
Government graft and lack of problem-solving is International.
Governor Wilson(CA.-Republican) is a Nazi. Senator Feinstein(CA. - Democrat) is a mealy-mouth. Everyone in politics has a spin to address [any] problems that arise.
Down here, the acting is better and the availability of distractions --- that is, sports, talk shows --- are fewer. It's hard to pay attention to the TV when you don't have one, can't be swayed by the press if you're illiterate. Tagalog or English, it doesn't matter.
He can't drink any of this precious liquid. Screw health reasons, a drop to his lips would sour the view from the United States embassy and hinder Manila's "status" image.
So he's screwed, right? Crushing poverty? No benefits working for the city?
See that cart? The city allows him to guard it overnight. Tonight he will haul/transport goods on that cart. Woven, grown, manufactured, it will be heavy. The water tank can be filled with any, ANY liquid. Tonight BB feeds his family with entrepreneurial overtime.
From Baclaran/Parangue through Pasay to Makat(about 7 kms. Round trip.) Pretty cool, actually. He'll get to stop by the `stead and visit his kids en route. Better than all those guys in Saudi or a ship contract who won't see family for 2 years.
You won't hear bitching about unions, or welfare, or saving spotted owls. This guy is straight hardcore. Carbon monoxide all day and he keeps going.
Perhaps you think BB is ignorant, or even ferral. After all he is from the provinces. He is just surviving. Lest ye forget my gravy slurpin', easy livin' amerikkkans, that the US military just left. Clark AFB, Subic NAS.
BB knows all about Brady Bunch movies, microwave ovens, the mission to Mars, (he was disappointed about NASA losing their budget - no shit) free university for his kids, Jazz, and the ecological state of his nation. These things are just not currently available/action-items to him. And still no complaints.
MANILA - I'm explaining the damage in California from El Nino to a Manila local.
You won't find a lot of openly aired political discussions here. Not only is it historically dangerous, but also being in the disinformation loop takes too much energy.
The FASHION(s) Issue
G21 ASIA RAOUL TESLA with more insights from Manila, the Philippines.
BARE KNUCKLES: JEFF WINBUSH thinks Paula Jones is the Ultimate Fashion - Victim.
POWERSBOOKS has our literary critic looking at the most FASHIONable books by JOE QUIRK, PETER HAMILTON, & CHRIS BUNCH.
JENNIFER BLUE's PLANETARY MADNESS looks at YOUR influences!
ANOTHER Great Joke of the Day in THE HOUSE OF CARDS!
The DANGEROUS VISIONS Issue
GUEST EDITORIAL: ADAM SMITH, Associate Director of the Beltway's Drug Reform Coordination Network on personal sovereignty!
TRIO: ROD AMIS has Dangerous Visions in "Lone Gunman 3."
VOX POPULI, YOUR E-mail alternative to the Message Board is updated!
TRIO: THOMAS HART talks about "THE POLICE."
FLISS USSHER delivers a second Dangerous Vision! LONDON CALLING! "Stress."
POWERSBOOKS looks at the Dangerous Visions available from a number of books and "PRIVATE THOUGHTS."
BARE KNUCKLES: JEFF WINBUSH kicks off the Dangerous Visions Issue with "REGGIE WHITE GOES DOWN."
FLISS USSHER's G21 EUROPE column LONDON CALLING! has a Dangerous Vision of a generation in "PARABLE OF A GENERATION"
Hello! Use The Message Board
Eating tonight is pretty high up on the priority list. Five kids to support on 300 pesos a day will keep you focused on responsibilities. You've been through martial law before, anyway. What could possibly surprise you politically? Conspiracy, graft, failed assassination attempts, pyramid scams by the Senate? Who got the poll numbers on the evening news? Not today, Buddy, sorry. I got to water some plants.
This is BB. He splashes the foliage/concrete-divider on Roxas Boulevard(You know: ROXAS, where the United States embassy is located.) He lives in Pasay. BB can't believe this "Cano" has been in his neighborhood at night. Much less, that I made it out of a "shabu" shanti alive. BB's task is all part of the "Clean and Green" Manila 2000 program. "Shady" Eddie Ramos wants the place to look good for the centennial of "Freedom." 1898 - 1998. From Kalaw Avenue to Senator Gil Puyate Avenue(3 Km.) BB will water these plants all fucking day. Thirty-five degrees Centigrade and seventy percent humidity.
Oh, America, you spoiled punk!
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