Masquerade
smawis@theguidon.com
For some, November is a month of many beginnings. In the Ateneo’s case, this means the start of the second semester. For the students, this means another chance to excel in their respective fields.
The United States is not left behind by this trend. Its recent elections proclaimed Senator Barack Obama the country’s next president. The public believes that Obama will greatly improve their lives in terms of race relations, reducing terrorism, and removing troops in Iraq. Although he admits that his term isn’t enough to solve his country’s problems, Obama remains confident that he and the American people can overcome them.
This being said, people around the world seemed to have stopped whatever they’re doing and faithfully watch his every move, savor his every word.
But, where is the Philippines in the entire hubbub? While officials like Obama are campaigning for a better start in their community, what kind of beginning should our country be initiating?
In one of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s press conferences, she congratulated Obama and commended the Filipino-Americans who voted for him. According to her, his win will “ultimately and positively impact their Motherland, the Philippines.” She’s also confident that, under Obama’s administration, ties between the US and the Asia-Pacific region will strengthen and concerns will be addressed.
This being said, however, our government shouldn’t rely too much on Obama’s promising leadership. Although his platform can affect as many countries as possible, its impact on the Philippines might not be as significant as expected. According to Philippine Daily Inquirer Opinion columnist Conrado de Quiros, unless a major crisis occurs, these changes might even appear as nuances to the Filipinos, particularly to the Muslim rebels.
Our government shouldn’t stop thinking of ways to provide a fresh start for our society. Although it is rightful for our public officials to hold hearings at the Batasang Pambansa, they shouldn’t forget that the Filipinos’ betterment isn’t only limited in a big meeting room. Much of their betterment remains outside of it, where societal and economic problems are waiting to be solved. Much in the same way that Obama sparked hope among his fellow Americans, our government should strive to make our society feel alive again— that a fruitful future lies ahead of them. Sentimental and cliché as this may sound, it’s a big step that remains undone. It’s most likely because both the government and the society focus too much on the technical and, in most cases, negative aspects of Philippine politics.
Meanwhile, the masses shouldn’t be so hung up on the recently concluded US elections. Yes, Obama’s win means steering the direction where US is headed. Yes, many people depend on this country to raise their standards of living. But, that shouldn’t stop some sectors, particularly the mass media, from continually spotlighting nationwide issues as front-page news or exclusive reports. That shouldn’t stop us from continuing to be critical to and, in some cases, grateful for whatever it is that our government is doing.
Just like the US, a prospective beginning is what our country needs. It’s what both our government and the society should work for. Entrusting the betterment of our country in the hands of a man miles away from us shouldn’t be the beginning we hope for.
