I was watching The David Letterman Show a couple of days ago with Senator John McCain as guest and I was quite disturbed about his takeon the Muslims' reactions to the controversial cartoons published in a Danish newspaper. Hesaid some newspapers in the Middle East have also depicted Americans through cartoons in an
offensive way. But they (Americans) do not react to this because of freedom of the press and freedom of speech and all that. I'm sure some did react but not the way the Muslims did.
I disagree, though.
There may be freedom of speech but everything has a limit. I honestly believe that this (the cartoons of Muhammad depicted as a terrorist) overstepped its boundaries. If it were any other person, it would have classified as freedom ofspeech. But they (the Danish newspaper) desecrated the image of the Muslim prophet. No wonder the Muslims reacted that way. It would have been similar to people creating a cartoon of Jesus as a masochist or a torturer. It desecrates His image.
I am not saying that the Muslim's very violent reaction is right. But people do have to understand that what happened was not a meredepiction of a race of people, but a desecration of a religion. I may not like some of the Muslim teachings but religion is religion. They have their beliefs that they have held sacred. And for someone to come in like that and tear it apart because of freedom of speech is quite unforgivable.
The Danish newspaper involved must realize that they are at fault. They didn't just insult a race, they insulted the very Prophet that they worship and rever. They need to listen to the reason for the reactions. This time, freedom of speech cannot save them. The Muslim people also needs to realize that maybe all the other people do not know why they are reacting that way. Instead of resorting to violence, they must find a way to voice out their side with the people listening to them.
Because as long as we don't make any effort to listen, we can never have peace.
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I do not understand Philippine justice. What more do they want? ABS-CBN has already taken all responsibility for what happened at the ULTRA. They've paid for a lot already. They've given money to the victims' families, helped out with the hospital bills of the injured, continued to cooperate with the government. I think they've suspended the show for now. But it seems like Task Force: ULTRA is not satisfied with it. It's like they're out to get revenge on them or something.
I'm not saying that what ABS-CBN did is already enough. They do need to realize that, being a television network, they have to start acting
responsibly to their audience. They have to start acting knowing that their audience will do everything that they say.
But it does seem like Task Force: ULTRA is just trying to build an even bigger fire when the flame has already been extinguished. ABS-CBN should
have made things more secure and organized. But they've tried to do something about it.
I don't see the government helping the victims out. As far as I know, a lot of private organizations have helped out but they seem to be too busy trying to point all the blame to ABS-CBN. They say "certain sponsors" should
stop pointing fingers and take responsibility for what happened. And yet it seems as if they're the ones who are still pointing fingers.
I am not affiliated with ABS-CBN in any way. Nor am I a member of any anti-government organization. It just frustrates me that one party tells another to do this when they, intentionally or unintentionally still do the
same thing themselves.
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The ULTRA incident is a clear example of the state of the Philippines right now. Admittedly, there are several well-off families and individuals here.
But they only account for about 1/3 of the entire Philippine population. Around 70% of the population still lives on or below the poverty line.
This is why they look forward to shows like Wowowee because of the promise of riches and comfortable living. Promises that have come true.
Can you say the same for the government?
As an employer, I will do my share to help them out. But as an individual, I ask the government, where are the promises you have made? Why do they remain broken?
People do not even ask to be rich. They just ask to be able to live comfortably, to not worry that they might not be able to wake to a new morning, that when they sleep, they might not wake up. They just ask to be able to put food on their table,
a roof over their heads, clothes to keep them warm, education to teach them. But none of this can even be guaranteed to everyone. This is their right, isn't it? Then why can't everyone get it?
I am not saying though that I do not have faults. I have been selfish and I have been self-centered. But I do help out and I don't make promises I can't keep.
It just frustrates me that PGMA keeps saying that she's doing a lot and everything has improved. But, like Sen. Mar Roxas said, I don't feel it.
I don't. Really, I don't.
Depressing, I know. Sometimes, it's just hard to pretend that everything's okay when it's not.Labels: human rights, justice, politics |
