We’re going to be okay
Business Mirror
“Someone who will stand in this place next year, may do better for I believe in the inexhaustible giftedness of the Filipino people.” – from the last SONA of President Corazon C. Aquino
Democracy allows people to determine their fate. Without democracy, a nation is reduced to acting out someone else’s script. And so history’s high points are marked by nations taking back from oppressors, be it foreign or domestic, what is rightfully theirs to author.
In 1986, the Filipino people, inspired and emboldened by the sincerity and courage of Corazon Aquino, took back the democracy that was taken away from them in 1972. Armed only by their faith and a firm belief in their capability to decide their own future, they faced down tanks.
Their valor and audacity proved that Mao’s famous adage on power was just another lie foisted by oppressors. Edsa established, once and for all, that power comes not from the barrel of a gun but from the hearts of the people.
Corazon Aquino understood power. From day one of her presidency, she knew that the power she held was not her personal property nor was it for her personal gain; she only held it in trust for her people. And she never betrayed that trust. That’s why years after she left Malacanan, Corazon Aquino continued to be loved, trusted, and heeded by the nation.
They never doubted her commitment to liberty and democracy. Whenever she took leave of her retirement to warn the people of threats to their freedom, they listened. And they went to the barricades.
In her farewell to the Filipino people, she said, “But while my power as president ends in 1992, my responsibility as a Filipino for the well-being of my country goes beyond it to my grave.”
Corazon Aquino did not shirk from that responsibility. She continued to serve her people even as she battled cancer. And when she became too weak to join mass actions, nakibaka siya through prayer. Kris Aquino recounted that her mother, on her deathbed, continued to pray for the well-being of her people.
Before she passed away, Corazon Aquino forgave her political enemies and she asked for their forgiveness. She held no rancor. Cumplida, she was a lady to the end.
Today, President Corazon Aquino will be laid to rest. She served her people selflessly and to the best of her abilities. A true servant leader, she showed us where the path to greatness lies. We cannot ask for more.
Rest in peace, beloved president. You have shown us the way. We’re going to be okay.
Popularity: 1% [?]
The late Pres. Cory Aquino’s death may have served the purpose to
unite the Filipinos. She united the Filipinos in her life and in her
death. It reminded us all that we have to safeguard Democracy which
is her lasting legacy to us.
The voice of the people, is the voice of God. Those who are in power
who are drunk with power. And continue to revel that you cannot be
brought down. Remember, that there is a greater power than you.
In his eulogy, Teddy Boy Locsin said that Cory Aquino enobled those she touched. He is wrong, at least as to the population he counted. Cory Aquino enobled a nation. With her dignity, grace, integrity, and, let us not forget, with her love of country, she made our poor and wretched country noble.
On responsibility
Cory: “my responsibility as a Filipino for the well-being of my country”
Typical Filipino: “Cory will be responsible for me. The government will be responsible for me. That way I can remain irresponsible!” :)
Move forward we must, move forward WE WILL.
Yes, we’ll be okay.
Now breaking… http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090805-218816/Arroyo-condoles-with-Aquino-family
Ding,
I read in another post that HR1109 may be dumped in honor of Ms. Aquino. I suspect this fine lady will affect the practicalities of Philippine politics for a long time. The glory coming her way speaks to how much the people want honor and honesty in governance, not the same dirty, duplicitous way. I hope leaders see this and recognize that the path to fame is through courageous acts of “right”, not sneaky acts of “wrong”.
I think it is also notable that Ms. Arroyo’s triumphant visit with Mr. Obama has been dumped by the wayside.
It is good that she went directly to pay her respects. I’m not sure she really had a choice, and I hope she feels in her heart genuine thankfulness for what Ms. Aquino represents to Filipinos, and democracies around the globe. Best to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Joe
Dear Mr. America,
The visit was overshadowed, that’s true. However, we must be vigilant in the next weeks as the results of that visit, whether good or bad, will slowly come to light. Especially, agreements between the two governments that ncessitated the urgency of that meeting despite the “inappropriateness” that some see in a meeting with a president who still has a tremendous amount of honeymoon goodwill being fresh in office against one seen as overstaying and should technically be in her twilight.
Regards,
Dean
Dean,
Yes, I agree. I suspect the urgency came from the explosives in Manila and elsewhere. The US does not want to lose control of any theater of operations against terrorists. Maybe Mr. Gates was not convinced that it was Teodoro who was really in charge of fighting “policy”, eh? Thus, the meeting of the respective bosses.
Just speculation. Got nothing better to do tonight.
Joe
Who said that we won’t be OK?
Define “okay”, plez…
Otherwise consider “We’re going to be okay” as just another meaningless platitude.
Eh? What can you offer someone who is grieving but platitudes? While essentially meaningless, they comfort anyway.
Hindi ka pa ba namamatayan?
Goodbye President Cory.