A Bad Week For A Filipino-American News and Political Junkie
Last week was certainly bad for a Filipino-American News and Political Junkie such as myself, not only was a respected Filipino Journalist abducted, but three others along with her also were abducted in Sulu. And another bad news in the media, as I wrote last week, the passing of a news juggernaut, Tim Russert. Both individuals are key figures in the world that I live in. News and Politics.
Every Sunday I look to Tim Russert to give me a sense of what is going on in politics, in government, with key decision makers. I look to him to give me a down to earth explanation of the issues. I think, with his passing, there will be a tremendous void, for quite a while, as someone has to fill those very big shoes of his.
On The Philippine front, as a Filipino, I have been glued to the tube, to the internet, and to my cellphone, for the latest update as to what was happening in The Sulu Kidnappings. Thank god for Filipino Voices, which for quite a while there, had been toe to toe with mainstream in terms of some key analysis and news on the abduction. No doubt, we have to thank Ding Gagelonia for this, as well as RG Cruz, both journalists have had some key insights, because both know Ces personally. And mind you, there were tensions over at Filipino Voices, and I expected this. With great minds, and with collaboration, there comes a time, when the friction causes too much heat. It’s damn exciting to experience, as I’ve said it’s not for the faint-hearted.
In any case, I was riveted as I assume many Filipinos were. And now, as Rom would put it, the questions can finally be asked, in full, without having to be sensitive to the victims, since all of the abducted have been released.
I’m just a little peeved now, that right away there is already a sense of untruths being circulated. A Public Relations word war, of what to call a ransom. Today, apparently, it’s called “Livelihood Projects”. Give me a break! Livelihood Projects?
What about seed money for future kidnappings? I think that title fits the bill perfectly.
What about investment fund for future abductions?
We can call it whatever we want, but in the end, it’s ransom. It’s payment for the release of hostages, and for the continuation of many band of kidnappers to hone their trade.
And so, yes, it was a bad week. I’ve lost a wonderful Sunday Morning friend. And we all had to experience a reminder that our defunct military still cannot control the security in our own backyard.
Hey, at least, Loren Legarda is getting some free publicity out of this.
