13Sept04

Life in the Philippines, from a friend there:

Unlike in your country, unarmed security guards are unheard of here. Pistol-gripped shotguns are common, along with domestically manufactured re volvers. The firm that makes these revolvers also exports to the USA under the =98 Charles Daly' label. Our local politicos, like politicians everywh ere, arrogantly consider themselves exempt from the law. They often travel with military rifles and submachine guns, along with pistols. Most have no training. Th eir ' bodyguards' are nationalized gangsters; little more than common thu gs.

Public transportation is bad here. The promise that light rail would alleviate the high number of vehicular accidents on the road was a lie, as has been the case everywhere it has been tried. I advise foreign tourists to use hotel shuttles exclusively. Roadside cabbies have dirty, poorly maintained

vehicles, and are involved in lots of accidents. Not recommended.

Do not get on a bus! They are basically mobile stop-and-robs, especially on

payday. Pickpockets also haunt busses regularly and target tourists.

Military and police here regularly shoot soft, steel targets. You would no t allow these targets on your range. Injuries are common. Civilians are normally smart enough to vacate the range when this kind of activity takes place. There is no domestic manufacturer of hard, steel targets.

In short, we do the best we can. Be thankful you live where you do. Stay armed in any event!"

Comment: My friend is a good shooter and a good guy. He often reminds me t o fully appreciate my lot in life.

/John

13Sept04

"Instruction for the Knights Templars:"

The Knights Templars were Christian knights sworn to defend key sites in th e newly seized Holy Land in the wake of the 'First' (Barons') Crusade. Templars were accustomed to fighting outnumbered, and they were greatly fear ed. Consummate devotion to mission and faith made them nearly unbeatable.

"...truly he is fearless and secure. While his body is properly arme d, his soul is also clothed with the armor of faith. He fears neither demons nor men.

When readying for battle, on his exterior is steel, not gold. His horse is

swift and strong, not pompous and decorated. His purpose is fighting, not parades. He seeks victory, not glory. He would rather strike than impress ."

Comment: Sounds like good advice for us too. Gaudy, self-impressed armies didn't last long then, or now!

/John