Wikipedia: "Cold turkey" describes the actions of a person who abruptly gives up a habit or addiction rather than gradually easing the process . . . The supposed advantage is that by not actively using supplemental methods, the person avoids thinking about the habit and its temptation . . .”
We know our habits and addictions and precisely we’ve been nurturing them – and undermining our wellbeing as a nation? As we now know, even our faith is tested by our failings that even the Manila Cardinal would cry because of our latest drama, the pork scam – that has been lining the pockets of what appears a vast network? Could we still trust anyone? “What is happening to our country?” [Famous words from the late Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez.] Marcos and Arroyo supposedly brought us to the top of infamy being in the roster of the world’s most corrupt leaders. But even during the time of Erap, one would hear: “10% is passé, I want more!” And even Binay has not been spared?
“Rizal believed that the only justification for national liberation was the restoration of the dignity of the people, saying '... why independence, if the slaves of today will be the tyrants of tomorrow?' THE Philippines, which claims to be the first democratic government in Asia, is actually ruled by oligarchs . . . The oligarchs still rule the country, and Filipinos will forever be the victims of their profiteering,' says political science professor Benito Lim of the Ateneo de Manila University. Lim says the oligarchs can be controlled but it will require strong political will. Asked if President Benigno S Aquino III, who continues to enjoy high popularity and trust ratings, can do it, Lim responds: 'Mukhang hindi siya pinakikinggan. Maliit ang boses. [It seems nobody listens to him. Weak.]' Members of the oligarchy in the Philippines have 'little corners' of their own and hardly get out of their own spheres of industries, apparently realizing that if they resort to competition, one of them will fall.” [Third World Resurgence No. 251/252, July/August 2011, pp. 3-5]
What the article didn't say is oligarchy finance elections to begin with and thus their hold is iron-clad? We seem to have learned from the genius of Marcos; that Juan de la Cruz is “too nice” and is naturally leader-dependent, autocracy not excepted? And so we have replicated Marcos across Philippine society, not just in politics? And does it all come down to our goal in life and, that is, to be higher in the hierarchy? And once we’re there we would see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil? Yet we are a dichotomy, and at home in our “kuro-kuro” culture? Is the absence of community spirit or the common good coming from “kuro-kuro” – because they are in fact deep-seated? Is it then why we seem unable to rally behind a common vision of the future – which demands true leadership, but not one that would use that weakness to his advantage like what Marcos did, e.g., imposing iron-rule was the only way to get us aligned? Perfection is not of this world but how come others especially our neighbors have progressed more than we have – i.e., they have a better sense of the common good?
But have our subservience and hierarchical system and structure, taken together as a culture, taught us “learned helplessness”? And so even our "kuro-kuro" is accepting of the status quo and of authority that Juan de la Cruz has all but lost his inquisitiveness – which is an insult even to our faith, i.e., our faith has stood the test of time? It's the hierarchy and its insularity that is driving believers away, to paraphrase Francis? How do we then expect to be innovative and competitive? Our fatalism does not equate to the world owing us – anything?
And blind obedience is not limited within the church; given our hierarchical system and structure, those higher up in PHL hierarchy expect our subservience as well? And we’ve wonder why we’re in the pits? I am writing this from the comforts of my Connecticut home but for over a month now my Bulgarian friends, without fail, at 6:30 PM, have been demonstrating in front of their Parliament, against corruption and cronyism, including its propaganda machine or what they call their local media. They don't take things sitting down and have won the respect of the French and German ambassadors. On the fifth day my wife and I had joined them – with my wife relating our own People Power which I missed, stranded in Singapore following cancellation of flights to Manila.
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