ula
Mga Anak ng kabayo, Apo ng Galunggong
(Pasintabi kay Ka Roger)
Mga anak ng kabayo ,
malakas sumipa kapag nagagalit,
Mas mapalad pa sa tao
Dahil asendero’y nagmamalasakit,
Sa kabayong gamit sa Polo.
Laro ng mga hari’t prinsipe-
may sariling bahay,tagapag-alaga,
May tagapulot at damong ari,
Samantalang ang mga anak
Ng kabayong tao
Lagi na sa pighati,
Pagkain ay galunggong
O kaya ay asin at siling
Pantighaw sa gutom lagi;
Ngayon, mga apo ng galunggong,
Wala nang makain;
Dahil ang galunggong
Lumayo sa malalim ng dagat
At lumipat na sa Hilaga--
Dahil sa El Nino at El Ninang
Nagpatuyo sa pugad
Ng maaskad na isdang
Pagkain ng mahirap,
Kaya ang mga apo ng galunggong,
Nagmahal na at mahirap bilhin,
Ng aping mahirap
Wala nang makain.
Mahirap talagang maging apo ng kabayo
Lalo ang apo ng galunggong;
nangibang bansa na at lumayo
Sa Silangang Pasipiko,
Nagtago sa dagat
ng Rusya at ng mga Hapon
naninindim dahil sa lamig,
malayo na sa init
ng matinding hilahil.
Agosto 07, 2011
***********
25.9.11
Walking Among the Living
Poem
Walking Among the Living
When the lights went out,
Jupiter brightens its moons;
Embraced me with its cold air,
I felt the weakness in me
And air was sucked by the wind
Like a passing breeze that passed,
There was air but no sun,
There is the moon
But there were no stars,
Yet the mind cannot command,
It is nice to be alive,
But dead in a moment,
I dread the cold.
But long for it
In the heat of the night,
I loved to talk
To the lost souls,
to our elders,
Old friends who I never saw
Again and comrades
In their magnificent
Deadly arms,
Yes, it is fun to wake up
In the bright light
Of the morning and greet
The warm sun
For the coming
Of the new dawn.
August 02, 2011
Walking Among the Living
When the lights went out,
Jupiter brightens its moons;
Embraced me with its cold air,
I felt the weakness in me
And air was sucked by the wind
Like a passing breeze that passed,
There was air but no sun,
There is the moon
But there were no stars,
Yet the mind cannot command,
It is nice to be alive,
But dead in a moment,
I dread the cold.
But long for it
In the heat of the night,
I loved to talk
To the lost souls,
to our elders,
Old friends who I never saw
Again and comrades
In their magnificent
Deadly arms,
Yes, it is fun to wake up
In the bright light
Of the morning and greet
The warm sun
For the coming
Of the new dawn.
August 02, 2011
The Film “ Amigo”- Not so Historically Friendly for Filipinos
Movie Review
The Film “ Amigo”- Not so Historically Friendly for Filipinos
By Arturo P. Garcia
A columnist Emil Guillermo noted in Philippine News last week “ ..people don’t learn much from history, maybe they’ll learn more after seeing Sayles “Amigo.”
But some commentaries and observations were made during our after movie discussions last Saturday with the youth organization in LA --the KmB does not necessarily conform with his views. And I agree with much of the Filipino-American youth ( movie goers ) animated and truthful observations.
1. Racist overtones dominates the film. Although they tried to present the Filipino perspective, much is concentrated on how Americans fell about the Filipinos during that time.
Yes, we understood that this is a period film. We know and understand that the pervading system that time is racist. But to see and feel that all through out the movie and see the obvious, its really revolting. Racist words like “Dagos”, “Gugus”, “Bandits” and complaining about the clap abounds.
Even the use of an historical inaccurate Spanish priest who knows how to speak English ( American English at that!) who spew anti-Filipino epithets was an over-stretch of the director/writer’s artistic license.
One KmB member remarked “ Yes we know they are racists. But please, give us break!’
2. Focus on the contradictions among the people. We understand the director’s penchant for balance. But in the process, Sayles focused on the contradictions among the people. For example, the contradictions between the Republican guerilla forces and the civil authorities dealing with the Americans.
It unnecessarily showed that Filipino guerrillas were merciless even their own people and especially among the Chinese coolies. Even to the point, the the guerilla leader did not do anything even the same Filipino guerilla leader ordered the brother to play “amigo” to the Americans.
In the process the real message that the Filipinos never lend a hand to the American forces that they were forced to hire Chinese and Japanese collies for their war efforts was subsumed. What was highlighted was the Filipino animosity to the Chinese. Which is not historically accurate!
This was also the criticism of some movie critics in the Philippines. But Sayles defended his movie by citing American military records. My ass!
3.Poor Transition. A budding Fil-Am writer/ filmmaker noted that Sayles erred in providing transitions to the story. I personally saw the problem. It was enough for him to say in early narration and credits “ that American fought a war with Spain, so the Americans came half-way around the world to be in the Philippines.” Period!
He did not even take pains to explain in his contrast using General MacArthur's General Order 100 and the Aguinaldo’s proclamation ordering Filipinos to wage guerillla warfare in 1899 from regular warfare and what was stressed was that the two orders have no difference. That the two orders were just punishing anyone who will give aid and comfort to the enemy.
Again, many things , proper things that could have made the transition in the movie clear and have explained the events in proper perspective could have set the record straight. Just several lines through the actors could have said: “ We have beaten the Filipinos last year and have chased Aguinaldo to kingdom come , so today 1900’s—they are now fighting us through another kind of warfare.” Or even better explained the two disparate orders more thoroughly
One KmB member remarked;’ “ Sayles put our people in a bad light. It showed us as always angry and even against our people. Threatening them with death!’
4. Good points. But generally speaking, we appreciate Sayles efforts . For it was the first film , a mainstream film about the Filipino-American War which is a taboo subject here in America.
We will welcome more improvements in the future films and we hope that more films will follow Sayles efforts.
At least it is sympathetic to Filipinos and most of all anti war and resonates the current war in Afghanistan, Iraq and the now current American war in Libya.
As Emil Guillermo said: “the subtitles are also interesting ( even if some are not so accurate) because you can hear characters translate or mistranslate it in English.”
Another KmB member said “ Well, it is a film about us Filipinos, I loved to see our people in the movies.”
Another remarked that “ it is good start for a discussion. To go deeper into the study of our own history and our past and our heroic legacy as a people”
We acknowledged Sayles anti-war sentiments. The only problem is it is a mixed message. That everybody losses in the war. There is no appreciation of the people’s role. The message is left for the people to ponder which sides they favor. An intellectual predicament at that!
The real message if he is progressive , is that in a people’s war or a war for liberation against a foreign aggressors, this war is just and the people will eventually win in the end.
‘It was left in a cryptic message that was said in the movies by Bembo Roco, a peasant guerilla that the KmB noted and appreciates. In answering the young soldiers comment “ We have no chance of winning this war” , the revolutionary character said:
“ We barely made it out in Cavite in 1896, but we almost won and trapped the Spaniards in Intramuros.( in reference to the walled city of Manila) . Its up for you the youth to step up and win this. This your chance.”
*****
The Film “ Amigo”- Not so Historically Friendly for Filipinos
By Arturo P. Garcia
A columnist Emil Guillermo noted in Philippine News last week “ ..people don’t learn much from history, maybe they’ll learn more after seeing Sayles “Amigo.”
But some commentaries and observations were made during our after movie discussions last Saturday with the youth organization in LA --the KmB does not necessarily conform with his views. And I agree with much of the Filipino-American youth ( movie goers ) animated and truthful observations.
1. Racist overtones dominates the film. Although they tried to present the Filipino perspective, much is concentrated on how Americans fell about the Filipinos during that time.
Yes, we understood that this is a period film. We know and understand that the pervading system that time is racist. But to see and feel that all through out the movie and see the obvious, its really revolting. Racist words like “Dagos”, “Gugus”, “Bandits” and complaining about the clap abounds.
Even the use of an historical inaccurate Spanish priest who knows how to speak English ( American English at that!) who spew anti-Filipino epithets was an over-stretch of the director/writer’s artistic license.
One KmB member remarked “ Yes we know they are racists. But please, give us break!’
2. Focus on the contradictions among the people. We understand the director’s penchant for balance. But in the process, Sayles focused on the contradictions among the people. For example, the contradictions between the Republican guerilla forces and the civil authorities dealing with the Americans.
It unnecessarily showed that Filipino guerrillas were merciless even their own people and especially among the Chinese coolies. Even to the point, the the guerilla leader did not do anything even the same Filipino guerilla leader ordered the brother to play “amigo” to the Americans.
In the process the real message that the Filipinos never lend a hand to the American forces that they were forced to hire Chinese and Japanese collies for their war efforts was subsumed. What was highlighted was the Filipino animosity to the Chinese. Which is not historically accurate!
This was also the criticism of some movie critics in the Philippines. But Sayles defended his movie by citing American military records. My ass!
3.Poor Transition. A budding Fil-Am writer/ filmmaker noted that Sayles erred in providing transitions to the story. I personally saw the problem. It was enough for him to say in early narration and credits “ that American fought a war with Spain, so the Americans came half-way around the world to be in the Philippines.” Period!
He did not even take pains to explain in his contrast using General MacArthur's General Order 100 and the Aguinaldo’s proclamation ordering Filipinos to wage guerillla warfare in 1899 from regular warfare and what was stressed was that the two orders have no difference. That the two orders were just punishing anyone who will give aid and comfort to the enemy.
Again, many things , proper things that could have made the transition in the movie clear and have explained the events in proper perspective could have set the record straight. Just several lines through the actors could have said: “ We have beaten the Filipinos last year and have chased Aguinaldo to kingdom come , so today 1900’s—they are now fighting us through another kind of warfare.” Or even better explained the two disparate orders more thoroughly
One KmB member remarked;’ “ Sayles put our people in a bad light. It showed us as always angry and even against our people. Threatening them with death!’
4. Good points. But generally speaking, we appreciate Sayles efforts . For it was the first film , a mainstream film about the Filipino-American War which is a taboo subject here in America.
We will welcome more improvements in the future films and we hope that more films will follow Sayles efforts.
At least it is sympathetic to Filipinos and most of all anti war and resonates the current war in Afghanistan, Iraq and the now current American war in Libya.
As Emil Guillermo said: “the subtitles are also interesting ( even if some are not so accurate) because you can hear characters translate or mistranslate it in English.”
Another KmB member said “ Well, it is a film about us Filipinos, I loved to see our people in the movies.”
Another remarked that “ it is good start for a discussion. To go deeper into the study of our own history and our past and our heroic legacy as a people”
We acknowledged Sayles anti-war sentiments. The only problem is it is a mixed message. That everybody losses in the war. There is no appreciation of the people’s role. The message is left for the people to ponder which sides they favor. An intellectual predicament at that!
The real message if he is progressive , is that in a people’s war or a war for liberation against a foreign aggressors, this war is just and the people will eventually win in the end.
‘It was left in a cryptic message that was said in the movies by Bembo Roco, a peasant guerilla that the KmB noted and appreciates. In answering the young soldiers comment “ We have no chance of winning this war” , the revolutionary character said:
“ We barely made it out in Cavite in 1896, but we almost won and trapped the Spaniards in Intramuros.( in reference to the walled city of Manila) . Its up for you the youth to step up and win this. This your chance.”
*****
ON THE TENTH YEAR OF INTERNATIONAL ANSWER COALITION
Memories
ON THE TENTH YEAR OF INTERNATIONAL ANSWER COALITION
We in the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) greet the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) a militant happy tenth anniversary on its founding! MABUHAY!
On September 14, 2001, just three days after the September 11 attacks, the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) came into existence and announced a planned mass demonstration against war and racism for September 29, 2001, in Washington, D.C.
We vividly still remember until today that the attacks against ANSWER were swift and furious. Right-wing organizations condemned us as “traitors” and many liberal organizations said that it was “wrong” and “untimely” to have a demonstration against the Bush administration.
The people of the United States were still in a state of shock and grief on September 14, 2001. Behind the scenes, the Bush administration was rapidly putting into place a plan for military invasion and domestic repression using the terrible events of September 11 as a pretext. Bush's announced "war on terror" was the rationale that the administration hoped would be enough to silence any opposition. In the days after September 11, Bush's approval ratings were at 90 percent.
While the then September 29 Coaltiion that envisioned to build to hold the nationwide rally against capitalist globalization folded up and more than 100 organizations withdrew their support, on those in a difficult moment, on September 29, 2011 ANSWER led and showed that a mass opposition to Bush was possible.
The First anti-war demonstration after Sept. 11 attacks, 09/29/2011
The ANSWER Coalition organized a demonstration of 25,000 people on Sept. 29, 2001, just 18 days after the Sept. 11 attacks, to show mass opposition to Bush's policy of war abroad and racism at home.
The September 29, 2001, demonstration in Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue in D.C. was a watershed event. People of conscience came together—under very difficult circumstances—to make clear that they would not support the government’s efforts to launch a global war drive abroad and eviscerate civil liberties at home. Under the heavy pressure of a national propaganda campaign intended to silence dissent, many were told, even by friends and allies, that they should not speak out – yet they came. Some of the students organizing busses were falsely told by their schools that attending the demonstration would be dangerous and unsafe—but they too came anyway.
We did not know how many people would come, but knew that it was imperative that those who were willing, organize against the looming imperial war drive and domestic repression. As the demonstration grew, we watched the Plaza fill as people joined to take a stand together. 25,000 people came despite the intense pressure. The chants rang out from the heart of Washington, D.C., “We will not be silent!” and “We want justice, we want peace, U.S. out of the Middle East.” C-Span carried the demonstration and the message went out throughout the country that resistance and organization was possible.
In Los Angeles, the AJLPP forces with the AFFIRM and JFAV with our militant allies formed the Peoples Coalition Against the War (PCAW) and still holding the banner of the Sept 29 anti globalization movement that carried the torch of Seattle mass action in 1999, marched and rallied in Broadway, downtown LA in support of the rally in Washington DC. The PCAW and the majority of forces with the AJLPP later disbanded in 2002 and later joined ANSWER-LA.
Including the Issue of Palestine in the U.S. Peace Movement
Seven months later, on April 20, 2002, the ANSWER Coalition organized the largest demonstration in U.S. history in support of the Palestinian people. 100,000 people marched under the slogan, “Free Palestine, No War on Iraq” just three weeks after the Israeli re-invasion of the West Bank.
That demonstration was also a major controversy within the peace movement. ANSWER, which at its core included partnership between non-Arab and Arab-American organizers, refused to accept the marginalization of the Palestinian struggle. Treating the Palestinian struggle as a taboo was a shameful legacy of the traditional peace organizations in the U.S.
Many groups who say they are anti -war who are really racist said we should not emphasize the issue of Palestine, claiming it would “alienate” people. That demonstration marked a turning point. The struggle of the Palestinian people was raised as a vital part of the movement for justice and peace in the Middle East. Support for the Palestinian people is now widespread among many U.S. groups because of this hard-fought battle in the anti-war movement and others that followed from 2002 to 2005.
Today there are few in the peace movement who would suggest that Palestinian self-determination can properly be delinked from organizing for a just peace in the Middle East.
A New Anti-War Movement
As the Bush administration made its plans for war against Iraq, the ANSWER Coalition announced plans for a mass demonstration on October 26, 2002, in Washington, D.C.
To the surprise of the administration and the media, 200,000 people answered that call and a new massive anti-war movement was born. On January 18, 2003, a half million people marched again in Washington, D.C. On February 15, 2003, millions took to the streets in thousands of cities in nearly every country.
In March 2003, in spite of a storm, more than 100,000 people march in Los Angeles in the heavy downpour and defied the weather.
In the months and years that followed, hundreds of thousands more came together as the ANSWER Coalition became the motor for mass actions against the war in Iraq as well as mass actions in support of the Palestinian people, against the war in Afghanistan, and the bombing of Libya, the threats against Iran, and in support of the people of Cuba and Venezuela to develop free from U.S. sanctions, threats and subversion.
ANSWER Coalition’s Unique Political and Organizational Perspective
Half a million people marched on Jan. 18, 2003, in opposition to the looming war on Iraq—the largest anti-war demonstration in Washington, D.C., since the Vietnam era.
A cornerstone of ANSWER’s approach is to provide in-depth political analysis from an anti-imperialist framework. We have also stressed the primacy of action, of mobilizing and organizing people. The ANSWER Coalition has been characterized by a dynamic organizing style, a sustained level of activity throughout the country, and the inclusion of hundreds of volunteers who have worked selflessly to build this grassroots movement.
We in the AJLPP together with ANSWER sincerely believe that the people themselves are the decisive factor to bring about change. We have been distinctive in our orientation towards the Republicans and Democratic parties. We believe that both parties were responsible for the war drive and the attacks against civil rights and civil liberties at home.
The high tide of the Immigrant Rights Movement, 2006
The ANSWER Coalition from its inception was distinctive because it was completely multi-racial and multinational. It made the connection between the anti-war movement and the struggles against racism and for social and economic justice. We have fought free speech battles around the country to open the streets and parkland to all those who wish to speak out.
ANSWER has played a leading role in the fight against racist and religious profiling. It led millions of people in the immigrant right upsurge against anti- immigrant laws with more than 2 million march in Los Angeles and other parts of the country in March 2006. ANSWER again led in the defense of the immigrants against police brutality and against the assaults on May Day rally in Los Angeles.
When others are intimidated, ANSWER chose to fight back and step up against intimidation and against the racist minutemen everywhere especially in California. ANSWER was also a leader in defense of the Muslim and Arab American communities inside the United States, and in support of civil rights and civil liberties that are under attack.
AJLPP with ANSWER have taken to the streets to defend workers rights, defeat anti-immigrant bigotry, and to advance the struggle for social and economic justice. There were others who criticized raising issues besides “peace” but we felt that no U.S. movement could be relevant, inclusive or effective without doing so.
A New Era of Organizing Among Active Duty Troops and Veterans
In recent years March Forward!, an affiliate of the ANSWER Coalition, has brought together anti-war veterans and active-duty service members to fight for their rights and oppose U.S. imperialist wars of aggression. March Forward! organizers have worked to defend conscientious objectors and demand justice for the families of military members whose lives have been destroyed by war.
These current and former military personnel have taken the risk of speaking out and organizing a powerful movement in opposition to the generals and the Pentagon.
A Decade of Consistent Organizing Creates a New Generation of Leaders and Activists
Numerous organizations have come and gone in the last decade. The ANSWER Coalition is still here. In fact, the Coalition has vibrant chapters all over the country active in education, outreach and mobilizing.
A whole generation of young activists who came into political life during the past decade have become trained, skilled organizers through their experience with the ANSWER Coalition.
We will continue with ANSWER to build a generation of young leaders working not only in the anti-war movement but in critical progressive social movements throughout the United States until a true systemic change occurs in our lifetime!
MABUHAY ANG ANSWER COALITION!
MANGAHAS MAKIBAKA, KAMTIN ANG TAGUMPAY! (DARE TO STRUGGLE, DARE TO WIN!)
ON THE TENTH YEAR OF INTERNATIONAL ANSWER COALITION
We in the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) greet the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) a militant happy tenth anniversary on its founding! MABUHAY!
On September 14, 2001, just three days after the September 11 attacks, the ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) came into existence and announced a planned mass demonstration against war and racism for September 29, 2001, in Washington, D.C.
We vividly still remember until today that the attacks against ANSWER were swift and furious. Right-wing organizations condemned us as “traitors” and many liberal organizations said that it was “wrong” and “untimely” to have a demonstration against the Bush administration.
The people of the United States were still in a state of shock and grief on September 14, 2001. Behind the scenes, the Bush administration was rapidly putting into place a plan for military invasion and domestic repression using the terrible events of September 11 as a pretext. Bush's announced "war on terror" was the rationale that the administration hoped would be enough to silence any opposition. In the days after September 11, Bush's approval ratings were at 90 percent.
While the then September 29 Coaltiion that envisioned to build to hold the nationwide rally against capitalist globalization folded up and more than 100 organizations withdrew their support, on those in a difficult moment, on September 29, 2011 ANSWER led and showed that a mass opposition to Bush was possible.
The First anti-war demonstration after Sept. 11 attacks, 09/29/2011
The ANSWER Coalition organized a demonstration of 25,000 people on Sept. 29, 2001, just 18 days after the Sept. 11 attacks, to show mass opposition to Bush's policy of war abroad and racism at home.
The September 29, 2001, demonstration in Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue in D.C. was a watershed event. People of conscience came together—under very difficult circumstances—to make clear that they would not support the government’s efforts to launch a global war drive abroad and eviscerate civil liberties at home. Under the heavy pressure of a national propaganda campaign intended to silence dissent, many were told, even by friends and allies, that they should not speak out – yet they came. Some of the students organizing busses were falsely told by their schools that attending the demonstration would be dangerous and unsafe—but they too came anyway.
We did not know how many people would come, but knew that it was imperative that those who were willing, organize against the looming imperial war drive and domestic repression. As the demonstration grew, we watched the Plaza fill as people joined to take a stand together. 25,000 people came despite the intense pressure. The chants rang out from the heart of Washington, D.C., “We will not be silent!” and “We want justice, we want peace, U.S. out of the Middle East.” C-Span carried the demonstration and the message went out throughout the country that resistance and organization was possible.
In Los Angeles, the AJLPP forces with the AFFIRM and JFAV with our militant allies formed the Peoples Coalition Against the War (PCAW) and still holding the banner of the Sept 29 anti globalization movement that carried the torch of Seattle mass action in 1999, marched and rallied in Broadway, downtown LA in support of the rally in Washington DC. The PCAW and the majority of forces with the AJLPP later disbanded in 2002 and later joined ANSWER-LA.
Including the Issue of Palestine in the U.S. Peace Movement
Seven months later, on April 20, 2002, the ANSWER Coalition organized the largest demonstration in U.S. history in support of the Palestinian people. 100,000 people marched under the slogan, “Free Palestine, No War on Iraq” just three weeks after the Israeli re-invasion of the West Bank.
That demonstration was also a major controversy within the peace movement. ANSWER, which at its core included partnership between non-Arab and Arab-American organizers, refused to accept the marginalization of the Palestinian struggle. Treating the Palestinian struggle as a taboo was a shameful legacy of the traditional peace organizations in the U.S.
Many groups who say they are anti -war who are really racist said we should not emphasize the issue of Palestine, claiming it would “alienate” people. That demonstration marked a turning point. The struggle of the Palestinian people was raised as a vital part of the movement for justice and peace in the Middle East. Support for the Palestinian people is now widespread among many U.S. groups because of this hard-fought battle in the anti-war movement and others that followed from 2002 to 2005.
Today there are few in the peace movement who would suggest that Palestinian self-determination can properly be delinked from organizing for a just peace in the Middle East.
A New Anti-War Movement
As the Bush administration made its plans for war against Iraq, the ANSWER Coalition announced plans for a mass demonstration on October 26, 2002, in Washington, D.C.
To the surprise of the administration and the media, 200,000 people answered that call and a new massive anti-war movement was born. On January 18, 2003, a half million people marched again in Washington, D.C. On February 15, 2003, millions took to the streets in thousands of cities in nearly every country.
In March 2003, in spite of a storm, more than 100,000 people march in Los Angeles in the heavy downpour and defied the weather.
In the months and years that followed, hundreds of thousands more came together as the ANSWER Coalition became the motor for mass actions against the war in Iraq as well as mass actions in support of the Palestinian people, against the war in Afghanistan, and the bombing of Libya, the threats against Iran, and in support of the people of Cuba and Venezuela to develop free from U.S. sanctions, threats and subversion.
ANSWER Coalition’s Unique Political and Organizational Perspective
Half a million people marched on Jan. 18, 2003, in opposition to the looming war on Iraq—the largest anti-war demonstration in Washington, D.C., since the Vietnam era.
A cornerstone of ANSWER’s approach is to provide in-depth political analysis from an anti-imperialist framework. We have also stressed the primacy of action, of mobilizing and organizing people. The ANSWER Coalition has been characterized by a dynamic organizing style, a sustained level of activity throughout the country, and the inclusion of hundreds of volunteers who have worked selflessly to build this grassroots movement.
We in the AJLPP together with ANSWER sincerely believe that the people themselves are the decisive factor to bring about change. We have been distinctive in our orientation towards the Republicans and Democratic parties. We believe that both parties were responsible for the war drive and the attacks against civil rights and civil liberties at home.
The high tide of the Immigrant Rights Movement, 2006
The ANSWER Coalition from its inception was distinctive because it was completely multi-racial and multinational. It made the connection between the anti-war movement and the struggles against racism and for social and economic justice. We have fought free speech battles around the country to open the streets and parkland to all those who wish to speak out.
ANSWER has played a leading role in the fight against racist and religious profiling. It led millions of people in the immigrant right upsurge against anti- immigrant laws with more than 2 million march in Los Angeles and other parts of the country in March 2006. ANSWER again led in the defense of the immigrants against police brutality and against the assaults on May Day rally in Los Angeles.
When others are intimidated, ANSWER chose to fight back and step up against intimidation and against the racist minutemen everywhere especially in California. ANSWER was also a leader in defense of the Muslim and Arab American communities inside the United States, and in support of civil rights and civil liberties that are under attack.
AJLPP with ANSWER have taken to the streets to defend workers rights, defeat anti-immigrant bigotry, and to advance the struggle for social and economic justice. There were others who criticized raising issues besides “peace” but we felt that no U.S. movement could be relevant, inclusive or effective without doing so.
A New Era of Organizing Among Active Duty Troops and Veterans
In recent years March Forward!, an affiliate of the ANSWER Coalition, has brought together anti-war veterans and active-duty service members to fight for their rights and oppose U.S. imperialist wars of aggression. March Forward! organizers have worked to defend conscientious objectors and demand justice for the families of military members whose lives have been destroyed by war.
These current and former military personnel have taken the risk of speaking out and organizing a powerful movement in opposition to the generals and the Pentagon.
A Decade of Consistent Organizing Creates a New Generation of Leaders and Activists
Numerous organizations have come and gone in the last decade. The ANSWER Coalition is still here. In fact, the Coalition has vibrant chapters all over the country active in education, outreach and mobilizing.
A whole generation of young activists who came into political life during the past decade have become trained, skilled organizers through their experience with the ANSWER Coalition.
We will continue with ANSWER to build a generation of young leaders working not only in the anti-war movement but in critical progressive social movements throughout the United States until a true systemic change occurs in our lifetime!
MABUHAY ANG ANSWER COALITION!
MANGAHAS MAKIBAKA, KAMTIN ANG TAGUMPAY! (DARE TO STRUGGLE, DARE TO WIN!)
Fil-Ams and Allies Marks 39th Year of the Declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines in the US
News
Fil-Ams and Allies Marks 39th Year of the Declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines in the US
Los Angeles – The Filipino Americans led by the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) in the United States will hold commemorative events to mark the 39th year of the declaration of martial law in the Philippines all over the United States.
--In New York, on Sept. 24, the Damayan Migrant Workers Association will hold a speak out at the Kalusugan Coalition Office at 39-04 63 St btwn Roosevelt & 39 Aves Woodside, Queens, NY. After the speak out, the group will hold a vigil along Roosevelt Ave. to dramatize their protest against martial law.
--In Los Angeles, the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) with ANSWER-LA and Bantay Pilipinas will hold a commemorative rites on September 30, 2011. It will be held at the ANSWER office on Friday, September 30 at 7:30 PM
The venue is located at 137 Virgil Avenue, # 201, Los Angeles, CA 900014. Los Angeles was the bastion of the anti-martial law forces in the United States. IT is also the home of the largest Filipino community outside of the Philippines.
Beyond Forgetting
The United States became a battleground of the pro-martial law forces of the US-Marcos Dictatorship and the forces of democracy led by the progressive Filipino-American community from September 23, 1972 until the downfall of the dictatorship in February 26, 1986.
Despite being divided, the Filipino-American community and their American and other minority nationalities contributed greatly to the downfall of the dictatorship.
Different groups like the Katipunan ng mga Demokratikong Pilipino (KDP), Anti Martial Law Coalition, Friends of the Filipino People, Movement for the Restoration of Civil Liberties in the Philippines.Gabriela Network, and the Alliance for Philippine Concerns (APC) sprung and carried on the anti-martial law struggle in the United States from 1972-86.
After the downfall of the US Marcos Regime in 1986, other newer Fil-Am organizations stepped up like Pesante, Nagliliyab, Kilusan ng Progressibong Kabataan (KPK),CPI, Alyansa ng Komunidad (AK) and later the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) and its allied organizations. Some are still active today carrying on the torch of the struggle here in the United States:
Martial law, 39 years later, 2011
On September 23, 1972, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law in the Philippines. The Proclamation was signed in September 21, 1972 and arrest were made first before the formal announcement and the general crackdown began.
It was a fascist scheme to deal a decisive and fatal blow to the growing revolutionary movement that was fighting US foreign domination . It was supported by the United States. The situation then was widespread poverty and sicontent created by the Philippine government's subservience to the interests of US imperialism at the height of the Vietnam War.
Tens of thousands of Filipinos were killed, tortured and disappeared during this time. Marcos also created the Philippine Labor Export Program (LEP) to "solve" the massive unemployment and poverty in the homeland and to profit from the forced migration of Filipinos.
To this day, the LEP has become the lifeline of the Philippine economy and has distorted the lives of more than 12 million Filipinos around the world, including domestic workers. At present there are more than 5 million Filipinos in the United States.
For more information please contact the Alliance-Philippines at (213)241-0906 and Bantay –LA at (818) 749 0273 or email at magsasakapil@hotmail.com.
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Fil-Ams and Allies Marks 39th Year of the Declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines in the US
Los Angeles – The Filipino Americans led by the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) in the United States will hold commemorative events to mark the 39th year of the declaration of martial law in the Philippines all over the United States.
--In New York, on Sept. 24, the Damayan Migrant Workers Association will hold a speak out at the Kalusugan Coalition Office at 39-04 63 St btwn Roosevelt & 39 Aves Woodside, Queens, NY. After the speak out, the group will hold a vigil along Roosevelt Ave. to dramatize their protest against martial law.
--In Los Angeles, the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) with ANSWER-LA and Bantay Pilipinas will hold a commemorative rites on September 30, 2011. It will be held at the ANSWER office on Friday, September 30 at 7:30 PM
The venue is located at 137 Virgil Avenue, # 201, Los Angeles, CA 900014. Los Angeles was the bastion of the anti-martial law forces in the United States. IT is also the home of the largest Filipino community outside of the Philippines.
Beyond Forgetting
The United States became a battleground of the pro-martial law forces of the US-Marcos Dictatorship and the forces of democracy led by the progressive Filipino-American community from September 23, 1972 until the downfall of the dictatorship in February 26, 1986.
Despite being divided, the Filipino-American community and their American and other minority nationalities contributed greatly to the downfall of the dictatorship.
Different groups like the Katipunan ng mga Demokratikong Pilipino (KDP), Anti Martial Law Coalition, Friends of the Filipino People, Movement for the Restoration of Civil Liberties in the Philippines.Gabriela Network, and the Alliance for Philippine Concerns (APC) sprung and carried on the anti-martial law struggle in the United States from 1972-86.
After the downfall of the US Marcos Regime in 1986, other newer Fil-Am organizations stepped up like Pesante, Nagliliyab, Kilusan ng Progressibong Kabataan (KPK),CPI, Alyansa ng Komunidad (AK) and later the Alliance-Philippines (AJLPP) and its allied organizations. Some are still active today carrying on the torch of the struggle here in the United States:
Martial law, 39 years later, 2011
On September 23, 1972, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law in the Philippines. The Proclamation was signed in September 21, 1972 and arrest were made first before the formal announcement and the general crackdown began.
It was a fascist scheme to deal a decisive and fatal blow to the growing revolutionary movement that was fighting US foreign domination . It was supported by the United States. The situation then was widespread poverty and sicontent created by the Philippine government's subservience to the interests of US imperialism at the height of the Vietnam War.
Tens of thousands of Filipinos were killed, tortured and disappeared during this time. Marcos also created the Philippine Labor Export Program (LEP) to "solve" the massive unemployment and poverty in the homeland and to profit from the forced migration of Filipinos.
To this day, the LEP has become the lifeline of the Philippine economy and has distorted the lives of more than 12 million Filipinos around the world, including domestic workers. At present there are more than 5 million Filipinos in the United States.
For more information please contact the Alliance-Philippines at (213)241-0906 and Bantay –LA at (818) 749 0273 or email at magsasakapil@hotmail.com.
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