State of Emergency

Frontpage of CNN International, 24 February 2006.

A day before the 20th anniversary of the Edsa Revolution, the Philippines appears headed for another democratic crisis. Unfortunately this time, the need for the declared “State of Emergency” is highly debatable, just as the need for mass rallies. Everyone is fighting for something, yet our actions can only lead us to harder times. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

The working class certainly has nothing to smile about. Unless you’ve got a fat dollar savings account, you know that the recent economic growth is only one political stumble away from reversing. And now it’s here. Making the frontpage of CNN International doesn’t help either.

A prayer isn’t too much too ask; twenty years ago we had one answered in a grand way. Right now, it seems finding the right path for our country is pretty similar to the last presidential elections: it could go either way. But whatever happens, stay vigilant and keep the fight. More importantly, keep the faith.

DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

2 Responses

  1. Di tuloy natuloy yung Variety Show ng applicant’s ng Aggregates! We were all scared. Dun kasi dadaan yung bhe ko, hinatid ko tuloy siya hanggang Taft. Nakakatakot…

  2. Most social activities scheduled for the 24th and 25th were cancelled. People were concerned with security, but rather apathetic to the turn of events. Jaded.

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