By Jan Vicente B. Pekas
As an 18-year-old, I am not foreign to consequences. Brought upon by my own actions and stubbornness. It had been, and perhaps will continue to be a pattern in my future. I am no saint, just a mortal. Yet, imagine my surprise when a leader of a great country shares one of my shortcomings, nay, most of OURS. Despite the warnings from western intelligence, and even our history of two world wars could not hide my surprise when the invasion of Ukraine occurred.
Even a continent could not shield us from the effects of war. It is not only the surging of gas prices, but even fear has made its way to a nation so far away. But that uncertainty is understandable. It has happened before. A war in Europe trickling its way into Asia is not unheard of. The Nazis did it. And with the cooperation of the Japanese, the Philippines was occupied as a result. Death and untold sufferings came into our doorsteps and entered our homes.
This 2022, we are again faced with the possibility of war taking away our children, brothers and sisters, uncles and other relatives. Rob us of our freedom and our democracy, as world war II had done in the past. But fear cannot be what controls us. Especially now in these troubling times. Being scared can truly show us how much life is at stake. But fear can only erode the mind. Deprive it of pragmatic and sensible ideas. Leaving it dull and helpless, unable to do what it was made to do, think.
Divided we fall, united we stand has become a cliché or so common. But as the elections come ever closer, divisions become all the clearer. Even familial relationships are not immune to the effects of politics. Our unique ideals and visions as humans become a double-edged sword. And our quick temper can quickly blow out the possibility of being civilized as supporters of different candidates. But I believe in Filipinos’ love for their family members rather than our support for a candidate. There may be some bickering on the dinner table as more nights come, maybe even fists flying around when alcoholic drinks are on the table. But when all is said and done, these will all be stories we will laugh about as time passes.
With war and elections looming over the horizon, fear and divisions have entered our society. Creeping up on our minds and inviting in paranoia. And making us choose between family and politics. To worry about the future is inevitable. But we cannot ignore the present. What is in front of us may never even be in the future we so worry about. But our family members are right in front of us, living and breathing. And it is in these troubling times that we must bring them all closer.**
