Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Forgiving but not forgetting. Lessons from EDSA.


Feb. 22-25, 1986... A time that will live on in Philippine history and one I was honored to have seen a glimpse of, even though I was about 5 years old back then.

It was a time of great suffering, oppression, strength and victory. Most importantly, it stood for the character of the Filipino. We overthrew a government with prayers and faith then. From different walks of life, we moved with one stride.

I could still recall the look on my father's face back then and how during the latter days we were sent to Dallas in the event that things would get even worse. But until now, I firmly hang on to the same values my father and my family had then. Standing up for what itsright and fighting for the bigger victory.

25 years later and we finally have an Aquino back in the reigns. People hang on to the promise of hope and the continued vision of a new Philippines. One that should have happened then but continue to hope for until this present day. We all have our opinions and I certainly have mine.

But what does bother me to no end is the idea that Marcos be buried in the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani. Like many others I have to gravely disagree. Yes, we must forgive, and I laud P-Noy for forgiving the man who had his father assassinated and threatened his own life as well. But to forget holds much deeper measure than meets the eye and it is more than just mere politics.

Allowing Marcos to do so would be a tremendous insult to those who not only risked their lives and ultimately for those who really lost it for the pursuit of freedom. They believed it to be true and fought for it with their whole selves. 25 years later, its okay?

For those who were not yet born during EDSA, it has become one of those reasons for suspension of classes, a highway and another date to remember for the history exams. By allowing such a move would give the impression that well, it could be easily forgiven after all. It was not that big a deal. Would Marcos' burst into flames if it weren't burried there? Marcos should be burried in his home, like the rest of us common folk. Yes, he was a good leader but for those who suffered so much and lost more, it does not matter. Hitler, Kim Jong Il, Saddam, Bin Laden are morbidly good leaders to have those many people follow in their causes. Brilliant as they were, you don't see any of their native countries burrying them as heroes!

But then again, this is just me and the voice that I project. Though anyone not hear me or otherwise, I don't know if it will make the difference. Its just sad. Might as well bury everything else that EDSA stood for along with Marcos.

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