Population, politics, religion

Whenever I write about the population issue ("Politics and the Population Explosion, Philippine Star, Oct. 17, 2003 was the fourth during the past year), I notice a sudden uptick in the number of e-mails and letters received from reacting readers.

Noticeable, too, is the varying degree of emotions being evoked. Here are some samples:

Barbarian Philosophy

From Alexis T. Teodosio, who writes:

I think overpopulation is not the problem. Unequal distribution of wealth is the main problem, and the second is a weak government mired in corruption.

Every life born in this universe was not created without purpose. Every poor soul born is a reminder to those in power and wealth that they have not done their moral obligation to their brethren.

Birth control is not the solution to poverty. Sharing of resources of those who have wealth is. This Earth was never made to be overpopulated. For 1/3 of its surface is covered in water and its resources is more than enough for everyone.

It’s a social problem with a social solution. We don’t have to be butchers of unborn babies to address the problem. Killing to fix a problem is a barbarian philosophy.

Definitely, preventing conception is less messy than the barbaric option.

Be Grateful For Birthdays

E-mail from Charlie Villanueva:

Population explosion has always been the crappy excuse of the so-called expert demographers, and yet this old myth has always been proven time and again to be wrong. This line of thought and argument has been around since the 70s and by this time after 30 years, we should have the ballyhooed population explosion already.

Are people in the Philippines starving to death much like the poor countries in Africa now that we have almost doubled our population since 30 years ago? Unequal distribution of wealth and inadequate basic services are a result of a complex mixture of graft and corruption in the government, among many other contributing factors and not just due to a growing number of people.

"Authoritarian demographers‚" only see people as mouths to feed and not as human resources. They fail to take into account that many of our countrymen are working abroad and are not here anymore to contribute to the so-called "population explosion‚" and yet are contributing very well to our economy. If not for our adequate manpower supply, who do you think would man these booming call centers.

As the famous saying of Erap goes "I’m thankful to my parents for not using contraceptives because I’m the seventh child in the family." Everyone deserves a birthday. You should be grateful of yours.

Definitely, I am grateful for my birthday (though celebration has stopped these past years). Am hoping that those who are hungry are grateful of theirs, too.

Separate Religion From Politics

And from Lee Plagata, these remarks:

It is refreshing to see an article like this. Population explosion and low economic growth go hand in hand. But you know I am preaching to the choir when I say this to you. Filipinos, as you point out, need to be trained in contraceptives and the value of family planning.

To this though, I would add personal responsibility, the need to make couples responsible for their actions and to project their outlook beyond the day-to-day. Make family planning a part of high school curriculum.

I cannot imagine us being proud of being the only Christian nation in Asia yet so callously disregard our responsibility to take care of our family because we did not plan it ahead. As you point out, empowering the government to be active participants for educating people on the contraceptives.

The Catholic Church can continue to preach the importance of family values. But people should discern that family value translate to ability to care for your family – buy food, provide shelter, and provide the means to send your kids to school.

Family values are not having seven or 10 kids just because we are supposed to go forth and multiply. Please! If the Catholic Church insists that the latter view is their view, then when you point out a problem, show us a solution.

And you know, I do not see any poor parish out there in the middle of the slum areas. They are always stashed away insulated from the problem of the people. The solution is easy. Separate religion from politics.

It is time to wake up. And Mr. Gamboa, articles like yours are a step in that direction. More power to you. I hope that a new breed of politicians rises up that can stand up to the status quo of kowtowing to the church, and do what is right.

Now you can understand why the current administration is neither here nor there on the issue of population management. A clear stand either way is not good politics.

Drug Testing Controversies On TV

"Isyung Kalakalan at Iba Pa" on IBC News (4:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Monday to Friday), completes today the first part of the discussion on drug testing, a requirement under the Dangerous Drug Act. Several issues were raised during the course of drug testing conducted by some sectors. The concerns highlighted the capability of government entities involved in the administration and regulation of the process. The question of public disclosure is also controversial. Is there a need to publicly disclose everyone who fails the drug test? Should disclosure be limited only to prominent public figures? Watch it.

‘Breaking Barriers’ On New Time Slot

"Breaking Barriers" on IBC-13 is now a full-hour show every Wednesday at 11 p.m. starting 29th October 2003. Our featured guest next Wednesday is Dr. Juan P. Sanchez, Jr., a renowned surgeon who has been promoting the use of local anesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks for major surgeries. Dr. Sanchez actively participates in "Operations Smile, a medical mission that performs cleft lip repair for indigent groups. His recently launched book entitled, Oriental Rhinoplasty compiling his extensive experiences in rhinoplasty and reconstructive surgery is considered as "the first of its kind in the field and also the first of its kind in the Philippines.

Join us break barriers with Dr. Sanchez as he answers questions about unsafe practices in cosmetic surgery, including nose lifts, nose fixing and the highly popular (and controversial) liposuction procedures. Watch it.

Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 4th Floor, 156 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. If you wish to view the previous columns or telecasts of "Isyung Kalakalan at Iba Pa" you may visit my website at http://bizlinks.linkedge.biz.