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Tuesday, July 20, 2004

A simple equation 

POSTSCRIPT by Federico Pascual:: "SIMPLE EQUATION: Foreign policy is just an extension of domestic policy. Local concerns take precedence over foreign relations and in fact dictate foreign policy.

We take our place in the community of nations and seek to cultivate positive relations with other countries having in mind reaping benefits for our people from such extension work.

Stripped of its diplomatic mumbo-jumbo, the linear equation is that simple.

So that when foreign policy conflicts with, or proves detrimental to, the interest of our own people, the government has the duty to review, revise or revoke such foreign policy."

* * *

Maybe it's just me, but I hardly think the equation is as one sided as that. Surely even Gloria can't be so dumb as to discount the billions of $$$ being poured into the war effort for the sake of one truck driver. Foreign policy is an especially delicate question in our case since we are the only ASEAN country (Japan doesn't count) who has unequivocally supported GI Joe in matters which we (or they) should never meddle in. Our place in the "community of nations" up until now has been at the US' heels, their alalays.

Perhaps our good President is simply trying to shore up support in the wake of her controversial victory in the polls. Maybe she and her cabal were caught unawares by the emotion for the plight of de la Cruz, and for OFWs in general, a group she has never once shown any true support or sympathy for.

Whatever her motives, she's certainly capitalized on this decision. De la Cruz has just been released to the UAE embassy. I'm sure her speechwriters and PR machine are giddy with anticipation.

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