HERstory vs HIStory

Maybe they did get it wrong. The men who told the stories that went down as recorded historical fact. The conquering hordes that erased our true history. The prevalent thought of those times that perpetuated their brand of bullshit. 

". . . .focus on her-story as opposed to the traditional his-tory - the thousands of years of recopying and retelling the stories from the male viewpoint. And that these assumptions are based on no original sources, such as the ancient Roman Jewish female epitaphs inscribed in ancient Greek with symbols of authority - just opinion and self-preservation of a patriarchal dominated society." ~ Bernadette Brooten 

singing in the rain - bird on a wire & a restive Mt. Kanla-on

 
An age-old unoriginal propaganda for many a tyrant and demagogue - yet it never grows old and too many are still sipping their Kool-Aid. 

false proclamations

12 June 2022 the nation will commemorates the 124th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with the theme, “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning). 

This year it is a bitter celebration for many - for those of us who have survived the People Power Revolution of 1987 we now have to drudge through the next six years under a former dictator's son and daughter of a current leading human rights violator. 

"Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning" - big words we do not believe this government will even try to live up to - to our utter shame and deep regret. It is a sad sorry day for the Philippines - marked by distinctly low key public celebrations. 

Known as "Araw ng Kasarinlan" or "Day of Freedom". 

Pinas kong mahal — you demand too much and are utterly unlovable once again. What have you done to deserve our love and loyalty?

"Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!" rings hallow and false in Filipino communities and households around the world. We instead mourn the injustice of countless years of colonization and subjugation. 

Vowing to fight the good fight and keep up our collective rebel resistance and alliance. As we bear witness to these new batch of leaders of our homeland. 

island independence

November 5 marks the 123rd anniversary of the Negros Revolution - Al Cinco de Noviembre or Negros Day.

memorial marker in Silay City

This was the 1898 political movement which created an independent government in Negros Island in the Philippines.

Local sugar planters and traders along with their farm workers and grassroots groups led by political and religious heads like Dios Buhawi and Papa Isio instigated open rebellion.

Spanish-era depiction of the Cathedral and the Plaza Publica

Ending Spanish control of the island and resulting in a government run by the island natives on the western side [Negros Occidental].

The newly established Negros Republic would last a mere three months. American forces landed on the island unopposed on February 2, 1899 which brought the island's independence to an end.

pre-war photo of the Plaza Publica & historic bandstand, 1930s

Negros Island experienced three peace time years many old timers still refer to as their golden years, until the Japanese invasion of World War II.

Many islanders take pride in their revolt against the authorities and today there still is a dedicated core who promote secession and federalism.

1950's photo of plaza & bandstand with checkerboard tiles

That folks is the mixed bag of pride and prejudice for the sake of local independence.

current aerial view of plaza & bandstand

freedom & equality for all

This year marks the 245th Independence Day of the United States of America. The story of America’s independence has more historical twists and turns than most of us realize or believe to be true.

Independence Day USA - July 4th

In the 1700s, America wasn’t really a nation of ‘united states.’ Instead, there were 13 colonies with distinct personalities. To this day Americans are so invested in their independence, it's the one major obstacle that gets in the way of a united nation with "liberty and justice for all." 

Independence Day Timeline

The threat of COVID-19 may have done more to bring us together and drop our differences than any thing has been able to achieve is way too long. American glory of the Red, White and Blue has brought as much divisive dissent as it brings unifying pride. 

The holiday is quieter and more somber for most - there's been too much loss and change for way too many. In addition to the pall cast over the country by the pandemic and other catastrophes, the west coast faces a heightened risk of wildfires after a scorching heat wave and extremely dry conditions.

Enjoyable as barbecues, parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and fireworks are - surely we can spend Independence Day more meaningfully. Our nation of consumers must now seriously deal with turning into a country of restorers and nurturers if it hopes to survive and thrive.

4th of July 2020 | what to celebrate

This year in the USofA our nation lies scattered and fragmented. We lead the world in pandemic infections [2,860,152 confirmed] and deaths [131,797 dead]. We are protesting in the streets for black lives matter, LGBTQ equality, women's rights, defund police, armed brutality, Donald Trump.

Primary mail in ballot

This fool on The Hill who is on Mount Rushmore today to celebrate Independence Day festivities with a rally for 7,500 people. With a flyover and the first fireworks display at the monument since 2009, when they were banned for their risk of igniting wildfires and damage to public health.

Way to go Donald. America is no longer a world leader under Trump. It is a failed nation airing its soiled underwear. There will be no happy celebration this Fourth of July. 

Our only hope to turn things around is to vote! Vote! VOTE! for someone else. 

NYC : 40th Anniversary of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Display

If you live in New York this is a definite not to be missed highlight of summer celebrations.

2016 marks the 40th anniversary of Macy's fourth of July fireworks display.