In the Cross Hairs

 
In the Cross Hairs
By Erick San Juan
 
 
The presence of the so called smaller military base in the country may it be real or virtual, the bottom line here is – we are in the cross hairs of Uncle Sam’s frenemies (friends and/or enemies). Any eventualities will put us in grave danger if our leaders will not be wary.
 
I have written several articles before as a warning of a possible conflict in the region courtesy of a leadership that continues to kowtow to a perceived master. Here we go again, as Washington tries to make ends meet and at the same time wanted to remain a superpower in the Asia-Pacific region, saw the opportunity of increasing its military presence here via the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
 
Actually, the US doesn’t need a new base because they have been using the strategic parts of our country in our military camps as their portable bases with the blessing from our leaders. If before they had the Subic Bay and the Clark Airfield, now through the VFA, they are everywhere and thanks to 'Balikatan', they can have their exercises everywhere, anywhere too. That is why, we also have a virtual sovereignty because the whole country was turned into Uncle Sam’s military base.
 
“For the Philippine government to give more than what we have already acceded to the US within the Visiting Forces Agreement would be counter-productive and a step towards infringing the sovereignty of our country,” San Juan Cong. JV Ejercito said.
 
That is the sad part, when we have given everything as a loyal friend and ally and yet we are treated as beggars and not as such. We never learn.
 
FMF and PHL Military Modernization
 
Foreign Military Financing (FMF) is a critical foreign policy tool for promoting U.S. interests around the world by ensuring that coalition partners and friendly foreign governments are equipped and trained to work toward common security goals and share burdens in joint missions. (Source: US State Dept.)
 
Sounds good.
 
By increasing demand for U.S. systems, FMF also contributes to a strong U.S. defense industrial base, an important element of U.S. national defense strategy that reduces cost for Department of Defense acquisitions and secures more jobs for American workers. (Ibid)
 
Stating the facts here, do we have to be grateful to the American government? The rhetoric and doublespeak of Andrew Shapiro, the assistant secretary for political-military affairs, when he said.  “We continue to provide foreign military financing... it’s a challenging budget environment in Washington, however the Philippines is a priority.”  Correction, we are not in the priority list!  The mere fact that Shapiro said in Washington DC that the Philippine wish list to obtain a squadron of F-16 to improve it's defense capability was not discussed.(PhilStar Feb.11,2012)
 
FMF provides grants for the acquisition of U.S. defense equipment, services and training, which promotes U.S. national security by contributing to regional and global stability, etc….. (Ibid) So it’s a big 'BS' to say that we are buying these so called military (junk) hardwares to modernize and secure our territory. It is very clear it’s for Washington’s benefits more than our country’s. Translation – we are fueling the American economy and giving them jobs while our country is suffering from hunger and depriving the poor from the much needed social services.
 
Imagine, we bought the “junk” stripped of its important features: sensors, communications and electronics equipment, and close-in weapons system for P450 million pesos. And now as if begging them to return the features, they have to think about it for reconsideration? Bull----!
 
If PNoy will not use his 'coconut' and continue to impress his master and be a slave forever,  please do it alone and don't drag the whole nation. For eventually we will not be in the cross hairs anymore, we will be in the middle of the crossfire!
 
Please wake up!