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| Happy Independence Day, Pilipinas kong mahal! |
And yet, here we are, after 119 years, we are still taking those 'baby steps' towards true 'independence', mostly from our own enslaving lack of national pride, utter selfishness and self-serving brand of leadership, and absence of love for our national identity. Many of our leaders represent us in the international arena with utter lack of dignity and shame - in words and in hysterical temperament. They claim that that's just the way they are... which is fair, and yet, aren't they supposed to take care of our collective pride as a nation by representing our dear country with dignity? Don't they realize that the world's view of our leaders is the very same way our entire Filipino population is viewed? Is restraint in hysterical speech too difficult to achieve? It is true that it's not what one says that matters the most, it's what one actually does as a leader that defines one's leadership. And yet, in this day and age of 'extreme freedom' of expression aided by irresponsible, abusive and unscrupulous use of social media, any good intention can be twisted until the Truth is no longer recognizable, especially by those who are too lazy to use their intellectual faculties to discern the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And when the truth is lost in the chaotic and self-serving interpretations of 'freedom of expression', then misunderstanding ensues. When this is not abated soon enough, it could lead to unrest, and escalates to violence. We don't have to wait for any of these to happen. We can soothe and heal wounds by being diplomatic, honest, truthful and respectful in our language when we relate with others.
Our national heroes offered their lives to secure our independence, that we may enjoy the blessings of our incumbent rights as human beings. And yet, we are squandering their gift of independence by enjoying our rights while consciously neglecting the responsibilities that go with them. Civilization and sustained progress can only come when we learn how to enjoy our rights while being mindful of our responsibilities, and doing our best to always be considerate of others, respectful of others, and sincerely caring for others. After all, as our very own, Jamie Rivera, famously sang, "we are all God's children". We may not agree as to God's name... and yet, we all (most of us, anyway) believe in an Almighty One that stands above all of us... and that the Almighty One loves us all equally, and wishes the very best for all of us. Therefore, why can't we wish the same for one another?
God and our heroes have done their part. They have handed us this gift of "independence", not without tremendous sacrifice. Now, we are responsible in taking care of it, making it flourish to our advantage, and to the advantage of those who will be coming after us.
Indeed, now, we are 'independent' for no reason... unless we can 'invent' one. It's all up to us.
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Image credit: Thanks, Google, for the loan of today's 'doodle'.
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