Friday, February 25, 2011

The EDSA Revolution Euphoria Syndrome

I had no part in this very important event but I share the joy, freedom and pride most of the witnesses have. I am specially proud of the fact that we, the Filipinos, have diminished the fear in the oppressed and changed the ways of the world.

The EDSA Revolution happened more than 3 years before my birth but this did not stop me from knowing what I have gained through it. To us all it symbolizes unity, that we as a nation can unite and fight for the truth and for what is right. We were one nation, were.

When February comes we unite, yes, only when February comes so that we can celebrate our 4 day unity. I am 21 years of age and I do not belittle what my race has achieved, what few of my high school teachers did for me and my children to come. I belittle how far we've come and how pathetic we have limped for the passed years.

The biggest mistake was giving a steel boned ex-soldier power. The only right was the Revolution but we had poor follow ups. The grieving widow whose deceased husband taught us how to fight and who had no prior knowledge of governance gained the presidency through the sympathy vote. (I admire her reforms, don't get me wrong. I am trying not to be too harsh here but simply retracing our decisions.) After the numerous coups we gave the seat to another military man, a decorated general, another EDSA Revolution hero. The next president was no EDSA hero, but a movie star, yes he was another popular man who plundered and raped the country. His successor was the daughter of a great former president. And now we have another EDSA Revolution symbol as a leader. See the pattern?

Wake up Philippines! Do not deny the fact that we gave the presidency to him because he symbolizes his parents. 8 months in where are we now? The media calls his leadership directionless. I am not calling him to step down, I want him to grow a spine. Stop riding fame! And we people should stop placing actors and politician's children in positions just because they look good, look kind and most of all CARRY A NAME! It is democracy we fought for not monarchy. They have every right to run but we must look at the credentials. Would you hire a nurse to do something only a doctor can? You can clothe that nurse, give him a stethoscope to wear but he will never learn how to operate unless he goes to medical school.

Stop pointing fingers, stop riding the EDSA Revolution Euphoria, be cured of this syndrome and start making logical decisions.