in the Closet

Obama's victory is indeed a diversity milestone for US and for the world. My prediction is that a female President or Veep will be inducted in the US in my lifetime.

In the Philippines, we've already have 2 female presidents, which is great. What is not great is that I don't think there will ever be a non-Christian President or VP in my lifetime, or in children's liftime. FVR was the only non-catholic.

Why I like a lot of things about my country, I abhor marginalization based on religion. Many of socio-political problems in the country are due to religion. While women can enjoy equal opporunities in the government or even in the corporate world, there is unwritten discrimination against religion.

Case in point: would a succesful manager still be respected if the people realize that he is atheist?

In the Philippines, leadership presentations are delivered with generous reference to Jesus Christ. Something that would not be common in the US or Europe, or maybe even other countries in Asia. When John Maxwell, a pastor, speaks about many of his books, he would have a post-speaking session on his religious leadership principles.

Even the most professionally qualified and well-respected leader could lose his followers once people know that he is agnostic.

This is probably why I am still in the closet.