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Bu-lat-lat (boo-lat-lat) verb: to
search, probe, investigate, inquire; to unearth facts
Vol. V, No.
22
July 10 - 16, 2005 Quezon City, Philippines |
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alternative reader
Peace and
opposition
BY THE CONCERNED ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
Posted by Bulatlat
"Peace" is an abstracted word in our society. Perhaps much of this is
because "peace time" refers to that point in history when U.S. forces
occupied our country. On the outside, the situation then seemed to be
quiet (tahimik) as business went on as usual. In reality, the fiercest
battles for liberation were fought during those years, repressive measures
were enforced, and systematic deception campaigns were instituted.
Resistance to the invaders was quelled using the most brutal of tactics
and those who opposed were arrested and jailed. Filipino revolutionaries
were branded as bandidos (bandits) or ladrones (thieves), while unarmed
oppositionists were trouble makers (nanggugulo). The message sent was,
"peace" means silence.
Fortunately, this wrong concept of "peace" is now changing. The GMA
administration harasses those who oppose her policies with physical
extermination and arrests. This is the cause of a lot of noise. GMA was
silent for 22 days before admitting that the voice in the controversial
tape was hers. The "noise" from the people pressured her to say "I am
sorry."
But GMA apologists insist on stretching the regressive concept that "peace
means silence;" as they propagate the attitude of, "Patawarin na, para
wala nang gulo." (Forgive, so that there will be no more trouble.)
Subliminally, this means, "That's it! Let's get back to business as
usual."
Unfortunately for them, things have changed. Opposition remains noisy as
ever; righteously too, as the issue is not about humility and forgiveness.
In fact, it is not really just about fraud. It is why people did not vote
for GMA-- because they chose to elect "hope" to deliver them from
inequality, hunger, poverty, and repression.
The "noise" from the people that we hear now is a vote for peace. Peace
time is when each and every individual has the opportunity to live
decently and in dignity, is given a fair share of nature's bounty and
becomes a beneficiary of development and technology. Peace is not the
absence of opposition. At this point in our history, opposition means
fighting for peace time.
Julie L. Po
Secretary General
Concerned Artists of the Philippines
#39 Sct. Bayoran, QC Tel 927-9260
July 3, 2005
Posted by
Bulatlat
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© 2004 Bulatlat
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