When I first arrived in Dumaguete, I was approached by a small gaggle of expatriates. They heard I was an ex-Green Beret and wanted me to “check out” a man who claimed not only to have been an ex-Green Beret but a “general with nine tours in Vietnam.” On the face of it they had good reason to suspect he had inflated his resume.
I was introduced to him and his wife at a local restaurant. After a few minutes I excused myself. Outside everybody hovered around trying to get the REAL story. They asked, “Is he a real Green Beret?” My response was simple, “It does not matter. He is dying. Let him have his dignity.”
A few months later he did die from lung cancer brought on by years of smoking. His death was bloody, painful and ugly but he died with his dignity intact. Now it can be told, he was a total fraud. A poor pathetic insecure man who felt he needed to lie to get respect.
In my opinion the vast majority of expatriates and local Filipinos tell the truth. I have met many individuals here that I personally admire and respect. None of them were “generals” or “ex-Green Berets” or captains of industry.
An example of this is a very nice local lady and her husband. She ran a small business that failed. Her husband works in a local business and they live modestly. After hours of long personal talks on a wide variety of subjects; after hours of watching this loving family in action, I grew to respect them to their true character not some false resume. Respect is born in truth and nurtured by reality.
Around the world we give far too much credit to “false” idols. Movie stars, Green Berets or sports athletes who have little to offer except their fame. They are often held in unjustified respect and awe. Many can do little more than throw a ball, kill something or cry for the camera yet we hang on their every word as if they had some brilliant insight. The American Congress even called a movie star to testify on the plight of America’s struggling small farmer. What were her qualifications for this honor? She once played a role as a small struggling farmerin a movie.
Condoleeza Rice got her Masters Degree at prodigious Notre Dame University and her Doctorate Degree at the University of Denver. She holds honors at six other Universities. She has functioned successfully at the highest levels of the American government for over sixteen years. Yet America hangs on every word from her many celebrity critics like Martin Sheen who failed his college entrance exam and Barbara Streisand who merely graduated from high school. Why do we believe them and not Ms Rice? Because they are movie stars and we like them. Hardly qualifications I find reassuring when the future of a nation is at stake.
If you are looking for people to admire; you do not need to go beyond the family breakfast table. I honor and admire hard working parents more than I ever will a “Rambo” wannabe or some pretty face on the movie screen. Their job is far harder and they get less credit. There is no special school for being a parent. They do not always get it right, but they keep trying day and night.
My landlady raised four boys and adopted her sister’s orphaned daughter. She worked long arduous hours in a small shop in the market. There were no frills, no fancy clothes or toys. She gave them values, responsibility, structure and love. Now they are all grown, educated and successful. Sadly she will never get a spot on TV news or be honored at some big banquet. Yet, what she did with over half her life against tremendous odds, deserves much more admiration and respect than someone like me, who just wore a funny green hat and spent a few hours in hell. Take a few minutes today and give our parents a big hug and a bigger thank you. They are your real heroes.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
OLGA LUCIA A. UY
In my “personal” dictionary, next to the definition of “LADY”, is picture of Olga Lucia A. Uy. This is not because of her gender but because she is a living example of the classic meaning of the word. She is a devoted wife and loving mother. She is a passionate hard working member of our community. She not only writes a column for the Metro Post; but when there is a community need she is one of the first to step to the front and try to help. You can understand my shock to read her column “Move On, A--- le!”
For those who missed it, she tells of an encounter with a rude and crude foreigner. Mrs. Uy was turning her car to pick up her daughter at school. This hulking guest in the Philippines, screamed obscenities at her in front of children, for what he felt were her poor driving skills. She goes on to describe her justified rage and frustration at this breech of common courtesy and guest etiquette.
I have personal credo I try to live by: “Never do or say something negative, unless there is a chance for a positive result.” What did the crude American hope to accomplish with his ugly behavior? What would he have done if some guest in America had treated his wife and child that way? His answers to these questions will probably remain a mystery. There is no mystery, however, about what he had done. He has widened the gulf between host and guest. He has verified every ugly false thing ever said about a foreigner. He has not improved life here and in fact he has made it even more difficult for all of us.
The other day a foreigner was passing around a long list of things he felt were wrong here in the Philippines. I won’t mention the gall and breech of good guest behavior this constitutes but just ask; What did he hope to accomplish with this little negative exercise? How will this slap in the face of our host and friends improve anything? More important, why did the other foreigners tolerate this boorish act? By ignoring or allowing it to go unchallenged your de fact approve it and encourage it. It is time for foreigners to stand up for what is right. Time for us, the majority, to no longer tolerate the few ugly foreigners among us. If you would not tolerate this boorish behavior in your own country; why should you condone it here? The next time some foreigner starts to call his host vile names or spout some ugly rant, tell him to “shut up” and sit his butt down. If he does not know how to behave as a good guest, maybe he should just go home.
Be an Everyday Hero. Be part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
For those who missed it, she tells of an encounter with a rude and crude foreigner. Mrs. Uy was turning her car to pick up her daughter at school. This hulking guest in the Philippines, screamed obscenities at her in front of children, for what he felt were her poor driving skills. She goes on to describe her justified rage and frustration at this breech of common courtesy and guest etiquette.
I have personal credo I try to live by: “Never do or say something negative, unless there is a chance for a positive result.” What did the crude American hope to accomplish with his ugly behavior? What would he have done if some guest in America had treated his wife and child that way? His answers to these questions will probably remain a mystery. There is no mystery, however, about what he had done. He has widened the gulf between host and guest. He has verified every ugly false thing ever said about a foreigner. He has not improved life here and in fact he has made it even more difficult for all of us.
The other day a foreigner was passing around a long list of things he felt were wrong here in the Philippines. I won’t mention the gall and breech of good guest behavior this constitutes but just ask; What did he hope to accomplish with this little negative exercise? How will this slap in the face of our host and friends improve anything? More important, why did the other foreigners tolerate this boorish act? By ignoring or allowing it to go unchallenged your de fact approve it and encourage it. It is time for foreigners to stand up for what is right. Time for us, the majority, to no longer tolerate the few ugly foreigners among us. If you would not tolerate this boorish behavior in your own country; why should you condone it here? The next time some foreigner starts to call his host vile names or spout some ugly rant, tell him to “shut up” and sit his butt down. If he does not know how to behave as a good guest, maybe he should just go home.
Be an Everyday Hero. Be part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
FEET OF CLAY
My favorite Pinoy author is Ms. Barbara Gonzalez. If you have not read her books you missed a treat. I sent her this letter.
Ms. Gonzalez,
I just finished your book “We’re History.” Unlike your aborted dinner companion, I did not borrow a copy; I bought one. I am eagerly looking forward to reading “How Do You Know Your Pearls Are Real.”
I very much enjoy your writing style. You took me on an almost poetic journey through Philippine history and the Pinoy mind. I enjoyed the trip.
I am afraid my writing style is not as polished or as eloquent. My somewhat harsher blunt style undoubtedly is a reflection of my career choices and lack of formal education. One of your passages rang true for me. “A writer’s life is a solitary life. Not because it has to be, but because it takes courage and honesty to be the kind of writer I like to be.”
I reserve my own critical writing for my countries foibles. As a guest here in the Philippines I do not feel it is proper to criticize my host. I love your country and if I could contribute in anyway to help her attain her full potential, I would. But as you and EDSA have taught me, any problems that may exist, the Filipino people are fully capable of solving in their own time, in their own way. My ignorant musings in this area would not help and more likely would harm.
Having said all that, I do have a question. I was captivated by your efforts to humanize Jose Rizal. While I see your goal was to bring him closer to the people he loved by showing his flaws; I worry this is a two edged sword.
All our mortal heroes have feet of clay; Martin Luther King held a mirror to the face of America’s bigotry and prejudice. He forced America to change her ignorant and ugly nature. He also broke his marriage vows and kept a mistress. Thomas Jefferson was one of America’s most brilliant founding fathers. A genius and enlightened soul without whom there very well might not have been a United States of America. He not only owned slaves but fathered at least one illegitimate child with his house slave, Sally Hemings.
Does knowing our heroes were flawed make them more human or does it help to excuse our own flaws? Does knowing our heroes have “warts” make us appreciate their accomplishments more or less?
People are better than they think they are. People can achieve more than they think they can. People need role models that set goals and standards high enough that they must stretch to match them. We need inspiration not excuses.
Please allow me to breech good etiquette and suggest, let Jose Rizal’s towering brilliance shine through and let his relatively minor flaws lay undisturbed in the dust of history.
I look forward tour next poetic journey…. Admiringly.
Ms. Gonzalez,
I just finished your book “We’re History.” Unlike your aborted dinner companion, I did not borrow a copy; I bought one. I am eagerly looking forward to reading “How Do You Know Your Pearls Are Real.”
I very much enjoy your writing style. You took me on an almost poetic journey through Philippine history and the Pinoy mind. I enjoyed the trip.
I am afraid my writing style is not as polished or as eloquent. My somewhat harsher blunt style undoubtedly is a reflection of my career choices and lack of formal education. One of your passages rang true for me. “A writer’s life is a solitary life. Not because it has to be, but because it takes courage and honesty to be the kind of writer I like to be.”
I reserve my own critical writing for my countries foibles. As a guest here in the Philippines I do not feel it is proper to criticize my host. I love your country and if I could contribute in anyway to help her attain her full potential, I would. But as you and EDSA have taught me, any problems that may exist, the Filipino people are fully capable of solving in their own time, in their own way. My ignorant musings in this area would not help and more likely would harm.
Having said all that, I do have a question. I was captivated by your efforts to humanize Jose Rizal. While I see your goal was to bring him closer to the people he loved by showing his flaws; I worry this is a two edged sword.
All our mortal heroes have feet of clay; Martin Luther King held a mirror to the face of America’s bigotry and prejudice. He forced America to change her ignorant and ugly nature. He also broke his marriage vows and kept a mistress. Thomas Jefferson was one of America’s most brilliant founding fathers. A genius and enlightened soul without whom there very well might not have been a United States of America. He not only owned slaves but fathered at least one illegitimate child with his house slave, Sally Hemings.
Does knowing our heroes were flawed make them more human or does it help to excuse our own flaws? Does knowing our heroes have “warts” make us appreciate their accomplishments more or less?
People are better than they think they are. People can achieve more than they think they can. People need role models that set goals and standards high enough that they must stretch to match them. We need inspiration not excuses.
Please allow me to breech good etiquette and suggest, let Jose Rizal’s towering brilliance shine through and let his relatively minor flaws lay undisturbed in the dust of history.
I look forward tour next poetic journey…. Admiringly.
STRAWBERRIES
“Old Man Clarno” as a strange man. Thin form years of hard farm work under a hot broiling sun, he looked like a brown stick figure. His tan skin was stretched over his sharp angular frame. He had a sparkling smile but he rarely used it. Life was hard. All he had was a small one room shack and a tiny strip of farm land.
I say he was “strange” because he did not do things the way other people did. For example, he did not grow strawberries like other people. He had one patch under his window and a second smaller patch way at the other end of his land. Why two patches?
I did not care. With no money to buy strawberries that second patch became my target. I would sneak down out of the trees and steal handfuls of juicy sweet red strawberries. Somehow, stolen strawberries are sweeter than store bought. Once in awhile, “Old Man Clarno” would come running out waving his shotgun. I would run for the hills with birdshot flying over my head. He was a lousy shot.
It never occurred to me until years after his death, he knew who I was yet he never complained to my parents. All he had to do was tell my dad I stole his strawberries and my little narrow butt would have been hamburger. Why did he not report my ventures into crime?
“Old Man Clarno” was not strange, he was kind and intelligent. Obviously he wanted me to “steal” the berries. Not only did it keep me out of his other strawberry patch but it added a little excitement and drama to both our lives. I had the thrill of being a little wicked boy and the sweet taste of stolen berries. He had his cash crop safe from pillage.
The other day my wife’s teenage sister came running into the house all excited. She had just stolen two mangos from our neighbor’s tree. Of course I told her it was wrong to steal, but I did not make it a big deal out of it. I was remembering my own “outlaw” youth. I let her and her sister enjoy the sweetness of their stolen prizes. I then quietly went next door and paid our neighbor double what the mangos were worth. I made him also swear never to tell her I had paid. Why spoil the thrill of living dangerously?
I say he was “strange” because he did not do things the way other people did. For example, he did not grow strawberries like other people. He had one patch under his window and a second smaller patch way at the other end of his land. Why two patches?
I did not care. With no money to buy strawberries that second patch became my target. I would sneak down out of the trees and steal handfuls of juicy sweet red strawberries. Somehow, stolen strawberries are sweeter than store bought. Once in awhile, “Old Man Clarno” would come running out waving his shotgun. I would run for the hills with birdshot flying over my head. He was a lousy shot.
It never occurred to me until years after his death, he knew who I was yet he never complained to my parents. All he had to do was tell my dad I stole his strawberries and my little narrow butt would have been hamburger. Why did he not report my ventures into crime?
“Old Man Clarno” was not strange, he was kind and intelligent. Obviously he wanted me to “steal” the berries. Not only did it keep me out of his other strawberry patch but it added a little excitement and drama to both our lives. I had the thrill of being a little wicked boy and the sweet taste of stolen berries. He had his cash crop safe from pillage.
The other day my wife’s teenage sister came running into the house all excited. She had just stolen two mangos from our neighbor’s tree. Of course I told her it was wrong to steal, but I did not make it a big deal out of it. I was remembering my own “outlaw” youth. I let her and her sister enjoy the sweetness of their stolen prizes. I then quietly went next door and paid our neighbor double what the mangos were worth. I made him also swear never to tell her I had paid. Why spoil the thrill of living dangerously?
AMANDA
Some of you might recognize the name, Amanda Blake. Many of you will know her as the flaming red haired, fictitious “Kitty Russel”, owner of the “Long Branch Saloon” on the long running TV show “Gunsmoke.” Besides this record breaking TV show, Amanda enjoyed a long an successful movie and television career. She was frequently honored and respected by her peers. Her name was entered into the Hall of Great Western Performers and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum years before the honor was given to John Wayne, Gene Autry or even “The King of the Cowboys”, Roy Rogers.A lover of animals, she founded the Arizona Animal Wildlife League, now the largest “NO-KILL” animal shelter in the state. She later started the Performing Animal Wildlife Society (PAWS) to care for animals abused in or retired from show business. After her death, PAWS opened the “Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge” to care for African hoofed animals, many of them destined for death in illegal hunt clubs.
Amanda was also a faithful devoted wife. She served as the compassionate and wise matriarch of her family. Many of you would have been proud to have her as your wife or mother. Why am I writing this column about his woman? None of this has anything to do with the Philippines or any of you? Are you sure? You see Amanda Blake died of AIDS. Her husband cheated on her and both of them died from the dreaded disease.
There are an estimated 2,665 cases of AIDS in the Philippines. That number is growing everyday. Information on the number of local AIDS cases is not available but with anywhere from 300 to 1000 sexworkers in the area you can bet if AIDS is not here now, it soon will be. We do not have a STD Medical Clinic and testing for HIV is rare. This insidious deadly disease is lurking in the shadows of the boulevard and even your peaceful barangay.
However terrible, this does not affect you, right? You do not use drugs or prostitutes; so you are safe. Are you? We won’t discuss the many ways, other than sex or drugs, this dreaded disease can inflict itself upon our community. Let’s just talk about sex. Many people cheat on their wife, husband or fiancé. Of course they are sure their secret lover does not have AIDS. He or she is not a prostitute or drug user. But you forget, when you have sex with someone you are having sex with every person they have ever had sex with also. It is impossible to look at a person and tell if they have AIDS/HIV. The visible symptoms come late in the pathology. Your lover can have the disease and you would never know it until it was too late. How about condoms? Remember, condoms are only effective 98% of the time. Two out of every hundred times you use them, they will fail. It could be the first two times or the last two times but with a fatal disease it does not matter much.
So what do we do? First, have yourself and your significant other tested for HIV. If you are healthy remain faithful to each other. It is not just a matter of morals; it is matter of life and death. Next, we need that STD health clinic. I know of one local University student who was infected by her fiancé. She was NOT a prostitute, just a foolish girl in love. She was so ashamed she did not seek medical help. She could have died for trusting a “man” (?) who later abandoned her when she got sick. The clinic is not a matter of condoning or making prostitution easier. It is a matter of preventing more Amanda Blakes.
CULTURE SHOCK
Culture Shock may be a new term to some of you. It is an actual psychological condition.
cul-ture shock, n
Sudden exposure to unfamiliar culture; the feelings of confusion and anxiety experienced when an individual or a group suddenly finds itself in a unfamiliar cultural environment.
Filipinos moving to other countries and even Americans coming here will suffer to various degrees the ramifications if this malady. The symptoms can be as trivial as simple uncomfortable feeling and range to deep depression, homesickness and headaches. Some people may even find themselves drinking or taking drugs to relieve the symptoms.
The remedy most frequently seen is a tendency to isolate yourself and associate with others from your own culture. This often results in high concentrations of a particular ethnic group in a given area. Examples of this can be seen in Los Angeles where you have entire ethnocentric communities like “Koreatown” and “Little Saigon”. There is even a large concentration of Filipinos in Las Vegas referred to by many as “Little Manila”. Here in Dumaguete City we have gathering places for various expatriate groups. “Dunkin’ Donuts” has its small band of Americans that meets each morning. “Why Not” caters to a largely European crowd.
In these sanctuaries, expatriates can relax and feel less alien. Sadly the bulk of their time in those enclaves is often spent criticizing their new culture. This is true of Filipinos in Tucson Arizona and foreigners in Dumaguete City. They all excise their discomfort by comparing the local culture to their own and usually negatively.
As many of you know I spent thirty years in the American Army. I was forced to live, work and play in a wide variety of cultures around the world. My life was largely one long culture shock. To be effective in my job, I had to learn to adapt and adjust rapidly. I had to develop a system to help my body and mind handle a new environment and culture. Here are some suggestions for anyone living in a foreign land.
*RESPECT Every culture has its negative aspects. It serves no constructive purpose to concentrate upon or criticize your new culture for its flaws. Instead try to find the positive aspects of your new experiences. Your focus should be positive not negative. People will respect you if you first respect them.
*CONDUCT You represent your country. You are unofficial ambassador. People will see your conduct and judge your country by your actions. You should be on your best behavior not your worst.
*GUEST You a guest in the country, behave as your would want guests to behave in your home. Respect your host. A smile is even better than a handshake.
*EMBRACE Embrace the new culture. Study their history, customs and language. Even when you mess up the language, the people appreciate your efforts. A study of history will help you understand the people and their culture.
For you Americans living here in the Philippines try this:
Go to the food court at your local mall early in the morning when things are fresh and hot. Try the local cuisine. Take a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Do not worry about what it is, until you find something you like. I like kangkong and a spicy local adobo dish.
What is a Sigbin and why should you never let it lick you.
Who lives in Lake Balanan.
There are 21 species of whales and dolphins in the Philippines and 10 of them live just up the coast near Bais City. Have you taken the tour?
Did you know during the Philippine Insurrection, Filipinos killed over 4,000 well armed American troops with little more than a bolo knife? That is more troops than we have lost in Iraq in almost the same time frame against modern weapons.
Everybody knows Megellan was killed near Cebu in 1779, but can you name the local chieftain who killed him?
The story is that America “defeated” the Spanish and took possession of the Philippines; but is that the truth or merely the American version? I think Aguinaldo might have seen it a little differently.
Can you name three locally endangered species, two of which were on display at the fiesta here last year.
Did you know the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago spent 47 million dollars and three years duplicating what you can go to Apo Island and see for a few pesos?
Embrace the culture. Have an adventure of lifetime there in paradise.
cul-ture shock, n
Sudden exposure to unfamiliar culture; the feelings of confusion and anxiety experienced when an individual or a group suddenly finds itself in a unfamiliar cultural environment.
Filipinos moving to other countries and even Americans coming here will suffer to various degrees the ramifications if this malady. The symptoms can be as trivial as simple uncomfortable feeling and range to deep depression, homesickness and headaches. Some people may even find themselves drinking or taking drugs to relieve the symptoms.
The remedy most frequently seen is a tendency to isolate yourself and associate with others from your own culture. This often results in high concentrations of a particular ethnic group in a given area. Examples of this can be seen in Los Angeles where you have entire ethnocentric communities like “Koreatown” and “Little Saigon”. There is even a large concentration of Filipinos in Las Vegas referred to by many as “Little Manila”. Here in Dumaguete City we have gathering places for various expatriate groups. “Dunkin’ Donuts” has its small band of Americans that meets each morning. “Why Not” caters to a largely European crowd.
In these sanctuaries, expatriates can relax and feel less alien. Sadly the bulk of their time in those enclaves is often spent criticizing their new culture. This is true of Filipinos in Tucson Arizona and foreigners in Dumaguete City. They all excise their discomfort by comparing the local culture to their own and usually negatively.
As many of you know I spent thirty years in the American Army. I was forced to live, work and play in a wide variety of cultures around the world. My life was largely one long culture shock. To be effective in my job, I had to learn to adapt and adjust rapidly. I had to develop a system to help my body and mind handle a new environment and culture. Here are some suggestions for anyone living in a foreign land.
*RESPECT Every culture has its negative aspects. It serves no constructive purpose to concentrate upon or criticize your new culture for its flaws. Instead try to find the positive aspects of your new experiences. Your focus should be positive not negative. People will respect you if you first respect them.
*CONDUCT You represent your country. You are unofficial ambassador. People will see your conduct and judge your country by your actions. You should be on your best behavior not your worst.
*GUEST You a guest in the country, behave as your would want guests to behave in your home. Respect your host. A smile is even better than a handshake.
*EMBRACE Embrace the new culture. Study their history, customs and language. Even when you mess up the language, the people appreciate your efforts. A study of history will help you understand the people and their culture.
For you Americans living here in the Philippines try this:
Go to the food court at your local mall early in the morning when things are fresh and hot. Try the local cuisine. Take a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Do not worry about what it is, until you find something you like. I like kangkong and a spicy local adobo dish.
What is a Sigbin and why should you never let it lick you.
Who lives in Lake Balanan.
There are 21 species of whales and dolphins in the Philippines and 10 of them live just up the coast near Bais City. Have you taken the tour?
Did you know during the Philippine Insurrection, Filipinos killed over 4,000 well armed American troops with little more than a bolo knife? That is more troops than we have lost in Iraq in almost the same time frame against modern weapons.
Everybody knows Megellan was killed near Cebu in 1779, but can you name the local chieftain who killed him?
The story is that America “defeated” the Spanish and took possession of the Philippines; but is that the truth or merely the American version? I think Aguinaldo might have seen it a little differently.
Can you name three locally endangered species, two of which were on display at the fiesta here last year.
Did you know the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago spent 47 million dollars and three years duplicating what you can go to Apo Island and see for a few pesos?
Embrace the culture. Have an adventure of lifetime there in paradise.
SUBIC BAY RAPE CASE
I normally avoid negative subjects but is occurs to me you might wonder what Kojak thinks about the Subic Bay Rape Case. I think in a word, “TRAGIC”.
According to the Philippine police they average seven rapes a week in the Subic Rape area. I doubt any of the other rape victims got near the attention devoted to Nicole. I also doubt that the other rapists were caught or that if caught were punished. Those other six rape victims will not see justice and will live in fear the rest of their life. THAT IS TRAGEDY.
Those same police estimate as many as ten rapes per week never get reported. That is ten Filipinas that were abused and do not believe the system will protect them or provide them justice. It must be frustrating for the police to know the criminal but not be able to protect society from him. THAT IS A TRAGEDY.
I read an article by a local Filipino reporter that said Nicole gave consent by her actions. I do not believe in blaming the victim. Nicole was stupid for going to the club, getting drunk and accepting a ride from strangers. Did she consent? Only Nicole knows for sure. The penalty for being stupid should never be disrespect and rape. THAT IS A TRAGEDY.
Smith was also stupid. He should have known if Nicole was so drunk she could not walk, she was too drunk to give consent. Some have portrayed him as a vicious criminal, a danger to society. I just think he was a drunken young man thinking with the wrong head. He took advantage of drunken girl and showed her no respect. His instinct should have been to protect her, instead he exploited her. Like Nicole he was drunk and stupid; for that he will spend 40 years in a Philippine prison. Both he and Nicole will regret that drunken night all of their lives. THAT IS A TRAGEDY.
On the question of custody and punishment the rule should be simple. You are a guest in a country you obey and respect their laws or pay their penalty. When they do put Smith in a Philippine prison they should provide him protection. The penalty for his crime is 40 years in prison, not his rape or death. Unless he is protected he will be hurt and possibly killed. THAT WOULD BE MORE TRAGEDY.
There are no winners here… Everybody lost.
According to the Philippine police they average seven rapes a week in the Subic Rape area. I doubt any of the other rape victims got near the attention devoted to Nicole. I also doubt that the other rapists were caught or that if caught were punished. Those other six rape victims will not see justice and will live in fear the rest of their life. THAT IS TRAGEDY.
Those same police estimate as many as ten rapes per week never get reported. That is ten Filipinas that were abused and do not believe the system will protect them or provide them justice. It must be frustrating for the police to know the criminal but not be able to protect society from him. THAT IS A TRAGEDY.
I read an article by a local Filipino reporter that said Nicole gave consent by her actions. I do not believe in blaming the victim. Nicole was stupid for going to the club, getting drunk and accepting a ride from strangers. Did she consent? Only Nicole knows for sure. The penalty for being stupid should never be disrespect and rape. THAT IS A TRAGEDY.
Smith was also stupid. He should have known if Nicole was so drunk she could not walk, she was too drunk to give consent. Some have portrayed him as a vicious criminal, a danger to society. I just think he was a drunken young man thinking with the wrong head. He took advantage of drunken girl and showed her no respect. His instinct should have been to protect her, instead he exploited her. Like Nicole he was drunk and stupid; for that he will spend 40 years in a Philippine prison. Both he and Nicole will regret that drunken night all of their lives. THAT IS A TRAGEDY.
On the question of custody and punishment the rule should be simple. You are a guest in a country you obey and respect their laws or pay their penalty. When they do put Smith in a Philippine prison they should provide him protection. The penalty for his crime is 40 years in prison, not his rape or death. Unless he is protected he will be hurt and possibly killed. THAT WOULD BE MORE TRAGEDY.
There are no winners here… Everybody lost.
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