Wednesday, July 6, 2011

MY OPINION IS MINE

Let me start by thanking all of those who follow my blog and find it interesting. I appreciate it very much. I decided to start “blogging” not to self-promote or anything like that. I decided to blog just to post what I find promising or relevant and share it with a few people who may share similar interests. With that said, I do not blog to persuade anyone into believing in my advocacies. We are in a democratic country, are we not?

I respect your comments, and positions. I am fully aware that we all cannot agree on the same things. That rarely happens. I’m sure you agree with me on that one.

On the Duterte video, I stated, “the end does not justify the means.” I stand by my statement. It was probably insensitive for me to not expound on that statement and assuming that everyone understood it. I am in front of my laptop now for two reasons the first being I found the time to do so and second is give you my two cents on the matter.

Let me put a disclaimer here: no, I do not feel the need to explain myself, or my thoughts to other people as long as I am not hurting anyone by doing so. No pun intended. I am also not convincing my readers to drop their own set of values and embrace mine. I love that you fight (not physically) for what you believe in.

So, here goes…

I did not say Duterte is a bad person.
I did not say that she does not love her people.
I did not say she has not accomplished anything for her city.

I simply stated that the end does not justify the means.

The “end” is the “goal” or objective. The “means” is the method or strategy one uses to reach their end.  As Aristotle puts it, happiness is the end of man. We all try to be truly “happy”. I am pretty sure that Duterte meant well. But this not give her the right to physically hurt someone be it in ethics or the laws of man. Never is it ok for one to physically hurt another human being.  We are not savages even if we are the only species in the world that kill our own kind. Sad, but lets make it a better place, shall we?

Why is this specific incident controversial when people physically hurt  other people everyday? Because she is a government official who should lead by example. Once a government official is sworn in he/she should know that her responsibilities go beyond outputs. Why do we give our president a tough time when he goes out for a drink or two in a bar, or when he shows interest in new women, or when he decides to buy a sports car? Because we are of a sensitive culture and these things matter to us. Did we not love it when President Noy Noy decided to lead by example when it came to the “wang-wang” escorts? I think this really is a no brainer.

But we commit mistakes, correct? We are not perfect. Duterte herself apologized for what she did. That is good that she recognizes it now that she has thought about it. I am pretty sure at that time she punched the officer her adrenaline rushed thru her veins and was not able to control her temper. It happens to the best of us.

Again, thank you for visiting my blog and respecting my opinion!

40 comments:

  1. Nicely putted.. But it is really scary seeing that video..

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  2. Well said. Maybe if you wrote this on the previous post then none of those mean things would have been said about you. But anyway, it's great that you wrote this. :)

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  3. I think it is sweet irony that fate made it so that you mentioned Noynoy before "we commit mistakes"... >:D Intentional or the opposite, it is sweet sweet irony.

    Also, what the mayor did is a bad precedent. (Again, sweet irony. Actually, pun)

    Bite me Noy3rds

    ~F

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  4. if we allow our elected officials to behave like mayor duterte, no matter how justified, then we only have ourselves to blame once a few of them start acting like the ampatuans.

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  5. very well said chopper! i for once agreed on your statement before and i would still be on the side to this statement you've made.

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  6. i think nag papaka totoo lng c duterte, kesa naman sa ibang mga politician na pag nagalit sayo ipa papatay ka,mas ok na yun.............. thats my opinion.....

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  7. I dont think Angelicopter should get away with the position of "My opinion is mine". Cop-out lame-excuse!!!
    Let me quote her...
    "Because she is a government official who should lead by example. Once a government official is sworn in he/she should know that her responsibilities go beyond outputs."
    So are you...you are a public person that people listen to you and some does not even have the critical mind to think whether what you are saying is true or not. you should accept the fact that your voice may it be on radio or this blog, is heard/read by people. there are people who believe your thought without even thinking about it. If you had nothing good to say, DON'T TALK! when you started your BLOG, I am quite sure you wanted people to read it. you may have or may have not thought about it but on your mind, you know that people will read it. so you had that responsibility to be accurate or not to give out an opinion that may shape people's minds without further explanation! C'Mon girl, you may be one of the prettiest face there is but cant make me believe that you are one of the smartest ones!
    My OPINION is MINE!

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  8. Very well said, Gel.

    Now, I usually sit back and read what's happening in your blogs and on your twitter account, so this is the first time I've really spoken out. I only really have 2 things to say:

    1. I am torn regarding this Duterte issue. In MY opinion, I strongly disagree with what Mayor Duterte did. I agree that what she did was wrong, and as a public servant, she should have dealt with the situation in a more rational manner. Her actions cannot go about unpunished, and that is what's currently happening at the moment.

    With that being said, I do also understand why she did it. She was caught up in the moment, and she let her anger get the best of her. At that moment, because of her anger and her adrenaline rush, she didn't care about what others thought of her, because she was doing what she did FOR her people. People make mistakes - its human nature to do so.

    2. I know that along with your new celebrity status, Gel, it means that you're public property now - everyone values what your opinions are, everyone waits and hangs on your every move and whatnot.

    With that being said, people (AKA fans) need to realize that EVERYONE will have a different opinion regarding certain issues. Not everyone will share the same beliefs as you do. Issues like these need to be dealt with, with an open mind. No one has the right to "stone" ANYONE because of their beliefs. The name calling were such low-blows, that I found it rude and quite disrespectful.

    If Chopper lost you as fans, then you really weren't her fans to begin with. TRUE fans are supposed to stick by their idols no matter what.

    and that concludes my 2 cents on the matter ;)

    x

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  9. Nice one choppy !lahat ng Pinoy ay may karapatan para ipahayag ang kanilang sarili ! i stand by your side ! Minsan tama lang mag karoon ng kamay na bakal bakit hindi po natin tignan ang kanilang nasasakupan at tanawin natin ang kanilang kultura diba ang disiplina sa kanila ay kakaiba? what i mean is strictly followed, sana ganito din sa maynila sana ganito din sa ibang bayan. Tao lang tayo official ka man or isang ordinaryong mamayan meron tayo emosyon at hindi po tayo perpekto. sa tatay ni mayor, my opinion is kahit sinong tatay or kapatid pag nakita mong napagkakaisahan ang kanilang anak or kapatid tutulungan at dadamayan nila ito, bakit ? kasi Pinoy tayo! family comes first. More power choppy and godspeed !

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  10. "Let me put a disclaimer here: no, I do not feel the need to explain myself, or my thoughts to other people as long as I am not hurting anyone by doing so."

    my dear, you actually hurt a lot of people by publicly lambasting a public official who some people think that punching a sheriff in the face is justifiable. Taking a page out of your hypocritical post...it's their opinion. I think people often categorized that only physical abused should be condemn and not verbal abused. Both are works of savages and should not be tolerated in any form..so again, you're being hypocritical in your blog. I think some people who feels that what Duterte did was purely and utterly wrong and not justiafiable are living in a dream world. You really think that we live in a world where there's only good or bad? I find it hard to believe that ANYONE in this planet have never done anything wrong to protect someone they love. I think there are so many preachers and hypocritical people in this world. Seriously, you are screaming "Shame on you Duterte" for putting her name on the line for the squatters. How about the Human Rights of these people which the sheriff is VERY willing to step aside?




    But anyway, I am just pointing out the enormous contradictions of your opinions about this issue..I disagree in so many levels...but I supposed, we all have different views.

    And I commend you in some way for FINALLY answering the comments on your blog. Yes, its your blog and you can do what you want with it but the moment you starts advertising your blog on-air, be sure you are also ready to take all comments..BOTH good and bad. Taking a page out of your hypocritical post...it's their opinion and they're entitle to it.

    It was nice reading 2 or 3 of your posts, now I think I had enough of your opinions.

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  11. chopper, we all know you're not that famous to begin with but yes unfortunately there are people who listen to you on the radio and reads your blogs and all that. so you should be responsible with your words. problema sayo salita ka ng salita, nangaapak ka naman ng ibang tao.

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  12. maganda ka sana angelica, tanga ka lang e. masyado ka mayabang kung makahusga ka ng tao. sige na perpekto ka na. :))

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  13. Now it's the son's turn..he too flashed the dirty finger. I mean, what the eff is that?

    Politicians like the Dutertes, if they act like that here in Cebu, they will be thrown with tomatoes and picked on by ALL MEDIA JOURNALISTS.

    Sick family!

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  14. while im ready all the comments here, its seem that every one has his/her own opinion and i guessed that everyone is trying to win who has the smartest opinon.....come on this is not a smartest opinion contest and everyone should be responsible in every words...i dont care who's side are you in?..cooper or duterte it doesn't make any sense ,cooper has her own opinion let's all respect her...and duterte has her own principle, But let me ask anyone here...IN THE EYES OF A CHILD WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY'LL THINK while watching this video?

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  15. No Need to Explain...

    It seems that the Duterte video not only turned-out to be just a controversial news item and discussion piece but also (maybe more importantly to some?) an indicator of change that is happening i.e people (including you and your "commenters") on both sides of the issue have equal opportunity to voice or more accurately post their opinions. Thanks to social media and the internet! In the past, many (those who chose to call themselves less-privileged) complained about not being heard as much as the "privileged". An then not so long ago, some (those who are perceived to be privileged complained about unjustly being judged by a masa-oriented media and a somewhat underdog society. But today, it might be argued that everyone is on equal footing (FREEDOM in Social Media) as far as voicing opinions are concerned. It's just that the term OPINION may not be fully grasped by everyone immediately for the simple reason that an opposing opinion usually stirs up emotions and some experts believe that People are EMOTIONAL first, RATIONAL second. (Come to think of it, this may also explain the mayor's unfortunate behavior. It's just that people in power losing control of their emotions may generate a different than that of an "ordinary" person.)

    So while, your opinions may cause certain people to respond negatively, you need not explain/ justify to them.

    Isn't it fantastic that with social media channels such as this blog, you are able to contribute to this kind of a FREEDOM ...and also prove (not that you have to) that pretty faces like you can also be equally smart. Personally, i prefer these (pretty face-smart) types. But that's my opinion. I respect those who may prefer that opposite.

    RQ

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  16. No Need to Explain...
    (repost)

    It seems that the Duterte video not only turned-out to be just a controversial news item and discussion piece but also (maybe more importantly to some?) an indicator of change that is happening i.e people (including you and your "commenters") on both sides of the issue have equal opportunity to voice or more accurately post their opinions. Thanks to social media and the internet! In the past, many (those who chose to call themselves less-privileged) complained about not being heard as much as the "privileged". An then not so long ago, some (those who are perceived to be privileged) complained about unjustly being judged by a masa-oriented media and a somewhat underdog society. But today, it might be argued that everyone is on equal footing (FREEDOM in Social Media) as far as voicing opinions are concerned. It's just that the term OPINION may not be fully grasped by everyone immediately for the simple reason that an opposing opinion usually stirs up emotions and some experts believe that People are EMOTIONAL first, RATIONAL second. (Come to think of it, this may also explain the mayor's unfortunate behavior. It's just that people in power losing control of their emotions may generate a different than that of an "ordinary" person.)

    So while, your opinions may cause certain people to respond negatively, you need not explain/ justify to them.

    Isn't it fantastic that with social media channels such as this blog, you are able to contribute to this kind of a FREEDOM ...and also prove (not that you have to) that pretty faces like you can also be equally smart. Personally, i prefer these (pretty face-smart) types. But that's my opinion. I respect those who may prefer the opposite.

    RQ

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  17. sorry for the grammar error... i meant "they will be thrown at with... lol

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  18. "IN THE EYES OF A CHILD WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY'LL THINK while watching this video? "

    Um, why the eff would you let a child watch this? Do not bring the children angle here because first and foremost, the parents should be responsible enough to choose what a child watches. And secondly, as a parent you would ALWAYS teach them the good and correct ways. As the child grows, he/she will learn for himself that sometimes good is not always good, and bad is always bad.

    Sorry, but you're argument is sort of invalid..IMHO.

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  19. "Um, why the eff would you let a child watch this?"

    It's all over the news, stupid...

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  20. One thing for sure, Mayor Sara Duterte will have the votes of the illegal settlers next election... .

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  21. "It's all over the news, stupid..."

    And you let a child watch news? Where violence of all forms are shown? Nice parenting there buddy . Goodluck how your child will perceived this world.

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  22. are you born yesterday IMHO this is not only on a VIDEO but all over the news not unless there is no televison in ur house....or your a hands on parents who watched your kids 24/7 ......stupid

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  23. wow, that is the lamest excuse I've ever heard in my entire life. Just because its all over the news and you happen to have a TV in your house, you'll let your kid have ACCESS to it? Idk how you do your parenting...but in our house, TV is being monitored strictly. There are TV's which already have Parental Control (meaning you can filter which channel they can watch), even more so, you can disable some channels if you are technologically challenged...either way, its not an excuse to expose your kids to these shows without proper guidance. The power of media is being taken for granted by majority of Filipinos. I'm surprised they havent realized that 80% of a child's learning are picked up from TV programs. I have observed this behavior from just watching my 6 year old nephew who picks up most of his vocabulary from Spongebob Squarepants *sigh*. So unless you're so stupid to just accept the fact that this type of shows can be viewed by children...then I weep for the kind of parenting you are doing.

    ANd I'm rather sad, that you feel strongly about this issue, when you dont even know the repercussions of having this children watch this shows. Clean your own house first before you go and preach the world about morality. Your lack of logic is making me want to puke my guts out.

    And also, calling me stupid repeatedly wont hide the fact of your lack of comprehension of the power of media. Name-calling, geez..that is so childish...oh wait, why did I even expect more from you.

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  24. Well said, dear. Agree with every point.

    Anyway, are you and your husband okay??? :( You haven't been mentioning him lately either on Twitter or on radio, and you have all these "patama" retweets! Hope everything's fine dear.

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  25. Wow, lots of hate messages here.

    Okay, Angelica, I have nothing against you. In fact, we were even schoomates in UA&P back in the day (only you were from a higher batch). Explains why there's a lot of familiar quotations on this post..Descartes, Aristotle..I know where they came from: Pol thought and other Philo classes in 3rd year. Hehe. In short, we were schoolmates and as such, I understand why justified yourself that way.

    Having said that, wish you luck, especially in this stage in this "hate" phase of your career. Siguro minsan okay nalang din na you be careful with what you say. Not everyone's gonna agree with you, so better be extra mindful.

    That's all, regards!

    J

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  26. Wow, lots of hate messages here.

    Okay, Angelica, I have nothing against you. In fact, we were even schoomates in UA&P back in the day (only you were from a higher batch). Explains why there's a lot of familiar quotations on this post..Descartes, Aristotle..I know where they came from: Pol thought and other Philo classes in 3rd year. Hehe. In short, we were schoolmates and as such, I kind of understand the way you justified yourself.


    Having said that, I wish you luck, especially in this "hate" phase of your career. Siguro minsan okay nalang din na you be careful with what you say. Not everyone's gonna agree with you, so better be extra mindful.

    That's all, regards!

    J

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  27. "Anyway, are you and your husband okay??? :( You haven't been mentioning him lately either on Twitter or on radio, and you have all these "patama" retweets! Hope everything's fine dear." ---> This is usually the case when someone suddenly becomes popular...family gets affected and eventually leads to separation and with the type of character that the Choper has, I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up being separated as well knowing na marami naman nag-aabang sa kanya if ever LMAO

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  28. The phrase "the end does not justify the means" in itself is self explanatory especially to the Duterte incident. I guess all of us agree that the mayor meant well, she has good reason, however the issue is not about why she did it but the method on HOW she displayed her concern towards her constituents. I understand that most of Davaoeños admired her and their family on what they have done and still doing for their city. But we all have to remember, they are public officials so they should be more PRUDENT on how they act. Moreover, being in a position like them, they have functions and "POWERS", that they can utilize to discipline and reprimand people and other public officials like the sheriff.

    To us all Filipino people, no matter how good a person is, in this case our public officials, one's fault or mistake should be dealt with accordingly. We should rejoice all the things that are good and rebuke all that is bad. Let's all be humble in accepting and acknowledging our mistakes, learn from it and move on in becoming a better person- better public officials...

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  29. This is a free country. Freedom of speech should be practiced. And with everything that has been said and posted by Angelicopter, I don't think anyone has the right to bash her or tell her to stop talking. No matter what side she takes, there will always be these haters. And to those people saying she is in media so she has to be very careful when speaking out her mind, get lost - lols. I dont see anything wrong with her actions regarding the issue. Truth of the matter is, she's doing the right thing. Us people, have different definitions of what moral is..And as for the Duterte, should have they been more careful about their actions because they should always act like a leader? If you say Angelicopter should be easy on her words because some of her followers/listeners might believe and adopt her point of views because she is in media, then , what can you tell about the Duterte!! They're both in politics and media! common guys, sometimes,people here just post comments without thinking. Grow up people! No need to bash on someone who is just wanting for a good change.

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  30. http://kaloka.livejournal.com/65070.html

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  31. "IN THE EYES OF A CHILD WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY'LL THINK while watching this video? "

    Um, why the eff would you let a child watch this? Do not bring the children angle here because first and foremost, the parents should be responsible enough to choose what a child watches. And secondly, as a parent you would ALWAYS teach them the good and correct ways. As the child grows, he/she will learn for himself that sometimes good is not always good, and bad is always bad.

    Sorry, but you're argument is sort of invalid..IMHO.

    Sorry bud. I think you're talking about kids who can see it on TV or the Internet? What about the kids who are actually present in the scenario? Don't you think none of those hundred kids there saw the event? And what would be the reflection to them, "Ay! Okay lang pala manapak kapag inaapi ka." lol.

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  32. "IN THE EYES OF A CHILD WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY'LL THINK while watching this video? "

    Um, why the eff would you let a child watch this? Do not bring the children angle here because first and foremost, the parents should be responsible enough to choose what a child watches. And secondly, as a parent you would ALWAYS teach them the good and correct ways. As the child grows, he/she will learn for himself that sometimes good is not always good, and bad is always bad.

    Sorry, but you're argument is sort of invalid..IMHO.

    >> Sorry bud. I think you're talking about kids who can see it on TV or the Internet? What about the kids who are actually present in the scenario? Don't you think none of those hundred kids there saw the event? And what would be the reflection to them, "Ay! Okay lang pala manapak kapag inaapi ka." lol.
    July 13, 2011 10:13 AM

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  33. sad to say, Filipinos suck, Kawawa ang mga nasa ibaba...Ginagamit ang kapangyarihan sa mali...

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  34. well said. just a minor correction, we are not the ONLY specie that kills our own kind :( but i think i understand what you meant by that statement. God bless!

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  35. Chopper has as much right to blog her opinion as you people to comment on it. Celebrate free speech.

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  36. hell yeah! that's her opinion and i agree to what she says. each one of us is free to give compliments. lets just respect one another.

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  37. Chopper, it's useless to explain to SOME Duterte supporters. I tried voicing out the same thing on youtube, that punching someone is not right whatever the reasons. Then SOME Duterte supporters will reply to you with bad mouth and most of the time replying off topic like what happened here I guess. If half of our country think that this is justifiable then maybe we are not YET that civilized after all. Or maybe that's what we really need? We won't know. That's my opinion.

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  38. I guess next time when it comes to issues concerning public figures, it's better to just not take a side especially when you're becoming a public figure since people might give "extra meaning" to what you said. Lesson learned, so move on people!

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  39. No need to explain. daming taong makikitid yung utak.

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  40. i think a healthy discourse is healthy for the human mind and the human spirit. i hope with the composition of these words, i can properly communicate my thoughts and beliefs without offending yours. i just want to establish the thought that i have no doubt that you and i are for the same end (referring to your Machiavelli's reference). with that said, i think it's difficult to apply privilege ethics to a not so privilege community. growing up in difficult environments, i've come to realize that there are and ought to be different set of rules in different areas of the world. take a look at the US for example, each state have its own set of laws as long as the local laws doesnt conflict with national interests and laws. the idea is that cultural and social norms vary in location. i guess what i'm trying to say is that in certain places, what we believe may be a universal truth may not be as universal as we thought it is. sarah applied a not so universally accepted method to communicate her point, mainly because diplomacy failed (when the sheriff disregarded their understanding that he'll wait for her). and in perspective, this isn't so different with the politics of mankind. when diplomacy fails, guns are raise. i appreciate pacifists, but sometimes, when bullies go on a trip, it becomes the obligation of the community or anyone who can to beat them back down, esp if they disregard your diplomatic approach. i hope you reply, i'm very interested in seeing your response to this.

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