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Thursday, July 07, 2005
Wenceslao: Realignment
By Bong O. Wenceslao
Another interesting aspect in the “Gloriagate” controversy is the realignment occurring among the main protagonists of the 2001 Edsa 2 people power uprising. This just shows that in the quest for power that is politics, there really are no permanent friends, only permanent interests, and that principle is indeed but a matter of perspective.
First off, the moderate segment of civil society is following three routes, those still supporting the Arroyo administration, those drifting to the political opposition and those caught in the middle. The first wants the President forgiven, the second is calling for her ouster or resignation, the third is either silent or seeking refuge in prayers.
Easily observable are the militant segment of civil society forging an alliance with the political opposition. The militants, long factionalized, are loosely united in the effort to oust President Arroyo. But their linking up with the political opposition is awkward—the latter being in the main supporters of the president they helped oust, Joseph Estrada.
The theory behind the move is old: the enemy of your enemy is your friend. For some, it is called united front or alliance work. It is meant to increase the concerned groups’ overall strength against the main enemy, in this case the Arroyo administration. The strategy worked against the Marcos regime in 1986 and against Erap’s rule in 2001.
It seems not to be going anywhere now. Maybe because the sector the militants are embracing—the political opposition—lacks credibility among a big chunk of the populace. Indeed, how can one unite with minions of the Marcos dictatorship and Estrada’s corrupt and incompetent government without getting muddied in the process?
Frankly, I could not imagine myself sacrificing my life in struggle partly for the cause of Imee Marcos or Jinggoy Estrada. People who went through the harrowing days of martial law and when criminal-minded people held sway in Malacańang under Erap’s misrule would not forget. So are we surprised still that only few are with those protesters?
TEXTREAX. This one is from texter Pepe Gasapo, a veteran of various struggles: “Moves against President Arroyo range from pushing her to resign, ousting her or impeaching her. But it is only when people believe that there is no other alternative, that the cause is compelling and that there is a big possibility of success that they will accept the risks, including violence, and act.”
From Angel of Consolacion: “I agree with you, 200 percent. What matter is that Cebuanos and the other Visayans will remain united in these times of uncertainty and confusion. And pray, pray, pray for guidance.”
(khanwens@yahoo.com/ 0927-2055064)
(July 7, 2005 issue)
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