News That Coach | Sonnie's Porch

What’s Wrong With The News?

February 28th, 2009

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Every time I listen or read the news form the mainstream media, specially on the aspect of the economy, it’s as if doomsday is at hand. I’m certain the folks behind mainstream media exert considerable effort to balance their story, but the impression it creates, at least on me, is still negative.

Last Wednesday, a colleague and myself attended a gathering of entrepreneurs and top executives to learn the best business practices during hard times. Part of the discussion is the Philippine economic outlook for 09. While it is true that we are affected, and corruption is rampant, it is not that bad after all. We are better off than our neighbors and the Philippine economy is still expected to grow together with China and India. If my understanding is correct, our economy is not dependent on exports, like Hong Kong and Singapore, and we consume 60-70% of our produce. Add to these, are the remittances from OFW’s.

When Brother’s Fight

January 9th, 2009

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I’m pre-occupied with current events lately following both international and local news. The international news of interest has something to do with my faith. While the local news have an immediate effect in our part of the world. Both, however, have similarity– that is sibling rivalry.

The War On Gaza

What the world is witnessing right now is fight among brothers. Both Jews and Arabs have one father, Abraham. Both believe in one God, both received the fulfillment of the blessings of Abraham and became a great nation. But the rivalry between the Arabs (sons of Ishmael) and the Jews (sons of Jacob) dates back from the ancient times.

Eventually, peace will be achieved temporarily during, what Christians call “tribulation”, courtesy of the false redeemer. Because Israel is tired of war and desperate for peace and security, they will be lured into entering an agreement with it’s neighbors. The Jews will enjoy 3 1/2 years of tranquility, but after this reprieve, anti-antisemitism will increase hundredfold and this false peacemaker will lead in the persecution and destruction of Israel. Before this will ever happen, somehow, I don’t know how this is possible, the old temple of Solomon will be built in its original location. Incidentally, this is the same site revered by the Muslims.

Should The World Condemn Israel?

January 4th, 2009

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Less than 24 hours, Israeli ground troops launched it’s offensive into Gaza, where Hamas, a Palestinian faction is firing rockets into the Jewish territory.

Across the globe, rallies are held condemning Israel for the bloodshed, but is it proper to condemn the Jews for her actions?

I’ve been following the event with interest and here are the arguments and counter-arguments that I have find noteworthy:

Those against Hamas

Hamas should be blamed for the latest violence because it consistently fired rockets to Israel, targeting civilians
Hamas is a terror group, supported and trained by Syria and Iran and are committed to the destruction of Israel.
During the ceasefire, Hamas built a tunnel thru Egypt where they consistently smuggle arms.
Hamas is not interested in peace as they continuously reject international monitors to observe compliance to the brokered ceasefire.
Hamas is even at odds with fellow Palestinian, Fatah, and rejected PLO’s ceasefire with Israel.
Hamas is using the civilian as human shields

Those against Israel

Israel is not interested in granting Palestinian self rule, base on it’s historical record as the occupying force of Gaza.
Israel continued control on Palestinian air and water space.
Israel’s continued blockade paralyzing economic activity.
Disproportionate use of force in response to the rockets fired, and as an act of self defense.

Make 2009 A Better Year

January 1st, 2009

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As we celebrate the new year with festivities, in another part of the world, they are observing it with air raids, bombs, fear, and uncertainty.

Blame it not on Israel for it’s continued air raid and ground assault, neither the Hamas for the rockets fired. This conflict had it’s root from the decisions made by one man.

A look at history will help us make better and conscious decision for 2009.

Both the Arabs and Jews look at Abraham as their father, and both are monotheist. But why are they at war with each other?

The problem goes beyond the establishment of the nation Israel on what the Palestinians claim as their land.

It goes back to the ancient times when God promised Abraham that through his seed, God will establish a great nation (Gen 15). The promise, from the Jewish perspective, becomes a reality through Isaac and Jacob. On the Arabs perspective, the promised became a reality thru Ishmael .