SOUNDING BOARD is an outlet for opinions on good and crazy things going on at home (wherever I may be). All are welcome. You are not expected to bring anything except your common sense & sense of humor.
'If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get one million miles to the gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside.'
-Robert X. Cringely (from geek wisdom)
SOUNDING BOARD
Friday, May 23, 2003
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'I think I should stick to that decision' --- President Gloria Arroyo
Since December 2002, President Gloria Arroyo has been denying categorically that she will run for 2004. It seems the cloud of doubt has no other business but to follow her.
This was brought to the fore again when she gave a 'no comment' answer to a question abotu her plans for 2004 (elections). An in a press conference during the State Visit to US President George Bush, Ms. Macapagal gave this answer when asked what could change her mind, "You know I feel so comfortable (about) not being a candidate for president. I'd been able to make so many unpopular but correct decisions so I think I should stick to that decision," (INQ7.net 22 May 2004).
I called it 'feigned retreat' tactic before, borrowing from an unusual war strategy to catch your opponents off-guard by implying a retreat, while building up for a massive attack, and ultimately defeating the enemy (Alexander, B., How Wars Are Won: The 13 Rules of War from Ancient Greece to the War on Terror 2002.). I still believe it is. Note the change in tone from 'I'm not running...' to 'No comment' to 'I think I should stick to that decision'. And note too that she did not say she WILL stick to her decision. She said she thinks she should (stick to her decision).
