Rational Insanity
The fourteen stations of the Filipino's cross
The Holy Week has just passed. Perhaps most of us are still coming to terms with the 'long-weekend' that we all just had. Some are probably coming back from all the beaches in Panay Island, and some are grappling with the sloth-like pace of people at the workplace because of the indolence that vacation time inevitably leaves behind. We have so little time to spare. The elections are coming up and we will again be put to the test as to whether we truly want a visible change in how we are governed or if we simply would like to put up with traditional politics again in exchange for a week's worth of rice or meager support for our expenses. Well, before we cast that vote of ours in May, let us take this time to look back at what we have all gone through and consider whether we still want the same oppression that we have been experiencing through the years. Here is something to help us reflect and meditate on the state of the Filipino nation.
1. The Filipino is condemned to death -- As early as the 1800's, when the Filipino allowed the Spaniards into Filipino shores, we were already condemned to die. Not exactly die in the physical sense, but die culturally and artistically. We have allowed our indigenous cultures to be adulterated by foreign influence, and some, even totally wiped out by the monster in sheep's clothing -- the Spanish Religious Community.
2. The Filipino receives his cross -- The indomitable spirit of the Filipino is such that we are able to receive each and every suffering that is dealt to us and submit to these sufferings for the sake of our loved ones. What we usually forget is that the cross that is dealt to us is not a true cross but a cross that is created by the greed and power-hunger of those in power. The Filipino majority receives this cross and carries it without a word while greedy and power-hungry politicians sneer and smile at the suffering Filipino like gold laden idols.
3. The Filipino falls the first time under the weight of his cross -- because of the inherent submission and passiveness of the Filipino he falls the first time during the Marcos regime. The dictator deceived the Filipinos by giving them a euphoric and almost lemuric government during his first few terms and when the Filipino became comfortable and confident in his administration he began to purge the Filipinos of their wealth, culture, and people.
4. The Filipino is met by 'a blessed mother' -- let us take this literally, EDSA was the 'blessed mother' of the Filipinos, however, this was just a temporary respite amid years of suffering and years more to come.
5. The Filipino is helped with his cross by a Simon of Cyrene -- here, let us look at the times after the dictatorship. Corazon Aquino did not give the Filipino the Atlantis that he so rightfully deserves, but at least, she helped the Filipino 'carry his cross' by getting back the country to its feet after twenty or so years of turmoil and dictatorship.
6. The Filipino's face is wiped of it's sweat and blood -- let's put it this way, almost all of our presidents have window-dressed our economy. They have cleaned up the economic situation but only for show. There is no real economic improvement, rather there is a cosmetic beautification of the economy for the purpose of a renewed confidence of the world bank and of foreign investors in the country.
7. The Filipino falls the second time -- electing a president who is a gambler, an adulterer, a drunkard, and an imbecile all rolled in to one? Need I say more?
8. The Filipino meets mourners along the way -- During EDSA II, we were again given temporary respite from pain, but ask yourself now, what have we done with that opportunity to renew our country?
9. The Filipino falls the third time -- isn't a fraudulent presidential election and a boisterous and all-talk no action opposition enough to accurately mirror the third fall? Look again.
10. The Filipino is stripped of his garments -- literally, look at the people around you, how may poor people do you see? How many wallow in desperation and poverty? How many of the hundreds of the government services offered can you truly consider efficient? How may government officials can you truly consider sincere?
11. The Filipino is nailed to his cross -- are we finally nailed to our cross? Aren't we able to do anything now? Are we now at the point where all we could do is hang on our cross and die?
12. The Filipino dies on his cross -- millions are dying now, because of the sins of our forefathers and because of the shortcomings of those who have succumbed to the empty promises of politicians and the deception of the rich minority.
13. The Filipino is taken down from the cross - will this ever happen to us? Make your vote count and it just might happen still.
14. The Filipino is laid in the sepulcher -- we still have time to prevent a vacuum of hope. A few weeks, in fact.
Be rational; be insane... every once in a while! TTFN! I love you all! Byers!