The Fifth Dimension

Dear Editor,

Politically Speaking: “When the Moon is in the Seventh House and Jupiter Aligns with Mars”—The Fifth Dimension

Times change, people change. That’s the old adage whose luster has not faded and will always remain so because it’s a constant factor in evolution.

As the world turns, everything under the sun has evolved and keeps evolving. Consequently, it has vastly resulted in a change in different group of people’s cultures, ways of life and on how they see things through a prism, individually and collectively.

We, Filipinos, as a people, have experienced those changes as dictated by the forces of evolution which are presented to us in good or evil form.

As a predominantly Catholic country, however, it behooves us to follow the good path because our religious beliefs and convictions mandate it as a dogma that we should accept and uphold.

Indeed, since the first time our forefathers came to its shores, people in our beloved town of Polillo had lived in peace and harmony. Politics had always been conducted in accordance with established edicts with adherence to fair play. Existing records of our past history don’t show any violent and illegal acts committed by past leaders and prime movers of rival parties regarding self-governance. But, I don’t think we can say that the same holds true to this very day.

I would say that the rule with regard to choosing a leader to lead our town had changed. The true meaning of the word “vote” that dawned “when the moon is in the Seventh House and Jupiter aligns with Mars” is no longer sacred as it used to be. The word “vote” no longer represents people’s will because it can now be bought and sold like a merchandise. I’m challenging anyone to stand up and repudiate me and tell me that I’m wrong and only “talking through my hat.”

In mostly third world countries, there are those political leaders who are hell-bent on perpetuating themselves in power and, in doing so, will do everything to make a mockery of an honest political system that has stood the test of time. Like I have said previously, we need a political reformer.

Anyone, among you, ready to answer this call?

Don Azarias

 

No Human is Illegal: Take These Precautions NOW!

Dear Editor:

How can LGBTQ people with immigrant status protect themselves in the current political Climate? At the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA) we pondered this question. We consulted with immigration lawyers, public policy experts, and other attorneys to identify issues of particular importance to LGBTQ Asian Americans, South Asians, Southeast Asians, and Pacific Islanders. There are a number of measures that LGBTQ APIs (and others with immigrant status) can and should do to protect themselves and their families under a Trump Administration.

Many of these eight suggested applications would not be granted until after Trump takes office. But, even if Trump tries to eliminate everything that we have won, it is virtually impossible for changes to be retroactive. Applications filed today will be decided and granted on the basis of the laws and rules while Obama is in office. So, take care of these as soon as possible.

 

Transgender LGBTQ APIs Apply or Update Passport

President Obama’s administration allowed for people to change and update their federally issued identity documents, including gender-marker on passport and names on social security cards. Trump has vowed to eliminate all of Obama’s executive directives on January 20. Apply and make and changes now. Adult passports last 10 years, so they will outlive a Trump presidency. Apply for Passport from the U.S. State Department

Glenn Magpantay Executive director, NQAPIA (National Queer Asian Pacific Alliance)