JOJIE

The US flag burning case says you cannot criminalize expression. I agree with the philosophy of that decision.

The right-wing fascists were also making a big issue about candidate Obama’s not wearing a US flag lapel, and not putting his hand over his heart like Dick Cheney. Right. Draft-evading Dick Cheney loves the US more than the flag-burner.

I still see no point in this control-freak’s law. I have no intention of convincing you to my point of view; I am merely expressing it. We will just have to agree to disagree.

The US flag burner is as much a patriot as the police who arrested him. Jimi Hendrix and his flaming guitar loved the US as much as Mike Pidal loves the Philippines (ha ha ha ha).

Next, they will legislate how you and wife will prevent childbirth – rhythm and blues (abstinence) lang.

Finally, they will legislate what you will read, and what you will think. Whether Wahhabi Islam or US Bible-belt Christian fundamentalism, any control freak is more dangerous than the “disrespecting” flag burner or out-of-tune singer of the anthem.

There may be different ways to express love for the country, but you cannot force people to agree with your way by legislating it.

Sieg Heil.

I sure hope the 50 or so congressmen joined Martin in the singing of the National Anthem (just like the Britons participated while Sir Tom Jones is leading them). Nationalists, “as they are,” those lawmakers should have stood at attention displaying the corresponding salute while singing “Lupang Hinirang” with fervor. Singing the anthem as a group and in unison is better than just one person singing.

Again, stipulated in R.A. 8491…

“Section 36. The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national language within or WITHOUT the country…

Section 38. When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by singing or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public SHALL sing the anthem. The singing MUST be done with fervor.

…At the first note, all persons SHALL execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chests.”
(Emphasis mine.)

However, come to think of it, how will the public (Filipinos, of course) join in the singing when the one who leads them is singing a different tune???

(Is that why there was promotion prior to the fight? So the public may know beforehand?)

i look forward to an amended r.a. 8491 that will allow artists to play around with the beat and the phrasing and the end notes for albums and concerts, why not. one of these could turn out to be a version that would catch fire, win in a plebiscite, and inspire us in new ways.

as for martin’s boastful ways, talaga naman, ano. he should just shut up. he is so wrong about this.

For what purpose was the ‘preview’ at Robinson’s Place Manila (may be viewed at youtube) done last week of April 2009? It took place here and I believe it’s not a special occasion for singing the anthem as it was an album launch…

R.A. 8491 states…

“SEC. 38.
The anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation,
amusement or entertainment purposes except on the following
occasions:
(a) International competitions where the Philippines is the
host or has a representative;
(b) Local competitions;
(c) During the ‘signing off’ and ‘signing on’ of radio
broadcasting and television stations;
(d) Before the initial and last screening of films and before
the opening of theater performances; and
(e) Other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.”
(Emphasis mine.)

Martin’s pre-fight boastful promotion of his performance was even on print media (written by Joaquin Henson) last Saturday.