THE HEDGEHOG'S DILEMMA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MIF AND ITS SUSPENSION

 

ME: Welcome everyone to Tech Talk! Today I’m glad to have with us our special guest Mr. AI, a sovereign wealth fund specialist, who will enlighten us on our country’s Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) and its current situation. Welcome to the show, Sir.

MR. AI: Thank you for inviting me to your show. I’m happy to share with you and your viewers my insights and knowledge about the MIF.

ME: For the benefit of our viewers who may not be familiar with the MIF, could you explain what it is and what it aims to do?

MR AI: Sure. The MIF is a type of sovereign wealth fund which is a state-owned investment fund that manages public financial assets. It aims to optimize the use of these assets, promote sustainable economic development, and advance intergenerational management.

ME: Could you cite some sovereign wealth fund models today?

MR. AI: Certainly. The Norway Government Pension Fund Global is among the world's largest sovereign wealth funds. With over $1.4 trillion in assets, established in 1990, it manages Norway’s surplus revenues from oil and gas.

Singapore GIC Private Limited is one of the most respected and innovative sovereign wealth funds in the world. With over $770 billion in assets, established in 1981, it manages Singapore’s foreign reserves.

ME: That sounds reassuring. Could you give us some ideas of how the MIF plans to invest its assets and what kind of returns and impacts it expects to generate?

MR AI: Yes, of course. The MIF plans to invest in a wide range of assets, both domestically and internationally with a focus on high-impact infrastructure projects and sustainable development.

It may opt to invest in renewable energy, clean technology, green infrastructure, and carbon capture projects that can enhance environmental protection and climate action.

It expects to generate financial returns for the Philippines and the Filipino people, as well as social and environmental impacts that can improve the quality of life and well-being of the present and future generations.

ME: Impressive and ambitious. But I also read lately that the MIF’s launch has put up with a lot of challenges and issues. Its implementing rules and regulations (IRR), were suspended by no less than President Marcos Jr. pending further study and review. Could you tell us more about why this happened and what it means for the MIF?

MR AI: To answer your question, let me share with you first about the hedgehog’s dilemma. Hedgehogs are cute critters famous for their prickly spines for their defense. They seek to move close to one another to share body heat during cold weather. However, they must remain apart, as they cannot avoid hurting one another with their sharp spines. Such a dilemma is a metaphor for many situations where there is a trade-off between pursuing one’s goals and confronting potential risks.

The suspension of IRR of the MIF is a dilemma that reflects such a trade-off. On one hand, the suspension may be seen as an opportunity to address the challenges and issues to improve the design and implementation of the MIF. On the other hand, the suspension may be seen as a setback or a delay that may affect its credibility and performance.

ME: Could you elaborate on what are some of the challenges and issues that led to the IRR suspension?

MR AI: Sure. Some of these challenges and issues are:

THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

The IRR defines the MIF’s objectives, capital sources, investment guidelines, and oversight mechanisms.

However, some critics have raised concerns about the clarity, consistency, and independence of such provisions coupled with doubting the transparency and accountability of the MIF’s operations and decisions, especially about its investments in industries that are regulated or owned by the government

Some have questioned the role and authority of the Maharlika Investment Corporation, the state-owned corporation that will manage the MIF and its relationship with the government and other stakeholders.

THE INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND PORTFOLIO ALLOCATION

The IRR outlines how the MIF will invest in a wide range of assets, both domestically and internationally, with a focus on high-impact infrastructure projects and sustainable development.

However, some critics have raised concerns about the feasibility, profitability, and riskiness of these investments.

Some have doubted the ability and expertise of the MIF to invest in emerging or frontier markets, or in sectors or industries that are already crowded or subsidized by the government.

THE COORDINATION WITH MACROECONOMIC AND FISCAL POLICIES

The MIF is expected to support the country’s economic goals and development plan and to enhance its financial stability and fiscal balance.

However, some have warned that the MIF may create inflationary pressure, exchange rate fluctuations, or crowding out effects if it is not well-coordinated with the monetary and fiscal policies of the country.

Some have cautioned that the MIF may create fiscal risks if it suffers losses from its investments.

ME:  That’s a wall-to-wall elaboration of the MIF challenges and issues which I’m sure our viewers have found illuminating. Now, let’s turn to not-so-good news. Could you tell us what are some of the specific adverse consequences of suspending the IRR of the MIF?

MR. AI: Yes, of course. The IRR suspension may have some specific adverse consequences for the MIF itself, the government, and society. These consequences may affect the credibility and performance of the MIF and the government. Some of these consequences are:

LOSS OF TRUST AND CONFIDENCE

The IRR suspension may create doubts and uncertainties among the stakeholders and the public about the MIF’s objectives, governance, and operations.

It may damage the reputation and credibility of the MIF and the government, thus, reducing their support and cooperation.

It may affect the confidence of potential investors, partners, or beneficiaries, thus, making them reluctant or skeptical to engage with the MIF.

LOSS OF OPPORTUNITIES AND RETURNS

The IRR suspension may delay or prevent the MIF from starting its investment activities and generating returns for the country.

It may miss out on potential opportunities and deals in the domestic and international markets, thus, facing increased competition and risks.

It may affect the value of the MIF’s portfolio as it may lose out on favorable market conditions or trends.

LOSS OF MOMENTUM AND DIRECTION

The IRR suspension may disrupt or derail the MIF’s plans and strategies, thus, affecting its performance and impacts.

It may create confusion or conflict among the MIF’s management, staff, and partners, thus, affecting their morale and motivation.

It may affect the continuity and consistency of MIF’s operations and decisions as it may require revisions and adjustments to its objectives, guidelines, or processes.

ME: Ouch. These are serious consequences that could have significant implications for the MIF. Thank you, Mr. AI, for sharing your insights and knowledge about the MIF and its current situation. I’m sure our viewers have learned a lot from you today. Do you have any final words?

MR. AI: Thank you, too, for having me in your show. I hope I was able to enlighten you and your viewers about the MIF and its dilemma. Let me leave you off with two product launching stories.

Windows Vista was an operating system launched by Microsoft in 2007. However, it faced many problems, such as compatibility issues, bugs, slow speed, and high system requirements, and like the MIF, drew negative reviews. Microsoft had to delay the launch several times and fix many errors after such a launch. In the end, the product fell flat on its face -- a market failure.

Netflix was a streaming service launched in 2007. However, like the MIF, it grappled with bags of problems, such as licensing issues, content limitations, bandwidth costs, and competition. Today, Netflix is widely considered a success and has become one of the most dominant players in the streaming industry with over $32 billion in revenues and more than 247 million paid subscribers worldwide in 2023.

These two stories faced similar dilemmas as the MIF – one failed while the other succeeded. The difference depended on how well each addressed its challenges and issues.

The MIF is a bold and ambitious product that has the potential to create value for the Philippines and the Filipino people. However, it also faces a complex and uncertain environment that requires diligent risk management.

ME: Thank you, Mr. AI, for your time and expertise. And thank you, viewers, for watching Tech Talk. Stay tuned for more interesting and relevant topics in our next episodes. Have a great day!

Content put together in collaboration with Microsoft Bing AI-powered co-pilot

Head photo & video clips courtesy of YouTube

COFFEE SHOP CHAT: ICC - A BITTER PILL FOR PH TO HEAL

 

PETER: Good morning, my friends! How are you?

PAUL: I’m fine. You?

MARY: Me too, I’m fine. Thank God.

PETER: I’m still a bit indignant about what happened to our country under Duterte. As COA revealed lately, a whopping P19 billion in secret funds Duterte had gotten during his six-year term. Oddly enough, among the more than 115 million Filipinos who own such a massive cash through their taxes, nobody knows where it all ended up.

MARY: P19 billion is a colossal number, that is, 19 followed by 9 zeros.

PAUL: One netizen figured out P1 billion is equivalent to a 36-storey high skyscraper of 1,000-peso bills stacked in a single column. For P19 billion, that’s 19 skyscrapers of money.

PETER: Worse, Duterte admitted publicly that as mayor, he used them to hire assassins. 

MARY: But, Pet, don’t be upset anymore. His time is over. We have a new beginning now.

PAUL: Mary is right, Pet. Let’s not dwell on the past. Let’s move on and focus on the present and the future.

PETER: I can’t move on, guys. I can’t forget the thousands of people killed in his war on drugs. I can’t shrug off his corruption and abuse of power. I can’t brush aside his attack on democracy and human rights in our country.

MARY: I understand you, Pet. Me too, I was infuriated by what he did to our country. But we can’t change the past. What matters is what we can do right for today and tomorrow.

PAUL: Yes, Pet. Don’t lose hope. There is still a solution for our country. Do you know what it is?

PETER: What is it, Paul? Tell me.

PAUL: The solution is the International Criminal Court or ICC.

PETER: ICC? What is that?

PAUL: The ICC is a permanent international court that investigates and prosecutes individuals who are accused of committing grave crimes of concern to the international community, such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression. It aims to end impunity, promote accountability, and contribute to justice and peace. It respects the principle of complementarity, which means that it does not replace or interfere with the national courts, but rather supports or supplement them when they are unable to prosecute such crimes.

PETER: I see. And how can the ICC help heal our country from Duterte’s legacy?

PAUL: I will answer your question, Pet, by reading excerpts of an article on how the ICC can help heal our country by doing the following:

INVESTIGATING AND PROSECUTING THOSE WHO ARE MOST RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CRIMES COMMITTED UNDER DUTERTE’S REGIME

The ICC has authorized the opening of a formal investigation into Duterte’s war on drugs in September 2021, after finding reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity of murder, torture, enforced disappearance, and persecution were committed. It has also authorized an investigation into Duterte’s role in the Davao death squad killings when he was mayor of Davao City from 1988 to 2016. It can hold him and his accomplices accountable for their actions, and impose sanctions such as imprisonment or reparations.

PROVIDING REPARATIONS AND RECOGNITION TO THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES

The ICC has a mandate to ensure that the victims of the crimes within its jurisdiction have access to justice and redress. It has a Trust Fund for Victims that can provide material or symbolic assistance to the victims and their families, such as medical care, psychological support, education, or livelihood. It can also grant unprecedented rights to the victims to participate in its proceedings, such as presenting their views and concerns, submitting evidence or observations, or questioning witnesses or experts.

REVEALING THE TRUTH AND EXPOSING THE LIES ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED AND WHY IT HAPPENED

The ICC must establish the facts and circumstances of the crimes within its jurisdiction. It can collect and analyze various sources of information, such as documents, reports, testimonies, forensic evidence, or digital data. It can also conduct hearings or trials where witnesses or experts can testify under oath. It can also issue public reports or judgments where it can present its findings or conclusions. It can create a historical record and a collective memory of Duterte’s crimes that can prevent denial, distortion, or revisionism.

PUNISHING THE GUILTY AND PROTECTING THE INNOCENT FROM FURTHER HARM OR RETALIATION

The ICC has the power to issue arrest warrants or summonses for suspect or accused persons who are subject to its jurisdiction. It can also request cooperation from state parties or other entities to arrest or surrender such persons to its custody. It can also impose protective measures for witnesses or victims who may be at risk of harm or intimidation because of their involvement in its proceedings.

DETERRING OR PREVENTING FUTURE CRIMES OR ABUSES BY SENDING A CLEAR MESSAGE THAT NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW

The ICC has a role to play in preventing or discouraging the commission of crimes within its jurisdiction. It can do so by raising awareness and education about its mandate  and activities, enhancing the capacity and willingness of the Philippine authorities to prosecute such crimes, mobilizing the support and cooperation of the international community and civil society, applying the principle of positive complementarity, which means that it can encourage or assist states to fulfill their obligations to investigate or prosecute such crimes. It can also influence the behavior and attitudes of potential perpetrators or victims by creating a sense of deterrence or retribution, or by fostering a culture of human rights and peace.

PETER: Wow, Paul, you are amazing. Thank you for explaining this to me about the ICC.

PAUL: The ICC is the key to the healing of our country and the Filipino people from Duterte’s legacy because it can restore trust and confidence in the rule of law and human rights in our country.

PETER: Now, I understand better why ICC is important for our country.

PAUL: I’m not the smartest among us, guys. I just read some news and articles about the ICC. I just want to know the truth and the solution to our problem.

PETER: It’s good that you read some news and articles about the ICC, Paul. You’ve opened my mind about it. Now, I believe that the ICC is the key to the healing of our country from Duterte’s legacy.

MARY: My feeling and perspective, Paul, have changed about the ICC. I hope it will indeed be the key to ending impunity, promoting accountability, and contributing to justice and peace for our country.

PAUL: Thank you very much. I hope that we are not the only ones who have been enlightened. I wish we can be a part of the movement and change for our country. This is our duty and responsibility as Filipinos. This is our way to help heal our country. This is our expression of our hope, chance, and change.

PETER: Thank you, Paul. You’ve given me new light and courage about our situation. You’ve given me a new purpose and direction about our future.

MARY: Me too, Paul, thank you. I’ve learned a lot in our chat today. You’ve inspired me to become a part of the solution to our country’s problem. I hope there will be a brighter tomorrow for all of us, Filipinos.

PAUL: You’re welcome, my friends. God bless us and our country, the Philippines.

Content put together in collaboration with Microsoft Bing AI-powered co-pilot

Head photo courtesy of istockphotodotcom

Video clips courtesy of YouTube

A FATHER'S WISDOM: HOW TO RECOVER FROM OUR DARK RECENT PAST

FATHER (F): Hello, son. How are you doing today?

SON (S): Hi, Dad. I'm doing fine. But I'm a bit worried.

F: Is there something bothering you?

S: Well, Dad, I was reading this shocking headline about former President Duterte who had threatened to kill a lawmaker who stripped his daughter VP Sara’s secret funds. Did you see that, Dad?

F: Yes, son. I did. And frankly, I was horrified. How could a former president say such a thing?

S: It’s so violent and irresponsible, Dad. And it’s also so personal and political. He’s defending his daughter for secret funds which could be used for corruption or personal gain.

F: That’s true, son. And he’s also attacking and undermining the independence and integrity of the House of Representatives.

S: Exactly, Dad. It’s so dangerous and harmful for our country and our people.

F: I agree, son. And that’s why I’m glad you called me today. Because I want to talk to you about something important.

S: What is it, Dad?

F: Well, son, you’ve just graduated from college. And I’m so proud of you. You’ve worked hard and achieved a lot. But I also know that you’re facing a lot of choices and challenges in your life right now.

S: That’s true, Dad. I’m happy about my graduation, but I’m also confused about what to do next.

F: I understand, son. And I want to help you find your path and purpose in life. But before I do that, I want to ask you three questions that will make you think critically and independently about the issues that affect you, your future, and our country.

S: What are they, Dad?

F: Where did we come from? Where are we now? Where are we going?

S: Hmm, that sounds interesting. Can you explain more?

F: Sure, son. Let me tell you what I think. But remember, these are just my opinions. You have to form your views and values. The first question is: Where did we come from? Well, son, we came from the Duterte presidency. I’m sure you know who Duterte is.

S: Of course, Dad. He was our former president – very popular and controversial.

F: That’s right, son. He was popular because he promised to change the country for the better. He said he would end the drug problem, fight corruption, and improve the economy. He was controversial because he used violence and intimidation to achieve his goals. He attacked and undermined the institutions of democracy and human rights. He insulted and threatened anyone who opposed or criticized him.

S: That sounds terrible, Dad.

F: Well, son, at the start, many believed in him. They thought he was a great and decisive leader who could solve all the problems of the country.

S: So, Dad, you’re saying that we came from the Duterte dark period in the past.

F: Yes, son. That’s what I’m saying. The second question is: Where are we now? We are now living in the Duterte legacy. Do you know what legacy means?

S: I think so, Dad. It means the impact or influence that someone has on the present or future.

F: That’s correct, son. And Duterte’s legacy is mostly harmful to our country. His war on drugs failed to solve the drug problems but instead created violence, fear, and impunity. His authoritarianism eroded our democracy and rule of law. His economic policies failed to deliver growth and development but instead worsened poverty and inequality.

S: That’s awful, Dad? How did that happen?

F: Well, son, it would always happen, if a leader doesn’t care about the consequences of his actions or the needs of the people, and only cares about his power and ego.

S: So, Dad, you’re saying that we are now in our dire state because of the mistakes and failures of Duterte?

F: Sad to say, son, that’s what I’m saying. The third question is: Where are we going? Well, son, we are going toward our country’s recovery from Duterte’s legacy. Do you know what recovery means?

S: I guess so, Dad. It means the process of getting better or restoring something that was lost or damaged.

F: That’s right, son. And we need to recover from Duterte’s legacy as soon as possible. We need to heal the wounds and scars that he inflicted on our country and our people. We need to rebuild the institutions and values that he weakened in our society and culture.

S: How do we do that, Dad? How do we recover from Duterte’s legacy?

F: Well, son, it won’t be easy or quick. It will take a lot of time and effort from all of us. But there are some things that we can do to start the recovery process. First, we need to acknowledge and accept the truth about what happened during Duterte’s presidency. We need to face the facts and learn our lessons from such a dark past.

S: But Dad, some people still support him and deny his wrongdoings.

F: I know, son. And that’s why we need to educate and persuade them with facts and logic, not with insults. We need to respect their opinions but also appeal to their emotions.

S: I see, Dad. So, do we need to have a dialogue with them?

F: Yes, son. That’s what we need. Second, we need to demand and support accountability and justice for the victims and perpetrators of the Duterte administration’s crimes. We need to seek the truth and expose the lies. We need to file cases and pursue investigations. We need to punish the guilty and protect the innocent.

S: But Dad, some people are still powerful and influential in the government.

F: I know, son. And that’s why we need to mobilize and organize ourselves. We need to use our rights and freedoms, such as freedom of speech and assembly. We need to join forces and work together with other groups and movements that share our vision and values.

S: I understand, Dad.

F: Third, we need to put up and carry out reforms and innovations for the improvement and development of our country and our people. We need to focus on the root causes of the structural problems of our society and economy, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of health services. We need to create opportunities and solutions for our present and future needs and challenges.

S: But Dad, some people are still resistant or indifferent to change or progress.

F: I know, son. And that’s why we need to inspire and motivate them with our vision and actions. We need to show them the benefits and possibilities of change and progress. We need to lead by example and display our competence and integrity.

S: Wow, Dad. That’s a lot of heavy stuff. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me.

F: You’re welcome, son. I hope it will help you find your path and purpose in life. And remember, no matter what you do or where you go, I will always love you and support you. Good luck, son. God bless you.

S: I love you too, Dad. God bless you.

Content put together in collaboration with Microsoft Bing AI-powered co-pilot

Head collage photos courtesy of The New York Times & iStock

Video clips courtesy of YouTube

SELFIES: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY. CANDID TALK WITH AI PSYCHOLOGIST

 

Hello everyone and welcome to Tech Talk!

Have you ever taken a selfie? If you are like most people, the answer is probably yes. Selfies are everywhere these days, from social media platforms to personal albums. I’m glad to have with us, Mr. AI Psychologist, who will share with us his thoughts to untangle some knotty issues about selfies. Welcome to our show, Sir.

AI PSYCHOLOGIST (AIP)

Thank you for having me. I am happy to be here and share my insights on this fascinating topic. Selfie is a phenomenon that has taken the world by storm and has many implications for our psychological health and well-being. As an AI Psychologist, I have studied the effects of selfies on human behavior, emotions, and cognition, and I am eager to discuss them with you and your audience.

ME

Thank you. Let’s start with the basics. What is a selfie and how did it become so popular?

AIP

A selfie is a self-portrait photograph, usually taken with a digital camera or smartphone, that is often shared on social media platforms. The word selfie is derived from the word self, with the suffix -ie added to make it sound informal and cute. The first known use of the word selfie was in 2002, on an Australian internet forum, where a user posted a picture of his injured lip and apologized for the poor focus, saying “It was a selfie.” The word did not gain much popularity until 2012 when it started to appear more frequently in online and print media. In 2013, the Oxford Dictionary declared selfie as the word of the year.

ME

That’s very interesting. So, what are some of the benefits of taking and sharing selfies?

AIP

Well, it depends on how they are used and perceived. On the good side, selfies can:

Make you happier. According to one study, taking and sharing selfies can improve your well-being and reduce stress. The study found that participants who took and shared selfies daily reported feeling more confident, comfortable, and cheerful than those who did not. This is because selfies can help you express your emotions, capture your memories, and celebrate your achievements.

Boost your self-esteem. Selfies can help you appreciate your beauty and uniqueness, and show the world who you are. You can also receive positive feedback and support from others which can make you feel more valued and accepted.

Enhance your creativity. Selfies can be a form of art where you can experiment with different angles, filters, backgrounds, and poses. They can tell a story, convey a message, or make a joke.

They can challenge you to think outside the box and showcase your personality and interests.

ME

Wow, those are impressive benefits. But what about the drawbacks? What are some of the negative effects of selfie obsession?

AIP

Unfortunately, there are also some negative effects of selfie obsession that you need to be aware of. On the bad side, selfies can be dangerous. Yes, you heard me right. Dangerous. According to a 2018 report in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 259 people died in 137 incidents between 2011 and 2017 while taking selfies. The most common causes of death were drowning, falling, and being hit by vehicles or trains. Some people have gone to extreme lengths to get the perfect shot, risking their lives and ignoring safety warnings. Is it worth it?

ME

That’s very alarming. I could still recall some of those reports of deaths caused by taking selfies. A man died after being electrocuted while taking a selfie on top of a train. A woman, sitting on a balcony’s railing while taking a selfie, lost her balance and fell to her death from the top floor of an apartment, and a couple, climbing over a safety barrier to take a selfie, lost their footing, slipped, and fell off a cliff.

Very distressing scenes.

AIP

May I present my next insight with questions to your audience?

ME

Sure, please do.

AIP

Do you ever feel like you are not good enough? Do you ever compare yourself to others and feel inferior? Do you ever wish you could look like someone else? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be coping with the ugly side of selfies.

Right now, selfies are not always what they seem. Most selfies are edited or filtered to enhance one’s appearance. They can also be staged or manipulated to create a false impression of reality. For example, some apps use beauty filters to smooth their skin, enlarge their eyes, or slim their face; apps that use backgrounds to make them look like they are somewhere they are not, apps that alter features or add effects.

They can create unrealistic expectations and standards of beauty that are hard to achieve.

ME

Why do people do that? Why do they feel the need to change their appearance or misrepresent their lives?

AIP

The answer is simple: the subtle distinction between self-love and self-esteem. Self-love is the acceptance and appreciation of oneself as one is, with all its warts and defects. Self-esteem is the evaluation of one’s worth based on appearance. Self-love is more important than self-esteem. Self-love is based on reality; self-esteem, on perception. Self-love is unconditional; self-esteem, conditional. Self-love is healthy, while self-esteem can be unhealthy.

People who lack self-love try to boost their self-esteem by posting selfies that make them look better than they are. But this only makes them more insecure and unhappy because they are not being true to themselves or others.

According to M. Scott Peck, there is a distinction between self-love and self-esteem, and the difference is often confused. He says:

“It’s critical for us to be realistic, to have a true knowledge of ourselves as we are, and to be able to recognize both the good parts and the bad parts of ourselves. Further, there is a distinction between self-love and self-esteem [which] is often confused.”

When one stares at his or her edited photo and is consumed with the desire to turn into such a stranger, what comes out on top is self-esteem with its deceiving perception, burying self-love alongside the reality of his or her actual appearance.

ME

This enigma reminds me of the lyrics of the Carpenters’ song “I’m Caught Between Goodbye and I Love You”: “You’re like a stranger, then you’re a lover, never the same, always hard to believe.”

How can we avoid the pitfalls of selfies?

AIP

The key is to use selfies in moderation and with a healthy attitude.

Be mindful of why you are taking and posting selfies. Is it to share something meaningful or fun with your friends and family? Or is it to seek approval or validation from others?

Be realistic about what you see online. Remember that most selfies are edited or filtered to enhance one’s appearance.  Don’t compare yourself to unrealistic images.

Be kind to yourself and others. Appreciate your beauty and uniqueness. Compliment yourself and others on more than looks alone.

ME

Those are great tips, Mr. AI Psychologist. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and expertise with us today. It was a pleasure having you on our show.

AIP

You are welcome. It was a pleasure being here and talking to you and your audience. I hope you learned something new and useful about selfies and their effects on your psychological health and well-being.

ME

I certainly did, and I’m sure our viewers did too. Thank you for watching Tech Talk, where we delve into current engaging topics in our rapidly evolving world today. Tune in next time for another exciting episode. Until then, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy.

Happy weekend!

Content put together in collaboration with Microsoft Bing AI-powered co-pilot

Head collage photos courtesy of Daily Sabah, Pinterest, iStock, Far & Wide & Google

Video clips courtesy of YouTube

MIDEAST CONFLICT: A LETTER TO THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL PERSON

 

“From ashes you have come, to ashes you shall return. Repent and follow Christ. With these traditional words from the Ash Wednesday liturgy, the sign on the cross was placed on the foreheads… these special ashes came from a burned-out house on the West Bank, recently shelled by the Israeli army.”

The above paragraph touches on the chapter “Against Impossible Odds – Peace in the Middle East” from the 2005 New York Times Bestseller book “God’s Politics” by Christian author Jim Wallis. He wrote, “At this writing… the death toll among both Palestinians and Israelis since the start of the second intifada in September 2000 is 3,168 Palestinians killed, including 596 children under eighteen, and 639 Israeli civilians, including 112 children under eighteen, as well as 291 members of the Israel security forces.”

“There is no ‘symmetry’, Wallis noted, “in the violence of the Middle East today. Israeli violence is enormously disproportionate to Palestinian violence.” Washington Post reported in its article The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: A chronology the following timeline:

December 2008: Israel attacks Gaza – “more than 1,110 Palestinians and at least 13 Israelis killed.”

November 2012: Israel kills Hamas military chief – “at least 150 Palestinians and six Israelis killed.”

Summer 2014: Hamas kills three Israeli teenagers – “more than 2,200 Palestinians dead in Gaza. In Israel, 67 soldiers and six civilians are killed.”

2018: Protests in Gaza – “Israeli troops kill more than 170 protesters… At least seven suspected Palestinian militants and a senior Israeli officer are killed.”

May 2021: Israeli police raid al-Aqsa Mosque – “more than 200 killed in Gaza and at least 10 killed in Israel.”

Spring 2022: String of terrorist attacks in Israel – “Israel forces killed 146 Palestinians… killed 29 Israelis that year.”

January 2023: Israeli raid on Jenin – “Israeli forces… killing nine people…Palestinian gunman killed seven people.”

May 2023: Airstrike attacks target top militants – “Israel… killed three top militants and 10 others… killed at least 33 people in Gaza and two people in Israel.”

June 2023: Retaliatory attacks flare – Israeli… killing at least five Palestinians… Hamas killing four Israelis.

July 2023: Israel storms Jenin with about 1,000 troops – “At least eight people were killed.”

Wallis in his book asserted, “Despite this lack of proportionality, there is no moral or strategic justification for the terrorist Palestinian violence targeted against civilians in response to Israel domination. No argument, even lack of symmetry, will suffice.”

The voices of peace and non-violence, though marginalized by both sides, continue to challenge their respective authorities:

“Why and when did we allow a few from our midst to interpret Israeli military attacks on innocent Palestinian lives as a license to do the same to their civilians? Where are those voices and forces that should have stood up for the sanctity of innocent lives (ours and theirs), instead of allowing the horror of our suffering to silence us?” (Hanan Ashwari, Palestinian Legislative Council)

“The Palestinian people have a genuine chance to achieve their national goals, in spite of the enormous gap between them and their foes, if they pursue a conscious, organized strategy of nonviolent resistance to the occupation on a massive scale.” (Jonathan Kuttab and Mubarak Awad, lawyer and human rights activists)

“Inside the pockmarked building surrounded by Israeli tanks and snipers, there is one question on everyone’s mind: how many international laws does Israel need to break before the U.N. demands a full and immediate withdrawal? The list of violations is reaching unprecedented levels.” (Neta Golan, from Israel’s Gush Shalom)

“These are the kinds of actions we must oppose, even when we are suffering from terror attacks which we condemn. The true test of our humanity and commitment to human rights is whether we can stand up at moments like this and say, ‘This crosses the line’.” (Rabbi Arik Ascherman, Rabbis for Human Rights)

Meantime, The U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) issued a press release that the United States has begun moving the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group closer to the Eastern Mediterranean. The carrier strike group includes roughly 5,000 troops and an array of military capabilities: the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy, Arleigh-Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt including U.S. Air Force F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons. USCENTCOM stated that it stands firmly with Israel and regional partners to address the risks of any party seeking to expand the conflict.

Amid such a conflict raging in the Middle East, let me wrap up this article with the following letter to the most powerful person in the world inspired by A Letter to President Bush from Over Forty Evangelical Christian Leaders which I adapted from Wallis’ book.

October 10, 2023

President Joe Biden

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President,

We write as peace-loving citizens of the world concerned for the well-being of all the children of Abraham in the Middle East – Christian, Jewish, and Muslim. We urge you to employ an even-handed policy toward Israel and Palestinian leadership so that this bloody conflict will come to a speedy close and both peoples can live without fear and in a spirit of shalom/salaam.

An even-handed U.S. policy toward Israelis and Palestinians does not give a blank check to either side nor does it bless violence by either side. An even-handed policy affirms the valid interests of Israelis and Palestinians: both states are free, economically viable, and secure, with normal relations between Israel and all its Arab neighbors.

We commend your commitment to the elusive “two-state solution” – the long-sought vision in which an independent Palestinian state and Israel coexist.

We abhor and condemn the violence on both sides. We grieve over the deaths, particularly among children, and the suffering of Israelis and Palestinians. The longer the bloodletting continues, the more difficult it will be for both sides to reconcile with each other.

We urge you to provide the leadership necessary for peacemaking in the Middle East. The great Hebrew prophets, Isaiah and Jeremiah, declared in the Old Testament that God calls all nations and all people to do justice to one another and to protect the oppressed, the alien, the fatherless, and the widow.

Finally, Mr. President, be assured of our prayer for you and your cabinet as you lead the United States of America in this troubled time. May the strength and peace of God be with you.

Sincerely,

Peace-loving Citizens of the World

Head collage photos courtesy of The Times of Israel, Defence Connect, NPR, Al Jazeera, Pixabay, & The Boston Globe

Video clips courtesy of YouTube