Monday, February 28, 2005

Let's Get Started

Well, here we are...I've always had a lot to say, and now I have a place to say it! I've been putting my thoughts on paper for years, but up to now I've only shared those writings with close friends. I always planned to write a book, and I actually have about a hundred pages finished, but it still seems like a never-ending project!

My favorite subject of course, is the Philippines. I've lived here (this time) for almost 7 years, and I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of the way things work. I also think I have a few good ideas to offer. I am a foreigner by the way, an American who first set foot in this country in 1981, assigned to Clark Air Base with the US Air Force. I have now lived here longer than any other place in my life, and I consider it my home. It makes me a little crazy sometimes, but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

I'll be the first to admit that some of my observations and conclusions will be wrong, and I will no doubt say some things that offend a few people. But it is not my intention to malign or insult anyone, and I am well aware that Filipinos have the ability to solve their own problems. I don't claim to have all the answers but I do hope that, with an unbiased view from the outside, I might be able to offer a new way to look at old problems.

Please feel free to add your comments, good or bad, at any time. I will appreciate anything you have to say. And please tell all your friends about this forum. We can't have a very lively discussion if I'm the only one talking!

So let's get started...