the problem with...

There are numerous theories on why our country has lagged behind other Asian countries, William Esposo (inq7.net, Jan 24, 2005) presents his own analysis on what is wrong with the Philippines, its leaders and the people.

He presents a theory that we as a people are in a state of delusion. Here are some exerpts:

One delusion confronted the other on January 15, the day of Estrada’s return. About 10,000 PNP personnel were deployed, far outnumbering the number of people who met Estrada. Macapagal-Arroyo’s delusion that she is well assured of "security of tenure” contrasting with the overkill PNP deployment and Estrada’s delusion of “hordes of masa followers at his beck and call” contrasting with sparse airport welcomers – provided a double-feature zarzuela for the day.

It would all have been simply comic if these delusions were merely confined to these two political figures. But alas, the state of delusion affects Philippine society across all socio-economic classes and sectors in varying degrees. Just consider the following:

1. Outside of President Macapagal-Arroyo and former President Estrada, notice how many Philippine public officials like to display the title of “Honorable” before their names. Knowing too well our rating as the 2nd most corrupt country among 102 countries surveyed by the ADB in 2003, the use of “Honorable” is not only a delusion, it also lends brazen irony to our international reputation.

To read more on his views, click here.

The article is a good read... it is so full of irony that you would look for other events / delusions that rings true today. No wonder we can't move forward. We are trapped in our world... a world of denial, delusions and cynicism.