|
Monday, February 27, 2006
Oledan: Concessions
By Radzini Oledan
Spice of Life
"When we allowed only a few of the people, mostly elite, to chart the country's direction and subsequently control the lives of the people, then we have a disaster in waiting."
DISTURBING events.
What followed the declaration of the State of Emergency were the arrests of lawmaker Crispin Beltran by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued in 1985 for the case of rebellion; the police "invitation" for respected sociologist and UP professor Randolf David and other personalities; the footages showing a youth being beaten up by police officers.
Then there was the warning against television stations and other media entities from airing the propaganda of those considered as "enemies" of the state -- those who marched to Edsa to call for a change. What parameters and who determines what is unclear but then again, tyranny operates not in clarity but in muddled logic.
The declaration of a State of Emergency may well be claimed to be the inherent right of government to defend and preserve the democratic institutions, ensure the safety and security of the people and the integrity of the state but it is fraught with danger.
The nation needs only to relish the 1972 Martial Law where the abuse of power led to the disappearance of many people, mostly in the prime of their youth while there were those who survived the state imposed terrorism. It was also the time when newspapers and stations were shut down, and where the survival of journalists hinged upon the agreement and subservience to authorities.
It was a part of history that no one would want to go back to. Sadly, it seems to be resurfacing again.
Edsa 1 was a promise that never was. Edsa 2 was naah, what, again?
At the baseline is the fact that the people cannot simply act to replace the current administration then go on with their lives. They must strive and strive hard to participate in determining the direction, system, structure and processes of government.
This is where we have failed as a nation.
After all the passion has gone down and after all the pseudo progressive forces were co-opted in the government and the people relatively regained their freedom, little has been done.
This is a collective shortcoming.
When we allowed only a few of the people, mostly elite to chart the country's direction and subsequently, control the lives of the people then we have a disaster in waiting.
When civil society groups allowed themselves to become apologists for the current system and protector of those in power in the guise of participatory governance then we have a dangerous mix of pretentiousness and abuse.
Then the people again are marginalized, as they have been for the longest time.
Freedom cannot be handed in a silver platter, it has to be fought. Prosperity cannot be dropped from heaven but must be driven by hard work.
It is the same with media entities which cannot afford to slide back and be overtaken by events. It is more than the packaging but the substance which counts.
This is the responsibility that lies on the hand of all sectors. This is the look-out of everyone -- even those in the grassroots who consider themselves "too ordinary" to engage in what is labeled as a discourse which is limited only to the intellectuals.
The future leaders of government cannot simply continue with the same economic policies and program. It must gear the economy towards the needs of the country and its people.
It is high time that the people work, not merely mouth slogans and wait for the "trickle down effect" of economic programs. It must continuously demand that the goals and direction of economic programs and policies be geared primarily towards the public's interests.
Vigilance and pro-activeness should not be limited in the concept of local governance and institutional mechanisms. It has to be embraced fully.
Too bad that we collectively allow our rights to be granted and taken away by those in the institution.
Too bad that we just sit back and watch as history unfolds.
Too bad that lawmakers and ordinary people can be harassed anytime.
Too bad that fundamental right to expression are threatened.
Then again, there is the deafening silence in the wind and there are throbbings of the heart.
There are fires of nationalism and passion for peace. These are burning hopes that endure the nation.
There can be no concessions for peace and democracy.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (February 27, 2006 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
|
