Advance of the Amber Americans

The idea that America, as we know it today, would turn into the land of the yellows, the browns and the blacks in a short span of 34 years may be disconcerting to many conservative Americans. Caucasians have long dominated the population in terms of numbers, and the world at large has long gotten used to the country's predominantly white citizens as the traditional face of the American race. The minority status of Caucasian Americans is perhaps nature's way of reversing fortunes, and the acceptance or rejection of this evolution by the present generation will determine the smooth transition, or rough sailing, of this event.

The native Americans never quite reached that point of being dominant as they were decimated beyond ever becoming a majority in the nation's demographics. Prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus, they were all over the land. But they were unable to deter the illegal immigrants from pouring in great numbers time and again, violating their borders, slaughtering their livestock, destroying the environment, and destabilizing the ecological balance. They were unprepared for the massive influx of undocumented illegals whose weaponry were far superior to their arrows and spears. They were driven to wastelands after being reduced to less than a fraction of their number, where their way of life and beliefs would be eroded by psychological and cultural damage, to just wither and fade.

The US Census Bureau estimates that by 2042, or 8 years earlier than expected, Hispanics, Asians, and all other races combined will become the majority. No mention was made of Middle Eastern nationalities, but it will be a population that's different in age, race and ethnicity. However, the Caucasians will still be the major population group, accounting for 46 to 48%. The Census Bureau qualified its projections by stating that the numbers are subject to big revisions depending on immigration policies, and natural and/or man made disasters. This does not mean that government and industry would all be headed by non-Caucasians at the time, as many of these Amber Americans would probably still be children and infants.

But there would be changes in the landscape. We would see more tea houses than Starbucks; a lot of Dimsum, Sushi bars and Taco outlets, and a lot less of McDonalds; and plenty of steamed buns, spring rolls and Tamales outnumbering the hot dog stands 3 to 1. Kentucky Fried Chicken may probably be outsold by Yan's Peking Duck or Nguyen's Pho Bo, or even Pacita's Halo-Halo. There will also be changes in daily wear as traditional clothing of the more conservative members from various ethnic groups would dot the urban and suburban areas. Or, the American flag could be seen printed on a turban wrapped around the heads of many Asian men. The American accent may also undergo changes and its distinctions may be blurred (as in the Boston, New York, or Mid-West accent), and new words would enrich the American vocabulary - although these may not be immediately understood by all. Religion may be predominantly Catholic, or Buddhist, or Hindu.

Hollywood will produce movies in various languages, all with English sub-titles; and televison talk show hosts will have new faces. The Late Show with Dan Wong and Tonight Show with Juan Lanuza will top bill the airwaves. Country music and all other genre will sound funny compared to what it sounds today. Newspapers and publications will also have very different formats and concepts. US Ambassadors may be ethnically from the countries they are assigned to, and this could foster better understanding and world peace.

However, the reverse is also true. The ethnicity may engender divisions and bitter conflict among the competing races that may result in ethnic re-grouping; where the different states are dominated by a particular ethnic group. The unfortunate effect would be the break-up of the states into independent countries; and worse, warring among themselves.

There are many possibilities, some positve, some negative. How this is handled and managed by the country's leaders up to that point will establish how truly noble America is, and how much this rich aggrupation of culture and divergence could be harnessed and molded to make it the greatest country on earth. Or, the paranoia of many members of its current dominant population could impede this development, and it would lose the source of its wealth and power - as well as the intangible values that would make it the citadel of justice and equality. That is the saddest development of all.

Haaarrrwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Perils of Philippine Penitents

Since nearly five decades ago, the Catholic Church in the Philippines has declared that confession was the only route for the faithful to get their sins forgiven, but the persistence of penitents year in and year out continues to this day. The spectacle of penitents whipping themselves while being led by several marshals, walking the streets of a particular town in roundabout fashion from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM, and then converge in the locale's Catholic church, lie flat on their bellies waiting to be blessed by the parish priest.

This practice of self flagellation involves only the men, who cover their faces and slash each others backs with shallow cuts, to let the blood flow and avoid clotting. Then they march in a specific slow cadence while turning their self made whips on themselves over their shoulders. The self flagellants are normally found in northern Philippines in the central plains. Penitents of this type have been with the Holy Week celebrations since the Spanish era, and have remained a fixture despite the Church's disavowal of its practice.

In the last 18 years, the spectacle of penitents took on a higher level when one penitent carried a cross and actually had himself crucified. This created a sensation which brought in tourists and documenters to record the event in the succeeding years. Last year, a penitent died of rabies when his back was slashed with an unhygienic knife. One hundred other penitents with him were treated for rabies. This year, a penitent who has been crucified every year for 14 years made his final appearance and last crucifixion. This annual event has been given a production scale presentation complete with costumes and props. It has become a Holy Week one time presentation for the townsfolk and tourists.

The Church has warned of tetanus infection from the implements used, swelling due to dirt and dust, and rabies. Their sins will not be forgiven and yet they could die and see only the futility of their sacrifice without seeing Heaven. The church however continues to bless them for their sacrifice which encourages their continuation. One wonders what sins would warrant wanting to be crucified for half an hour to receive forgiveness, and why are these sins repeated since the crucifixion goes on every year? Despite the sacrifice, the penitent may not truly be sorry since he never changed his ways, then why continue the blessing? Wouldn't it be easier to confess the crime to a judge and get a sentencing for lethal injection to save society from the sins he might commit that are so dreadful?

The more extreme practice of self-flagellation is said to induce altered states of consciousness for the goal of obtaining religious experiences or visions. Medical research claims this practice releases endorphines which can have such an effect. This is part of the penitents way of expressing devout worship. Over the years, one doubts if it is devoutly Christian or devoutly commercial, since foreign documenters have been known to pay for these spectacles. This is one reason why the number of men being crucified has also increased, together with the costumed cast.

They have been advised that forgiveness will not be merited, and they could die in sin; but perhaps the 3 hour drama that gives them the spotlight for a short period of fame and small fortune, would be sufficient to buy them a piece of Heaven for many months to come. Who knows, they may even get a Hollywood Oscar for Best Documentary Film. As for that religious vision, that can all be satisfied by San Miguel (St. Michael), the country's most popular and globally sold brewed beer. It's a vision of a cold drink after a hard days backbreaking load and piercing experience.

Haaarrrwwwk...Twoooooph...Ting!

Infidelity with Impunity in Italy

The Italian Judicial system may have opened the flood gates for adultery and spousal infidelity by practically decriminalizing extra-marital affairs for married women. In a ruling by the country's highest appeals court, a married woman is given the leeway to lie about an illicit affair to protect her honor. The Court of Cassation, reversed the conviction of a married woman who gave false testimony about a lover, ruling that she had broken no law; and that bending the truth was justified to conceal extra-marital affairs.

Anyone who has entered into a relationship with an Italian would perhaps confirm that being faithful is not one of their inconspicuous virtues. Or, if they possess this virtue at all. Italians have been painted as persistent suitors and passionate lovers who always want to be near the woman they love. If that's not possible, they pour their love to the nearest woman. A recent survey revealed that 50% of Italians are unfaithful, and looking at an Italian couple, if the man is faithful, then the woman isn't - and vice versa.

The ruling requires clarification if it should also apply to men who have secret mistresses, unless this is taken as a natural occurrence or situation among married men; regardless if the secret lover is male or female. It also raises the issue of lying under oath which erodes the validity of the testimony; to protect her honor which is non-existent, since the marital vows have been broken and the marriage de-sanctified. Certainly, La Dolce Vita is intriguing in Italy, to say the least.

In a Catholic country like Italy, one would expect damnation from the Church and all its lay organizations, and the Justice system would take a negative view of this development. But here, it's truly a license to lie granted by the courts. The Appeals Court has been known to issue controversial rulings in the past, like the rescinded judgment denying the charge of rape since the woman was wearing tight jeans. The contention was it could only be removed with her consent. Protests from women caused the withdrawal of this ruling.

What can be expected to follow? The Catholic church not including adultery as a sin to confess? Or a law that infidelity is tolerated for as long as no child out of wedlock is born? What good is getting married if any one of the spouses can be unfaithful with impunity? There is no saying where this ruling could lead. Avoiding relationships with an Italian is perhaps a good start. Or, if ever, not to expect fidelity. There is reason to believe that fidelity among Italians can only be found in their passions, their clothes, their accessories, their pizza, and their pasta; not necessarily in that order.

Haaaarrrwwwwk...Twoooooph...Ting!

Justice Jolts the Jesuits

What is it about the much vaunted Vow Of Celibacy and how come it has been violated so many times? In the United States alone, Catholic authorities have shelled out US $2.8 billion in damages to victims. This does not include those in South East Asia where this evangelization of the heathen tribes were imposed in the name of God.

Now comes the Jesuits' turn, agreeing to a US 50 million dollar settlement to 110 people in Alaska's rural areas for sexual abuse. It turns out that priests with prior indiscretions in their previous parishes, and predisposed towards boy toys and girlie pets, were dumped in the state to hide their insatiable appetites for sexual gratification. The defense lawyers cried foul saying there was premature disclosure of the settlement that is detrimental to their clients. This is nothing but premature ejaculation from a lawyer. Imagine, the settlement does not even require the Order to admit fault and no priest was formally charged. So why are they paying?

Obviously, to hide the obnoxious orgy.

The case involves altar boys, altar girls and altar servers between the years 1968 and 1975. One Deacon was reported to have abused nearly every boy in 2 villages. That's what I call a "Sexmorsgasboard".

Think of all these young children, baptized and guided in the Holiness of God, then violated in the unholiest manner by the men they regard as the agent of God. The kids experienced a commune of free sex for the priests, and I don't want to think of what they were fed to consecrate this perversity. These abuses led to alcoholism, violence, emotional problems and suicides.

Nice going, Jesuits.

Perhaps its time to rethink this celibacy thingy. From what I know, Jesus never advocated anything that wasn't part of Natural Law. Celibacy goes against nature. This vow was part of the Roman pagan practice. However, I think the priests were eunuchs, and that certainly removed any possibility of them piercing anyone, male or female, with their amorous swords. Maybe the Church should review this tenet before a Pope is charged with sexual abuse. Now, that would certainly jolt not only the Jesuits but the entire Catholic flock worldwide.

As for the Jesuits, pay up! Unless you want your habits lifted and your pants rolled down to get the justice that you deserve. It won't be a soft tipped hard thing either, but a 12-inch metal rod embedded with 3-inch spikes up your slimy butts.

Haaaaaarwk...Twoooph...Ting!