The Aug. 25 editorial of the Philippine Daily Inquirer was a lamentable reflection of the newspaper?s lack of incisive analysis. By merely parroting the Americans? criticisms about the Beijing Olympics? ?creepiness? without understanding the malicious intentions of the United States, the Philippine Daily Inquirer revealed yet again its deep-seated colonial mentality.

China may have cracked down on rioters and secessionists, but look at where it?s going. If the number of gold medals it garnered is any indication, the world?s biggest communist country and others like Vietnam have far surpassed us.

So much for human rights, democracy (American style) and all the Philippine Daily Inquirer?s freedom bulls**t. At the end of the day, what?s more important are: putting food on the table, a roof over our heads and clothing on our backs. ?Aanhin ang demokrasya kung patay-gutom ang mga tao?? [Of what use is democracy when people are starving?]

PHILIP FRANCIS SY, Niigata, Japan (via email)