Newly re-elected U.S. President Barack Obama will be embarking on a Southeast Asian Tour come Nov. 17-20, 2012 and already Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez was lamenting the fact that the Philippines will not be part of Obama's itinerary. Rep. Rodriguez, in an article published in inquirer.net, also added that the visit to the country would have been a positive signal for Obama's support for the Philippines in its dispute with China over the Scarborough Shoal.
This reaction of Rep. Rodriguez is just a clear manifestation of the country's perpetual unhealthy dependence on America, which has never really given much thought as to how the Philippines will actually do in foreign affairs. Our political leaders continued beggar diplomacy from armaments to everything else speaks of our still strong colonial mentality that has effectively made the Philippines a gnat in international affairs - constantly rediculed for its policies and never respected in its endeavours.
It is time the Filipino people rise up to the realities of the 21st century and elect political leaders who have a sense of nationalism and patriotism, who hold a strong vision for a Philippines that is strong, independent, progressive and free, a country who respects individual rights, provides opportunities for its citizens to grow and prosper and most of all, who inspires the populace to believe in themselves.
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