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Saturday, July 09, 2005
Libre: Tears for the motherland
By Mel Libre
Seriously Now
I cry for you, dear Philippines.
This nation once gifted with fertile land, abundant forests, rich seas and exotic fauna. These islands inhabited by a kind, gentle and hospitable people.
This country with a history sprinkled with bloody wars and peaceful revolutions.
This land of the Malay race, ruled for centuries by Spain, then ceded to the United States, later conquered by Japan and eventually becoming independent.
I cry for you dear Philippines.
For your sons and daughters who gave their lives for freedom from the shackles of Castillan rulers. For your sons and daughters who launched a futile resistance against the Yankees. For your sons and daughters who fought fearlessly the Japanese invaders.
I cry for you dear Philippines.
The Americans gave us, as a people, the reins of our destiny. We did so by electing among ourselves representatives and presidents. But while there were worthy choices, many served themselves instead of their constituents. We ran the government offices, yet many public servants fed their children and kin with stolen people’s money.
I cry for you dear Philippines.
When Martial Law was imposed upon this nation, many bought the New Society slogan. Yet some of our brightest and idealistic youth were maimed, killed or salvaged. Many of our freedoms were denied in the guise of pursuing progress. It was only later that we learned of the worst crimes of the dictator and wife. Our patience wore out when Ninoy Aquino was killed at the tarmac.
I cry for you dear Philippines.
For as we regained democracy through People Power, some elements did try many times, and failed, to take it away from us. An economic powerhouse this nation could have become had it not been for an Asian-wide economic debacle, more so that the succeeding leader, popular though he was, squandered all the gains. Once more we took to the streets and victorious we became – with a new hope.
I cry for you dear Philippines.
We, who are so loved by the Lord, are once more confronted with a crisis. A president is taken hostage by illegally secured tapes. An opposition party lusts for power. Your people are caught in the crossfire and are fed up with politics.
Oh when, oh when can we ever see the end of our woes? Oh where, oh where do we go from here?
Yes, I shed tears for you dear motherland! But tears aren’t enough!
(July 9, 2005 issue)
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