Labor Day

Today is a national holiday. It is that day of the year dedicated to the labor force. It is also a day where people (especially those who are in the labor force, those who by their dripping sweat feed their families) let their grievances heard. The streets have been their medium for such outcry.

I have in the past joined one of these rallies. It was the biggest I have ever been to. We even performed during the activity. Our performance portrayed the horrors of military rule and of the fascist tendency of our country – that it is very much in existence even today and that we, the common people, have the power to stop this evil.

As I was driving by the Fuente-Osmena Circle this morning, I saw them – people bearing flags and streamers preparing for what seemed like a concerted action and demonstration for this day. I felt the urge to join.

The young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Episode I said, “Mom, you said that the greatest problem in the universe is that nobody helps each other…” He sure is right. The greatest hindrance to a totally free and prosperous Philippines is apathy. I can almost hear people in jeepneys passing by the Fuente-Osmena rotunda saying, “They will never be heard and the government will never yield to their clamors. What they are doing is futile…” People just don’t give a damn. It is this very attitude that keeps us from moving towards a better world.