I will attempt to make more frequent entries, perhaps just a line or two, but more frequently. Lots has happened since last time (April) I wrote here. Canvassing for the recent state and national elections for several months was a big commitment. I confess that the results left me in a state of shock and grieving. Like many people I am wrestling with pride in 45 consecutive peaceful presidential transitions and yet with the dilemma of what to do now. In the past I would quote Walter Lippmann of journalism's Hall of Fame and enlist in his "loyal opposition" to Mr. Trump. I'm working on it. The tidal wave of peaceful protesters in Washington, D.C., which included friends, children, and grandchildren, has helped greatly.
Another task I did finish is the (for now) final draft of my on-and-off novel of a few decades. Now looking for an agent and open to all suggestions.
In a different vein, I received my Irish citizenship through my mother. Her father was an Irish immigrant, her mother a Scottish immigrant of Irish descent. It arrived, after the application papers reached the top of an Irish clerk's "in" file, where it had been for 18 months making its way up through a huge pile of similar requests. My being in the Registry of Foreign Birth of Ireland has brought me a lovely bit of consolation, coming not long after Nov. 8, as it did. A nice cup of Irish Tea. Indeed!
My apologies to my Filipino friends for my whining about the new political situation here. I have heard genuine lamentations from several of you and have shared some of your stories. I will be putting excerpts from my VIA Times monthly articles here soon. In the meantime you can click on the VIA Times link on this site. My December column was not I'm afraid very cheerful. It recounted the numbing effects of the vigilante or "extra-judicial" killings that number in the thousands as reported by a close journalist friend in Manila.
I'm sure I will be returning from time to time to Mr. Dutuerte's War in the coming months. One issue I will likely keep track of is the role the Catholic Church plays, especially Cardinal Tagle. And I'll keep an eye on the opposition in the government toward Dutuerte's methods, including the "loyal opposition" of VP Robredo.
In closing, I checked my settings for this blog and I'm looking to see and share your comments here.
A belated but sincere wish for a Happy and Hopeful 2017.
rhb
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