|
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Editorial: Challenge to national unity
In the face of the prevailing national condition, what would the political opposition and other presidential detractors rather have, a nation turned asunder by public distrust, economic instability and social unrest generated by mass poverty, or a government that though badly administered yet was legally installed, albeit questionably?
The twin options do appear threatening, but they are the two sides of the dilemma our nation is enmeshed in.
There seems to be mass acceptance of the failure in leadership and governance of the incumbent administration, yet in the face of such reality the issues on the jueteng payola and the “tapes” failed to gain critical public support.
In essence, the nation now appears divided and vacillating over the insistent demand for change in national leadership.
Even the ranks of the opposition and militant groups are not united in the choice of the process of running the government in the event the President resigns, as demanded by even the Church. A constitutional succession? A civil-military junta?
There is no doubting the fact the people of Metro Manila and environs view the current turmoil through a looking glass much different from that of the people in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Perhaps, even those in the country’s far north similarly feel that the national “mess” has been brought about by the unquenchable desire for power of a coterie of opposition political power players.
It is obvious the opposition has established a tentative alliance with the political left.
Note that “leftism” as a movement in this country has survived through the years.
It is considered a badge of honor among young intellectuals striving for their own “place in the sun.” It has also become a sort of occupation or source of livelihood for those unable to adjust to the ways of our so-called rightist society with elitist traditions.
Indeed, it is painful to countenance the fate of a nation that was the first Asian democracy and sovereign state but is slowly being brought down to its knees.
The point at issue really is whether or not this republic, which has long been wracked with political turbulence as no other country in Asia has ever been, still has the capability to stand on its own.
The wrangling of its clearly power hungry leaders is sadly bleeding it to a contumacious end.
The lukewarm attitude of the people outside Metro Manila, particularly in the south, should give the opposition alliance and national leadership the clue that national unity and change of leadership can no longer be attained simply through mass demonstrations and counter rallies.
The era of effective People Power, indeed, has apparently come to an inglorious end due indiscriminate use.
(July 7, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
