by Nimfa L. Estrellado Straight Talk June 15, 2019 As we celebrate Independence day, it’s all the most important to discuss today’s poli...
Straight Talk
June 15, 2019
As we celebrate Independence day, it’s all the most important to discuss today’s political climate. Are we truly a free nation? Are we really free today? Are we doing justice to the freedom over which so many lives were lost or have we just taken it all for granted? Think about it.
In countries where dictators control populations the press is either stymied or non-existent. It’s a sad state of affairs when the President calls media liars and cheaters, as he frequently does. He also accuses them of broadcasting fake news and of distorting the facts. None of this is true, however, and one is reminded of how essential freedom of the press is for democracy.
Around the world there are countries where people are hungry for news from somewhere other than their own leaders. Such a country is North Korea. There nothing is reported on except repeated tales of how great the leader is and what he has achieved against his enemies, chief of which is the United States. We have seen this same scenario in other Communist countries. It was the same in the Soviet Union and China, which still broadcasts stories that mainly tell of its government’s achievement and how great its leaders are.
Journalists are known for digging up the truth and perhaps this has him worried. One must ask if this has a bearing on the way he constantly accuses them of fake news. Is he preparing the ground for overturning anything they may find that is averse to him. No one can hide forever and if there is something that needs to come out then it will. That is what democracy is about, openness and freedom of the press.
Independence isn’t just one’s right to vote, nor freedom of expression; it is when we feel more certain of what lies ahead, and know that we deserve something because we have earned for it. We need to question everything, and do our own research to discover fact from fiction, even if it contradicts what we believe or have been told. Our own inner knowledge and conscience should tell us what is true and what is utter nonsense. We need to start listening to our inner voice, it is our connection with the God Source and never lies.
Our flag is a symbol of freedom. May it always prompt us to fight for our rights and democracy as a nation. Let us always remember the brave young Filipino men and women who gave their all to free our nation from tyranny. Their sacrifice, as that of their families, are etched in the pages of our glorious history for all the years to come.
As we celebrate Independence day, it’s all the most important to discuss today’s political climate. Are we truly a free nation? Are we really free today? Are we doing justice to the freedom over which so many lives were lost or have we just taken it all for granted? Think about it.
In countries where dictators control populations the press is either stymied or non-existent. It’s a sad state of affairs when the President calls media liars and cheaters, as he frequently does. He also accuses them of broadcasting fake news and of distorting the facts. None of this is true, however, and one is reminded of how essential freedom of the press is for democracy.
Around the world there are countries where people are hungry for news from somewhere other than their own leaders. Such a country is North Korea. There nothing is reported on except repeated tales of how great the leader is and what he has achieved against his enemies, chief of which is the United States. We have seen this same scenario in other Communist countries. It was the same in the Soviet Union and China, which still broadcasts stories that mainly tell of its government’s achievement and how great its leaders are.
Journalists are known for digging up the truth and perhaps this has him worried. One must ask if this has a bearing on the way he constantly accuses them of fake news. Is he preparing the ground for overturning anything they may find that is averse to him. No one can hide forever and if there is something that needs to come out then it will. That is what democracy is about, openness and freedom of the press.
Independence isn’t just one’s right to vote, nor freedom of expression; it is when we feel more certain of what lies ahead, and know that we deserve something because we have earned for it. We need to question everything, and do our own research to discover fact from fiction, even if it contradicts what we believe or have been told. Our own inner knowledge and conscience should tell us what is true and what is utter nonsense. We need to start listening to our inner voice, it is our connection with the God Source and never lies.
Our flag is a symbol of freedom. May it always prompt us to fight for our rights and democracy as a nation. Let us always remember the brave young Filipino men and women who gave their all to free our nation from tyranny. Their sacrifice, as that of their families, are etched in the pages of our glorious history for all the years to come.
