I give you frodo, the light of elindil

President Arroyo had her 12th birthday a couple of days back. In celebration, the New York Times came out with a lovely editorial piece entitled "Dark Days for Philippine Democracy." The editorial pretty much called PGMA a would-be dictator and implored their President Bush to caution ours not to cross over to the dark side.

PGMA's people (from the presidential spokesperson to our ambassador to the US) are, of course, desperately scrambling to defend her. They say that the opposition's "irresponsible political efforts are impacting international perceptions." They are, yet again, justifying the reasons behind the president's actions these past couple of months. They, as expected, refuse to see that maybe, just maybe, the editorial's concerns are valid and should be considered the next time they have a cabinet meeting. That these 'perceptions' are in fact reflections of what is.

I am embarrassed to admit that I've been too tired and too busy to give a shit about what has been going on. When she declared a state of emergency last february 24, I was busy launching a spa. When I heard that she ordered the arrest of Randy David and several others, I remember briefly thinking "Wow! Marcos is back!" and went on ahead to make sure that the floating candles were lit and the ushers briefed. And when i found out that the military were closely monitoring opposition publications, tv and radio stations, i thought "ahhh... that isnt right" and then proceeded to google what hair style i wanted and where i should get it from.

However, now that my hair has been cut (3 times at that) and the spa has been launched and other projects are done, i have no more excuse to ignore what is up with this country.

The truth is that the future scares me. This country is thirsty for a leadership that is bigger than one leader. This country is hungry for a government that will put the needs of its people first and political agendas last.

In 1986, the world watched in awe as millions of Filipinos came together to drive a dictator to exile in a revolution that did not see a single drop of blood. Today, the world is watching still, but this time in fear, cos we seem to be heading back to where we started.

I dont want to second guess the president. I will give her the benefit of the doubt, because I'm a piscean who believes in the good of people, that she is acting as a president who wants the best for this country. But when you claim that you're protecting democracy by curtailing it, especially when its still highly unnecessary, may pagka nonsense ka ata sa part na yon.

You're farting paranoia ma'am and it stinks all the way to New York.

So to you frodo, on your birthday, I give you the light of elindil. May it allow you to see beyond your paranoia and acknowledge that maybe your detractors have a point. If you just pry yourself away from your cha-cha campaign, I'm sure you will see this.

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Yesterday, the US ambassador to the Philippines was interviewed about her take on the New York Times editorial. Sabi nya "We are happy (or proud - i forget) that the media are free to express their opinions in our country." or something to that effect.

tsk tsk tsk

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Although hwag naman sanang seryosohin ng US ang concern nila sa democracy natin noh. Baka feeling big brother na naman etong mga kanong to at pasukin tayo.

tsk tsk tsk