ALLOW me to borrow this provocative 70-character sentence (including Space Bar) of Charles E. Weller in 1918 saying, “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.”
It is not the setting and milestone of this statement that pushed me to borrow these words, but how it becomes imperative, worthwhile and eloquent if we pertain to the intervening global pandemic.
Much to my desire not to attach the politicians to the issue but I could not help but to recognize “all good men” including President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Vice President Leni Robredo, the cabinet members, the law makers, governors, mayors, barangay chairpersons, purok leaders and all functionaries. They all worked hard to dole out aid.
We also wish to acknowledge all businessmen and entrepreneurs who are too numerous to mention, from macro, medium, small and micro. They support the government in one way or another to save the sea of needy humanity.
At the forefront of this battle, we owed to medical practitioners, transporters and mongers of food and medical supplies, the social workers, the law enforcers, and the rest who “come to the aid of their country.”
Between economy and lives at peril, life is in primacy; because even when the economy drops, it can recover.
Now we call on the good citizens to conform to the government directives. When conscience is torn and summoned to choose between the rituals of the church and the safety regulation of the state, bet the latter. Because while the fundamental law of the land mandates a separation of affairs, the law of God is clear, to submit unto Caesar if it is due to Caesar. After all “Vox Populi, Vox Dei” (the voice of the people/government is the voice of God).
Let us demonstrate compassion in whatever capacity. No political color, no religion, and no sexual orientation can impede if by heart we respond to the call of duty.
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