Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven But Nobody Wants To Die!
Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven But Nobody Wants To Die!
A few days ago, I spoke with a Christian pastor/friend, Ron Tan, whose political views I highly respect. Being an astute political analyst in the Philippines prior to him being a born-again Christian, he said that for anyone to run for President, one needs a strong, credible political machinery in place. He belies the notion that there is a strong "Catholic/Christian" voting bloc in our country and that in the face of political appointments or monetary incentives, many even so-called Catholic/Christian leaders could be bought at a price. Indeed, in the face of poverty and hunger prevailing in our country, he contends that it is almost a foregone conclusion that many ordinary Filipinos who profess to be Catholic/Christians, would readily sell their votes to the highest bidder. It may be hard to admit but his observations are far more fact than fiction.
It is in this context that I remembered the story of Esau in the Old Testament who, due to his hunger at that time, sold his precious birthright to his younger brother, Jacob, for a pittance, a mere bowl of porridge (lugaw). How truly pathetic and sad that the Esau syndrome continues to rear its big ugly head in the context of Philippine elections when, many Filipinos, due to sheer poverty and perhaps, due to the proverbial "choice of the lesser evil" in the political scene, willingly sell their votes indeed. But then again, can we really put all the blame on them? Don’t we share a little of the blame when we don’t even lift a finger to try to change it? Do we just keep silent in the midst of this seemingly insurmountable challenge? For if many of us would simply give up and say that it is impossible to change this mercenary-like mentality among our people coupled with the seeming invincibility of the ruling administration’s well-entrenched/funded political party, then aren’t we acting much like the 10 spies sent by Moses who, after seeing that the Promised Land was indeed practically flowing with milk and honey, nonetheless, refused to enter into the same for fear of the Anakims or the Goliath-like giants who were defending/inhabiting the land? Only 2 of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, argued in vain, for the Israelites to move forward. After all, they contended that if God was with them, who can be against them. But alas, the naysayers got the better of the Israelite nation and they remained stagnant, practically went around in circles in the desert for 40 years. Not even Moses with all the signs and wonders accomplished through him by God, could convince the people otherwise. As a result, an entire generation was cursed and not even one including Moses, except Joshua and Caleb, was eventually able to enter into the Promised Land. But the fact of the matter is that due to 2 men’s persistent faith/confidence in the God to Whom nothing is impossible, the Israelites finally did!
Encouraged by this biblical story, the fight by Bangon! Bagong Pilipinas (BBP) for the moral, economic and political transformation of the Philippines continues no matter how difficult, challenging and rough the road ahead may be. Indeed, inspired by John 10:10 in Jesus said…"The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy but I came that you might have life and live it more abundantly."…I am exhorting my fellow overseas-based Filipinos wherever/whenever possible, who are generally more affluent than their Philippine counterparts, to put our respective resources, talents and abilities together to help instill transparency/good governance in our country’s political establishment embroiled anew in another multi-million "Swine" scandal. Let us literally put our money where our mouth is and together, build this much-needed political machinery which obviously needs logistical support. Let each one of us pledge/give $10/month until 2010 to organize a grass-roots network which prior to and even after any elections, will likewise, be engaged in humanitarian works of mercy. In addition, let us recruit 10 more people who similarly believe in our common vision/mission. In this regard, I personally pledge the amount of $1,000 to BBP and invite similarly-situated Filipino co-patriots of mine to do the same and more. Otherwise, our continued lethargy/apathy will remain the constant proverbial Damocles sword hanging over the Filipino people so much so that the following saying is no truer for the Israelites than it is today for the Filipino people, i.e., "Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die." Di ba?
Atty. Ramoncito "Bro. Ramon" Ocampo is a licensed attorney in CA and Phil. He is also the President/Stewards’ Servant of the Bangon! Bagong Pilipinas (BBP), For details, please call (213) 388-9925 or log on www.globalhello.com/bbp.