THE STANDS WE TAKE

Though I rely only on the news for information, there’s no doubt in my mind that our country is still as deeply divided as it was two or three years ago. The political stalemate between pro and anti-administration forces has only worsened during the last few days. And I don’t see this crisis being resolved anytime soon. Depending on which side you are inclined into, the issuance of Proclamation 1017 and General Order No. 5 only widened the animosity between those who feel their basic human rights have been violated and those who are too itchy to get back at their mortal political enemies. However, it is also in these trying times that we get to understand the real pulse of the people and how they are positioning themselves with respect to the ongoing political saga. I therefore took it upon myself to categorize these people founded not on any scientific analysis but based purely on what I think, see and feel.

1. THE FENCE SITTERS — These are people who basically refuse to go out of their comfort zones. Either they are too busy to pay attention to the country’s problems or they simply don’t care about the plight of their countrymen. They just watch as political events unfold, thinking that they have no stake in the future of this nation.

Our country by the way has an abundant supply of fence sitters. They may be your parents, children, wives, brothers, sisters, relatives, friends, and neighbors.

No wonder we deserve the kind of government we have.

2. THE APATHETIC AND THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS — They profess their care for society, or so they say, but are too suspicious of the other side that they would rather remain with the status quo. They always question the motives of dissidents and oppositionists that they forget the fact that the status quo could also be equally guilty of the same motives for which they are precisely indifferent about. They are so engulfed in self-righteousness that they get blinded by pride and prejudice. There are quite a lot of so-called “opinion makers” who fall into this category. You can easily spot them in the opinion pages of newspapers or in your favorite public affairs shows. Unfortunately, it is in this atmosphere of cynicism where tyranny is wittingly or unwittingly tolerated.

3. THE OPPORTUNISTS AND HYPOCRITES — You want me to name them? Better not. Besides, they’re too many to mention and too obvious to require any further description. We see them everywhere, both in and out of government. Accustomed to the politics of convenience, they will be the first to abandon ship when it becomes clear that the boat will sink; or worse, will be the first to seize the spoils of victory at the expense of those who risked life, liberty and property just to see their goals into fruition.

4. THE POOR AND THE IGNORANT — Actually, being poor and ignorant is synonymous to having no choice at all. In fact, they have been the object of exploitation since Magellan discovered the Philippines. Traditional politicians often mention their plight and trumpet their woes as if they come as knights in shining armor, yet actually do nothing and even scorn at the sight of a beggar on the street. Though they comprise the majority in Philippine society, their intellectual “deficiency” makes them the most vulnerable to all forms of manipulation and are easily agitated by empty rhetoric.

5. THE ALARMED BUT AFRAID — There is no question about their deep love and concern for the country but are nonetheless apprehensive to make their positions known for fear of reprisal from entities and personalities whose interests may be jeopardized by the mere expression of dissent. They often complain when there’s no one listening, confining their disappointment and disgust inside the comforts of their homes. As a result, they are relegated into the same level as fence sitters.

6. THE AFRAID BUT DEFIANT — Their principles are so intact that no amount of threats could cow them into silence nor weaken their resolve. We may not always agree with them or their beliefs, but at least they are clearly fighting for what they believe in. For these people, courage is not the absence of fear. It is doing what is right even in the presence of fear.

Given the above “categories”, to which category do you think you belong?