A Governors Salary Goes A Long Way

Comment from a reader on "Dummied Up" On Pacific Security":

About 27 years ago, then Zambales Governor Vic Magsaysay, commenting on the persona of the incumbent Olongapo mayor, told a group of us, "It is perfectly ok to dream. It is important, however, to know when to wake up and face reality." I liked ol' Vic. One need not search for surveys to ascertain the general ignorance of the American public regarding international politics and geography. Just pick out any street corner, in any American city and ask passing folk a variety of questions relating to interest items outside their immediate community. The responses are absolutely Absolutely hilarious, even as they give lie to the widely held assumption that we are an educated and enlightened people. Jay Leno and Sean Hannitty used to have a field day doing their man in the street routines. But this is not new to our society. In 1937, a journalist named H.L. Mencken gained some fame for himself by noting, and I paraphrase, "Nobody ever lost money underestimating the intelligence of the American voter." I do not make these remarks to unduly disparage my fellow Americans. I think you'll find that the level of awareness for things outside the neighborhood pretty well applies to most nations in the world.

As to the Mariannas. Yes, nice piece of property gained by default as a result of the Spanish-American War. Strategic? Hmm. Guess so, but didn't make much of a difference when the Imperial Japanese Navy skirted the area to strike at Pearl Harbor. Like Peurto Rico, its a place we're kind of stuck with. And like Peurto Rico, its difficult to be specific in detailing the supposed advantages of ownership. I can be persuaded out of my beliefs, at least on this particular subject, but somebody will have to come forward with a much better argument than we've seen to date.

[The Subic Bulletin] Maybe you once "liked ole' Vic" but how do you feel about his efforts to come back as Mayor of Olongapo?
Maybe Jay Leno could ask people in the street how a public official on a modest salary can own dozens of luxury cars, homes, boats etc
We can't help thinking that anyone who has multiple luxury cars and boats stacked up outside their home on a public servants wage may not have the public's interest high enough on their agenda.

Don't see anything but an old pickup outside the home of Presidential aspirant (and Olongapo Councilor) JC Delos Reyes, who would you have more confidence in as a leader?