Good/Bad Leaders Are Criticised All Alike
Economic conditions and policies affect everyone. I wonder why not everyone takes economics in their studies. And since most of us do not study economics, why are there so many who are so ready to comment on the economic affairs and criticise the policies? Don’t they have a single bit of worrisome that their rants turn out to be untrue and superficial, that in the process they reveal merely a deficiency of understanding? Perhaps the usual large camp of vociferous peers at their side helps assuage this insecurity.
The only answer one could surmise is most people see economics as a simple discipline. Even a postdoctoral study in it would bring us where common sense would lead us to. But the truth is "economics is a difficult and technical subject but nobody will believe it", quoted from J.M. Keynes. We can imagine how thankless the job and how hard the position is for a well-informed and well-intentioned government. For any unfavourable announcement, the public almost always does not want to listen and does not believe in the government’s explanations, but wants to make noises that are non sequitur (to an expert). Paul Krugman, for long in his writings, has been attempting "to explode some plausible-sounding idea that happens to be false or to promote some implausible, disturbing idea that happens to be true", and in the end has managed to make enemies. I remember reading about the uproar he ignited by answering "none" to a question about North American Free Trade Agreement’s effect on the US employment.
My point is, economic conclusions can be counter-intuitive. The most commonly cited would be Ricardo’s Comparative Advantage. On this, Krugman wrote a long essay explaining why many smart people don’t understand it and are not ashamed of their failure.
"Like any scientific concept it is actually part of a dense web of linked ideas. A trained economist looks at the simple Ricardian model and sees a story that can be told in a few minutes; but in fact to tell that story so quickly one must presume that one’s audience understands a number of other stories… and you continually find yourself obliged to backtrack, realizing that yet another proposition you thought was obvious actually isn’t."
So, good leaders are criticised for policies that look "stupid and suicidal" (i.e. for how they go about running the economy), which the public does not approve of. Bad leaders are criticised for unsatisfactory economic outcomes, which the public also does not approve of.
………………………………………………
PS: I am not saying that it is wrong for the public to make noise. But it is tricky when the rabble-rousers do not really know what they are noising about. Any sensible explanation is rendered useless at such moment. Emotional hightide overwhelms the most basic logic. I presume, in the first place, we vote for leaders whom we believe could lead the country, not for their ability to follow the crowd in areas that require expertise e.g. economic planning, foreign policy, law, intelligence and security matters. Thus the proper stance in facing dubious policies should be of questioning, not of teaching the experts. Likewise, an enlightened government would conduct consultations with the professionals from their respective fields before the release of a policy, e.g. Singapore and Hong Kong.
………………………………………………
Excerpts from Poypips’s Comment, on Time Horizon:
"when someone does good which has negative short-term effects for greater benefits in the future, people start filling the streets shouting… people do have tendencies to be short-sighted… When a doctor tells you to undergo surgery, you don’t tell him ‘Go to hell, surgery hurts. Give me a treatment that I’ll enjoy.’ "
That’s right. One of the problems in making economics clear to people is time horizon. We see, hear and feel the immediate short-term pain. Any long-term gain is unbeknownst to us. And we tend to say the economists live in their theoretical world, when in fact they are the ones who see the "real" reality. Economics does not promise instant wealth, but ensures that seeds of success are sown. That’s why a well-informed and well-intentioned government is treading on eggs. They have a hard task ahead on persuasion. An irresponsible politician would just pick the easier path by pleasing voters now, at the expense of society’s future well-being — injecting sweet poison instead of bitter pill.
November 21st, 2006 at 8:41 pm
thats right, humans dont have contentment
November 21st, 2006 at 8:54 pm
nice!excellent!
November 21st, 2006 at 9:20 pm
sometimes, those “noises” are all backed up by genuine scholarly arguments. for example, here in the Philippines, students of the university of the Philippines are called “destabilizers” and whatnot by the current administration just because they go to the streets and cry out their protests. these students of course know economics and they sure very well understood that the administration twists the truth and use economics to present their policies beneficial. one instance, the government claims the credit for the growth in our country’s GNP when in fact,the OFWs are the ones to have those credits. What the government did was only to encourage our countrymen to go abroad to be the best maids and caregivers.. also, the government claims that poverty in the country was lessened but they did not cite the survey of SWS that in fact, poverty in the country rose by some percentage.. they also claim greater GDP growth compared to the previous administrations but they do not tell the people that the said GDP growth has a percentage of error large enough to give the possibility of having a lesser GDP growth. all i can say is that we cannot easily conclude that the comments against the government’s economic policies - although these are sometimes backed by twisted explanations using theories of Economics, are just mere noise without even trying to weigh their points and opinions.
November 21st, 2006 at 9:35 pm
I share the same idea with you, and trying hard to deeply understand any argument that I’d like to deliver especially concerning Indonesian’s economic policy.
Agree to a very lengthy extent that Economics is such a complicated subject for us to deal with. Even after I graduated from the faculty which teach about economic, I still found many economics issues were hard to be answered by any single solutions, and believe that such simple solutions have never been a solution at all.
thanks for the good article, inspiring… ^^
November 22nd, 2006 at 12:11 am
nice, interesting…
November 22nd, 2006 at 1:45 am
hello friend,how r u?i hope u r also fine,u know i am jeaneth labong i live in catbalogan samar philippines.i am a single,23 year old now.i already graducation college.my course is teacher…i hope u like a firends..if u have a friendster.my email add:Nethcool_f@yahoo.com and my frindster is Nethcool_f@yahoo.com thanks God bless u…
November 22nd, 2006 at 3:36 am
hai…. gay!! hou do you do sroy I’m open new my have frinster thank your join me
November 22nd, 2006 at 3:38 am
I’m can’t speak inggris i’m sory with you
November 22nd, 2006 at 6:32 am
Good
November 22nd, 2006 at 9:00 pm
a good one!!!
November 22nd, 2006 at 11:14 pm
The funny thing some nay-sayers, or “rabble-rousers” as you kindly word it, are really just ignorants who are following the trend. And some are just fresh out from school or even still in school.
My take is there are glaring differences between textbook theory & actual condition. Most nay-sayers who would scream at the first moment are usually the ones who know little or lacking the intimate intricacies of the actual working model.
But then again, you’re right, for every decision (especially at government level) there are always pro and con parties.
What can I say? Everything today is intertwined with politics. If governmental bodies could make decision without having to consider the political repercussions, we would probably have better and sound decisions… what a world eh?
November 22nd, 2006 at 11:58 pm
man is insatiable really,,
November 23rd, 2006 at 3:26 am
hi friend how are you… i hope your ok take care ..
November 23rd, 2006 at 5:53 am
all i can say is that your blog is so very touching and wonderful to read for me, its because i’m majoring in economics. i’m current in 2nd year right now. i admire you, the way u explain other people what is economics all about. many students just taken forgranted economics, but the way economist thinks makes them a very creative persons, the way they plan for the develop of the country. I SALUTE YOU MY FRIEND! I’m jake of davao city, philippines. you can email me at plexus_227@yahoo.com thanks for supporting economics.
November 23rd, 2006 at 9:45 am
Keep up updating ur blogs . See, hear and feel 2 wut we can , not just 2 wut we want
Eploring Possibilities ..
November 23rd, 2006 at 4:45 pm
smart!
finally, someone spoke this thing…haha…
November 23rd, 2006 at 7:56 pm
To the guy named Mc Harold;
i AM A FILIPINO TOO..
i read this blog written by a University of the Philippine student and I think you two have the same ideas.
http://www.bikoy.net/archives/2006/11/13/still-no-to-tuition-increases/
November 23rd, 2006 at 8:41 pm
Friends,
Thanks much for posting and mailing constantly though I was out of the sight/site for a while.
Thanks
November 23rd, 2006 at 10:29 pm
what a very realistic and very intelligent post you got right there! its true, you know here in the philippines, people keep on rallying and making noise on the streets asking for the president to come down from her position. tsk… people here should think twice before they act. they just making things worse and not making it any better.
really love your post.
November 23rd, 2006 at 10:29 pm
Hi,
Your last blog entry caught my eye, and as a result I’m reading your new entry as well. I applaud you for the fact that you say directly what you feel and believe, and I can sense you sincerely support these ideas, and these are important issues. I also find it funny that I can tell, although never meeting you, that we are on opposite ends of the spectrum. However, I’m sure your intentions are good.
For your opening point, I have to quote Dylan in that it doesn’t take a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. Economics can be very complex, but it can be simple too in certain areas. In some areas of study/execution, people tend to confuse the issue with jargon, excessive analysis. At the end of the day, common sense can often prevail.
Having said that, yes, people who have no idea what they’re talking about should not just regurgitate sound bites. You must at least know the issue and some of its context to comment intelligently. At the same time, it doesn’t mean that you need to be a scholar or even “study” it. Politics is important, not everybody studies it. Human relationships are important, not everybody studies it. Environment is critically important not everybody studies it. Health is important, not everybody is a doctor. But that does not mean we can’t run our mouths and criticize a doctor if they screw up! You don’t need to have a degree in medicine or brain surgery to tell if a surgeon leaves a sponge in a body cavity or if a patient gets worse after prescribed medicine. But that is exactly what the authorities (gov’t) and elites want people to do. It’s back to feudalism. To all the poor and repressed masses, you don’t know about what’s good for everyone so just be quiet and keep laboring for us.
Secondly, studying of a topic does not even remotely suggest ability to create intelligent discussion. Many economic “scholars” spout nonsense all the time, and loudly as well. Take a quick search through some of Amazon’s best sellers on economics for proof.
I completely agree though that criticism can be good, but only when those criticizing have done their due diligence on the topic, otherwise any conversation and conclusion would often be meaningless. And yes, questioning the elected is important (would not call them “experts”), but let’s face it, many need to be teached. Just because they hold public office does not make them an expert and exempt from learning.
To comment on “enlightened” government. I fail to see how any person can substantiate a claim of any government being enlightened. These types of words carry connotation that is harmful, untrue, and completely subjective. Yes, gov’t sometimes consult professionals in certain fields before decisions, but these professionals often have their own agendas anyway (who determines which professionals to consult? I’m sure the Bush administration would look to the “experts” from Haliburton). The more important step would be to consult those that are actually affected by the policy, not those who study it.
Lastly, economics as an academic topic should be relegated to scholars and those who have studied it extensively - I completely agree. There’s no point for example to have a banker discuss with a surgeon on how to do a bypass.
But in your context, you are discussing economics as in how it impacts society. It does not take an economist to logically and reasonably comment or criticize on policies and economics - the results say it all. You can explain away as much as you want, but the worker making cars for people they will never see at below minimum wage does not need to know economics to know their government is giving them a raw deal in the free trade agreement.
Offering a solution on the other hand is a different thing. These “rabble” and “noises” should tell those that do have the knowledge and influence to make a change that the current system is faulty, rather than to hide behind invented jargon and academic firewalls.
November 24th, 2006 at 1:34 am
Well said James. The problem with some people, especially elitists, is that they unwittingly believe that they are ‘THE’ centers of the universe and expect everyone else to gravitate towards their conceited (MIS)-conceptions and “follow or be purged” attitudes. What our friend “Adolf” fails to realize is that the universe of ideas (like the universe itslef) is infinite… and that a single point stretches out into infinity and, in that sense, all points may be considered as the center, i.e., there isn’t ‘THE’ center.
November 24th, 2006 at 2:09 am
Peace be Upon U all
I am amazed to see this topic being discussed on friendster and hope to see more of these controversial topics in the future…….I am as well impressed by what JAMES has posted above as he was being logical in what he said.
Anyways… It should be know that without the so called “rabble” and “noises” people make societies would never develop……people have to stand up for their rulers and stop them when they are doing wrong ,,,,because if that isn’t done….then rulers will start to do whatever they want and the civilization or the community would decline and would never develop…….Economis…. just like it’s friend “politics” are games being played by the Authority and they have full control of whether to play it clean or dirty…whether to plan properly or just take actions…. And we “the society” do have knowledge about both of the fields and it is our duty to stand up for our rights and the rights of the society…. So the so called “barrels” and “noises” are at the end very important and a main factor in the rise of a Civilizations and Societies….and History has proven this right! And to be frank ……all people go to universities and usually read the news and have a pretty good background and a good Idea about what is happening now a days …..so …..they are not ignorant enough not to know what is happening or not to know what is good and what is bad for them ….they know very well what is happening around them and are qualified to take actions and Make some “Noise” to fix whatever is bad within their own societies.
November 24th, 2006 at 3:09 am
I do agree with your assertions. In fact I have a personal experience with regards to some people’s ignorance with the nitty-gritty of economics. I really cannot blame them for being such because this problem really is anchored on poor educational attainment or, for that matter, unsatisfactory acquisition of knowledge.
But I am still wondering why so many intellectuals fail to understand the dynamics of economics.
November 24th, 2006 at 9:25 am
YoUr ArTicLe waS nIce But I sTrOngLy beLieve tHaT
“eMpTy stOmaCh maKeS LoUd NoiSe”
November 24th, 2006 at 7:24 pm
well done JAMES. can’t put it any better.
November 24th, 2006 at 9:57 pm
Let me first compliment you. You speak in a harsh tongue. Your point of views are realistic. Real enough that common people would find it hard to appreciate. And for that I applaud you.
I agree with your article. Economics indeed is as complex as biology so to speak. It is a field that requires us to be critical thinkers. And it never ceases to amaze me that with economics being so crucial and complex, many people seem to stand up and throw arguments. People seem to have something to say, as if they understand the issue very well. They always have something to say every time an issue comes up. But come to think of it, these people never really understand the subject matter as it is being presented to them. Say for example, in the Philippine setting. Every time the value of peso in the market changes, automatic the exchange of goods and services is directly affected. The people seem to consider themselves critics in this field. Therefore it gives them the prerogative to throw judgments on the leaders, more specifically the president. Not realizing that there knowledge for that matter comprises only the superficial. I’m not saying that the people don’t know anything about economics. What I’m pointing out is that they deliberately throw side comments without even weighing things out for a moment. They have to first look beyond the superficial for them to understand the whole context. But no, instead of doing that, they prefer bringing the issue to the streets and organize a so-called “rally” asking the president to step out from the office. “Parody” as what I label it. Someone should step up and put a stop to this trend. Every time some thing happens to the condition of the state the people always have someone to blame. They should be aware that the leaders are not the only one’s that are to act to uplift the state. It is a hand in hand job with both the government and the people to act upon our objective. As the song goes “together we stand, divided we fall”…
November 24th, 2006 at 10:55 pm
nice………
November 25th, 2006 at 4:23 am
“I wonder why not EVERYONE takes economics in their studies.” -from your blog.
the fact, and the sad truth is, not everyone has access to learning. we are all human beings—material beings—(though not to the level where i would agree with the concept of man being homo oeconomicus). and i agree with what seems your point of utmost importance and relevance (in our lives) of studying economics. Economics is not separated with everyday life, it is not just a discourse but an aspect of man’s existence. But not all are privileged like you, and me, and many others to be formally educated. i came from the philippines, and for a developing country like us, one can’t possibly expect poor people to learn economics so that they can rant about the economic condition, blah blah blah. They comment based on their own experiences, and how they see things through their own lenses… not through the lenses of the economic principles grounded from ricardo’s or smith’s or keynes’ theories.
just my thought though.
November 25th, 2006 at 5:11 am
everything is literally a cycle. the cycle does not give a damn if there will be deaths or not, as long as we are human, we are vulnerable to either chaotic idealism or peaceful overcontrolism principles of living each single day.
November 25th, 2006 at 5:56 am
I doubt actually taking up economy helps matters. After all there are even economic students who feel they know much more than what is it they are given at present.
Since ‘understanding’ and ‘knowing’ just doesn’t cut it (as both are subjective especially when it comes to different individuals), I suppose the only way of goin about it is to see those who try to make a difference the right way, compared to those who just talk but no go.
I believe if people could find a reasoning to things, regardless if they actually agreed or not upon it, it;ll actually help matters much more. That combine with the proper amount of actions. Some may say “We tried” but then again, not many actually make a proper statement aside from raising more questions than answers and solutions.
Since it is impossible for unity standardisation on the matter, reducing its negative effects is the best of it. Now even that isn’t that as easy to accomplish I suppose.
November 26th, 2006 at 3:13 am
experts? not anyone of these so called “public servants” are experts!most of them rose in position by cheating or by whatever means inappropriate… so God help them! EVAT was a bad decision, the manifestation of which will be economic depression! In economics, what goes up must come down!!!
Lastly, this is what country needs, people who would heckle such impertinent fools in the government… THAT IS WHAT YOU CALL DEMOCRACY!
November 26th, 2006 at 3:31 am
Do you actually believe that our dear President knows economics?
November 26th, 2006 at 3:34 am
I am referring to Philippine situation by the way
November 26th, 2006 at 5:18 am
hi
November 26th, 2006 at 9:09 pm
Troy,
and some of these “EXPERTS” that we call as Politicians were just there in their post because they are popular. hmmm… The Filipino people has not yet learned from having Joseph Estrada, an actor, as their president. Man he’s the dumbest.
And now, people are urging the boxing hero, manny Pacquiao, to lead the same steps.
God bless the Philippines.
sigh…
November 26th, 2006 at 9:23 pm
hi, i went through one of ur blog thingy, looking forward to share with u in those u’re specialized it.
btw, i’ve just added u into my list. have a great day.
November 26th, 2006 at 9:35 pm
good
November 26th, 2006 at 10:50 pm
Im new at friendster,Im so glad to read this kind of discussion,very interesting.
November 27th, 2006 at 12:37 am
_eilow i jhoanne don’t give your love once save 20% for your self okey
November 27th, 2006 at 12:42 am
_eiow i jhoanne don’t give your 100% to your love once save at list 20% to your self
November 27th, 2006 at 5:36 am
I definitely agree with you,man. I’m not against freedom of speech or anything but people should be careful on making comments/reactions with reagrds to government policies (i.e. economic policies). More often its usually those naive/inaccurate reactions made by people who are clueless and pretentious to what the real issue is about that are absorbed by the masses which makes it more sad since instead of having the people support these policies, the opposite happens. Bottomline is every policy both solves problems and creates other problems. that’s some sort of how economic equilibrium is achieved. It’s just matter of priorities and minimizing the side effects…
November 27th, 2006 at 8:58 am
Dude, I definitely agree with you. Economic education should not be the reason at the first place!
I guess economics is not such a dificult subjects as everyone can walk pass at least 10 stores, 10 trucks, 10 restaurants, 10 store owners, 10 employees, 10 negotiations a day unless you live in a jungle!
Capitalism feeds growth, Communism feeds corruptors.
Capitalism gives people DREAM.
Saving money in bank = New Business + Jobs.
I guess if you want to live in the 21st century you just got to be “Open Minded”. Clean your mind if you want to learn , otherwise DON’T dream at all.
For those unfortunate peoples that does not have enough knowledge, I guess you should:
- Not believe what the MEDIA have to say, it feeds your desruptive envy & hatred which makes your mind eye blurred.
- Have more faith for your goverment
- Demand more education from your goverment, more libraries, etc.
- For GoD sake, believe in those people who gives people job, not those who take your tax money away without giving something back!
- Don’t believe in Politicioans!
- Don’t ever believe in Politicians! They’re evil, they only care for themselves!
- Believe in Successful People who cares for your country, because they’ve done it, and they know how to do it. For example: Mr. Jusuf Kalla in Indonesia as the Vice President which is the 9th (by Forbes) richest people in Indonesia.
Just passing by to share some knowledge which you will share to others :). Recommendations & positive critics is always welcomed.
~Peace on earth~
November 27th, 2006 at 7:10 pm
gud job!
November 27th, 2006 at 8:47 pm
hi iwant 2 meet you thanks u are my new frend
November 27th, 2006 at 10:15 pm
I must admit that I only studied basic economics, but reading your entry reminded me of my economics class a year ago. That class had drilled some points into my head — all of them teaching me of the need for me and for everyone else to be open minded when it comes to economic issues, to stop oneself from immediately making an initial comment after being presented the issue, but to instead read and research more about issues when you encounter them.
I have noticed, however, that not all people are fortunate enough to be taught economics, no matter how basic it is. For this, we cannot really blame people if they clamor against certain government policies because they are actually reacting on how they perceive how these policies can affect them (usually in the short term, not in the long term). We must, however, take these people into consideration, as well. Their role in the whole system is to be the devil’s advocate, and sometimes to remind us that not all government officials may be doing what is best for the people.
Just a piece of my thought.
November 27th, 2006 at 10:37 pm
Hi.
I want to shed just some simple NEW points: Not everybody likes economics.
It’s different for each personality-type! There’re those who like/prefer more in arts, than economics. Prefer abstract goals, than materialistic goals.
But when ‘common people’ protest, it’s because they feel the effects of government’s economic policy RIGHT-AWAY (short-term) to them, that make them suffer. So we can’t really blame them, I mean, if you were in their shoes, I believe you’d also moan & whine, because of the ’sufferings’ you have to undergo caused by the economic policy.
For example: the poors who live in the rural villages. Imagine if you’re among one of them, who got no CHANCE at all,…other than thinking “what I have to eat tomorrow? while the fuel price keeps HIKING & increasing! what about my wife’s medical expenses….sigh……”
Imagine if you’re ONE of the poors, would u still have capacity to babble all this ‘economy’ jargons? Probably not, right.
The sad-BUT-TRUE thing so apparent in reality usually is: the government policy is more directed towards the WEALTHY people, the urban, the Haves (eg: those who live in big metropolitan city), rather than for the Not-Haves, the poor, the needy (eg: those who live in other poor parts of the country).
This is the problem of Indonesian government!
And still not to mention the corrupt politicians, government officials who keep sucking people’s money! the money which is earned in a hard-way, just get sucked so easily, without giving back to common people!
This is what sucks about Capitalism, too.
November 27th, 2006 at 10:50 pm
Somehow, everyone sure did have a comment on economics because there’s a reaction towards everyone and different economic impact on people in their industry based on those proposed policies. All we studied in economics always made assumptions like homogeneous or we spend what we earned …etc. Its all simplifying the situation to understand the insights. I don’t totally agree that the public should not comment economic issues because I think these response could have been a good indication for economic agents. Other than money, the social and political part of the society is shaping the economy. That’s why economics is incorporating with psychology aspect such as taking into account of CEO’s expectation when analysing the market. What’s more, economics is a very materialistic way of viewing the society. Thus, we cannot expect everyone to be based on only one way of viewing the whole economy of the country. This is just what I thought, not to be offensive of any way.
November 28th, 2006 at 4:14 am
its true!
November 28th, 2006 at 10:11 am
I think it’s a quite subjective discussion.. It may be interrupted by the political aspect as government is allowed to intervene, as fiscal policies or whatever.. In Singapore, the government policies are relatively much cleaner as compared in other countries. But corruption happens sometimes and government policies are not always reliable. tomorrow exam. discuss next time. lol.
my opinion, there’s no right or wrong in econ. Keynes may be the great one, but his opinions were radically revised until today. We just discuss the trends and the time will proves whether the econ knowledges were applied well or not..
November 28th, 2006 at 11:32 pm
you make sense!
November 28th, 2006 at 11:40 pm
buatin donk
November 29th, 2006 at 1:05 am
The ability to 360 degree criticised towards a policy is highly appreciated! But, there is 2 types of criticising. One is criticise before the approval, that is very make sense, second is criticise after running the policy (the ‘noise’) that is really unappreciated and look stupid!
November 29th, 2006 at 5:15 am
The KTM is extremely impressed with your clarity of thought.
Please keep writing and help to bring some sense to this madness that is called the blogosphere.
November 29th, 2006 at 8:52 am
people will always criticise whenever a new policy is introduced, especially if they know nothing about the said policy…someone once said, in the philippines even if they elect Jesus Christ as president, there would still be people on the streets shouting that He be impeached…you cannot please everyone…even if you did manage to satisfy them, applying the law of diminishing returns in economics, it wouldn’t take that long before the satisfaction rating begins to decline..one can only hope for the best when it comes to our leaders and the policies they are making
November 29th, 2006 at 12:47 pm
i just believe that people must start from the basic.. make your family strong and intact as this is the basic structure the holds an institution….rather than any economic policies that is being offered by somebody who has a hidden agenda…have a nice day…god bless
November 29th, 2006 at 1:21 pm
sometimes those noises are the one who dont know what they are saying… they just talk talk and talk… not even understanding the topic they are into…
nice one over there dude ^^
November 29th, 2006 at 2:11 pm
Good to hear a good citizen, however, you misused some words to make your points convincing. First, you made used of the word EVERYONE, hey! we studied economics too in our high school and college level. Second, you are making excuses of mobocracy, maybe you’ll need to study politics clearly so as to learn the whys. Lastly, it is not the government that runs the state, it is the people behind the government. In order to attain all gains you would have to have 100% honest leaders (it would be easy to believe cows can fly than to believe this). But I do agree with some of your points, but you must sharpen the edges first.
November 29th, 2006 at 5:59 pm
dami comment, magbabasa lang ako………
November 29th, 2006 at 6:02 pm
ahm… tanx,
November 29th, 2006 at 6:59 pm
I salute you!
Excellent education can transform people and society
November 29th, 2006 at 8:51 pm
i have no comment…pro guyz u knw wat i’m inlove ehehe…..pnaalam ko lng sa buong mundo na mhal na mhal ko c rennel bacani pacheco..mhal na mhal ko cia……..pwmizeeeeeeee……..
i love you so mch…muaaaahhh
November 29th, 2006 at 8:59 pm
well said!!!!!
November 29th, 2006 at 10:53 pm
hi,guys’thank u ur comment….
November 30th, 2006 at 3:03 am
i like the idea. i
suppose you are providing us a notion that we need to comprehend and study such things comprehensively. you think that becoming learned through conversations w/ the experts and w/ phd people plus reading more books concerning its discipline can help make the ‘noise’ sensable. i wonder why that the noisiest people in my place are those humans seen on tv and animal writers of natl papers who are with good credentials talking economics in its broadest shit sense…another thing, our President in the Phillipines is having a PhD in Economics title…i hope u include her to your article and make a study about our economy.
uhmmmm….i think i need to xcan more about these people brains…ammm hoping those are not cracking.
about those authors whose ideas are mentioned in the article, did u check?
basically…your post is commendable…and another thing im not licensed to give a comment because i wasnt able to make further readings about echo-no-mix.
November 30th, 2006 at 6:49 pm
Well…
This is very agreeable that many of Us do not study economics and yet we have a large say in this.
The main reason I believe is that many of us think that we are Mr know it all even if we read a little because it is human nature that we don’t want to lose out to someone who knows this information, and worse still, if it turns out to be an arguement both parties would not be listening to each others response but rather thinking of what to say back when the other says that point.
And regarding a good leader from a bad… A leaders’ job is to be a person of influence, being justful, he would be the person whom everyone respects and wants to be and not been given that “rank” by force.
A leader is a person who serves the people not segregate himself 1 step higher from the rest of the crowd.
November 30th, 2006 at 7:10 pm
Hi, Yi Zheng, it’s a good article…^^
In my opinion, it’s not easy to be a leader, easpecially a good one,…
you have to consider a lot of aspects,
a good leader is the one who can serve and satisfied the needs of the people, a lot of people, and that is not easy to do.
November 30th, 2006 at 7:26 pm
ambot
November 30th, 2006 at 8:05 pm
I’d raher make many noise than shut my eyes, mouth, and ears to the happenings in the society. It’s like in a family, why can’t parents let their children say something to contribute in family issues such as financial problem? are children just nuisance? just like people “SHOUTING”?
by the way, why are these people “SHOUTING”?
aaaaaa… I see… they are just plain hungry and their wives and husbands and children are dead or until now not yet found because they were fighting for their family’s future…
uhmmm… sad… so sad…
theory can sometimes be very different from reality.
November 30th, 2006 at 10:16 pm
My take on this is simple. If you are one among the very few who are fortunate enough to understand the principles and technicalities of economics and political policies, then you must use it to HELP the country. HELP/HELPING is a verb. An action word. Noises are mere noises and will do NO HELP. Participate in NGOs, create studies, lobby your theories in the senate. Protesting in the streets is loathed because it does not help solve the country’s problems. I, personally, find this means nothing but mere WINING. Wining and complaining don’t help at all. If you these UP students really do know and understand economics as they claim, then use it and TAKE ACTION. Please, let’s not be ARROGANT, KNOW-IT-ALL, SMARTASSES. Rather, be the Filipino that the country can be proud of.
December 1st, 2006 at 5:48 am
will what can i say ? you know your right other people cant understand what is economics
December 1st, 2006 at 6:27 am
Hats off to you yi Zheng! I am so glad to know that there are still people who think like you do. What you have said in your entry–that many people have the guts to talk about something they barely know anything of– is happening here in the Philippines. I find it so pathetic that everyday I get to read comments on the current political and economic situation of our country by people who I bet do not understand what really is happening. Because of this, I am beginning to fully appreciate being an economics major. Somehow it gives me rights to say something on economic matters–unblinded by ignorance of the subject. And to those who posted their comments, you guys made me just as happy.:)
December 1st, 2006 at 8:30 am
I’ve never taken economics before but probably will have a chance to do so in my third or fourth sem this coming year (I’m starting my bachelor soon), so I would not comment on what you wrote on the first four para. A lot of what you’ve said is true, Yi Zheng. Still, I think it comes down to how the governments themselves ‘raise’ their young - who will be the future ‘government’ - in the first place. If the young were given the proper space, education and guidance, they would grow up to be ‘mature’ community members with responsible, healthily independent minds and consequently able to generate more or less fair conclusions or views as well as give valuable comments that will help the government get a grip of what the people really want and what they really need. This will then be a one of the foundations for the government to create policies or fashion its governing ways. To say that people rant about nothing most of the time is quite, shall I say, harsh. There can be no government if there’s no people. And much less is an economy. “The music is nothing, if the audience is deaf”…as the saying goes. There must be amutual understanding and agreement between the two. As long as there are government and people, there will always be noises. It is through these noises that some kind of growth or economic momentum can be achieved. If the government had ‘raise’ community members with responsible, healthily independent minds…I think, there is nothing much to worry. The noises will give way to something constructive.
December 1st, 2006 at 10:34 am
Economics is deceptively fascinating. I recommend to anyone new to that very idea to at least check out the book “Freakanomics”.
And I agree about the reality of counter-intuitive truths. One of such things that immediately came to my mind was evolution, which some religious people like to pick on so rabidly. It’s counter-intuitive because they find it very hard to imagine, especially since it’s hard to imagine a million years — that itself is counter-intuitive! After all, no one has ever experienced, let alone fathom time anywhere near that long. Which is why they also believe that the earth is like just 6000 years old.
By the way, I never imagined that an intelligent Friendster blog exists. (It’s so counter-intuitive, haha) I would expect this elsewhere, like blogspot or something. Keep it up dude, even if on Friendster..
December 1st, 2006 at 12:50 pm
This is a very dissapointing article for me, because it gave comments on how the people creates ‘noise’, how people questions the government policy, the point is the economic policy is not ‘just’ the reason why the society or the people criticizes their government. Truly economic policies can be an illusion for development.
The point here is we cannot say that ‘publics’ are just making noise and doesnt know a thing aboour economics. The public isnt stupid, and while the bourgeousie/the dominant class[and majority of law makers and rulers belong in this class] can feel little of inflation, the low budget in education, in housing etc etc. the masses are dying to have these basic needs, those needs are a matter of life and death for them, and in democratic countries, these are part of those rights.
An in terms of economic policies, even if you are not an expert, have a masteral or doctorate in it we can stick to material evidence that the world isnt really sufficient of providing everyones greed, we cannot let everyone to be rich, and a lot of times that those who can provide some of their basic needs(that must have benn all) are a lot of times force to give it up because the dominant or rulling class needs it.
I cannot comment fully because it is to ambigous to argue in an article written out of assumptions made “fact” but what the writer found in books that doesnt see a larger perspective.
Finally it is easy to argue that the government is doing what it have to do. But a lot of people, majority of them children dying in poverty, have no education and ’so much’ uncertain future for them. Where is the government where they are working for ‘half of their lives’ inside some factories/ industries and/ or corporations are paying their taxes. And still they are building economic policies in which people cannot gain or maximized the potentials they have.
and yes you are right!
Foreign policy to be a neocolony, where 1st world countries can trash theyre surplus, hire people for cheap labor and brand new market, Imperialism is inevitable in a capitalist setting and there is no way denying it. Stick with material basis, stop fooling ourselves that the economy is going better, and another yes! for security and intelligence, where are government can spend a lot from killing their ‘destabilizers’ as they see it? Cant economics see these things, these situations?
December 1st, 2006 at 12:53 pm
and these are just noise?
whose stupid now?
December 1st, 2006 at 1:30 pm
couldnt agree more
December 1st, 2006 at 6:06 pm
i believe that economy really affects everyone of us. and that is why people always making noises about what they feel is right. studying is not only go to school, collegue and gaining your degree about the discipline…. but the life we go through itself is a stage of learning. we learn a lot everyday but we dont realised about it. i believe that the people we chosed to lead the country are trying so hard to make the best for the country…but hey… we cannot satisfy everyone! people always have things to say whether they satisfy or not.
chow!
December 1st, 2006 at 8:01 pm
I think that people are people. They only want to be heard but they dont know what the cause and effects of the issues that are being upheld.
December 1st, 2006 at 11:52 pm
noise may not necessarilly that which can be heard. most of the time, these noise that sometimes irritate us may be music in the making. many events that saved this country from hell (as if today isn’t hell for Philippines) started from noise. this comments and the article being commented can be noise to some - at least to those who don’t care. the “rabble-rousers” as mr author calls ‘em appeal only to their listeners - and yes they have plenty of listeners. basically, my point is, everyone is entitled to make his own noise, because ultimately, most of these noise will have listeners and will make sense.
let’s just settle to the idea that the sound in the streets are not noise. let’s just settle to the idea that there is a problem and thank god somebody is making a lot of fuss about it. the noise will be missed when everyone will be silenced… we don’t want that, do we?
December 2nd, 2006 at 1:58 am
economy???????
affects all of us ….
but government, doing what is good to our country. some people can’t understand whats economy …
explain…………
December 2nd, 2006 at 4:45 am
emmm…President Ronald Reagan once joked that if the game Trivial Pursuit were designed for economist,it would have 100 questions and 3,000 answers.All of us have a different thought about some problem.I contend that why Good and Bad leaders are critized,because Policies and Incentives always have a pro-contra and there isn’t policy that absolute to the market condition.So,all of us maybe feel unsatisfy with the condition,due to the unsatisfy it will trigger critize…Economy is a young science..Not perfect…With all respect can you reply to my opinion..^^
December 2nd, 2006 at 4:57 am
Government you say is doing what is good to our country?
Aha!
But doing the good thing doesn’t always lead to popular decisions. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Sacrifices have to be made if we want to progress, this ain’t simply an economic principle but a principle on how the world generally operates. And when someone does good which has negative short-term effects for greater benefits in the future, people start filling the streets shouting ‘You government people are idiots! Let us lead the nation instead!’ or something of the sort. I’m not saying that the public is stupid but people do have tendencies to be short-sighted.
And on telling economic experts/economists that what they’re proposing is really bad, do we really look at the future effects or just the immediate ones? When a doctor tells you to undergo surgery, you don’t tell him ‘Go to hell, surgery hurts. Give me a treatment that I’ll enjoy.’ But of course, there’s no such thing as that.
But then again, maybe it’s just me.
December 2nd, 2006 at 9:40 pm
hi…
economy?????
affects every one….
some people cant undestand ….
December 2nd, 2006 at 11:11 pm
Ahem … excuse me … I think Economics is one of the subjects taken up during high school. Sadly, those people just tend to forget about the topics involved and also the side studies. I don’t want to discuss things about Economics because the truth is I hate Economics. But one thing for sure … you sure do have a point here. Kudos to you my man! Just an example is the so-called Leaders here in our country - the Philippines. Oppositions always find a way just to make sure that the mass will have something to criticize about the Administration’s approach to improve the economy. Well, how can we improve when these IDIOTS don’t want to support the Administration. They just do what is stated in their titles - the Opposition. Everytime the Administration had something in their minds so as to solve some problems, they just barge in and oppose the plan. Now, what do you call that? Plain and simple … Idiotic fellas. I hope someday they will wake up to the reality that without cooperation we will achieve NOTHING. And that is something that we could not afford if we are so concerned about the welfare of our society and the future.
December 3rd, 2006 at 2:50 am
The world what i see now is nothing but a mob, tranny, racism, dictators, facism rulez..
If U are a Goverment minister nowsaday no different then back in thousand years ago(before christ).
That’s means you are not only ve to be ‘a minister politician policy maker ‘a Doctor but ‘a world secret scocieties aswell. ‘People will tend to listen to money then you talk’ and “make sure you say who u said U are” in this world. Onces u know “who is who” then your world will be much more easier doing anything. People mind now mostly ve been corrupted by their goverment rule model. This Blog is consider out of question (unless u oready member of Marcos or Arroyo in your own country)
Try to understand the core concept of business in this video then continue to Blog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIYoAoB49AQ
December 3rd, 2006 at 7:00 am
Isnt It part of serving the people is to keep them informed? And not to confused them with economic policies. Do not argue what you assume. A lot of people say that this is intelligent and smart, etc, but this is actually stupid taking into the position that people just makes noise.
December 3rd, 2006 at 7:15 am
Hiroki, yes economic policies are often misleading and complex and this is why people are often confused and angered. This is also one of the shortcomings of economic ministers because they fail to make the public understand how and why a certain economic policy exists.
Ideal economic policies should be clear and readily understandable to the masses and confusion regarding its objectives should be avoided as much as possible. But there are cases that this isn’t feasible, some policies grounded on advanced economics need scholarly study to properly understand. As much as educating the public about it is ideal, providing information to the public would simply cost too much to be practical. The same way not everyone can actually be taught the intricacies in the field of medicine and become specialists, not everyone can become expert economists. It ain’t just feasible. That doesn’t mean the government should neglect informing the public though…
December 3rd, 2006 at 8:38 am
no matter what type of leader you are, whether you’re the leader of a country or a leader of your gradeschool scince group, you’re still bound to get commented upon… proof of this is the fact that the words “no comment” is still, in itself, a comment! =)
December 3rd, 2006 at 12:11 pm
for this world,
i hate to love it,
god bless me for all for this
December 3rd, 2006 at 4:55 pm
wow..dats nice..btw..i study economics ryt now and you are ryt..
December 3rd, 2006 at 5:07 pm
i totally agree with you man. in my university. i am majoring economics. i always hear them ask if “does that course still exist?”, everytime i tell them my course. no wonder they don’t understand a lot of issues and easily makes negative comments whenever thay see something on the news. i heard that only a few are majoring economics. a lot are on to accounting and business administration. in my opinion, yes, economic policies are complex and often hard to understand, and so the opposition of the government takes advantage of that and they mislead the people even more. how they do it is seen on the TV and on newspapers. they oppose almost every plan the government makes saying that these plans don’t benefit the people. and they raise issues whic are far from the real issues to divert the attention of the people from appreciating the good reforms of the government. that is politics the way i see it. “peace” out there.
December 3rd, 2006 at 6:45 pm
…d☼pe…
December 3rd, 2006 at 8:47 pm
…or adore them for they could always say what they feel…even reach everyone who seems to just sleep and ignore?!hmmm.. just thinking the other way around.
anyway, nice shot!!!
December 4th, 2006 at 5:36 am
are you trying to compare each country’s economy? in my opinion, every country have different economy. agree?
December 4th, 2006 at 5:46 am
wow! what a nice article…you hit it straight to the point dude…just like here in the philippines…mobs of people rallied in the street and I doubt it if they really know what they’re shouting of…
December 4th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
i dont want to think the positive effect of crises . our economic now under low level degree specially for the philippines.
December 4th, 2006 at 5:03 pm
omoshiroi ne… very interesting topic… from my point of view… people always criticise at something the don’t understand… thats why a leader should guide, show and tell them what it is all about… hmm… time will tell… which is the best for both people and the leader…
December 5th, 2006 at 3:15 am
well..actually i don’t understand about economy. that’s why we need more experts on it, but not only in theoritical…thanks for all your ideas.
December 5th, 2006 at 4:14 am
you are right.. one must know first what he/she is talking about to avoid rambling senseless stuff… but as what others mentioned, some just go with the tide so that others would think that they know something about economics and stuff… here in the philippines, senior highschool to college level study economics and it’s quite a hard subject to understand. yet some people do babble out random idiotic comments just be noticed.. but there are really people who know what they’re talking about and would just like to voice out their complaints.. that’s all… nice blog writeup by the way…
December 5th, 2006 at 5:21 am
i like to meet girls
December 5th, 2006 at 8:16 am
wondering with your statement bout “why not everyone takes economics in their studies”.
just want u know one thing, that economic CAN’T (and Never CAN’T) SOLVED ALL OF HUMAN’S PROBLEM.
guest, we can start with a simple question “what can make you happy? what your life’s purpose?”
n Does Economics teach you to answer that? guest not… that’s why not everyone takes economics in their studies.
hope u can be more mature, n can see… that’s so many human’s problem in this life.. n economics can’t answered all..
December 5th, 2006 at 11:55 pm
MMMMMM
December 6th, 2006 at 2:19 am
u r ryt charel..
December 6th, 2006 at 2:19 am
Economics is a simple subject. it almost explains all, but not all things. even the most trivial stuff you could think of. read freakonomics!
However to understand econ extensively, one must learn the basics of statistics. moreover, economics, believe me, is highly mathematical. math is the language of econ. i mean, it could be hard, but it is manageable.
economics does not promise solutions to problems. but it could explain a wide array of phenomena, whether economic, political, or whatever in nature. many theories in economics have assumptions that delegate controlled variables, which may or may not be practical in the real world. nevertheless, these theories still tell interesting stories and explain a lot of things.
economics rule all social sciences.
it even rules the world.
December 6th, 2006 at 2:04 pm
we always demand for somethin’,. we practice our own “perfectionism” which doesn’t fit in every individual.
December 6th, 2006 at 6:48 pm
i dont know what to say… you have the point of view which some of my friends would call “reaksyonaryo”… but i really think you are right! but then part of me says, you might’ve just missed something. but part of me says, you have it right!! well, i just hope that, should you decide to enter the world of politics, (or if you’re already there) you are doing the right thing; educating the people about what you think is a politically correct principle! i mean, what we must be all missing is the basic understanding of who we really are, our identity as a people. we are considering ourselves as Filipinos,but are we really? before we were called as such, who were we? i guess i’m out of the point, but that’s just me. goodluck to me! and to you! Godbless the Philippines…
December 6th, 2006 at 6:57 pm
just a follow up, i didn’t know you weren’t one of us “Filipinos”. but then my comment is just the same.. the people in Singapore has not been colonized the way the people in the Philippines were.. but then the difference is always there and has always been before and might just always be there forever…
December 6th, 2006 at 8:35 pm
Modesty aside.
I believe that these people who, according to you, have a lot of comments about the economy when they have never been to the real studies of Economics are entitled to ther opinions. And if we are entitled to hate this, they are also entitled to love so. Point is, we all have our stories to tell and lives to lead so we never have the right to tell these people to “shut up” simply because they don’t know much about Economics. Afterall, we never really have the right to say that these interactive people know nothing about what they’ve been reacting with. Perhaps they know something though not everything. Question is, who knows about everything??? Certainly none. Not even the scholars of the ancient time like Aristotle. Wanna bet? make a research and you’ll see.
But come to think of it, learning can’t just be obtained in the four walls of the classroom and we all know that experience is the best teacher.
AND.. do you really know the reasons why these people keep on blabbering about something they don’t know MUCH of??? It’s simply a matter of LIFE and DEATH!
On the other hand, why don’t you do something about this since you have very well detected this social cancer?
Would you just sit on there in front of the computer and just write a lot of blogs about these socio-economic problems or better yet, socio-political struggles???
Well, this may be a good avenue for intellectual discourse but the government wouldn’t know anything unless otherwise you present your ideas to them.
December 6th, 2006 at 11:28 pm
elow friend!!!
maybe i’m, not a economist nor expert in economy policies.but as i see,all things you’ve said are happening in our precent condition in our government.
that’s the reality,the only thing we can do is just help our self to choose what’s the right thing to do in order to have a better life.corruption are everywhere,we fellow young gun,do the right thing in order to fight this……that’s all!!!!!!!!!!
December 7th, 2006 at 3:16 am
what schools of thought in economics did you got your degree in economics??? economic bachelors can see you have a different perspective.
i’ve got one question for you. how can you monetize social history then? what method are you using??? did you experience contingent valuation survey in economics? tell me if you have coz il show you the result of my thesis in economics.
jade
December 7th, 2006 at 5:00 am
id have to agree with you.humans are insatiable creatures so raving about our economy comes with it.satisfaction i think, like success, is a state of mind.and that goes on to both kinds of leaders being unwanted because when a person is unsatisfied, he will look for loopholes to reinforce his claim of a disappointing governance and economy.the philippines is a classic example.i am a Filipino so i have a say about this.from what i see,there was never a good leader.the taste of the governed was never satisfied too, because they look for bigger changes in the economy but a litle of themselves.imagine marching under the scorching sun just to holler out to the government their protests instead of earning a living.for all i know a day’s work is the whole future for an individual.the economy is explained by the annual revenues generated by the government and the figures are quite encouraging but sometimes doubtful.is this a way to be safe from more criticisms?who knows the hardships of economics except those whose hands are on it?people who do not know,do not really know.
December 7th, 2006 at 8:09 pm
Your blog is a-OK! Believe me….Economic Models are tricky and you can’t make a final solution to Man’s contentment so that’s why You, Me and Everyone should focus on the needs…not on the wants…. consider that as a compliment. besides common sense do make it easier.
the only way we separate ourselves from Animals is that we Have rational minds.
December 7th, 2006 at 9:05 pm
surely you’ve expounded the matter quite well. u definitely r a well versed person so to speak. but personally for me, any field is just a body of knowledge compiled all the years of human existence..less the time span that knowledge and ideas we’re not noted. nevertheless, theory is theory unless it becomes a law, a natural truth that super imposes itself under any under tows and variations. any group of knowledge is best only if it is used to some nobel goals but sad to say even nobel goals go awry.as long as the definition of good and bad is subject to human nature that is flawed and varied, then it is presupposed that every individual has a thing to say differently. so bottom line is, the individual need still comes way ahead of any others. so what else do we expect? it is a continuous dynamic world of change!!!huh.
December 7th, 2006 at 9:30 pm
well, i think all comparative advantage theory is just make history of the world the same. Just growing the neo imperialism idea. I agree with Timothy. We need a total solution, with a sweet pill not sweat poison. which is can heal everybody, not for somebody.
we’r all missing the free world.
We’r all missing living the world for today, not tommorow.
We’r are
We’r all missing the new history which we all never felt before.
All we hv to think by now is to crete the economic theory to provide collectivity.
The answer for everybody..!!!
Viva Otro mundo…!!!!
A new world is always Posiblle…!
And we have to consistant with our believe..
December 7th, 2006 at 11:57 pm
It could be annoying to hear stupid people expressing their opinions or opposing commentary to government’s economic & political affairs affecting the people it governs. I exactly got your point. However, it could be more relevant to view the scene in a larger perspective like these people are a result of a decadent culture that breeds pudding heads because we all know that the majority of the people who oppose the government are the uneducated masa, and they are tired of promises. More often than not it takes no economic scholar to understand that the country’s economic and political predicaments are the outcome of a system that made these leaders all the same then and now. And why do you expect these leaders to expose the negative character of the system that benefits them?
Let us blame the system instead because transformation is always a result of a peoples struggle, opposing entities, and even bloody revolution. The only way for people to be educated is to truly educate them with the clear analysis of the world. And Economics can be learned and taught inside or outside the four walls of a classroom.
I salute the leaders who join the struggling masa in exposing the corrupt system even if they seem to be a laughing stock to intellectuals and appear to chase windmills like Don Quixote.
December 8th, 2006 at 12:07 am
Have you thought of the generative forces leading to these adversities?
December 8th, 2006 at 4:15 am
i’m a senior student and we tackle economics as a subject, i actually see it as a subject only. i don’t see it as something that i should study. that’s because of the misconceptions that misleads my perception about economics.
but now, i realized that what you said is definitely true.
well, i consider legal management as one of my college programs. how i wish i can be good as you… you seems to be one a few that makes me realize that i should not take economics for granted.
thanks!!!
GOD BLESS!
December 8th, 2006 at 10:25 am
very nice,that,s all.
December 8th, 2006 at 11:35 am
“…When a doctor tells you to undergo surgery, you don’t tell him ‘Go to hell, surgery hurts. Give me a treatment that I’ll enjoy.”
I’m in the medical field and I beg to disagree. Some patients do prefer to allow their wounds to fester and receive enjoyable treatment rather than opt for surgery that will give them a better prognosis.
I liken these patients to the majority of my countrymen. Our history tells me that voting for corrupt and inept politicians are the norm. People go for the popular ones such as movie stars with the well-educated ones being brushed off to one side. Yes, we sorely lack the experienced economists as our government leaders. Yes, we tend to raise our voices against our government prematurely. Yes, we are impatient to see the growth promised us since the birth of our republic. Yes, we are not easily pleased with the proposed changes of our government - we think they are not radical enough to wake up the slumbering nation.
Majority of my countrymen do not have the benefit of education. Comparing a political candidate who talks of economics as a science to another political candidate who talks of promises that are usually empty, they will choose the one giving the empty promises for an enjoyable life even if it would only be temporary.
I really admire the Chinese people who had the temerity and the drive to make their country what it is now today. It was a hard time for them, lots of pain and suffering, lots of sacrifices. Belief in their system and in their leaders made them persevere and realize their dream.
This unconditional belief in our government is what we need. An honest government is what we need. An experienced and revered economist is what we need. A cooperative country is what we need. A strong leader not easily cowered by the nations that control the world’s economy is what we need.
Your blog entry made me think about the plight of our country. And it is a sad plight indeed.
December 8th, 2006 at 12:41 pm
a remarkable analytical thinking. All of your opinios are based on facts and deep thought.
but as you can see,
humans are humans. All of those traits are common for human being. Criticizing a matter just because of one’s dislike, however when it comes to what to do, they sit down quietly zipping their mouth. That’s human.
and in my point of view,
it is not that they (those who do not take economy) do not worry about the economy.
Its just every person has different type of logic created by their own unique brain waves. Let’s say those who are talented in mathemathics will see things in a mathemathical way, by the same token, poets will see things philosophically, just like you see things economically
There are too many aspects in this world that are important
Economy is one of the crucial ones. However, that doesnt mean economy is the only and one answer that exists in this world, does it?
I apologize if there is any inexperienced thought or words that i wrote
im just stating my thought
December 8th, 2006 at 6:08 pm
Seriously, I don’t think u have to study economics to talk about it.
People talks about things that affect them and since econs affects them y don’t we talk about it.
It is like saying you can never be good at two different things.How is that possible.
The way i see it, if u can back up ur points with evidance then you r entitled to talk about it.
The notion is; if u have the knowledge about econs, that is very well presented.. but who are we to supress ppls thoughts and words?
December 8th, 2006 at 7:13 pm
yh…it is true dat there r ppl out there hu really do not noe the basis on which they criticize…n most of the times it IS best thet they just shut up…
but there still are critics hu r based on studies by scholars…
n as the chinese saying goes, the third person view is usually more revealing…or enlightening, so to speak, than the ppl involved…
December 8th, 2006 at 10:45 pm
I entirely agree with the comment OF Mc Harold b’cause I’ve been in the Philippines for the all the 18 years of my life… Here to lure the masses, they shout out the Economic Growth of the country. Current Events Digest magazine, sold to publich high school students here (note: SOLD not distributed– for another economic reasons) glorifies the government by treporting economic success, to which an ordinary citizen could not feel the so-called economic growth, if there’s any really.
B’cause the Phil. is poor (I’ll be blunt and stop using the euphism of naming the “developing country”), no President will be deemed highly inspite of all what they have done, simply because as u said it so, people judge the leader in light with the economic state of its government. But of course people will always do that–associate economics with leader’s judgment, and I personally think, this because IT MAKES SENSE!
December 9th, 2006 at 6:01 am
intriguing…
a thorough, if not clear, presentation of what had happened with the use of economics in recent times.
it has been abused and ridiculously given a negative connotation by the so called “politicians” over the years. they seem to clasp themselves with the notion that they are “good” economists and thus sell it out to the world through media to get elected.
it is the responsibility of anyone that knows or has a grasp about economics to continue understanding and utilizing the knowledge imparted by this social science. in short, if you don’t know, start learning, and if you already know, then know it better.=P
December 9th, 2006 at 1:36 pm
I’m sorry to tell but you’re a little bit funny to think why everyone does not take economics. Making a prosperous country does not take economist alone. It needs other professionals/professions to work with the economist/economics. I don’t know if you mean more than that or you mean it literally, however, if you will let a programming student like me to read your blog, I will assume that you are literal with it as I am trained to take things literal but logical, of course. Each of us is unique. Our talents and skills are unique in our on way. As a programming student, I have my own way of thinking and helping our economy. Programmers create tools to make economists’ works easier. Programmers help economists like you post a blog like this and be heard and noticed by others. And so I wonder why programming students have to take a 3-unit subject in Economics, Taxation and Land Reform. If you’re going to ask me to create a blog like the one that you’re using, I’m not gonna use economy to code the program. I guess it’s not important for me and other fields of studies not closely related to economics to take this subject in one whole semester. A little bit of explanation will help us understand the principles of economics and its effects to the country. You don’t need to study economics to understand it. As I have said, I, as a programmer, can help people like you make some things easier and faster.
December 9th, 2006 at 6:30 pm
Decision making in government is not suppose to please everyone but the majority. In economic issues, that becomes more complicated. People who make noise are the people who doesn’t seem to understand that these policies are done by what is best to the majority and what is good to the country in long term perspective. But what is going to taint a decision maker is if he or she makes a policy or policies that benefits his or her own personal interests. We can’t read minds. There is no swift answer about this. It’s the human factor. You can’t please everyone. You can’t beat self interest.
December 9th, 2006 at 7:04 pm
For whatever reason it is, public’s outcry is deemed at a ‘rant,’ nothing more than a short outburst of inconstructive criticism. But perhaps it is obvious to say, government ’servant’ or politicians are no longer the voice of the people as they are treated better, they get paid more and most of them are above the law (there is no such thing as squeaky clean politician). To me, those people acts out the opinions of the people, nothing more, they are our hands and legs, nothing more, but somehow, somewhere, someone decides that they have done such a good job that they deserved a bigger car and a bigger pay. Most of these high ranking politicians get retirement pensions worth more than a garbage collector’s salary. Would you say a politician’s job is more important than a garbage collector’s? Decision and law-making is about common sense, and anybody with some experience and virtue could have done the same thing. A garbage collector dont complaint about the smell, what makes you think politicians should complaint that the public is giving them a hard time? Government policies are done by what is best to the majority? How is invading iraq good for the people of US? Stop lying to yourself. You see George Bush getting triple-shift jobs? You see Cheney sweating behind the comfy chair at Halliburton? Who do you think pays extra tax since the invasion? It is the people, not the government. I will never vote, not matter which idiot thinks he s got what it take to do the job. If for once, a politician tells me that he will accept minimum wage for his job, that s the one I will be voting for. Why? because he is earning peanuts and he will go all his way to raise the minimum wage so it benefits him and others too. Nowadays, politics is not a job, it is one way ticket to paradise.
December 9th, 2006 at 10:14 pm
Why give a damn?! Make money, and enjoy your own personal economy… Politics, riots, public outcry, rallies, they are for people who doesn’t make enough money… do you?
December 10th, 2006 at 12:59 am
I’ve read your article about economics and honestly,that is so inspiring….thanks to u,YZ
December 10th, 2006 at 2:21 am
no comments…..
December 10th, 2006 at 3:33 am
Nice to know that there are still the people who do not bathe in apathy left.
December 10th, 2006 at 7:48 pm
“the right of the people to know and interact is the basis of democracy”. judging might be prejudicial but its the essence of democracy, we police each other and its worth it for us to fortify our actions. Just imagine a life without opposition. Its stagnant and futile.
December 10th, 2006 at 11:56 pm
well, i dunno. but one thing i know for sure. when there’s politic there’s corruption. they make noise because they didn;t get their part. lolz…
December 11th, 2006 at 1:54 am
Let me share my 2 cents worth.
it is useless telling us how good the policy (economic policy) is if the politicians are not able to push through the policy. and it is by no fault of the citizen that the “fabulous” policy cannot be push through just because they are short-sighted.
The voice (well, you prefer to call it noise) of the people provides a check and balances on the government action, especially a corrupted government. Therefore “noises” by the people are important, and is the very underlying notion of democracy.
To me, no matter how good the policy may seem to be. if it is not able to convince the people, if it cannot even pass the citizen level, it is a bad policy. Com’on, stop telling me how good the policy is when nobody feel its good. the economist/politician should stop lamenting, and go back redraw a policy that satisfy the people. If for some reason the people think its not good, and the economist/politician are unable to push through, then i think it is a bad policy, no matter how good economically it is.
My opinion is Pure economics are just utopia unless you adjust the policy back to suit the real world. The real world is imperfect. People do not make rational decision. People are motivated by self interest. If the policy you proposed cannot move them, then your policy has fail.
December 11th, 2006 at 3:54 am
You’re right man..
The citizens in this country are becoming restless yet stupid..
December 11th, 2006 at 7:44 pm
uhmmm.economics?is that a food to eat for every one poor in this country? i am not arguing w u, but w the leaders today we have, economics graduate like gma!look our country today. dont u see?the empty stomach is triggerring them to make a noise in the street.to protest….we dont need a economist that makes our countrymen so much poorer because of their economic policy. the point is we dont need a economist leader that makes us more porrer than ever.we need a laeder taht have a heart.TRY READ MY BLOGS.I GUESS U UNDERSTAND TAGALOG? RIGHT FRIEND?!
December 11th, 2006 at 7:45 pm
UPS SORRY I THOUGHT U WERE IN THE PHILLIPINES.
December 12th, 2006 at 1:07 am
there are always 3 kinds of person in this world. one that make things happen, one that watches things happen, and finally, one that complains about what’s happenning…i’m from the philippines and now working in japan, i know my country is in a mess right now and i can’t rely on my government, nobody can catually, so i try to make things happen for myself. it may sound selfish to you but if you came from the same place and been through the same situation i’ve been, i know you’ll understand me
December 12th, 2006 at 3:19 am
I would just like to say, that in the Philippine setting, talking about economics is nothing but bull. I never studied economics, and i don’t care about those stupid theories, and those dead white theorists of yours which you quote in your article. For me it’s just simple, there is no such thing as economics in the Philippines since we don’t even have our own independent economy. We are an import-depent, export-oriented country, our industries are nothing but assembly lines, we don’t have the access to create even a single needle or a single toothpick. Sad to say, but everything in here is imported. With this i say, we don’t have our economy, everything in here is controlled by foreign imperialists like the United States. You can’t say that we just critic our leaders and shout in the streets and become some people who think that they are experts, for us we are just exposing the truth. That everything in our country is controlled by the US through our puppet president. I know some people wouldn’t agree with me, so this i say to them “just go to the provinces, and look at how everything goes, if you can’t see, look again, ask the people and then analyze, if you can’t then just accept the fact that you are the people who think they are experts just because they studied economics”. If that is the case, just shoot yourselves in the head and die, our country doesn’t need you!
December 12th, 2006 at 5:05 am
whatever the hell you say, i think the best thing for you to do is to just live your life to the fullest and stop worrying about nonsense things…
don’t worry… be happy
December 12th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
I’m sorry I did not read through all the comments by other people. I might have missed something of importance there.
Quote: ‘And since most of us do not study economics, why are there so many who are so ready to comment on the economic affairs and criticise the policies?’
Economics is not the real question here. The public would share their opinion on most things, given the chance. What we should aim at understanding is the psychology of a person as an individual, and also as a part of the crowd. What makes them talk about subjects which aren’t their speciality? Why? Et-cetera.
Also, the only person who decides whether you are qualified to talk on a subject (in an open/public discussion) is yourself. You may have a degree in economics, but does that makes you ‘qualified’? You’re the only judge. Most people thinks they’re qualified. Who is to say they aren’t?
Quote: ‘the public almost always does not want to listen and does not believe in the government’s explanations, but wants to make noises’
The public has a task to complain, to ‘make noise’ - as you say. We may not make the most intelligent accusations, but we try. The government has a task to listen and discard the most of the noise, and focus on the whatever is coherent. It ain’t pretty, but that’s the way it is. You say only those who knoows their stuff should talk about them. Sure, that’s ideal. When every reason voiced is worth a thought, it does makes things better. But in what way can this be possible? How can you filter the noise from the public using the least possible resources? How do you prevent those who shouldn’t talk, talk? Rather, how do you decide who isn’t to talk?
Quote: ‘I presume, in the first place, we vote for leaders whom we believe could lead the country, not for their ability to follow the crowd in areas that require expertise e.g. economic planning, foreign policy, law, intelligence and security matters.’
The success of a policy (directly related or affecting the public) implemented by the government largely depends on the public. Without public support, the best policies fall into the drain. The government must take into account that factor and must care not to offend the crowd too often. Sometimes mediocre methods which has a better face value is the better choice. The best strategic plan that nobody agrees on is as good as paper in the trashcan.
PS. Forgive me on my rotten English
December 12th, 2006 at 6:26 pm
Nowdays goverment are the problem itself!
Why? cause goverment needs elites! And elites = sucks!
Cheers
Alz
December 12th, 2006 at 6:36 pm
whew! nice turn out zheng. i may not have read every single comment, but as i see it, the arguments just circle around whether economics should be taken at face value or not. more specifically, whether economics is merely common sense or not. heck, no! economics is not crap that all people can comment about like that new lipgloss. it is really a difficult field that require a deal of analysis. before you guys comment about exchange rates and unemployment, read textbooks and research. don’t be silly and brag that its-so-easy-why-cant-people-get-it manner. there sure are a lot of economists who understand and have researched about that problem before u even thought f it. get over it, don’t talk about things u don’t know an inkling about. economics is not as transparent as the condom u wore last night. haha!
December 12th, 2006 at 8:42 pm
I’m kinda confused what r u try’in 2 express.
May be u’r right that people (especially some1 like me)not 2 interupt the economic system n policies. (=P)
December 12th, 2006 at 9:22 pm
Didn’t have the luxury of time reading all comments here, but learning economics and leading a country requires two different expertise. One maybe a good economist but when lacks the skill of leading the country - becomes is useless.
In the Philippines, the country is headed by someone who has a doctorate degree in economics but it seems she too is being criticized for her economic policies. And hers are all impressive economic policies - 10 point agenda and just recently the controversial shift to “federalism”. I heard many blamed the constitution for the economic condition of the country, but everybody is singing different music.
Economics and politics are also too, difficult field of study. Although both are inter-related in some aspects, since political stability is usually equated to economic stabililty or vice versa. Thus, one cannot be just too good in economics, nor too good in politics alone when leading a country. Ina democratic country like the ours, the leader must have both skills - economic and leadership(political). Leadership provides the vision, economics provides what actions to do to achieve the vision. The reason why, one of the most successful countries in Asia, survived to become one of the Asia wealthiest, because they run the country as if they are managing a business organization - with the proper vision, and with the right economic policies.
Knowledge of economics alone, does not guarantee success. Much that the lack of it, do not isolate one from expressing his/her opinion about it. In a democratic country, everyone enjoys the same level of freedom and right. But an abused democracy is detrimental to the growth of the country. an abused democracy hinders success!
The secret: Economic growth is only achieved, when everyone is willing to set aside politics in pursuing goals that are for the benefit of the country. Growth is achieved when everybody works as one realizing that goal.
December 13th, 2006 at 2:38 am
Quote/The secret: Economic growth is only achieved, when everyone is willing to set aside politics in pursuing goals that are for the benefit of the country. Growth is achieved when everybody works as one realizing that goal/End of quote. (By: RoNnEL JiGgZ)
Kopitalisme: I -personally- agree with the quote above. (… everyone is willing to set aside politics in pursuing goals…)
My next questions are:
1. In which stage? Individualy, Locally, Nationally, Globally?…
2. On what path?
The way i see it, *economy development* is grounded between identity struggles - survivals and monopolies.
By those 2 questions i mentioned above, led me to another question, known as *PatanYali Factors* which is:
Can Indonesia Develop it´s Economy Based on Socio-Religio-Cultural in the Era of -so called- Globalization?
Because, the people of Indonesia, the way i see it, is in deeply sinking into of ideological mind frames (based on nationalism and religion)
And, until now, *PatanYali Factors* still have no answer…
http://www.friendster.com/kopitalisme
December 13th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
i am a bachelor in BS economics and at the same time studying in public administration. it is a dissapointment in my part for anyone as intellectual as you to preclude that nobody must have the right to comment on economis conditions if they are not a disciple of the discipline of economics. we, who are studying economics and who knows the logic behind those graphs and theories must be thankful to have understand the complex system of the global economy. but the citizens and the public as a whole, should not be silenced because of lack of this kind of knowledge. you must take note, that the models we are studying are just the simpliflication of reality and doesn’t represent, the Complex system of how reality really exists. we provide positive and normative answers to their inquiry, but we do not have the right to silence the layman’s term. furthermore, social acceptability is one of the major factors ommitied in economics, but which is highly regarded in sociology and puyblic administration. although i commend you for your knowledge and keen awareness, i recommend that you take up the courses i’ve mentioned, so you wouldn’t grow up like one of our politicians, who are just working to have a diffident sense of accomplishment, because they are shut out from the reality by they’re carpeted offices and cloistered meetings.
December 13th, 2006 at 6:19 pm
You dont have to study economics to criticize on economic affairs.
December 13th, 2006 at 7:42 pm
Economics isn’t common sense. And even though there are theories that are used to guide how a country should implement policies (see short run and long run consequences, trade offs of benefits and costs), the market in reality is imperfect that’s why an ordinary person who sees the economy the way it is, they could comment all they want but it wouldn’t justify the rationale behind it. I’m a graduating economics major and the course wouldn’t just provide theories for a perfectly competitive market or a market that is ideal the way the assumptions are made (since corruption exists in the country & taste preference are factors that affects economy), the course also provide analysis such as how to public finance an imperfect market (which isn’t going to be mere commonsense). It would also take an expert on the field to be able to implement economic policies that are benefitial (the debates on relation of income distribution to economic growth. it’d be best to take not just into consideration EQUALITY in this terms but also EQUITY in its real sense).
It’s true that the economy can’t be altered wholly overnight, it can’t be cured from its downfull all too easily (such as the demand of a decrease of prices or taxes. or that irrational increase in supply of money which only increases inflation. true enough some demands aren’t feasible). Political instability is part of it. And it takes also not just economics, but a public response and policies to work in sync with the goals of the country…
And I would have to let the people speak despite the limitation of their knowledge. They have the right to be heard. But don’t think economics is common sense. It includes more than seeing the problem statement, economics involves the metrics, the analysis, the equations, the theories, the macro, micro financing… in other words, the method should be backed up with strong facts, evidences before you can conclude any.
December 13th, 2006 at 9:12 pm
hello…can u add me as ur friend?
December 14th, 2006 at 4:48 am
I only have three comments regarding the comments posted above.
1) If economics is mainly common sense, then we must all really be intellectually deficient, because nobody seems to find answers for the basic problems of society.
2)I do believe that every person has the right to be heard, but for God’s sake, why shout out in the streets when we could discuss these things in proper venues. How do we resolve our differences and how do we find plausible solutions to our problems when we don’t even want to hear what the other has to say. Besides, the ability to persuade other people (in proper forums of course)with regards to public policy despite insurmountable opposition is what makes a person, an excellent statesman. In fact the ability to discuss our differences properly is what separates adults from children.
3)This blog may be a proper forum to discuss the differences that we may have but I seem to notice that much of the comments are faulty at some point or another. If we don’t correct our fallacies and support our accusations and arguments with cold hard fact, then how can we expect to elevate the level of debate on what ever issue. We then will just seem to deteriorate to the level of “rabble-rousers” on the streets.
December 14th, 2006 at 4:51 am
THE PUBLIC WILL ALWAYS BE CRITISING THE GOV’T. OR WHATEVER STATE POLICY THEY ENCOUNTER. THEY WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE OBTUSE NOISES AND “NON SEQUITUR” RANTS. THIS IS HUMAN NATURE, AND WE ECONOMISTS NEED NOT STUDY ANTHROPOLOGY TO RECOGNISE IT.
A person is smart. Flock them together into one big republic and they turn into dumb, panicky and dangerous animals.
UTERS RULE!!
December 14th, 2006 at 4:57 am
Maybe the people who put in wrong comments on the economy of the country are speaking from their own experience. Probably speaking for their social subclass or something. So, no amount of scholarly learning or discipline can dispute the fact that the country is in the verge of economic deterioration even if statistics show otherwise.
Sometimes, numbers and abbreviations (GDP, GNP, etc) are not really in the minds of people who are most affected by the actual mismanagement of elected and appointed officials.
December 14th, 2006 at 5:39 am
*criticising
December 14th, 2006 at 7:12 am
we need not study economics to see the discrepancy. *my, these crab sticks are heavenly.*
December 14th, 2006 at 10:35 am
I have studied economics as a minor subject in my accountancy course. Yes, I ‘ve learned the importance of it for an economy to grow.
But you know what? Learning economics is not the only thing that is needed in making policies and decisions and in achieving economic growth. There are a lot of factors to consider.
Maybe some economist are just so into their studies that they think they have the only solution because sometimes people bacome bias with what they have studied.
In my case, I admit that I’m also bias with my course…which is accountancy. They say economics will be under accountancy and will also be included soon as one of the subject that should be taken in the CPA board exam in the Philippines. So, if I were to asked, I would choose a CPA, Lawyer to be a leader of my country. Why? it is not only economics that we should consider. There are a lot of aspect that a good leader should take into consideration in making decisions or policies.
1) A leader should know the law.
2) Yes, economics is important but it is not enough knowledge that a leader should have.
3) Accounting plays also a very important role for an economist to decide. We are the one analyzing the financial situation. An economist couldn’t come up with a good decision without the financial aspect. Taxation and Management Advisory Services should also be taken into consideration.
You can’t blame if people won’t agree with some economic policies. Not everyone has knowlegde about it…and sometimes not all knowledgeable people knows everything. We should always take many aspects into consideration…like nature and environment…majority of the people.
A smart ass doesn’t always have the brightest decision.
A good leader should not only be intellectual…should not just know about economics, law or financial. A good leader, aside from his great knowledge should have a heart and deep understanding of everything that is around him.
NOt all rules are good if it would be against the welfare of many people.
A good leader shouldn’t just follow patterns or studies…he should learn how to cutomized what he have studied based on evry situation.
oh! this is a very broad topic. We just need to open up our minds in all aspects.
December 14th, 2006 at 10:37 am
Roju Sandino, I understand your sentiments since I am also from the province in the Philippines, one from Mindanao. But your train of thought is extremely flawed.
Yes, it is true that many are suffering, but have you ever really reflected the root of this? Is it possible that it is not simply the government’s fault but also of the people as well?
Complaining and all. Other than that, do you propose how to solve problems? Prove that these solutions are feasible and actionable? I thought not. Grow up. If you can’t find a better solution to a problem then just shut up, you’re only adding to the incessant noise and nobody needs that.
One more thing, why do you hate economists so much? Would you prefer a comedian or an actor to lead the country? Economists make mistakes since they are just people and the solutions they propose usually require trade-offs (this is the real world for crying out loud) but your hatred for them is unreasonable. Did you flunk your basic economics or something? Seriously, I don’t understand how you people think.
December 14th, 2006 at 11:04 am
One more thing, I am inclined to agree with Angel in the criteria a government leader should have, just let me add and clear a few points:
Being an economist is not a must-have for a leader, he just needs sufficient background in it. Economic advisers are still necessary though and the leader should take their advice into serious consideration.
Government leaders need to have a vision and drive to appropriate progress.
The leader should be grounded on reality.
He needs other highly-qualified advisers other than economists to account for other aspects/sectors in the country (business, law, medicine, agriculture, media, etc)
He definitely needs CHARISMA. All the solutions and programs will never be pushed through unless the leader is able to convince his people about it.
The leader should be open-minded and accept criticisms, nobody is perfect and he should understand that.
The leader should have political willpower. He must know how to exercise his power and not be constrained to the all the whims of his people.
I was thinking of other things but I don’t remember them now. Personally, I prefer Machiavellian leaders but I most people will hate such kind of man. And Angel, on your bias regarding the leader being a CPA lawyer, that is indeed a bias. It would have been better if you ommitted that statement. CPA-lawyers may be more learned in the laws and financial statements but that doesn’t make the economist any less qualified.
Long post huh?
December 14th, 2006 at 4:31 pm
economists themselves most of the time dont have much answers for everything..
an economist can say he is more learned in economic theory, but that doesnt mean he can brush of criticisms and comments about the economy and justify it by saying the commentor or critic is not learned in economics. if an economist says so, i deem him to have lost contact with the one of the most basic things in economics - society.
And those that ask people to shut up, i’ll accept that only if ur living in a communist country. If your living in a democratic country, then remember that having the right to voice out ur plight and opinions is a basic right.
December 14th, 2006 at 6:32 pm
I agree that people should have understanding of economics from micro to macro level. But I want to point out that economics wouldn’t solely explain the twists and turns of political and sociological events in the country.
Think of some people rallying on streets as unknowledgable noise-makers who just follow the trend and are short-sighted? What is your basis in concluding that they are short-sighted? All of us in one way or another are short-sighted in issues happening around us. Can’t say that a man who has a doctorate degree in economics is never short-sighted because some of these people who we see as “experts” in fact are short-sighted in seeing the real situation of the majority (usually marginalized people). And some people don’t know how it feels to sleep for days without anything in your stomach. I’m not telling this to appeal to anyone’s emotion. But it’s the reality. And many people, even those who think they know much, understand much, read much, write much, and talk much, act as if they don’t see the obvious reality that the majority of the people who from generation to genaration, have been struggling for hundreds of years in order to survive because they lost faith and hope in the government that’s constantly changing leaders, presenting long-term plans and yet the long-term plans they all repeatedly talk about haven’t materialized.
Economics is not the sole answer to people’s unheard questions and cries. Let’s not use technicalities in blinding people that we are knowledgable. I look up to these people who you think are short-sighted because they are the same people who indirectly taught me the real essence of life. They know what they do not know and so they seek answers. They are courageous to speak out even if it would cost their lives. They are not afraid to lose. These same people who were under educated yet understand much can explain things without depending on technical words.
Fight for what you believe. But make sure you are not a victim of this world’s blinding paradigms and trends. Submerge yourself to the masses and then you’ll see why they are urged to gather in streets.
December 14th, 2006 at 6:35 pm
To the one who posted this:
“what a very realistic and very intelligent post you got right there! its true, you know here in the philippines, people keep on rallying and making noise on the streets asking for the president to come down from her position. tsk… people here should think twice before they act. they just making things worse and not making it any better.”
Have you thought about this answer???
December 14th, 2006 at 8:11 pm
governance in my state , always have problems of prosperity economics. … after to analysis becoming its problems.. everybody in our state have no simpathy with economics.
they take a fancy to poorness.
because, poorness is some of dar believe to the infinite.
December 14th, 2006 at 9:10 pm
yay.. econ.
December 14th, 2006 at 11:06 pm
intellectual shit! masyado mong pnapakomplika mga bagay2… ang ekonomik ay pnag-aaralan ng khit cno…pgtaas plng ng blihin ay involve d2… ung mga gumgwa ng ingay,dpat nga mgpslmt ka pa sa knila… atleast khit pa2no may ngsasalita pra sa mga taong k2lad mong sumsabay nlng sa agos ng pnahon,alang pkialam sa iba bsta ang srili ay nka2alwa!!! be more sensitive around u.. know more about ekon,specially ung mga taong naapektuhan dhil sa pgbaba ng ekon ng bansa!!! peace men, im just trying 2 point sumthng 2 u..’ope nk2tnggap ka ng kritisismo…
December 14th, 2006 at 11:35 pm
its good to think that someones protecting our state from the governmentarians.it help put them to their best..i agree with you!!
December 15th, 2006 at 2:11 am
Oh for god and heavenly Sake…
Please don’t copy and paste other peoples’ works.
I think “The copy and paste” trend are more worrisome than economic slumpdown…
You want to know WHY!… imagine the person who managed to score A+ in his/her studies by copying other people works…
will be going to govern our country… All of us will be finishs!
… just about think that!
December 15th, 2006 at 4:10 am
i commend you for writing such a powerful statement regarding that. it is true that economics is a really complex thing to study. i’m an economics senior (graduating) student here in the Philippines and though the principles may look simple to some, it is really hard to examine it in a holistic view. such principles are really contextual at best. everyone must keep an open mind to their surroundings. there is an issue at our campus that can really be explained by economics (and the proposal is delivered by an economist as well) but they can’t really accept it and kept on protesting to what should be implemented. i guess you can’t really satisfy some people.
keynes and ricardo are great minds that we are learning our college life. it’s hard to think that some disregard their excellent works.
December 15th, 2006 at 5:39 am
GUYS!..LET’S ROCK AND ROLL?
December 15th, 2006 at 7:40 pm
I remember that someone say this before. “Goverment is not the solution, goverment is the problems itself.” this reflect the problems and answer a lot for all the economic glitch.
December 15th, 2006 at 7:46 pm
there will always be alot of criticism for the philippine government.
i do believe that gma is doing her best to improve the philippines’ economy, however her extreme lack of charisma hampers cooperation with other sectors of society.
charisma is a definite trait for leadership. a leader with charisma can tie a country together thru thick and thin.
however, i dont think charismatic people like erap of fpj will be able to lead the government effectively. a fundamental knowledge of economics and forward thinking is also necessary.
charisma can also be a deadly thing. mussolini was charismatic, so was hitler and napoleon. but they wrecked their country to tatters.
all in all, what we need is enlightened leadership. someone who has the vision and skill of maybe ferdinand marcos BUT without the conniving wife and a weak will against the corruptive influence of money.
without such a leader willing to take a dramatic burden we will be overcome by other 3rd world countries such as vietnam in 10 years. this is something that john gokongwei himself said in an interview with the economist. and i do believe in his views a hundred percent.
December 15th, 2006 at 11:53 pm
hi! i share the same idea with you. im planning to take up economics after 3 years from working to better understand the subject, since im also interested in everything economics.
December 16th, 2006 at 2:45 am
People should read Freakonomics by Levitt. It stimulates the mind about the practicality (and absurdity) of economics. I myself criticized my government for being corrupt. People blamed corruption a lot for the poverty in the Philippines. But after studying economics and reading Levitt’s book, I wondered whether that thinking was correct. Of course, corruption should be condemned, but I began to ask whether it was really the cause of poverty in the Philippines. The data available might reveal something entirely different from public perception.
December 16th, 2006 at 4:56 am
nice&keep ur spirit!
Gbu…
December 17th, 2006 at 12:17 am
i don’t believe that understanding economics will indemnify the country’s lost prestige purloined by time. Neither can it redirect the status quo where most people are relegated as mere spectators of the incessant dwindling of the country’s economy rather than active partcipants in building the country’s prestige. Our government is inhabited by no-nonsense technocrats who have earned their credentials from equally no-nonsense schools abroad. These technocrats have laid down their cards, hoping that their expertise will make a complete u-turn and bring the country’s economy to enviable position. It goes without saying that the government has remarkable understanding of economics not only as a subject matter but as a way of governance as well. Unfortunately though, the government lacks the most important element to survive: priority. Because our government is inhabited by crooks and thugs consumed by their greeds and personal agenda, it fails to effect correct sense of priority. Such greediness breeds lack of political will among our politicians; hence, the futility of “sound understanding of economics”. Afterall, “understanding economics” is but a theory, a concept; execution of priorities is the real thing needed to effect change.
we rabble not because we are ignorant about the dynamics of economics, but because we see the error in the system; we lament and cry millions of harangue because we understand that the system is comatosed due to the crooks (who are not ignorant about economics, mind you!) running it; we are noisy because we believe that noise is a sinewy tool to let these “learned” crooks hear the real score.
to sum it up, i insist that learning the dynamics is never the easy way to see this country resurrect from its economic quagmire; it is through the execution/implementation of priorities for the good of all that this country can redeem itself..
December 17th, 2006 at 5:14 am
nevertheless…. not all people can afford education. if education is really a right and not a priviledge, may be we can understand what economics is. people of the philippines are becoming poorer and poorer because of our economy. the oil price hike is one of the poblem(one of the major problem), if the price will rise all of the prices especially the basic commodities will follow.
in the urban areas, there are a lot of economic problem. one, demolition of houses and stalls in the market(which its the only way where they can get there money to buy some basic commodities for the family). two, low salary/income. three, there is discrimination when someone is looking for a job. and a lot more…
in the rural areas, the products like rice, corn, spices, tobaccos and others are being bought by the capitalists in a low cost. another problem here in the rural, militarization is becoming worst. now, the people can’t go out to their fields if military will stop them. of course, their products and their economic life will be affected.
big companies are being developed in the rural areas(eg minings and dams), who are affected, being displaced? the basic masses. their ancestral land are being destroyed because of these damn companies. where they will go? where they can develop their economic life? vegetables, rice and other products are being import from china, vietnam and other countries with a low TAX. in a simple way they are killing our farmers…
minings pollutes our rivers. they destroy the rice fields(eg lepanto consolidated mining company-mankayan benguet), an experience in this company, when one of the damn was destroyed all of the rice fields down stream were all gone. where they can get anything to support their family? their dreams are all gone. other fields were poisoned because of the chemicals from the mining company.their children can’t go to school because of this.
what is the importance of electricity/dams if you don’t have any food that is placed in your table for you to eat? those capitalists grabbed their land and they don’t know where to go….
December 17th, 2006 at 6:20 am
Agreeeee!!!!
December 17th, 2006 at 6:35 am
governance & leadership and any public service are all thankless job ……… people will not gonna care ’bout it until they are directly affected by it. ask some of them all they knw is there rights….rights……rights and rights they forgot the responsibility of having that rights of them………
December 17th, 2006 at 8:34 am
right…err…true! haha. i hate people who go to the streets, shout, make noise, create headlines for newspapers and news programs! and grrrr…worsening the already “worst-in-the-world-traffic” without even knowing what they are fighting for! all they do is complain, complain and complain! argghh! they must know that learning comes first before whining! learn, know and do your civilian responsibilities! only then that one person earns his right to complain! talk about rights! haha…
December 18th, 2006 at 12:35 am
Yeah, yeah, yeah, you can all rant at the economy and at our leaders and the military, and the big corporations and everyone else you want to blame…
Me? I’m gonna sit here and think what I can do about my situation. You just wait and see. I will build one more big business from scratch, then you can all have some fun coming up with an excuse to put me in your blame list. Ooooh, I can’t wait.
December 18th, 2006 at 1:12 am
I agree with Allan, I’m good with programming too, and know how to make things easier for others… of course, making things easier also means changes which everyone else has to adapt to. Yeah, you make one program and some other poor guy down the line finds out he no longer has a job. (secretaries and accountants have the most threatened jobs in the world, thanks to better software) Well, he can rant or he can retrain himself for some better job. And while common sense does seem to dictate the latter, it appears that everyone else chooses the former. Hmmmm… maybe I have a distorted view of common sense.
December 18th, 2006 at 3:30 am
I like to know more about the ideas behind this thing called economics and how we live with it
December 18th, 2006 at 5:17 am
as monopoly in power tends to corrupt, it was just right for the benefit of liberal thinking to check and try to balance all the action by the one who holds the power.
dont bother if some people are protesting there to oppose the system, it is for a function; For the holders of power to know that many are watching them so better beware and be good!
BE COOL!
even stupids have their instincts capable of surpassing human reason and positivism!
December 18th, 2006 at 11:38 am
i agree with everything you say… except… that we really… really really should all be living under palm trees, taking on the Neanderthal like existence that we had once governed and accepted as the entirety our lives…
cheers for the good read
love and peace
-lee (STB)
December 18th, 2006 at 10:43 pm
the people have the right to make noise specially when they are victims of “shamefull goverment”. to the writer your articles was good but it lucks of analyzing…please analyze more deeper but for you to do that put your self together with the masess , the peasant class the working class and the upper class. expend your life with this classes and you might know why and how it comes to what your thinking is…even they dont study economics “as if others can put there self to school”.
PS: theories without practiced(studied practically in dids and action) is useless…
THANKS nothing else as comment
December 19th, 2006 at 2:04 am
hi pla sa mga chat mate d2 oh frieat sana mag meet na tau hehehehe joke lng ha bak ndster mate he he he h
December 19th, 2006 at 8:08 am
Theories without practice, is like Haagen Daas in North Pole.
Practice without theories, is like trying to make ice cream from the Sahara.
Sometimes the economy, and everything else, is like quicksand.
When sucked in, one’s natural instinct is to struggle to break free. The less learned will laugh off the idea of not struggling. The fact is, that if one struggles, the faster one sinks. But with the knowledge of that, it also doesnt mean that by not struggling you’ll be safe…
So theories are tools, tools to make a better judgement. But a better judgement, may not always be good judgement, it might only be a better of two evils.
Without the tools, one lack the extra ability. But we must never forget, the cost of such disability might only be a step off perfection.
One who has the knowledge, and think he knows it all actually has no knowledge at all.
One without knowledge, but thinks he knows all, is just plain stupid.
In governments around the world, there are idiots and imbeciles up there.
But then again, there are also idiots and imbeciles down there.
Back to the title, few Osamas doesnt make Muslims terrorists; and not all Muslims go to heaven.
(no offense intended)
December 19th, 2006 at 7:31 pm
The guy named ROJU SANDINO doesn’t know what he’s talking about… Typical of many of my compatriots who are too lazy to analyze issues objectively and instead just make knee-jerk comments based on gut-feel. My apologies for his behavior.
I agree wholeheartedly with your article, Yi Zheng… Well done! In fact, I would have said the same thing myself, except that you beat me to it.
(”Shuode tebie hao!”)
Yes indeed, good leaders with good economic sense tend to end up criticized (common in my country where my compatriots tend to be short-sighted) where short-term difficulties due to economic reforms occur which, in the medium and long term end up yielding so many more positive benefits that even benefit many of those people who were adversely affected during the initial stages.
For Roju… Kabayan, magbasa ka muna bago ka sumabat ng mga di mo naiintindihan. Pagod na kami sa mga salita ng mga “tibak” at pa-cute dyang mga Marxista at Pro-Protectionism. Talo na ang mga ideolohiya niyo, kaya tumigil na kayo, ok?!?
Oh, and here’s something I heard a lot when I was working overseas, the comment generally raised about people from my country:
“Why ah? Why izzit people in yoh khan-chree oh-ways tokking politic oh-ways fighting gah-men, neh-wer tokking abau how to make economy better oh how to make mah-nee??? Why like det one, ah?? Oh-ways go out to street ang make pro-TESS… Den ah, when no moh mah-nee, kham to my khan-chree bee-kham MAID!!!!”
To my compatriots reading Yi Zheng’s blog, I hope we all cut the crap and realize that we have brought our economic troubles upon ourselves by refusing to concentrate on what really matters: economics. As a people (especially those from the capital), we keep talking about politics but we forget that politics should never be the end-in-itself.
To people like Roju Sandino, quit the “makibaka” b.s. Leftist-activist crap, as that has been disproven by far too much empirical evidence. In fact, even originally “activist” (read: “Communist”) countries like China and Vietnam are now riding on the economic liberalization and globalization train in order to improve their economies. Where does that leave the ideologues who are the source of poor Roju’s mistaken and totally erroneous ideas??? Nowhere!!!!!
And to those anachronistic followers of Mao, listen to this:
“Buguan heimao baimao, zhuazhao haozi, jiu shi haomao…”
Translation:
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a white cat or a black cat… If it catches mice, that is exactly what a good cat is…”
- the late Deng Xiaoping (architect of China’s economic rise)
December 19th, 2006 at 7:36 pm
i did not take economics when i was in college, and i do feel sorry for it. but i agree with you, despite my ignorance, that it counters the nation’s progress when people impulsively oppose governmental and professional efforts because they do not understand it. but considering that us masses experience the backlash of every economic move, you can’t blame the emotional reactions, which is usually fear. baka dapat iinform din ng maayos, however simplified, kung ano at para saan yung mga policy na yan.
(p.s. nice blog. very relevant. keep at it.)
December 19th, 2006 at 9:05 pm
hi how are you i hope you like me as a friend if you like you can add me also,tga san ka pla sana you like friends just add me at varona_malou@yahoo.com tnx god bls.
December 19th, 2006 at 10:48 pm
hi sana meet tayo
December 19th, 2006 at 11:16 pm
By the way, to fellow Pinoys reading Yi Zheng’s blog, please remember that the owner of this blog is a Malaysian based in Singapore, and that his blog - particularly this article about Economics - is not specifically meant for the consumption of us Pinoys.
That’s why I am a bit irked by our kababayans who post Philippine-centric comments (with angry reactions - some in Tagalog - against Yi Zheng) on this blog. I know I’ve done the same basically to counter the foolishness of some of our kababayans who’ve posted their insults (some of them in Tagalog) or their Leftist-”Tibak” crap towards Yi Zheng.
To my fellow Pinoys… Take it easy, ok? Yi Zheng comes from a country (M’sia) and lives in a country (S’pore) where there was obvious success in moving up the economic ladder. Both those countries have PROVEN what he is stating in his article. Both Malaysia and Singapore did the right economic moves - some of which may have had apparently “difficult” effects on their citizens in the first few months of implementation but quickly proved to be beneficial to all.
He knows - from his personal experience - what he’s talking about.
As a Pinoy who lived in Singapore since 2000 and has studied Singapore’s and Malaysia’s system extensively, I can’t help but agree with Yi Zheng’s comments. They are true.
We Pinoys are still in the stumbling phase precisely because of our mistaken insistence on “ultra-democracy.” Protest here, protest there. Useless crap, really. We protest about everything, even against things that are GOOD FOR US! (Bobo ba tayong mga Pinoy??? I don’t think so. But we just have to be practical-minded instead of over-emotional and overly infatuated with Ideologies.) No wonder our country remains poor and backward compared to Singapore and Malaysia! (Remember my quote, which I rendered in Singlish? That really happened!!!)
Now what’s the next part of my comment… For those Pinoys who are saying “hi, I’d like to be your friend” and are using Tagalog, who are you refering to? To Yi Zheng, the non-Pinoy owner of this blog? Or to me and to the other Pinoys who just happened to post comments here?
Just remember fellow Pinoys, this isn’t our turf. This is Yi Zheng’s personal blog, and it wasn’t meant specifically for Pinoys. I can expect Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, or English (or Singlish/Malaysian English slang) on this blog because those are likely to be from his circle of personal friends or colleagues in Singapore/Malaysia. But let’s not expect that Tagalog will be expected here. This isn’t our blog.
This is the blog of a Malaysian-living-in-Singapore.
Let’s please respect that.
Peace!
December 20th, 2006 at 4:56 am
it is nice to have a correspondent as good as you orion. However, I don’t think that what you have said was logical, you just said my name and tried to insult me, yet you never debunked my ideology. It is you who should read first before saying anything. My Apologies to Zi Yheng. I think Orion has just realized that he/she was just too irrational to argue, that it came to a point wherein he/she was no longer rational. Anyway thanks orion, i respect your opinion, although i think that we’re not just cute and intelligent people, we also make strong points, which in this case you cannot debunk. You said that i should read, yes i did, what i would like to say to you now is this, live in the Philippines, live in the country side, analyze the struggle before you say erronous and falacious statements such as that. Kayo siguro pagod lang sa karirinig pero hindi niyo pinakinggan, ni hindi ninyo pinansin, nakakaawa. In the long run we will win, and you my friend will be one of those to fly from the country first, dahil bawal na ang bobong walang pakialam sa pilipinas by then.
December 20th, 2006 at 5:28 am
All I can say is look at the bright side, we always criticise politicians and the government not taking on account the good things they have done for the country(although there are really corupt officials)… they are just humans they are not perfect…i would suggest that we people should cooperate with the government and try to analyze w/o bias the plans of the government…thats all…by the way nice job jacklyn..^_^
December 20th, 2006 at 9:34 am
you defend economics as a major subject, but how would you defend various obviously corrupt governments? for example, sinagpore… all i’m hearing is complacency(sp?).
December 20th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
It’s easy to talk than do something. Especially in my country suddenly their become “economist” after give comment on economic issues in TV, Actually they are politician… What a kind of world is this? They didn’t play their part…
December 20th, 2006 at 5:15 pm
Hand a beer to this guy!
Keep posting bro.
December 20th, 2006 at 7:40 pm
Roju, kung gusto mo bakbakan na lang, eh.
Just kidding.
I don’t need to be the one to debunk your ideology(ies), Roju Sandino, because these following countries debunked it/them already:
1. Singapore
2. Chile (esp. when it was under Pinochet)
3. Malaysia
4. Japan
5. Taiwan
6. South Korea
7. China
8. Vietnam
9. Even INDIA
10. Practically all countries that are moving up economically.
And if you checked my profile, I’m from Cebu! (Taga-didto ko, dong!) –> and lived there full-time for 5 years.
I’m telling you Roju, you’ve been wasting your time with Marxist and Walden Bello crap.
No country got rich with the Communist route. And in fact, China only became a power-house country when it abandoned the Communist-style economic model starting in 1979 and went Capitalist / Market-oriented. The same thing happened with India - though much, much later… They slowly abandoned the old protectionist and socialist model they employed since gaining Independence from the British, and today, so many companies are setting up shop in India to take advantage of India’s highly educated people, and at the same time, provide them jobs. In the end, India’s economy also grows in conjunction with the entry of foreign direct investment.
Vietnam’s rapid rise is tied to the fact that they decided to follow China’s move: They went Capitalist…
Where does that leave the pathetically DISCREDITED and FAILED ideology and economic model which it seems you worship?
You guys have lost. The only think you guys are good at is in ambushing and murdering innocent people. (In Dec. 2004, NPA rebels ambushed a Philippine Army convoy en route to Quezon which was bringing red cross and humanitarian supplies and massacred the soldiers who were out to help in doing the rescue of the flood and mudslide victims.)
Those types should be sent to the Spratleys…
That way, once all of those Marxist fools are shipped over to the Spratleys, you can then try to prove to the rest of the world about how your Marxist, isolationist, protectionist, outdated, and failed ideology can still be made to work.
(Of course, everyone knows it’s a lost cause, but since you “Tibaks” keep insisting on foisting it on the rest of us, then we should give you a chance to prove that it works —> ON SOME ISOLATED FAR AWAY ISLAND in the Spratleys! hahaha!
Moreover, Roju, I think you forget that someone else actually mentioned your name and also pointed out your lack of knowledge in economics… There’s just something about you, pare… You’re one of those “leap before you look” and “talk before you think” activist-types.
Remember, I don’t need to be the one to debunk your mistaken and failed ideas… The evidence is overwhelming and just out there: The successful countries in the world all had to make economic decisions that would sometimes be hard for people in the initial stages, but in the end, would prove to better their lives and even make them prosperous in the long run.
Sorry p’re ha, but I’m just totally exasperated with the kind of ideas you presented because guess what: the ideas you presented are the ones that keep our country poor and chaotic instead of moving up the economic ladder.
It’s only natural for someone like me who’s already observed so many other countries move up the economic ladder because they reduced (or eliminated) protectionist policies, and they went through with the right economic reform policies with minimal opposition from so-called “street activists” to me mad at people with your kind of ideas.
What keeps the Philippines unable to move up fast enough is that everytime the government tries to do the right thing (decisions that had been proven to work in other countries which had previously been poor but moved up), it gets blocked by protesters and so-called “activists”—> people you, Roju, identify with.
That’s all I’m saying. Your name came out here more than once because you didn’t think before you posted your ideas - which turned out to be ridiculous. Remember the other Pinoy named Reggie? He dissed you too!
To avoid having this happen again, don’t post “Tibak” crap again. Rethink your position, and reanalyze stuff based on the glaringly obvious facts of today: Focus on the economy is more important that focus on politics or political rabble-rousing. Yun lang!
December 20th, 2006 at 7:47 pm
By the way, Roju, I’m in the Philippines right now. Kung gusto mo ng bakbakan, aba, puede rin. hahaha!
Just kidding.
Peace, all!
December 20th, 2006 at 9:18 pm
i’m no economist and i’m not educated so i dont analyze that much. all i know is that i work 12 hrs a day and yet with the inflation in my country, i hardly survive comfortably and i’m blaming the government for it !?
this blog is visited by international viewers. perhaps you dont understand the culture and happenings in other countries n ur blog are best viewed by singaporeans(like stating it “best viewed with IE”).
December 20th, 2006 at 9:24 pm
n yet i can see there’s comment bout currupts government in singapore.. comparatively singapore is way better than other countries.
normal people just want to have a better life. you(so called elite/economist) people never understand normal people feelings. we don’t need u to tell us we’re stupid, we just want a better life so you people try to do something with it !
December 20th, 2006 at 11:49 pm
Hi, Your Blog is very interesting. Smart and sharp. but why poeple not study economics? then who will become a lawyer? who will become a doctor and other job if all the poeple study in economics. Sometimes poeple who don’t take an economic major as their education know much better than poeple who do. poeple who take an economic think that they know better, in theory they are. but sometimes they don’t see what is the real life happen. that is why so many noises in life. even in the big country noises can not avoid. there are lots of poeple in the country, in this world. many poeple who hunger, greed and many achievements. As a Leader, listen to them carefully, what they want, what they need, then anylyze what makes them better. goverment work for the poeple. then if poeple keep silent then government will never know what makes the poeple happy. maybe just about the way they critised sometimes too much emotion. if they do it in peace and good then it will help government to achieve what the poeple want. noises not only about distraction, we can see it from the other point of view.noises sometimes is something which is the voice of needed of poeple who just want to live better.
December 21st, 2006 at 1:01 am
Renee, I think Yi Zheng doesn’t mean that we all have to MAJOR in economics, but rather take up just enough subjects to gain a good enough understanding of it.
Remember, not everyone becomes a “mathematician” but everyone who goes to school studies mathematics. Even people who become lawyers or doctors have to study it. In the same way, Yi Zheng is saying that everyone should be made to study it (not as a major) but just enough to understand it.
December 21st, 2006 at 2:28 am
hi, just happen to read this featured blog… nice writing… though I felt that you sounded quite harsh and judgemental in your entries. no offence !
Maybe I do not sound logical here. But well, learning econs is intuitive and logical. It is not just in economics that both good and bad leaders are criticised. There is a chinese saying that a big tree will gather more wind ( literal translation) As long as one is in a prominent position, such things will always occur. Like what you say, econs does not guarantee instant results, but more of long term results. Time will tell and those policies makers should just keep going if they are sure that they are on the right track. ( that is , taking calculated risks )… I agree that one vote for people who are able to lead the country and not just follow the crowd. Yet, we cannot assume that all the voters (normal beings) are having enough understanding or similiar styles of thinking to accept the policies at once… And i personally feel that the application of econs is kinda interactive.. your plans wont work if the people do not respond.. which is all the more why the government should put in effort to convince.. of course, there is significant amount of time and effort involved. Yet if done in the right way, the critics will be put down as the policy makers will grow even stronger and gain more credibility meanwhile . Sounds unfair to put in so much effort? But it can be just at the end of the day depending on the response of the policy maker. And yea, politics is about carrots and sticks… sometimes you just have to reward your followers by giving them a bit of what they want so that you can plan for longer term, with their support issit ? This type of situation will always exist .. perhaps not in those olden days where a single king ruled the entire territory…
3 cents worth of thoughts… hope it doesnt sound like total crap. ha
December 21st, 2006 at 5:50 am
ahhrgg i feel useless.
December 21st, 2006 at 6:15 am
BEAR THIS IN MIND, CRITICISM IS NOT ONLY MADE BY INTELLIGENT PEOPLE BUT EVEN A STUPID PERSON CAN MAKE CRITICISM OF HIS OWN, LITTERALLY.
December 21st, 2006 at 6:30 am
though economics is “part of a dense web of linked ideas “stuying it alone can’t resolve our econimic problems.the fact that the one who controls the economy is us people/human opens to a more even broader perspective.
December 21st, 2006 at 7:11 pm
Hi, ur topics is really interesting. To me, we can see wether someone is a good leader or bad leader through democracy. The democracy can be seen by how free the people can make a comment or criticized the government in all aspects. Therefore, people tend to comment about everything, and also about economics. and in my opinion as one of developing countries citizen, the more hungry people the more people comment about economics and the more people protest about democracy. Sometimes they just think a good leader or bad lader is by which the government can feed the hungry people.
December 21st, 2006 at 8:42 pm
Can I post a violent reaction or something? The topic is really interesting. Besides, this is a free world, not a mind-controlled Mars..=)
A perfect system does NOT exist,except in the book of the “idealist” Thomas More. Capitalism,communism,socialism,totalitarianism,nepotism…nothing,not even the “politically clean” Netherlands, or the present-day Roman Empire, the USA.
There is no such thing as good or bad leader. Even if you have an effectively good leader but the SYSTEM around him is rotten, what would happen? Try placing a good piece of tomato in a pile of rotten tomatoes and you’ll see what I mean.
Is Adolf Hitler a bad (or evil) leader? It was his ENVIRONMENT that made him evil.What is the difference between Hitler and an elusive social psychopath doing a killing spree in the middle of Manhattan? Would there be a World War 2 if Hitler became a successful painter that he dreamed of??
Good leaders and bad leaders are all the same in the eyes of the SYSTEM they were in. A necessary change must be done to improve everything else, but unfortunately, peace talks, economic summits,etc. only provide SUBSTANTIAL improvements.What to change this inefficient system?
There is only one thing i have in mind…AND IT’S REALLY NASTY.. Here are several clues: Topol M,
MOAB, SS-22, S-diemenethyl laminoethyl phosponothiolate (aka VX),Minuteman….
Please feel free to place your violent reactions and death threats here, or send me a message.
December 21st, 2006 at 8:47 pm
And, before i forget, I’m not really into John Maynard Keynes. ^_~
December 21st, 2006 at 10:22 pm
While I appreciate your input not everyone agrees and certainly not one of them.
When studying economics we must apply what we learned to the current economic environment for example the Philippines, not what the IMF or the United States tells us.
Economics is a good tool for developing a country and indeed I find this subject interesting. But instead of following what many people tell us regarding the “best” policy, we must apply these tools differently on a different economic environment..not copy other formats since different countries have different problems and solutions. This is just some of the problems today regarding our so called “experts”, many copy other fromats thinking it will instantly solve the problems away but sadly this is not the case.
If we look closely,many economic policies in the Philippines favor the rich at the expense of the poor people..policies such as the trade agreements, globalization, centralized development (i.e one product in one area) are killing our farmers, entrepreneurs, and many local businessmen.
In fact I currently study economics and I know the issues currently.
While I do agree to some aspects of your blogs like those trouble makers for example the people of the 1970’s claimed for privatiziation and yet when oil prices rose now wanted subsidization back–at least make up your damn minds!! But other complaints are legit.
The Philippines is an agricultural country with many resources and yet despite that we don’t fully utilize these resources and even leave them in the hands of foreigners in these so called “foreign investments”. While foreign investments aren’t bad we must remember that the sole purpose of these investors is to earn profit. In the process the Philippines loses money instead of earning more since the flow of money goes out of the country,not within the country.
And still I can’t figure out why the Government would rather support foreign companies first rather than the Local ones, Local companies is what gives our country like the Philippines real growth.
And then there is the issue of agriculture, I still can’t understand why the local government intends to deliberately kill our local farmers by not supporting them and turning their lands into real estate. Agriculture IS ESSENTIAL as a basic commodity. Until now I still don’t understand these policies of not developing these Philippine fertile lands. If these were developed many problems of poverty would be solved.
Agriculture provides many sources of income and are necessary as input products. Yet the government would opt for imported agriculture thereby flooding the market with foreign ones elimnating the competition.
Then there’s the centralized development system, this ties up in poilicy #2 regarding agriculture,instead of developing and making products diversely we now have only undifferentiated products in each region (example Rice in region 2, Electronics in Region 3, Assembly in Region 4,etc..). While good on paper in reality it makes our country insufficient and dependent on foreign goods and services.
There are many problematic economic policies and these are just some of them. The ones that many elitists here call “whiners”, and “troublemakers” have legit complaints but the government would rather have them branded as “ignorant, uneducated masses”
December 22nd, 2006 at 3:41 am
We have to find our comparative advantage. There was a time when people farmed in Singapore, but it honestly wasn’t the type of activity that would have provided the best returns. Today, there is practically no farming there, but they are still able to keep the prices of food relatively cheap because they get their food from the best and the least expensive sources instead of banging themselves against a brick wall trying to go into farming when it just wouldn’t make sense to…
Instead, they’ve found their comparative advantage in many other fields where they can make lots of money on what they do best, then buy food from those countries that are best (and least expensive) in terms of producing food.
I agree that countries should not copy every policy from other countries, but all I’m saying is that there are general principles which are the same. And in fact, there is a “general direction” in terms of how the economic policies should go if success were the aim - with a few minor adjustments to take local peculiarities into account.
I will say from my own experience and direct observations that the policies that countries like Singapore did in order to create massive employment right after their independence has not only worked, it has made them rich.
You’ll just have to realize that Foreign Direct Investment isn’t always bad, and if the country in question attracts the right kind of foreign investors (I have a bias towards getting outsourcing/BPO, export-processing type companies), there are nothing but ADVANTAGES for the host country in question. Jobs, increased tax revenue, technology transfer, etc…
Recommended reading for you: Can Asians Think? by Kishore Mahbubani, a longtime Singaporean diplomat to the UN, and currently the head honcho at the LKY School of Public Policy.
Singapore led the way in terms of debunking the widely held theory that “Economic nationalism”, “Protectionism” and all sorts of isolationist policies were necessary to develop a fledgeling economy towards maturity. The second country to prove that convincingly was CHILE under Pinochet, which made use of Milton Friedman’s theories of Free Market Economics and Chile thus enjoyed the highest growth rate and most envied economy in Latin America. (While Brazil has a bigger economy since it’s a bigger country, Chile’s wealth distribution is more equitable and its society more egalitarian than the rest of Latin America.)
Other countries - even formerly Communistic ones (which rabidly held to the old Orthodoxy of Protectionism and Isolationism) such as China and Vietnam - have now decided to FOLLOW Singapore’s lead.
In fact, China, the most populous country in the World, takes Singapore as its model of governance in terms of general principles, and uses its developmental model as the blueprint for each of its provinces and each of its provinces’ cities.
Who says that just because a country is big, it shouldn’t follow the little red dot that Singapore is? Governance, and economic principles are often the same, whether big or small… Same as the principles of Aerodynamics… Big airplane, small airplane, the airflow through the cross-section of the wings is THE SAME. All airplanes use the same principles of Yaw, Pitch, Roll, Drag, Gravity, and Lift. Big or small.
Why should it be different between big and small countries?
Anyway, all I’m saying is that rather than listening to some Ideological Orthodoxy - especially the protectionist point-of-view that is espoused by Filipino Leftists and orphaned Filipino Maoist Marxists (’coz Maoism’s latest incarnation under Deng Xiaoping turned into a Capitalistic “ism”), we should learn to be practical minded and willing to look at what Successful countries have done.
We no longer have to reinvent the wheel. Singapore paved the way for other developing countries to follow, and many are following its route (even its bigger neighbor Malaysia generally follows the same general principles of attracting foreign investment and others practices albeit with a few modifications).
It’s time Filipinos threw out failed ideological persuasions like Jomaism, Maoism, Marxism, Protectionism, Isolationism, and so many isms except Capitalism —> which strictly speaking isn’t an ism because it’s a societal phenomenon, not a belief system.
The sooner we become practical people instead of people who are infatuated with ideologies, the more progressive and more successful we will become.
We’ve already been left behind, and it’s really time we moved on to getting our act together on the economic front.
The way towards economic progress is clear, and it’s clearly not in the way of Economic Nationalism / Protectionism.
And one last thing: Many of the whiners in the Philippines ARE WHINERS, not people with legitimate grievances. Many of the real poor people don’t give a rat’s arse about political ideologies or “Economic Nationalism” at all. Their primary concern is JOBS, JOBS, JOBS. The only ones who really go out to protest are those who have been fooled by Marxist-Activist Cadres in some schools.
Another thing: Filipino Marxists are actually in the service of the Lazy Filipino Elite. Rather than serving the interests of the real masses who want jobs and employment opportunities, the Marxists are for protectionism and the removal of foreign capital, and that is GOOD for the Local Lazy Filipino Elites who DO NOT WANT ANY COMPETITION for economic activity.
Who stands to gain when foreign capital is prevented from coming in? THE ELITES! Why? Because that way, the competition is barred from entering! In short, many of the lazy economic elites of the Philippines (who are ultimately served by their so-called “Marxist” allies) want to enjoy MONOPOLIES without any challenge from dynamic companies - which often are foreign.
(Aside: Notice that JoMa Sison, Luis Jalandoni, and many of the CPP-NPA-NDF leaders have ELITE LAND-OWNER family names… Is it any wonder that they are actually protecting their own elite monolopistic turf???? Those Student Activists are just CLUELESS PAWNS used ultimately by the lazy elites!)
Anyway, this is long, but I hope you understand what’s really happening in the Philippines.
It’s high time we veered away from foolish propaganda and foolish ideologies.
Practicality and Pragmatic Idealism ARE THE KEY!
December 22nd, 2006 at 6:15 am
I dont’ know why I can’t Post, it was erroneously interpreted as spam! LOL! Anyway I just saved the comment on my notepad because its too damn long..any information as to why I couldn’t post the said commenT???
December 22nd, 2006 at 6:20 am
Nice blog…
same sentiments…
people cry fouls specially sucker leftist that our economy fails to improve peoplee’s lives… But if they could work their butt to study ECONOMICS .. i think they could understand what Philippines Economic it’s all that matter MOST… I do not agree people became poorest.. if you try to walk around quiapo or baclaran.. even pedicab driver got cellphone with camera .. mine cellphone doesnt have camera… see it to your self.. People cant admit that they spend money unwisely… Bottomline is.. LEFTIST has no right to rally somewhere in the street… because.. their not PAYING taxes… ask saturn ocampo if he pay taxes… he’s the one living SANAMAGAN !… well folks.. economics it’s not the basis of hunger but it’s a basis of day to day performance and managing… And no one on us would like to be poorest.. But people could blame on their selves… why?. even they know that their coudnt afford to have a baby but their making some babies so that’s why our population become larger to 90 million… well… Everyone has the responsibility to right with it… WORK hard and WORK hard.. that’s it
December 22nd, 2006 at 6:22 am
Damn spamguard! Can’t comment..looks like my ideas are just too damn good..hehehe!
December 22nd, 2006 at 6:29 am
Again you failed to see what I meant here. I agree as a whole that many countries now follow the ones espoused by the International Monetary Fund or the US citing Singapore as an example. Yet let’s bypass the superficials shall we?
Singapore was already an industrialized nation from the 1970’s onwards. I don’t know what backward country you are reffering–Maybe Iraq? LOL!
Definitely Singapore used foreign investments because it was beneficial for the nation. Singapore researches technology and manufactures them in the process–a far cry from the Philippines. During the 1997 Asian crash, Singapore borrowed from the IMF and used these policies to further boost their economy..again the technological advancements of Singapore are a far cry from the Philippines’ largely Agricultural country.
On the other hand,Malaysia which lived and died on it’s local market developed that market to better suit its needs. Again recall the Asian crash in 1997, Malaysia flatly REFUSED to borrow from the IMF mainly because the IMF would have dictated the economic policies of the nation and would have put Malaysia like Singapore’s model–putting it a serious disadvantage.
Malaysia is now one of the developed countries here in Asia and its GDP is growing at 7% per annum. Due to developing its stregnth..it now can afford to be competitive on a global scale but it was because it strengthened its market first–not destroying it and revamping the economy like what the Philippiens is doing now!
Different scenarios yet both totally achieved and recovered from the Asian crash in 1997.
The Philippines on the other hand is an Agricultural country, again like Malaysia and Singapore we must develop our strengths to achieve growth and production.
Strengthening our agriculture alone would already solve this country’s problems on a major scale. And would pave the way which many globalizationists like you fail to see..more jobs, increased production, efficiency and streghtened import-export system.
First many jobs would be presented if we modernized–and I mean MODERNIZED and industrialized our agricultural production alone. Many businesses would spring up from buying and selling of these products and the ordinary people would have jobs working at these industrialized farms alone.
Second growth will be sustained and we won’t have to rely on foreign imports for consumption of our basic needs..many staple foods like rice, bananas and some fish are already imported at an alarming rate. This would reduce costs alone by at least somewhere between 20%-40% alone as these goods present an overall 20%-40% in our import costs.
Third, we won’t even have to import basic inputs for manufactured goods like cheese,milk,etc. By developing the agricultural sector, firms like Kraft and Magnolia won’t have to look outside for their input products..they just have to buy from the local markets which makes it easier and less expensive.
And lastly developing our Agriculture at such efficiency on an international level would thereby earn more in return on a global scale. Imports would be reduced while increasing exports..I still can’t find why nobody would have thought about this right until now..its really well too obvious..I’m too damn Smart! LOL!
In the end though, developing our basic stregths would pave the way for a more advanced economy. The commercial and industrial sector would flourish if we developed our agricultural system. All I can see now is just a Feudal system which makes the ordinary farmer’s life hard which many people who are already well-to do fail to see. Go to the provinces, you’ll know what I mean.
And no I don’t adhere to the ideals of CPP-NPA-NDF front. They have been already proven as idiots who adhere to useless policies that would further plunge our economy backwards (which already is)
December 22nd, 2006 at 6:41 am
And I find your comments about anyone who disagrees with you funny. You just sound like a 1970’s politician who overuse the terms communist and marxist against their enemies! LOL! I still find it hard how anyone could glamour 1970’s ^_^
RE: These to comments were originally one..however the damn spamguard thought my comment was spam because it was too damn long..carry on wih the discussion..ty
December 22nd, 2006 at 6:45 am
I see this nation 10-15 years from now as inefficient, incompetent and dependent if the present trend continues–especially if our government is composed of actors, boxers, models and celebrities—and especially if they ride the balls of the IMF (which they wouldn’t even know any better because they are ignorant about economic policies in the first place).
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:02 am
To all rabble-rousers and to all those who need it, and especially to those who do not think they need it, read Alex Lacson’s “12 Little Things You Can Do to Help Our Country”.
Its concepts use basic economics, but really, whether we have either good leaders or bad, the future of our country/economy is really up to us fellow citizens.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:03 am
To all rabble-rousers and to all those who need it, and especially to those who do not think they need it, read Alex Lacson’s “12 Little Things You Can Do to Help Our Country”.
Its concepts use basic economics, but really, whether we have either good leaders or bad, the future of our country/economy is really up to us fellow citizens.
December 22nd, 2006 at 10:29 am
Hi, just wanna mention that Bill Gates doesn’t hold a PhD in programming nor marketing….. point is ppl don’t study econ not = to they don’t know… well… u may argue that’s just an isolated case… but i found out that kids nowadays can some how program to certain std without going to formal sch or training… (using programming as reference b’cos it is “technical”)… point is ppl can self learn up to certain respectful level… And I believe ppl have the right, at least to make “noise”… And I don’t assume that ppl make comments on certain things because they think that it is a easy subj… yes, u can qualified and quantified your view on top of techniques like stereotyping and appealing to subj authority… and that’s ur reasons… not others… and all these justifications might seem as “noisy” as the view point… just like wat am I saying here to some… point is “adding sense” to “noise” doesn’t make a “logical noise”… it is just, views… (my explanation may not make sense to u, Even After u listen to it)… No offense… and sorry for my bad english… first ever comment in blogs, which cause by a stun, of a dictator-ism of elit-ism, in yr 2006…
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:02 am
sorry just to add one last thing… i would see that “following the crowd” means listening and liberty. A camera product expert might not know wat the market wants… if they really do… no company would end up with cameras that the pubic don’t want (cameras that can’t sell)… so, if the crowd is fairly large… it means something… and of course, experts should advice, but, if they can’t change the market’s direction… it can only means two things… 1) the camera model is not wat that market wants… 2) it is indeed a camera model that the market wants, but it is the inability of the marketing campaign to “create this want”…
December 22nd, 2006 at 2:53 pm
economics is not science, it is divine
December 22nd, 2006 at 8:58 pm
hello again guys.thanks for your violent reactions.
to Kristoffer: If economics=divine, what do you mean by that?
to Orion: Lazy Local Filipino Elites? Hmmm… Like WHOM? hehehe =p Too bad many of the entrepreneurs here in the Philippines are not following the proper business “etiquettes”…They are more like the ancient foremen who oversaw the construction of the Giza pyramids…
to Ron: noted. Why would we bloodily whine about our economic conditions? Whining will lead to nowhere.
And speaking of whining….back to work..my boss will kill me if I get caught using the internet again =)
December 23rd, 2006 at 12:38 am
Singapore was poor, third-world, and had a high unemployment rate after independence from the British especially when the British were pulling out their military bases and people lost their jobs.
It was precisely Singapore’s strategy to aggressively invite foreign investors, rather than taking on huge debt (to form gov’t owned companies that would absorb the unemployed), that they did in order to create massive employment. Their economic development was built on foreign investment!
December 23rd, 2006 at 12:41 am
Before I go, all I’ll say is this: Protectionism has proven to be more harmful to a country’s majority than good. And the creation of jobs - even if it be done through the invitation of foreign investors - is a good thing.
(The spam guard is acting up!!!)
December 23rd, 2006 at 12:47 am
…i have nothing to say with your writings…I hope that people will really understand what LEADERSHIP means…=)
LEADERSHIP DOES NOT ONLY MEAN
YOU ARE A LEADER AND A FOLLOWER DOES NOT ONLY MEAN YOU ARE A FOLLOWER…EVERYONE MUST BE A LEADER AND FOLLOWER AT A BALANCE COST OF LIFE…
good day friend:)
December 23rd, 2006 at 1:34 am
NO COMENTS
December 23rd, 2006 at 3:42 am
i found that you hav a ‘miracle vision’ that you could see through the issues happened in your surronding, plus you maybe good at reading an article and then make a good conclusion for the article…well done!! i’m very attracted to you writing n hope,i can be like you one day…please give me advices so that i can improve myself….please!!
December 23rd, 2006 at 3:46 am
To ron:
I disagree, while it is important for the citizens of a country to work hard but if the policies are against the development of a country then everyone has a right to voice out their complaints. We all see this in the Philippines right now, instead of bashing and insulting why don’t you look at the real issues instead. All I see right now is our country is stil in a Feudal state of economy. That will change but it has to start with our leaders and our policy makers.
This I can assure you: OUR COUNTRY IS SURELY TO BE FUCKED UP UNLESS CHANGES ARE MADE!!!
December 23rd, 2006 at 7:25 am
thats enough.
you can’t just improve economy by just studying it or arguing about it like what we are doing in here, too much talking leads to nothing. if you know economics, then apply it. what’s the purpose of knowing where to go but doesnt even starts to move towards it? pathetic isnt it?
December 23rd, 2006 at 8:23 am
好的领导固然重要，但如果其他人不合作也是件很无奈的事，世界上没有个人英雄，只有一将功成万骨枯……
December 23rd, 2006 at 10:31 am
^^ Whoa calm down boy, this is an internet blog..we are entitled to our own opinions now aren’t we? ^_^
Studying economics is a start now ain’t it? But truth be told between you and me, I know the real issues of the country and I try to do my part and at least offer possible solutions unlike people like you who tell us otherwise to “shut up”
LOL! As far as I know I have offered viable soluions, you have offered none..I really find that laughable considering that you have only offered:
a) “BEAR THIS IN MIND, CRITICISM IS NOT ONLY MADE BY INTELLIGENT PEOPLE BUT EVEN A STUPID PERSON CAN MAKE CRITICISM OF HIS OWN, LITTERALLY.”
and my personal favorite
b) “though economics is “part of a dense web of linked ideas “stuying it alone can’t resolve our econimic problems.the fact that the one who controls the economy is us people/human opens to a more even broader perspective.”
So don’t tell me to shut up coz I know better than you..you need to get an education boy, so unless you have intelligible inputs I advise you to SHUT THE FUCK UP NOOB!
December 23rd, 2006 at 11:06 am
And to Orion,
Sorry if I haven’t posted back in a while, I do agree that protectionism does no good. In fact all said and done he Philippines does try its best to attract foreign investments. I’m not saying that foreign investments are bad but what I’m saying is that the problem with the Philippines’ policy makers is that they favor them more AT THE EXPENSE OF LOCAL INVESTMENTS. I still find that hard o swallow, the two should be balanced.
Now on to the real issues, it seems that you haven’t got my point. My point was this–Philippines’ biggest asset is agriculture so common sense dictates to us that we should develop this market in order to achieve growth in our country.
The countries you mentioned–Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia have all different economic environments
a) Malaysia- largest is commercial, medium industries and samll agriculture
b) Singapore- large industry, medium commercial and litle to no agriculture
c) Philippines- large agriculure, medium commercial (which at he present growth rate would soon overtake agriculture–not saying its bad but to sustain this growth you need to have sustainable industries and agriculture) and small industries.
So my point here is that Singapore and Malaysia developed their biggest assets to be able to compete internationally while the Philippines has done almost nothing but rather destroy and revamp our only chance of getting this country ou of tatters which means our agriculture.
In fact we have such potential agriculturally that we were branded years ago as the future food basket of Asia. I say MODERNIZE and INDUSTRIALIZE our agricultural sector–this sector alone produces such potential for our economy that it would solve most of our problems economically in our country alone. We are situated strategically at East Asia. Imagine being the food basket at his part of the world. Surely our growth rate would be amazing!
I liken our country like that of New Zealand, a country mostly agricultural and yet they are one of the richest counries in the world. If we let go of the dark ages of farming,fishing,etc. and instead modernize our methods we could have achieve much more than New Zealand. Sadly this is not the case for the Philippines, we are trapped in a Feudal system where there are landlords and opressed farmers (you got the part ight of lazy elites)! Systems such as the 70/30 scheme (where 70% goes to the landlord and 30% to the farmer) or the system of land pay where the farmers have to give up there income and produce makes what our countryside to what it is now today–undeveloped.
In America, one of the richest people there are farmers,surprised? But completely true. On the other hand here in the Philippines it is the opposite, the farmers are one of the poorest in our nation. Saddening but true.
Our nation has much more potential than that..if we develop our biggest assets we could be one who could compete globally.
It’s basically like this, our power punch is agriculture. Just like in boxing we could train to have different skill sets. For example a right hook, a jab, a power punch, and an uppercut. Just like a boxer, any country needs to be diversified but what I’m pointing out here is that we shouldn’t neglect the basic asset of a boxer at all–the power punch! While other skills are necesary in putting knocking out the opponent we should also strengthen this power punch! And this is the Philippines power punch–Agriculture. We might add a left hook (foreign investments), a jab (developing the industrial sector) and an uppercut (Tourism). But we shouldn’t neglect our biggest asset of all the power punch! Unfortunately the problem with the Philippine policy makers is that they are virtually destroying our biggest skill set available. Like a trainer, we would tell this boxer (i.e the Philippines) to abandon this power punch and instead use other skillsets which we haven’t have quite the knack yet. That would be absurd and thats my point.
Hong Kong’s economy is mainly Tourism and yet they developed this sector to compete internationally. So did Malaysia, Singapore and our other neighboring countries. They developed there biggest assets which suited to their needs. Again different scenarios but all of them achieved similar growths.
Thats why I say that we should develop our biggest asset and modernize also industrialize this system. All else will follow just like Singapore and Malaysia.
I still can’ believe our policy makers are too blind to see that. But what can you expect when we have actors and celebrities in the senate and congress.
The point is we should maximize our advantage. As in economics there is Comparative Advantage.
If person A is more adept at chopping wood then he should be the chopping wood. If person B is adept at making corn then he should make the corn. And unfortunately for our country we let person A do the planting and person B do the chopping–sadly we know well the fruits of this policy. We would be well below at our productivity and at best insufficient.
Well that was long but I hope readers here would finally understand what I’m saying. All I’m pointing out is that we are not living to our potential and we should maximize our resources now while it is too late.
December 23rd, 2006 at 11:10 am
And before I go I apoligize for the backlash there. But elitists like HERB there who think they “know-it-all” really gets on my nerves.
We would be better if we worked together instead of being “know-it-all” smart asses..agreed?
December 23rd, 2006 at 4:29 pm
being a leader is not eassy,,,,,,,,,,
December 24th, 2006 at 12:16 am
thats really true…………..
December 24th, 2006 at 3:30 am
Great Pictures!
December 24th, 2006 at 3:34 am
Can’t get a comment in… The spam guard has been acting up for days!
December 24th, 2006 at 11:52 am
Hi Guys,
In term of what most people say ma be true but the real fact is is that does the book that we learn really applies to what we do and how we do or are we saying because we have experence it ourself.
But ultimately is the mind set of the people that makes us them what they areand see that the policy that is being applied but what they must do is give us a reasonable deal just like business,the customer is always right.
As for the choice as that i chose is that i have no choice to follow as i am a singaporean,(follow or not follow)
Meaning
1)if follow we might survive a bit longer then other people and we have a cover to rest upon
2) If not follow we do not have a cover over our head and a higher chance of eider being left out or stranded in no where with out a house to come back in to.
But there is a thing that might be true as there is a saying that all people do not have the same taste and every one is different in their own way.
In the system NOT all People can adapt to the system just like work there are 3 types of people: ghost , dog and spy
Ghost: are people who have been sent to the operation ground to fire and spot for useless sheep and looking for Eagles that will be under their wings as what they want.
(but if offend them most people will keep the temper and will not let you rise up in the corporate world)
(If pleased them will be said by fellow workers as carry balls or can call ankat)
Dog : Are people that only follow orders and just do their job as they are asked to do.at the same time they only help them-self,hardly teaching people as they fear that some one might take over them.
(If offended them will not teach anything to anyone they dislike.)
(If pleased them will only let in on only 30% of the job secret)the rest must find your own way.
Spy : Working in the same unit and will be promoted faster then other people when come to meeting will delay and some words will cause people to lost their job as fear of cracking their own rice bowl.
And finally policy is ment to keep people and things in line to their advantage as they can bent to their own liking and yet not get caught.But do not brake the rule as the law will be on your BUTT when anything happen, they got many ways of tracking anyone at any-where at any-time. all they need is a order from the top just to get you fired.
The ankat rules are everywhere now a days.
The only way is to watch your own back even the best friend can be you worst enemy, and the worst enemy can be your best friend.
Trust your own skill and learn from them as the world is a cruel world so we must be cruel in order to survive.
There is no harm in learning but applying it will be the hardest in anything that we do.
**The Ghost,Dog and Spy rules applies to all Follow and Not Follow**
December 24th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
But i Believe he a true leader get a real proper respect where he goes and he earn it the hard way. by communating with other people and do not act as you know every thing but the EQ and IQ and other must be Equally High.
As there is a Give And Take Rule
(But some people only know how to take or give only)
TRUST and RESPECT
1)Hard to earn but easy to break.
2)Once broken is even harder to earn it back( X infinity ).
December 24th, 2006 at 9:24 pm
^^ What???? Can’t understand a damn thing bout what you’re saying..hehe ^_^
Truthfully though you are right..Singapore has been blessed with good leaders. Singapore’s leaders looked for the best interests of the country. The Philippines has yet to find its knight in shining armor. Good day to you sir..^_^
December 24th, 2006 at 9:39 pm
What is happening in each country isn’t what a person perceives them to be but is rather real. When one sees what is wrong in the policies of he country and decide to change that system fo the benefit of many..it isn’t perception, it is reality.
When people feel hungry because they are oppressed and powerless they don’ feel it is just perception, it is reality.
That’s why countries which are still stuck in a rut must do something especially countries like the Philippines who do nothing but preserve the status quo of he elites.
I just hope that pus things in proper perspective..
Good day to you sir..^_^
December 25th, 2006 at 2:55 am
i am not one of your friends but i would like to agree with your comment somehow you see i am just 14 yrs. old but i agree with your comment on this particular article…. you see , some people just judge the new leader w/o thinking about the effects that happening to our country for me , there is only one thing that the government had missed to deal with, with the ordinary people , like squaters , construction workers , maids etc , is to instill to them what are the good things will be happening if they do this or do that….
December 25th, 2006 at 10:22 pm
economics? hmmmmn? i think we should have a study on this… i don’t if im gonna say is is right or do i connect… but what would stuying economics do to a certain country when the leaders of that nation is corrupt…? will it change anything? even thou our economy goes up, still its useless if those who have been working hard are still dying bec. of stavatio. i know somethig has to be done and we as people should stop thinking that its natural for those who are in position to be corrupt. well i got to to go for now… i have to walk around and see whats the situation of our peoplo. God bless you all
December 26th, 2006 at 3:54 am
your a genius man!……..
December 27th, 2006 at 5:00 pm
Human nature it is.
December 27th, 2006 at 5:48 pm
I think politicians or people who thrive close to it, tend to ride on a subject that the mass is less keen to. If it wasn’t economics, it would be morality, or ethics or some other BS they might think of. Just keep writing about it I guess, our opinions and views on our state, the best we can hope for is that more people read and listen.
December 27th, 2006 at 5:54 pm
Naturally if policies seem stupid and suicidal the public will not approve and rightly so…Our leaders have an obligation to please the public as that is why they got put into office. So these ‘nay-sayers’ as you say are simply upholding their democratic rights. In south east Asia corruption is rampant especially in Malaysia and Indonesia. So naturally the people will be skeptical of policies and they should! because this is simply a part of democracy. When you expect everyone to agree with their leaders about everything then that communism! These policies will affect the people so the people should oppose it if they feel their situation will deteriorate. Remember that our leaders have a responsibility to us not us to them.
December 27th, 2006 at 8:37 pm
ii ne!
December 28th, 2006 at 1:43 am
OK, let’s start on food. If, as some you say, the foreign competition is slashing the prices of food, wouldn’t that be a boon for the greater number of our countrymen who put most of their meager income on buying food? Slashing the food prices in half may hurt a lot of farmers, but what of the greater number who would suddenly find that over half of their income can now be used to buy something else? Now having a big number of people with disposable income translates into sales for others, thereby generating jobs which may absorb all those jobless guys, including perhaps the displaced farmers.(What the hell am I talking about? Our family farm was one of the first to suffer from GATT)
Agriculture? Take note that advanced countries are better than us even in agriculture. They have better productivity as well as better total output. We do need to compete on something we’re good at. And it may not necessarily be in agriculture… (if they can outcompete our agricultural products right in the home market, then how are you to say that it is our power punch?). And is it the government’s role to put so much budget on one field that we don’t seem to be winning? Face it guys, part of the reason why our agriculture is so unproductive is that so many people with outdated skills and equipment insist on following the old ways of life. We either stagnate with them or let competition force us to improve.
December 28th, 2006 at 1:50 am
Pretty hypocritic, the same people who want to protect local products are the same people who keep complaining about the high prices.
Have you guys even compared the price of imported apples (and pears) to local mangoes(though I believe mangoes do taste better than apples)? Or how about the price of a box of cornflakes(which, while a bit more expensive, isn’t very far from the price of a similar amount of rice)?
December 28th, 2006 at 2:05 am
Hmmmm, we seem to have the same old problems as Republican Rome. Rome was divided into plebeians and patricians back then(the republic, not the empire). The plebeians being the poor and the patricians being the rich. The plebeian leaders tended to follow popular clamor which constantly ruined the country. Patricians leaders on the other hand, while making unpopular moves (unpopular even among patricians), always saved the republic from the brink of disaster. And so eventually, the people slowly and painfully learned how to look at past performance and beyond class distinctions. Take note also tha while unpopularity limits any leaders effectiveness, no one ever got successful by following the crowd. So would you vote for a leader who will do what everyone thinks will work? Or one who has his own ideas and has shown himself capable of going against the tide and still produce results?
As for dissenters, get yourselves organized, if you think you can do better, then just do it. As it is, most dissenters I see keep on going against authority not because of what the authority does, but simply because they thought it is heroic to go against authority. (Like clamoring for change, and then resisting change now that the people in charge is making change possible.)
I wonder then, when will we ever learn the same lessons?
December 28th, 2006 at 9:43 am
Odin, you make a lot of sense, my friend.
Your views make you a prime candidate for the Get Real Squad… It’s great to see “like-minded” Pinoys.
(See: http://www.getrealphilippines.com)
December 28th, 2006 at 9:45 am
Hmmm, I notice that my short comments get through, but my essays can’t!
December 28th, 2006 at 6:02 pm
Everyone comment on economics like in the Philippines because its a democratic country and we are entitled in our own opinion that’s why we are looking thru things and casualties about our economy and furthermore we are a state and the 3 elements of the state is the territory, populace and the government that are interrelated to each other…so even though the population is merely an uneducated individuals they have the right to enter economic talks and entitled to speak what they urge to flounder because they are still a part of the state. I’ve got ur opinion saying in summary that we should not enter to this that we don’t have known for, if we have not yet learned even a single course in economy…But that is a wrong idea… WE could enter to whatever we want specially when it is about on the state or the economy because it is like a domino effect once up and once down will sure affect us in their own little and huge ways///after all what uve stated is just a mere presentation of opinions and so am I…and humans don’t have any contentment because they are just humans and so we are made through sins and imperfections.
December 28th, 2006 at 9:51 pm
Just to give a perspective from political science. Actully, don kelvin left out the last element of the State, sovereignty, the supreme power of the State to enforce obedience to its will from the people within its jurisdiction. The State’s will is formulated, expressed and carried out by the government. Although it is encouraged for people to express their views because it would not be in the State’s interest for them to adopt a parochial attitude, they are limited to expressing THEIR views and are bound to obey the will of the State. The government understands or at least is assumed to understand what ordinary citizens fail to grasp which is why they are in charge in the first place. Take note also that economics is not that simple. Market forces are at work that most of us cannot comprehend. It wouldn’t be a separate discipline if it were that easy!! Economic policies that hurt today could actually help make life better in the next decade. The blog author is right for taking a shot at rabble-rousers who have no idea why or what they are taking to the streets for! There’s never a shortage of them here in the Philippines!!
December 28th, 2006 at 9:53 pm
Just to give a perspective from political science. Actully, don kelvin left out the last element of the State, sovereignty, the supreme power of the State to enforce obedience to its will from the people within its jurisdiction. The State’s will is formulated, expressed and carried out by the government. Although it is encouraged for people to express their views because it would not be in the State’s interest for them to adopt a parochial attitude, they are limited to expressing THEIR views and are bound to obey the will of the State. The government understands or at least is assumed to understand what ordinary citizens fail to grasp which is why they are in charge in the first place. Take note also that economics is not that simple. Market forces are at work that most of us cannot comprehend. It wouldn’t be a separate discipline if it were that easy!! Economic policies that hurt today could actually help make life better in the next decade. The blog author is right for taking a shot at rabble-rousers who have no idea why or what they are taking to the streets for! There’s never a shortage of them here in the Philippines!!
December 28th, 2006 at 10:13 pm
Whew!! i tried reading all the comments but it’s next to impossible.. I give up.. Anyway, keep up the good work Yi Zheng! Make some more of this.
Peace and Brotherhood to the Nations of Asia from a Filipino!
December 28th, 2006 at 10:24 pm
wew invite nyu aq sa ym faceurfear_214 ™ la kasi aq kausap…
December 28th, 2006 at 10:26 pm
i luv u kim
December 29th, 2006 at 4:59 am
How ironic? You don’t like people to rant yet we are all guilty of it. I wonder when all hypocrites would be exterminated?
December 29th, 2006 at 5:17 am
bullshit
December 29th, 2006 at 7:21 am
Don Kelvin, you have to realize that many people outside the Philippines (especially non-Filipinos) who know about the Philippines generally think that the Philippines is the “best argument against Liberal Democracy.”
I’ve also heard some people say that the Philippines is the “best argument against Roman Catholicism.”
Tsk tsk…
December 29th, 2006 at 9:07 am
DAMN!!!..
December 29th, 2006 at 6:58 pm
The government takes west Malaysia’s resources and bring the money to develop KL…
Y=C+I+G+(X-M)
December 29th, 2006 at 11:17 pm
as for thePhilippines being the “best argument against liberal democracy”
Im 17yrs old so I may fall into the category of people who didly squat about economics. I may not know anything about economics, but i know what I see everyday. I know that people in my country are suffering, and I know that the present administration is not doing enough to try and improve conditions. My countrymen are out in the streets and making noise because they dont like whats happening to them.If they had a rolls royce in the garage and ate fivestar food for lunch,I seriously doubt theyd do any ranting.
For being the “the best argument against roman catholiscm”. We’re not the country who has so many priests who raping young altar boys. Of course Im no theologist either, so in your opinion what I say propably means jackshit.
December 30th, 2006 at 8:24 am
DINS,
What you need to understand is that the present administration is indeed trying its best to fix the economy. (if you know economics, you’d understand the details) But because the Philippines is TOO LIBERAL and TOO DEMOCRATIC, people who don’t like the administration (even if they know nothing) are “FREE” to oppose everything it does - even opposing the GOOD PRO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICIES that the government tries to do! That’s why the Philippines is indeed the “best argument against Liberal Democracy.” We Filipinos have horribly mutated, bastardized, and taken both Liberalism and Democracy to their most ridiculous extremes.
I’ve been able to abroad for years and I’ve heard it said many times by non-Filipinos who observe the Philippines: “Look at that country… They’re too free. They’re too liberal. They’re too democratic. They have NO DISCIPLINE, and they just do anything they want - including fight the government even when the government does the right thing!” Few people want to do business and create jobs in a country where people are undisciplined and riotous. *Ahem* no wonder they prefer Singapore, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, and other “well-behaved” countries! No wonder those countries get the investments while we don’t!
And yes, the Philippines is also the “best argument against Roman Catholicism” because the major problem of the Philippines is massive unemployment which has been the root cause of our need to send people abroad as OFW’s to send back remittances, and also why people are scrambling to escape the joblessness of the Philippines as migrants. What’s the whole Roman Catholic thing??? It’s that unemployment is a result of OVERPOPULATION. More people than there are jobs available? That’s unemployment = That’s nothing but overpopulation. (More people than there are opportunities available to help said people feed themselves.) The Roman Catholic Church (in the Philippines)’s meddling in Philippine policy-making? That’s just one of the many things that makes many non-Pinoys think that the Philippines is indeed one of the “best arguments against Roman Catholicism.”
I too see what I see (I’m in the Phils right now!) But I’ve studied the why’s and how’s in detail and compared it with other countries’ situations…
December 30th, 2006 at 8:25 am
Erratum: I’ve been able to *live abroad*
December 30th, 2006 at 9:34 am
I think Odin doesn’t understand the situation in the Philippines..Get REAL dude. There isn’t anyone in here who is espousing potectionist ideas. Rather what we are trying to say is to modernize and industrialize our agricultural sector. As I’ve been saying many times, modernizing our agriculture would already solve poverty int he country. Have you ever been to Romblon? Guess what, the farmers (or rather tenants) work hard for every day and yet they don’t get paid by the Labdowners, instead they go through this Feudalistic system of 70/30 where 70% of the produce goes to the landlord or the debt system where the tenants are forced to pay the land of the landlord by tilling their lands–which is also ILLEGAL and called DEBT BONDAGE!
We have the potential in agriculture especially if we modernize it! An economics magazine mentioned that we have the potential to become the bread basket of east asia especially to China due to its increasing population. And no this isn’t hypocrisy–hypocrisy would somehow appear like someone who is knowledgeable about a topic but is really just ignorant about the issue..nice try.
And to Orion, can’t agree with you more, the Philippines is the best agument against Roman Catholicism although I do think that the Roman Catholic church has been the problem for the Philippines not the other way around.
Roman Catholicism has been known to be meddlers in the political situation in any given country especially if i is the majority and has the power. It’s sad that an intolerant religion runs our country–what is even sadder is that our present 1986 constitution were made by bishops and priests with few elites and lawmakers then using Cory Aquino as pawn to suit their agenda. Unless the Philippines breaks away from the yoke of Roman Catholicism, we will never see progress and will be stuck in this rut which our country has been in for so long.
December 30th, 2006 at 9:49 am
i know im pushing it…
I maybe wrong but senators sitting all day and a president doing things she said she wouldnt do dosent seem like the way a hardworkinggovt should act. Dont get me wrong, i know that there are people in the administration who are trying hard to try and fix the hell hole were stuck in, i also know that were all at least in part responsible for the crappy condintions and that we shouldnt keep blamingthe govt for everything. What pisses me off is that while children are begging in the streets our leaders, the people elected by those older than keep bickering and trying to pull each other down.
also,
Im not a big fan of the catholic church, i think its abusing its hold on the masses and overstepping the boundaries of church and state. If priests were really out to help the people, they wouldnt be living in J.R in ateneo,surrounded by green trees with drivers and maids at their beck and call.
of course im 17, so im pissed at everything.
December 30th, 2006 at 11:47 am
Geo, I would think that Odin does understand the situation in the Philippines quite well. His views are actually similar to mine (and to a certain extent to yours!) - except that he hasn’t written at length on the stuff you’re very concerned about. Generally, he too thinks about comparative advantage very much and truly the problem we have in our agricultural sector is that the “farmers” are plainly uncompetetive.
What hasn’t been exposed in this comment board are the stuff that we discussed in private (thanks to the blasted “spam guard” that prevented me from posting my responses - which I sent to you in private instead) - where I mentioned that the massive creation of new jobs by the introduction of new multinational companies will suck the countryside of its relatively idle population which many landowners exploit as cheap farmhands. As mentioned in my private messages (for the benefit of the other readers), I said that the landowners / farmowners will be forced to invest in modern equipment and learn modern farming techniques when their semi-slaves leave their estates in droves to take on the new job opportunities.
Odin simply didn’t mention that, but in the end, what he said about advanced countries having better farming techniques, equipment, and therefore better efficiency is true. Now if only the landowners in the Philippines decided to invest their money on modernization rather than spend them on lavish vacations abroad or on gas-guzzling SUV’s or other luxuries, our farms could actually be competitive. But they won’t be forced to modernize if they continue to have an abundance of semi-slaves living on their estates as “tenants.” What’s the solution? Find ways to get the tenants (read: “modern day SERFS”) off the land and get them working in higher paying regular industrial or other sector jobs.
To cut it short, Geo, you and Odin actually have a lot in common. (Just like it turned out that our views were very similar when we did our private message exchanges.)
* * *
It’s great that you’re concerned about the country. A good starting point would be this site: http://www. getrealphilippines. com
Dins, Nah, you’re not pushing it.
BTW, from all my years living abroad (S’pore, M’sia, and China), I’ve only heard good feedback from citizens of those countries as well as non-Pinoy expats living there who were commenting about GMA. Believe it or not, so many non-Pinoys (esp. those living in the countries I mentioned) really admire and respect her. Mainland Chinese - especially females - are intensely pro-Gloria and look up to her as their role-model.
It’s so ironic that Pinoys are so intent on pulling down their own leader - who is very much respected by foreigners from successful and close-to-success countries - when those same foreigners would say that we’re lucky to have our leader. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a GMA fanatic. I just happen to support her focus on developing the economy and I really don’t see anyone else (other than people in her own team) who has a similar focus on the economy has she does.
If anything, the non-Pinoys I’m talking about got to read about the kinds of economic policies she advocates or has already done and they comment: “Those are the same policies that our own governments made which have brought us to the successful state we’re now in.”
To tie it in with Yi Zheng’s blog’s main thesis, GMA’s VAT programme and other fiscal measures appeared to be “harmful” to ordinary people in the short term - and so many useless and idiotic protests were done against those - but in the end, the results show that the Philippines’ credit rating has drastically improved as has the confidence about our fiscal standing which then attracts more investment and benefits more people in the long term.
Of course, Pinoy media doesn’t like talking about long term “slow–but-steady” successes and instead loves “wham-bam” sensationalist intrigues. Sad…
December 30th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
^^Hehehe,been there Orion..just leave out the words investments/foreign investments and you’re good to go..the spamguard has been acting up lately ^_^
December 30th, 2006 at 11:50 pm
Well, good thoughts guys!
But it all boils down to one thing…”Even if we’ve good system but have the bad guys there it won’t do any good…and on the other hand, even if we have bad system in the government but with good people, they’ll make it good”.
December 31st, 2006 at 12:13 am
Salve, we do have good people in our bad system, and the bad system makes it difficult for the good people to do a lot of good things. While on the other hand, the bad guys in the system are allowed to continue doing bad things by the bad system. Better shift to a good system which will sift out the bad guys and strengthen the good ones. That’s why we still need to shift to a good system. Don’t listen to the lies made up by ignorant Pinoys who say “it’s not the system, it’s the people.” They’re ignorant and unanalytical and don’t realize that a lousy system is what allows “bad people” to proliferate and even turns some good people into not-so-good ones.
January 1st, 2007 at 9:54 am
In Malaysia.,lots of “NOISE” cant be justified “intellectually” or “scientifically” due to a lack of INFORMATION on many issues.We have an OFFICIAL SECRET ACT and others that prevent a good debate from taking place. Dissemination and availability of information is also a factor that will ensure proper NOISE is made.
January 1st, 2007 at 4:27 pm
you have a lot of commentaries on this one post already but still i’d like to post my own. you have a good point right there.
January 2nd, 2007 at 12:03 am
You are probably right. People tend to be ignorant sometimes but what of the fact that most (and I am not saying all) “politicos” also only let you see what they want you to see making their propositions more palatable to the general public? People tend to make noise when they do not understand something and I think that it is not an entirely bad thing to begin with. People have a yearning to understand and this actually allows a great number of good and bad ideas alike(be it economic or political) to be meticulously considered before being acted upon or passed as law.
These NOISES can possibly even make a bad leader a good one and a good leader into one who is even BETTER
January 2nd, 2007 at 1:20 am
we all have the right to be criticized inasmuch as we all have the right to criticize. there’s always a bad side (whatever bad means) to all people, that’s why people whom we consider good gets equally criticized, mocked and sh*tted at by people who oppose them. all theories are falsifiable, as karl popper says and i think, people’s philosophies too… even economic theories. the reason for all these noise is that all our definitions of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ or ‘right’ and ‘wrong are different. simple as that.
January 2nd, 2007 at 1:32 am
I have one thing to say;
To “GET” something, you have to “SACRIFICE” something..
Thats the “TRUE” and “DARK-SIDE” of the so-called “ECONOMICS”, best friends of Politics, corruption and competition. …not numbers, nor ups or downs.
Its a never ending cycle of “BUY” and “SELL”.
Because of economics, the “DREADED” Communism and its “BLOATED” half-bother Capitalism Sprangs into life.
Because of economics, it devides people to POOR and RICH.
“To cure sickness, take the bitter pill.”
January 2nd, 2007 at 6:34 am
When I look at it, everyone knows how to manage this country but failed (almost completely) to manage their own lives.
January 3rd, 2007 at 1:32 am
take the environment clean and fresh.
maintain cleanliness.
do it carefully.
January 3rd, 2007 at 3:27 am
very true
January 3rd, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Well you know even though not all of us studying economics we feel the same how hard our philippino economy now a days although were rich on natural resources but many are taking advantage on it not only filipino but foreigner as well especially businessman but nevertheless still politician are rulling filipino mind like graft and corruption. when i was in my college our teacher told us the graft and corruption would never gone but would be lessen…well running our country with the same politician i dont think there is change whatever demonstration and welga were doin its nothing and tiring thats why I dont really believe those who are rallying because in the first place they forgot with in themselves graft and corruption still exist or some of them are politically motivated… this is only my opinion…
January 3rd, 2007 at 10:23 pm
I may be out of the context… what spurred the critisms i believe are the images our leaders carry inculcated in the minds of the people. at this point in time (in the Philippines), maybe people find it hard to stand up for a government leader to attest his sincerity of service. for some, yes but for most of our leaders having their own agendas and interests(business and power) to keep, people may seem to doubt NOT the capability to lead but its intention and what transpired behind its direction.
i am a loyal citizen and never been to a political gatherings whatsoever. but the world as i see it… people will greatly appreciate if the government sincerely give solid attention on toppling down the barriers of economic dissatisfaction, particularly… corruption… because evil begets evil.
January 4th, 2007 at 1:29 am
Yeah right! so we must check ourselves if we know these things first before we blame anything that happens to our country on our Government particularly on the President!
January 4th, 2007 at 11:43 am
http://politicalpinoy.blogspot.com
the Communists and the communist types are the one who destroys the Philippines…join me in my blog to help spread the word of the evil that this communists do to destroy the Philippines.
It has been 38 years since their founding and up to now, they attract and poison the minds of promising young bright minds to join their political/social front organizations.
It is now time for the silent majority to show these Communists how we really love democracy..unlike these Communists who pretends to and hide in the protection of democracy but in actuality every Communist regime there is, are actually oppressors of its own people, with no freedom of speech and countless human rights violations.
unmask these cause oriented organizations who are actually the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines/ National Democratic Front and force them to give up their Armed insurgency using the New People’s Army, who has been at it for 30 or so years already.. that means hundreds of thousands Filipino lives lost on a stupid and dead ideology.
Lay down your arms NPA! kaya malakas loob ng mga militante kuno is because they have an armed guerilla unit for their protection.
January 4th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
THe problems of the world today dont lie on the governments of the countries alone… Change should start from evry individual…
January 4th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
good jod!
thats the reality!
January 5th, 2007 at 3:49 am
@mcharold>>> AMEN DUDE!couldnt agree more!!
January 5th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
…it’s in the humn nature to always want something more…
January 5th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
the most impossible thing to do in this world is really to PLEASE everybody..
January 6th, 2007 at 12:53 am
hello
January 7th, 2007 at 5:48 am
good and bad leaders are criticised alike because people are poorly informed…even you, even myself, no matter how hard we deny it.
January 7th, 2007 at 6:27 am
lolz..u’re a celeb…FYM (free your minds) btw.
January 7th, 2007 at 7:10 am
may you be a good or a bad leader, people will still talk about you…
January 7th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
To Jerome, even though people have a different “view” of what is good or bad, nonetheless the Philippines is a prime example of what we call an UNDISCIPLINED nation. Do you agree with this? There are rallies here and there..with the noise to no end.
How (sorry for my language) the fuck do we have progress if the right moves made by our government–especially the charter change–are impeded by the people. I mean surely they don’t know the issues and yet despite their ignorance about the subject matter they go on the streets rallying and stopping any right moves the government may make. The irony here is that they don’t know they themselves are being used by the elites to block the change of system which for all purposes would really help jumpstart the economy–because if the system does change they’ll know there’ll be a change in the status quo of the elites!
As for ODIN though, sorry for my rash behaviour although I got the impression that the particular message was directed toward me. It really gets irritating when someone brands me a hypocrite, a rabble-rouser, a communist (ironically of all the terms, I have been espousing modernization while the communists want to plunge us back to outdated methods) and similarly with the same bombastic vein.
Although I agree with your comments (as they are essentially the same with mine and Orion’s) I got irritated when you called me a hypocrite (or just got that impression)..
Well, Godbless to everybody..good to see inputs from everyone here..
January 7th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Economics? Economy? well sad to say its not doing very good in the Phil.. although theres a slight increase in money exchange just for the year end (hopefully proceeds stably).. it also is a direct effect not only from the system of the country too many loop holes! not mentioning blockbuster scandals from leaders.. in my opinion.. if corruption cant be curbed .. then expect a very slow ecomomic progress in years to come..
January 7th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
hahaha is that so orion! eww…and i thought dis blog is meant for filipinos! its true we shud respect other ppols turf! its good that i read ur post that yi zheng is from singapore! hahaha! or else filipinos will be lambasting each other in another mans turf what a shame! (which some are doin now) hehe.. yeah i too came from malaysia and i saw how a backward country made the ryt moves and paddle thyre way slowly to success and i applaud them for that. i wish the best for the phil and of course for malaysia and singapore ! SELAMAT TAHUN BARU ! hahah.. semoga negara- negara kita dirahmati tuhan selalu !!
January 7th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
hahaha is that so orion! eww…and i thought dis blog is meant for filipinos! its true we shud respect other ppols turf! its good that i read ur post that yi zheng is from singapore! hahaha! or else filipinos will be lambasting each other in another mans turf what a shame! (which some are doin now) hehe.. yeah i too came from malaysia and i saw how a backward country made the ryt moves and paddle thyre way slowly to success and i applaud them for that. i wish the best for the phil and of course for malaysia and singapore ! SELAMAT TAHUN BARU ! hahah.. semoga negara- negara kita dirahmati tuhan selalu !!
January 7th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
hahaha is that so orion! eww…and i thought dis blog is meant for filipinos! its true we shud respect other ppols turf! its good that i read ur post that yi zheng is from singapore! hahaha! or else filipinos will be lambasting each other in another mans turf what a shame! (which some are doin now) hehe.. yeah i too came from malaysia and i saw how a backward country made the ryt moves and paddle thyre way slowly to success and i applaud them for that. i wish the best for the phil and of course for malaysia and singapore ! SELAMAT TAHUN BARU ! hahah.. semoga negara- negara kita dirahmati tuhan selalu !!
January 8th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
“…A trained economist looks at the simple Ricardian model and sees a story that can be told in a few minutes; but in fact to tell that story so quickly one must presume that one’s audience understands a number of other stories… and you continually find yourself obliged to backtrack, realizing that yet another proposition you thought was obvious actually isn’t.”
I would like to point out about “backtracking”…Many people have to hear a lot of stories before they understand enough on what a study in economics is pointing out. Sometimes people just have to use ‘common sense’ in order to ‘grasp’ things… If they are really concerned on what is happening, they don’t expect that their demand will be sustained: on the explainations in order for the story to get to them….whether one is an ordinary citizen or a govt official, one musn’t just ask, like “why is the department of so so corrupt, (etc.)?, give me a definite example..!”
January 8th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
would like to point out about “backtracking”…Many people have to hear a lot of stories before they understand enough on what a study in economics is pointing out. Sometimes people just have to use ‘common sense’ in order to ‘grasp’ things… If they are really concerned on what is happening, they don’t expect that their demand will be sustained: on the explainations in order for the story to get to them….whether one is an ordinary citizen or a govt official, one must not just ask, like “why is the department of so so corrupt, (etc.)?, give me DEFINITE example..!”
January 8th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
their are some types of people who are making noises on the streets like in the Philippines, some are there making noises because they are being paid by someone who is in political position, and some are those who are keep on fighting for what they believe is true. In politics you will never know who is telling the right thing, but what you feel and what you believe is the right one. The government is preparing to change the constitution, but if you think, what is that must be changed? Now I can say, change our self first, our discipline, honesty and loyalty to the country. If we want to change the Philippines for Good, let us begin first in ourselves. I think that is the best CHA-CHA.
January 9th, 2007 at 12:18 am
Here we go again… So many Pinoys are invading the blog of a Malaysian-in-Singapore.
Fellow Pinoys, can we just choose another forum to post our for-Pinoys-only nonsense?
Natasha herself - a Malaysian-studying-in-the-Philippines noticed the same thing (read her comment!… By the way, she speaks Tagalog too.
I’d prefer for Pinoys reading this blog to take on a holistic and comprehensive approach to understanding Yi Zheng’s article. It’s not just about the Philippines, Noypis! This is about Economics in GENERAL.
Singapore and Malaysia are two countries that used to be POORER than the Philippines, but because they did the right economic moves - even if some of the moves were not very popular or “democratic” they yielded results that helped the Majority have better lives. Look at both countries now! They’re the top 2 most dynamic countries of ASEAN.
Instead of playing to the “masses”, both countries relied on economic expertise. The Philippines now has a economics expert (an Economics PhD!) running it and she is extremely well-respected abroad. (Apparently only manipulated Pinoys can’t seem to respect her)
But notice how many of her economic moves have caused the Philippines to improve in its credit rating and economic standing in the eyes of International observers.
No wonder many Singaporeans, Malaysians, Mainland Chinese, and so many non-Filipinos from progressive countries like the current President. Pinoys don’t seem to realize that they’ve got a gem!
So let’s quit all this personality nonsense and please learn to be more rational and detached from personality-oriented politics and “chismes” (tsismis or “rumor-mongering”)
Let the economic results SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES!
January 9th, 2007 at 1:05 am
Nice blog… a thoughtful one
January 9th, 2007 at 2:53 am
I think we can not run away from all the politic. When you say about way of Singapore and Hong Kong.. I think both country have different mechnism which I think everyone should aware of. I think doesn’t mean only those who study can critics but I think we can always use logic and understand to read the current situation. Life is not as easy as you all think of.
If we don’t unite and voice out the un-justice happening all around with letting the ‘leader’ continue to roll… is not GOOD SIGN.
January 9th, 2007 at 6:03 am
wla lng nace blog
January 9th, 2007 at 6:40 am
By the way, just to clarify, it’s quite clear that Odin wasn’t referring to you at all.
My first impression when I read his comments was that they were directed at the STREET PROTESTERS who are the very same people who carry stupid red placards (clearly Communist-influenced) complaining about high prices who are indeed the same idiots who want protectionism imposed.
That’s why Odin was directing his ire at the rabble-rousers (the Commie/Marxist types) who haven’t learned a single lesson since 1991 (when the USSR dissolved and exposed Communism’s total failure).
Peace to y’all…
January 9th, 2007 at 6:41 am
Djeeyo, it’s when I spell out your name correctly that the spam guard acts up.
January 9th, 2007 at 7:28 am
hoy animal unsa mana imong gipang yaw-yaw diha?nabuang ka?economix ang studyohan sa tanan?wa ka malipong?paila lang sa imong pagka ignorante. kayabag ba nga tanan man gyud.
pasagdi ang mga taw kung mo komentaryo sila batok sa ekonomiya.natural ra na tungod sa pagka himotang.sa mga polisiya nga nagpadagan sa goyerno dili man ta kaingon ng perpekto kanang ilang pamahala.ug ang sayop nga mabantayan maoy komentaryohan.ikaw panuway kay makamao man ka ug ekonomiya paminaw ko…tudloi nalang ug ayaw ug reklamo sa ilang reklamo di ba?mao nang responsibilidad sa usa ka makamao ana nga matang.
in short, of you think economics is hard..try engineering. ,,|,,
January 9th, 2007 at 7:39 am
Dinkster, Mr. Yi Zheng is not complaining rather he is clarifying the stand of economists.
I respect engineers and I know that it is a pretty difficult subject. Are you an engineering student or an engineer? Before you blow gas into Mr. Yi Zheng’s face, you should realize that he is educated from a university with a higher standard than yours (Kabalo ko dong kay DAGHAN ko ug kaila sa Cebu nga engineer pero dili jud maingon nga utukan). But this is off-topic, engineering being more difficult as you claim does not make economics any easier, pure simple logic.
It’s people who do not know when to shut their trap (like Dinkster) even when they make no valid points that make intellectual discussions cumbersome.
January 9th, 2007 at 8:27 am
blah blah blah…
yappy yappy yappy…
talk is cheap.
January 9th, 2007 at 8:32 am
Buang man di-ay ka Dinkster, ka-bugo ba gud nimo uy! Gi-ingnan na bitaw ka nga dili ni atong TERRITORYO???!?!? Bugu-a nimo dong, oy!
Yi Zheng is a Malaysian living in Singapore and he can write about Economics as he pleases.
Ang mga tawo nga naa’y “karapatan” nga mo-samok sa iyang blog dili ang mga parehas nato nga Pinoy. If ever, mas naa’y right nga mo-comment dinhi ang mga amigo’g amiga ni Yi Zheng nga Malaysian or Singaporean.
If you’re going to make comments on this blog, be RESPECTFUL!
Animal gyud ka dong, banga-a pud nimo oy!!! Wala ba nimo nabasa ang akong gisulti ganiha??? This is not OUR TERRITORY. It’s for people from Malaysia and Singapore to freely comment on.
Why do Pinoys keep on spilling their pagkabugo on someone else’s turf?!?!?
Dinkster, if you want to comment the way you do, then please do it in a PINOY FORUM, not on this blog!
Nice comment, Reggie!
That’s showing that disgraceful “Bisaya” who doesn’t deserve to be one of us. (’Coz Visayans seem to be more practical-minded about issues than many Manila-based people who talk too much about politics instead of how to make the economy better for everyone.)
Fellow Pinoys… Fellow Filipinos!!!
Please stop treating this blog as our personal “rant space.” You have no right to diss Yi Zheng on his space!! Especially since he comes from a country (Malaysia) where things have worked much better than in the Philippines because they did the right things in the economic sense and didn’t follow the wishes of THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ECONOMICS.
Yi Zheng is right: People who know NOTHING ABOUT ECONOMICS have no right to make stupid comments about it.
Malaysia and Singapore based their economic plans not on democratic “whatever the masses want” b.s., but instead, their governments analyzed sound economic principles to know what the correct way forward was.
Singapore wouldn’t be the economic powerhouse it was if it asked the masses (most of whom did not study economics!) to dictate Singapore’s direction on economic policies instead of following Dr. Albert Winsemius, the Dutch economist who was the economic adviser to Lee Kuan Yew and the People’s Action Party.
So hold your horses, Dinkster. AYAW’G PATAKA’G YAW-YAW dinhi kay dili ni Pinoy Forum.
This is the personal blog space of a Malaysian-living-in-Singapore. NOT A PINOY FORUM!!! Stop spewing out your disrespectful for-Pinoys-only comments on this blog!
Show some respect!
January 9th, 2007 at 8:43 am
Dinkster, by the way, I’m not an economist myself: I finished BS Computer Science and BS Management Information Systems.
I’ve self-studied Economics enough to understand a lot of it, and I’ll tell you, dude, Economics is full of MATH!
You need lots of Calculus - both Differential and Integral - especially when you go deeper into analyzing all those complex supply/demand curves and other factors.
So don’t spew our your idiocy on this board again, Dinkster. You’re a disgrace to all VISAYANS for your rash comments on this NON-Filipino board.
I would rather that you APOLOGIZED to Yi Zheng for invading his space which IS NOT MEANT FOR PINOYS TO TRAMPLE ON.
January 9th, 2007 at 8:50 am
it’s not a colloquy anymore…
these idiots are throwing insults and profanities…
sheeeshh…no wonder the Philippines isn’t moving forward economy-wise…
(ayaw mo pakaulaw sa atong mga silingan!)
January 9th, 2007 at 8:56 am
don’t come to the Philippines…
what’s going on with those two above is just a preview of the chaos anyone of you will experience once you set foot on this God-forsaken land…
i’d rather be in Bangladesh myself…
January 9th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
dont put to much attention to economy, just do what ya gotta do. identify your needs and wants and put priority to your needs not wants.
January 9th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Erlan gago ka. Magdusa ka sa Bangladesh at magswimming ka sa tae!
January 9th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Hi Archie,
The “Economy” literally comes from the Greek words for “House management.”
Economy came from the French word “Economie” which came from the Latin word “Oeconomia” which ultimately comes from:
The Greek word “Oikonomia”
This comes from two Greek words “Oikos” (House) “nomos” (manager, derived from “nemein” to manage)
This is the same Greek root word for “Autonomy” - “self management”
Furthermore, many Economics textbooks describe Economics to be the study of how to properly allocate scarce resources by prioritizing needs over wants and by looking at which needs are greater in importance than the other needs.
What you said where one must “identify your needs and wants and put priority to your needs not wants” IS PRECISELY WHAT ECONOMICS IS.
Whether we ordinary non-economics majors like it or not, we still need to practice “economics.”
And more importantly, anyone who wants to make comments about the economy of a particular country MUST KNOW THE PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS WELL. Otherwise, all we end up with are noisy and useless trouble-makers who don’t know what they’re talking about —> case in point: CPP-NPA-NDF, their front organizations and Student Activists under their influence.
They don’t understand economic principles but they are too quick to make idiotic comments about the economy. Look at how Marxist countries fared and you’ll see what kind of “Utopia” these CPP-NPA-NDF pawns are all advocating. They secretly want mass starvation and shortages!
—
—
Erlan, my apologies if I appeared to be doing precisely what I was ranting against. SOMEONE HAS TO PUT NOISY PINOYS who invade a Malaysian-in-Singapore’s blog IN THEIR PLACE.
This is after all, NOT OUR TERRITORY. This is a non-Filipino blog and whenever a general topic such as Economics is discussed, WE SHOULD REFRAIN FROM posting Tagalog, Bisaya, or even Philippines-only comments, because after all, the owner of the blog - Yi Zheng - did not ask us to.
We are merely his guests and as such, we must respect his space.
–
–
John, do not add fuel to the fire. Please!
-
-
Erlan, I do agree with you: No wonder the Philippines is so God-forsaken! It’s people are so chaotic. (That’s why we don’t deserve to have Liberal Democracy AT ALL)
January 9th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Hoy Orion tama na yang pa-genius mo. Porket magaling ka sa ingles at matalino ka may k pa rin kami manggulo dito!
Si Erlan nga pala: Bakla!
January 9th, 2007 at 10:49 pm
economics vary from time to time as everybody practices their economics.
yes,everytime we exercise our needs,we are changing the world.
but really,what is the point of having great GDP numbers with poverty counts rising on the tide?
domestic crime,drug dealing,money laudry,are they part of the economy?
what is this buzz about?
is the economics going wrong?
hmmm,freakish isn’t it?
and what do our leaders have to say about this?
fairly,there is nothing much they can do and they get criticised.
leaders are human beings too.
can’t expect magic to work.
every effort they take only work when policies go hand in hand.
so,we should criticise before we support our leaders. That makes all the differences.the people grow with their leaders.
in malaysia’s case,DR MAHATHIR sets the best example.
can anyone tell that he is a good or bad leader?
22 years of reign as PM, malaysia largely didn’t catch up with singapore.
imagine lee kuan yew as PM of malaysia.hmmm,to this point nobody can tell whether it is good or bad.
we just can’t compare.
so really,after we criticise we will however support our leaders too.no one can predict the future.
good policies can fail elsewhere.if we choose to criticise and not to support, we won’t be moving elsewhere.
we will grow and learn and better leaders will come along.yes,we want better leaders!
time goes on and there is always space for hope
we are what we choose.
let us champion the knowledge we learn to make the world better.
January 9th, 2007 at 10:55 pm
i think the americans set a very bad example for capitalism.
have you heard of the term living on an american dream?
playboy girls,big cars,big mansions,big gamble,big cash,
flashy life.
this really makes capitalism tainted.
even politicians live on that dream.sounds dangerous to me since america is a super power of capitalism.
January 9th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
We surely always faced the phenomenon of economics which growth fastly.Eventhough we haven’t learnt economic formally we can learn economic from economic conditon in our country because not all people can get education chair in their country.So,I think the main point is just critized thinking.
January 9th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
guys… just don’t listen to those noises… as long as, we, the economic students and the ex’s, keep our principals and do what we should do… there should be nothing to worry about… but just presume this, nothing would stay the sama, and so the economic world too… it keeps on changing… we are the one who playing the role of the changings..
January 10th, 2007 at 12:48 am
enough of the hasty generalizations…
enough about noises…
yet f*** TFI/TOFI!
January 10th, 2007 at 12:52 am
Education is “the” investment if govt officials are truly not into corruption… sadly, many of them are.
January 10th, 2007 at 5:37 am
Dinkster, ayaw pamalikas diri.. bisag bisaya ka, naa ghapon mkasabot nimoh.. respetar lang gamay gd.. kabaw man mi na di sayon ang engineering.. pero kng sayon man gd nang econ, d n unta na itudlo sa skwelahan.. chill lng gd..
John, kng gusto mo hayaan ka lang manggulo dito, hayaan mong “magpaka-genius” yan si Orion..
To all non-Filipinos viewing this blog most especially Yi Zheng, i apologize for our invasion.. please do understand that our country is going through quite a phase right now and a lot of citizens are seething.. they’re just looking for an outlet..
back to economics.. my econ professor says the philippines has abnormal market conditions.. and i totally agree.. imagine, a country with surplus labor (i.e. high unemployment)but with workers demanding higher wages.. IT’S ABSURD!!! blame it on the populist demagogues..
January 10th, 2007 at 5:49 am
Dinkster, ayaw pamalikas diri.. bisag bisaya ka, naa ghapon mkasabot nimoh.. respetar lang gamay gd.. kabaw man mi na di sayon ang engineering.. pero kng sayon man gd nang econ, d n unta na itudlo sa skwelahan.. chill lng gd..
John, kng gusto mo hayaan ka lang manggulo dito, hayaan mong “magpaka-genius” yan si Orion..
To all non-Filipinos viewing this blog most especially Yi Zheng, i apologize for our invasion.. please do understand that our country is going through quite a phase right now and a lot of citizens are seething.. they’re just looking for an outlet..
back to economics.. my econ professor says the philippines has abnormal market conditions.. and i totally agree.. imagine, a country with surplus labor (i.e. high unemployment)but with workers demanding higher wages.. IT’S ABSURD!!! blame it on the populist demagogues..
January 10th, 2007 at 8:08 am
*SIGH*
When will people ever learn? This isn’t our blog..this was made by a Malaysian so please show some respect. To all non Filipinos here, sorry for the irrational moronic behaviour of people like Dinkster and John..
Dinkster: Wa ka nabuang Dong? Dli ni atoang blog, ayaw pag binugok ug hinilas sa imuhang pag yaw-yaw ulol! Kung naa man gani kay masulti siguradoa lng nga murag dli ka gago sa imong gipalabas kaysa tinuod lng mura kag bayot nga walay tunong..cge lang sturya pero, baba ray gadako..GAGO!
Lets get this you moron. Although you may make statements such as “economics is easier than engineering” (which is truly a stupid comment) Economic policies are essential to the growth of a country. You don’t let bakers make bridges much as the common “tambays” to let them decide the economic policies of the country.
Engineers make bridges and economists make economic policies dumbass!
John: Pre, wla ka bang pinag-aralan? Magdusa ka sa yong gagagohan..mahirap ang Pilipinas dahil sa mga gagong mga katulad mo na naninirahan dito sa Pilipinas..fuck, kung wlang mga tao nga mga katulad mo dito hindi sana tayo nagkaganito ngaun. Puta, mag-aral ka muna bago ka magkomentaryo sa mga hindi mo pa alam–
KEV: The “American Dream” capitalism and economics are two different things. Also crime rates have economic factors as well as psychological. The reason most people steal is because they don’t have enough for themselves..of course this is our own doing. We made a monster out of ouselves. People go hungry in the streets because whenever someone makes the right moves the “unknowing” masses are being played right into the elites who want to stop the flow of progress in ou coubtry. Also we choose actors and celebrities in the government. Is it any wonder our country is doing badly?Until our countrymen have the mental capacity to know the real issues, we’ll always be stuck in this rut and any progress that maybe made will always be in the short-term.
Remember in economics there is a Budget line equation PxX+PyY=I.
Px means the price of good X while X is Py is the price of Y and I is Income..although basic, I chose this so people will stop commenting fuck about economics when they don’t even know what they’re talking about. When the expenses exceed the Income of course you’ll be forced to borrow more money to suit our spending needs (which is what the Philippines is doing). Worse you’ll have to steal to get what you want.
Now the reason I brought this up is because some of the “moronic” kababayan here still open their mouths when they don’t even fuck understand anything (case in point Dinkster and John) don’t know when to shut up.
The problem with the Philippines today is the system..the reason our expenses exceed our Income is because of poor taxation, less investments, policies which hurt our economic well-being and labor practices which doesn’t make sense (we have an excess of Labor and a scarcity of firms) yet we still ask for more wage increases. So in short, while the government does all the right moves to change the system the rallying “masses” without realizing it are being used by the elites who want to retain the status quo of our society and in short stop the moves which our govenment might want to make. When will you people ever learn? (I’d even put a *SIGH* smiley if there was one)
As far as I’m concerned, Malaysia took a deep dive (even deeper than the Philippines) during the Asian economic crises during 1997 and yet has now recovered and is growing at an amazing of rate of 7% per year.
We can do that too–but only if we stop the whining and actually WORK TOGETHER instead of being lazy, whining idiots who run their mouth big while they don’t know squat what they’re talking about.
So please, to my fellow Pinoys..I beg of you don’t embarass our name in front of other nationalities. We’ve had enough humilitaion already. We have much potential. Ou country was branded in an economics magazine as “the future breadbasket of Asia” so lets actually achieve that potential and instead of ranting and complaining why don’t you actually find something productive with your lives for once? Stop picketing in the streets and let the policy makers do their job..
January 10th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
http://photos.friendster.com/photos/06/20/36080260/613850368l.jpg
January 10th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Hi……….
All I can say is that we are not perfect…..
and we cannot live perfectly in this complicated world……
January 11th, 2007 at 7:19 am
yeah, just tell me now how an individual like you can live up to this very worls where sarcastic, haughty people wanted to be served like darn fuckin royalties when visiting a country?…how do you know much about people suffering and begging for help for a government that doenst even know how to cater their own people becuase they listen to capitalists and just approved of what might “foreigners” suggest to them… tell me how?…
nobodys perfect, yeah, but mainly of you wanted to keep an ideal sense of direction to a certain issue, try to feel yourself into the shoes of others…take my piece of “advice” BELIEVE ME, SOMETIMES IT IS BETTER OFF TO BE CORRECTED THAN BE PRAISED BY AN IDEA BLURTED…
wei guo ying
January 11th, 2007 at 9:58 am
the people’s noise should not be ignored and judged worthless. economics would indeed be easy if it became political economy. nothing should be hard to understand if we make it accessible to all people, rich or poor. if they knew economics that much, they won’t be easily fooled. and those who protest are not. the economically fortunate people are blinded by the surrounding material possessions and privileges, to see the reality of the imperialized world. if you think the rallyists do not know what they are rallying about, ask the organizers. they will show you a list of crimes and violations that the so-called “leaders” have committed and have not been exposed by the media.
January 11th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
totally agree..
nice one.. =D
January 11th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Comments are voices of disappointment.
January 12th, 2007 at 2:37 am
To people who post here without thinking, learn the proper ways of grammar and spelling before you do so because it befuddles others who would like to have useful and intelligible discussion. If you can’t help pointlessly complaining out of your asses, I suggest you go to a forum where only retards post - that way all of you are on the same plane of thinking.
I’m not against criticism, it is a necessary part of improvement because IT HELPS POINTS OUT THE GLITCHES AND MISTAKES and correct them. But this does not give an excuse for self-proclaimed critics to flame an idea without straightening out their facts first. Critics should at least give a logical and thoroughly-prepared arguments which ARE NOT GROUNDED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE CRITIC HAS SUPERIOR INTELLECT over whoever he is criticizing. A critic should also PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE approach in addressing the problem.
The problem with these critics is that they are problem-based thinkers rather than solution-based ones. The only solution they offer is “OUST (insert the name of whoever is in power)”
January 12th, 2007 at 5:57 am
wow youve got a million comments here…
well all i can say is…
i agree with you…
i really cant get why instead of cooperating with the government, people are making it harder for the officials to concentrate…
like now, today is the asean summit.. here in cebu…
but people are rallying outside shouting what they thought is really worth yelling for… maybe… im not against them but today is ASEAN Summit, can’t they welcome the leaders hospitably…?
i dont know but i really am not amenable to activists…
instead of being against one another why cant they agree?
that is my point… they dont know what the leaders have in mind… they cant just fight them off…
January 12th, 2007 at 9:07 am
“we vote for leaders whom we believe could lead the country, not for their ability to follow the crowd in areas that require expertise e.g. economic planning, foreign policy, law, intelligence and security matters.”
not for their ability to follow the crowd,haller do you know what ur saying?! pra san pa at tinwag taung democratic country…they are in their position to serve the people,right?! natural lng na mgkaroon ng reaksyon ang mga tao kpag ang ipinapa2pad ng mga buwitreng yan ay hindi pra sa ma3yan…come 2 think of it,qng wla nang mgsa2lita,eh d sna MARTIAL LAW pa rin tau hnggang ngaun…and prang cnbi mo na ring tanga ang mga tao dhil ang mga namu2no lng ang may alam sa mga pngsa2bi mong:economic planning, foreign policy, law, intelligence and security matters.”
kya be careful wat u post,,magisip ka muna…suriin mo ng mas malalim at mlawak…hindi lng sa isang butas!!! syang ang pagi2ng intellectual mo qng d mo pa2ganain ng maaus…
January 12th, 2007 at 9:53 am
HAGGARDCHONG, you insult Mr. Yi Zheng about not studying and observing the issue from different perspectives before talking yet you are displaying the exact behavior you are criticizing in your post.
If you haven’t noticed, Mr. Yi Zheng is a Malaysian currently residing in Singapore. Yet you continue to blurt out your brainless comments in a language which the person you want to get your message accross cannot comprehend. You should have at least read the other comments or checked his profile before making your STUPID assumptions. Great way to prove your point HaggardChong. Talking out of your ass using the Filipino language which isn’t even typed intelligibly.
Who’s not thinking before posting now?
MR. YI ZHENG, I would like to apologize for my countrymen’s insistent refusal to listen to your arguments and their groundless insults against you which you can’t even comprehend. It’s just that our people feel superior in everything although once the responsibility falls upon them, they quickly pass the buck.
TO OTHERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT, let me straighten out the facts.
- Yi Zheng is a Malaysian, he does not understand Filipino language (if he does, only to a minimal extent)
-When you criticize, try to focus your discussion on the argument itself and not on the person
-Accept the fact that economics is complicated (I barely understand it myself) and not everyone can claim expertise on this field
-Yes, everybody feels the repercussions of economic policies but the masses are myopic and only a few try to see the big picture
January 12th, 2007 at 11:10 am
Interesting post you have, but i think that not everyone should be blamed for this matter.Sometimes,it depends on the government.Not every country’s government functions the same way.
January 12th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
the problem is…
who cares?
January 12th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
Reggie, nice one.
I also checked out HaggardChong’s profile and found out that she is a “student organizer” (RABBLE ROUSER and TROUBLE MAKER) within the League of Filipino Students and AnakBayan (two well-known COMMUNIST-LED organizations under CPP-NPA-NDF direction).
No wonder she has such views! She was trained by Communist cadres to be *pardon my language* AN IDIOT!
HaggardChong, you belong in the SPRATLEYS!!!
You and all your Marxist and Communist dinosaur colleagues from the CPP-NDF-NPA and the LFS-Gabriela-Akbayan-Bayan Muna-Migrante-etc/etc should be sent to the biggest island there, given lots of provisions and fishing rods so you can be “self-sufficient”, and be given 15 years to prove that your failed economic system can still “work.”
January 12th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
don’t juge someone yu don’t know it may hurt someone’s heart s,so take care of what you are saying”"”!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 13th, 2007 at 12:11 am
yah, right…
people are made distinctively together with their own expertise.
“there are three kinds of people: the one who knows how to count and the other who don’t know how to count”
January 13th, 2007 at 4:06 am
Very Inspiring
January 13th, 2007 at 6:52 am
The more I read the comments on this blog, the more I lose hope for our countrymen
January 13th, 2007 at 7:56 am
HEY!HEY!HEY! dont be angry all i want 2 say is look god of wht he give 2 us god create us 2 love,2 live,2give and 2take…..god want’s what we do good in our life….So think it then…..God Bless U all……
January 13th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
I think it is best for people to do their own research first before throwing ny judgement…. a very good article!
But we do need to be careful with the argument: “when someone does good which has negative short-term effects for greater benefits in the future, people start filling the streets shouting… people do have tendencies to be short-sighted… When a doctor tells you to undergo surgery, you don’t tell him ‘Go to hell, surgery hurts. Give me a treatment that I’ll enjoy.’ ”
Just look at what the IMF has done and promised to those countries following their reform policies and its failure to deliver… pain should always be avoided if possible.
January 13th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
hey, what could you say about the 12th ASEAN summit ongoing in the Philippines? Asean leaders are now together meeting together for one purpose… One Sharing and Caring Community… what’s your say?
January 13th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
hey, what could you say about the 12th ASEAN summit ongoing in the Philippines? Asean leaders are now together meeting together for one purpose… One Sharing and Caring Community… what’s your say?
January 13th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
well..if the ASEAN really share and care for each oder how come the philippines isnt progressing?..im not being pessimistic here but i do think that 12 years is long enough to make some little progress here in the Phil. of course from the help of our so called ASEAN.
January 13th, 2007 at 11:25 pm
My reply to Erwet:
You are right that pain should be avoided as much as possible, nobody wants to experience unnecessary pain.
We have to keep in mind however that there are instances that temporary sacrifices are unavoidable so everybody should be willing to give up something once in a while in order to gain a greater objective.
Economics is the study of how to manage scarce resources. The difference between the economic line of thinking and the destabilizer’s is that economists recognize the fact that resources are limited. Budget used for government projects must come from somewhere (usually taxes).
I’m not saying that the government is flawless. In the Philippines for instance, corruption is rampant. Most government officials here are hell-bent on taking as much money for themselves as they can get away with. But we cannot blame this on capitalism and the economists.
January 13th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
To Dinkster:
Speak, because you have something to say and NOT because you have to say something.
January 14th, 2007 at 12:33 am
y ppl talk bout economics? simple.. cz they PAY TAXES. n they dun wana see it put to waste. n they dooo care when they’re being paid less yet d price of goods’ skyrocketing. dat is y d leaders are criticised
January 14th, 2007 at 6:33 am
Poypips, that was a very insightful message!
January 14th, 2007 at 6:46 am
James, the Philippines doesn’t progress because we choose to put Liberty, Freedom, and Democracy on a high pedestal and brush aside the need for discipline, hard work, practicality, focus, and frugality.
We abuse Liberty, Freedom, and Democracy so that we do anything we want to do - and even do a lot of things that hinder economic progress. Other leaders in ASEAN have already given us sound advice on what we need to do in order to progress faster.
(Back in the 90’s, LKY visited us and told us that we needed more Discipline and Focus as opposed to too much Democracy, but Filipinos got angry and didn’t want to listen: that’s why we continue to be laggards.)
We have to focus more on Economics and on how to improve the Economy, and that certainly means that we cannot just do as we please. Resources are SCARCE and that means we have to properly prioritize needs over wants and which choose which needs come first. Economics in action requires discipline and sacrifice. A person with just enough money to pay for a good education who wants a better future will have to choose to save his money for tuition and other necessities as opposed to spending his money on clubbing with friends. One must sacrifice non-essentials for what will bring him better rewards. Until we Filipinos learn that, we will continue to be a nation of paupers.
We have to be humble enough to learn from Singapore, Malaysia, and so many other East Asian countries that are already successful or fast gaining success.
January 14th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
everyone’s a critic…..
January 14th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
I think the the Philippines has a serious lack of leadership. As a people we excell as individuals but lack the collective conciousness as a country to develop. We actively encourage working abroad in family units, putting little value in developing individuals that could serve to as enlightened leaders for the country. Activist who constantly attack the government as an institution, demonizing philippine politician only serves to alienate the government from people who genuinely want to serve. Who in their right mind today would like to work in government, using one’s right without regard for the consequences or another’s right is abuse of that right. I am fed up listening to people blaming the government, the government is the reflection of its people, majority of the Filipinoes just don’t take responsibility of the government they created or allowed to be. They either blame the government, or work outside of the country on higher paying jobs. We are a people who are not yet ready for development, and we might not get there until we see, accept and learn to overcome our limitations.
January 15th, 2007 at 1:22 am
I’m going to say that most of what you have written are generally true however, forgive me for saying that it is somewhat biased. What you are implying is a great accusation to the mass. In our country, the first rule in politics and economy is that majority is foremost right. MAJORITY MAY ALWAYS WIN BUT IT DOESN’T MEAN IT’S RIGHT, right?
As much as it hurts to admit, I am somewhat hurt by what you are implying because, I’m one of those persons who “rant” about the government but you must admit, not everyone else could be as sensible as the other and every leader should know that. Could you be a leader and expect everyone else to be please with you? Of course not and if the leaders could understand that, what right do we have to be undignified? To be great, you are often misunderstood and I’m speaking of experience but one does not need to be bitter about that fact. Leaders of all eras had encountered it and they understand that it’s human nature. Not everyone could appreciate what good we had done but to those who did, every single actions we made are more than worthless. Be enlighten to the fact that not everybody sees that black part. And remember, those who could see and understand what a leader is doing is someone who has the same vision as the leader does and those visions will forever make a change in his life.
January 15th, 2007 at 5:11 am
You are right mr., people must understand first before to creticise our economic leaders. It would be better that they shall impose subject to school about economics so people specially the youth will understand clearly the situation in the future. At some point goverment must put action to it.
January 15th, 2007 at 5:16 am
hi hellow …how are u…where are u friends im shamae
January 15th, 2007 at 5:23 am
This is one nice article. A realistic one. And yes, I must give you an applause to that.
But my concern is that, economics is a vital entity playing great tremendous roles in the society. Especially to the daily living of people dwelling in a certain community. Economics comes with the flow of living ever since before, when financial activities came to prowess. And I believe that economics shall not be regarded as such a simple discipline and as not so important in the society.
Economics is the lifeblood of the society. It distinguish how people live, where they would be leading and how would they be going to their destinations.
Rather, through the complexities of Economics, it is somehow vulnerable. Very vulnerable, like when it would be mixed up with bad politics, brainless economic and fiscal managers. And that leaders of any kind should be criticized, just trying to check whether they are working to save their people or whether they were leading us to the right destination.
So what is economics if our leaders are crocodiles? Will all of us be leading to right destinations or shall we be eaten by those wealthy crocodiles in the office?
January 15th, 2007 at 5:59 am
This is a good article and make me think more seriously about economy. ^_^. Thanks & keep on writing… I will read them ^_^. Take care.
January 15th, 2007 at 9:55 am
The past is a gaping hole,the more u run from it,the more the edge yawn beneath the feet of ur shadows.
Some chose to believe,some chose to stand aside and watch,and some will just remain as it is.Economics or Ego-nomics are weapon of choice,with it life’s diverted on one source,and to live,without it,chaos are bound to be found and normally,the politician will declare wars and the youth dies for it.Guess it would take sometime for people who really sees the real thing to do the right thing than do something which brings nothing.Im just sayin em,no offence.
January 15th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
hey! Andrea didn’t post any comment like that! What happened in her original comment?
January 15th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
I’m sorry, my mistake. I though it isn;t Andrea but it seems that she had been, to quote, “enlighten”, with your blog. If she says you’re good,then you’re truly are…
Sorry…
January 16th, 2007 at 1:23 am
Great article!!!
I easyly accept Keynesian’s idea.
Through my eyes,
Economics deviate when marketeer abuse the natural flow of economics to boast revenue.
The best economics must be a creator.
A creator that recreate a new product & control the destiny of the company.
A new product creates a new market then it turn into halves,then quarter then to nothing market value.Due to competitor.
The creator can recreate another new product & the cycle revive again.
??? I wonder did I go off topic???.
Would like to make you mine.
my friend joshuahengmail@hotmail.com
January 16th, 2007 at 4:57 am
Hai..i am Esther..what i want to said is..’wah!your articel is so good’ keep going on..gambateh..
January 17th, 2007 at 2:08 am
nice!and very amazing article!
January 18th, 2007 at 6:44 am
from James’ comment: “You can explain away as much as you want, but the worker making cars for people they will never see at below minimum wage does not need to know economics to know their government is giving them a raw deal in the free trade agreement.
Offering a solution on the other hand is a different thing. These “rabble” and “noises” should tell those that do have the knowledge and influence to make a change that the current system is faulty, rather than to hide behind invented jargon and academic firewalls.”
-totally agree with you.
January 23rd, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Rebulusyon!
January 23rd, 2007 at 3:40 pm
those who make noise are the often unheard.
January 27th, 2007 at 12:36 am
wow,you do certainly garner quite a lot of comments for one blog entry.
well, i read economics at cambridge and i’m not ashamed to admit i still don’t get economics! it’s not easy to grasp, especially for the layperson .
September 20th, 2007 at 11:09 am
My godness.. always long comments in your blog. ^^ I took three economics paper in my diploma, a real newbie. Would u mind if i say economics is human behaviour, and everyone be it those who has or have not studied the subject before, will have some undertsanding on the issues u mention?
Counter-intuitive will be debateable, for human behaviour is just as unpredictable.