Bravery by association

I'M FUMING here, but not allowing myself to click on news about USS Guardian for fear that I will lose my concentration on work.

But I'm still fuming at USS Guardian and how it just sits there, the American government not bothered that their huge vessel is sitting right on top of our country's natural heritage site, ripping the coral beds with every current and wave. Our government? Not a pip, not a word.

But then, we shouldn't be surprised, right? Our government has not been known for its bravery although it's fast to cheer on Filipino boxers for every win they reap. Bravery by delegation, courage by association? Must be.

Every birthday celebration of every Pacquiao family member must be attended. Every chance to get a photo with them should be grabbed. After all, Pacquiao may have been defeated in his last fight, but he has battled a million punches to bring honor to the country. By making people see that they are close allies and friends, the politicians believe they can make people believe that they are just as courageous, strong, and brave.

They grandstand at every opportunity that will grab some spotlight on them, but will be quiet as a mouse when real courage to stand up for something is required. Like standing up for what USS Guardian is doing to our Tubattaha reef.

Proud to be Pinoy, they all shout while welcoming some champion and then they skitter off to some dark nooks with their guns and goons and gold.

"Haven't the police learned their lesson yet about rubouts?" a friend asked with regard the Atimonan, Quezon massacre. "They really still think they can get away with that?"

I looked at him blankly and said, "Why? Who hasn't gotten away with it?"

Recall the past rubouts from the Kuratong Baleleng to what's that in Edsa? And then this.

In all instances there was seemingly never-ending media coverage. But in the end, it's the small fry who end up losing a job or two. No one in command has ever been castigated nor punished.

It's worse now though because this time, we have a Justice Secretary who loves to declaim with every statement to the media.

I'm fuming and I'm getting dizzy. It's a never-ending battle against life's inanities made worse because you realize the inane is almost always about our government and governance.

Let's just console ourselves that many Filipinos are proud to be Filipinos because yet another boxer brings home a belt, yet another singer-wannabe with Filipino blood makes it big in a reality show whether it be in the US or in Europe. We then welcome them with a great to-do, while yet another showbiz columnist now paraded as n expert about life's successes and failures declares to one and all, that we should all be proud to be Filipinos.

In some dark corner, another uniformed officer slobbers over gold while the President tries to be as quiet as a mouse.

In the background, Stevie Wonder croons:

Used to be a knight in shining armour
Didn't have to own a shiny car
Dignity and courage were the measure of a man
Not the drugs he needs to hide the scar...

That was then, this is now, and all I can do is fume. saestremera