By: Ben Contreras
Bono Adaza loves to say, “The word impossible is only found in the dictionary of fools”, but a visionary like him, nothing is impossible.
For him, our country has sunk so low that one could no longer recognize whether man is a patriot or a traitor. Practically all government agencies are graft ridden and corruption not only unabated but getting worse without shame. Even the word “shame” is too kind to describe them. “Baba ug nawong” would be more like it, said Bono.
His Third Force is about system change. Democracy no longer works for our country. We are already left behind by our Asian neighbors. From second only to Japan in the 50s, we are now at the tail end in comparison. Thanks but no thanks to our leaders who sold us to the United States.
So, what do we do now? Bono dreams of a Welfare State, one whose policies are for the welfare of the people, not for a privileged few. For decades, our system has been more favorable to the privileged few, the rich and the powerful who control politics, business and opportunities for a better life. The ordinary people has always been relegated to that proverbial “crumbs”, waiting for “Ayuda” or dole outs.
However, a Welfare State should be clearly defined or the people will become too dependent on the government and become parasites. This is where the integral parts of a Welfare State must play a big role like “free education” in all levels including college, equal opportunities to better life, a fair and no nonsense justice system and comprehensive health care.
There is also a need to downsize our government body. A Federal system of government “will embody a lean and clean government.
It’s a tall order really. Nationalizing almost everything could liken to over-protective economic policies. Like nationalizing power explorations, generation and distribution, water exploration and distribution, I thought it might discourage foreign investments.
There are more radical suggestions under Welfare State, but I am no economist to understand those. I leave that to the experts.
Our justice system for one is very wanting. There are cases that saw resolution after 10 to 20 years or more. In a new system, it requires 6 months only to pass judgment on court cases.
But what I like about in this proposed system change are those that could only happen in a dictatorial government or a revolutionary government. Prosecution of corrupt and dishonest government officials, putting behind bars the guilty ones and the re-imposition of death penalty, confiscation of ill-gotten wealth and lands, these are but a few of them.
A visionary leaves footprint for the next generation to follow, legacies to remember and inspirations to move forward. Would Bono live to see them come true? Don’t under-estimate him. He is certainly still sharp.
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An encounter with the rebels occurred recently in the province of Bukidnon resulting to a missing Korean made jet fighter, an FA-50. The cost of one is estimated at 21 to 30M dollar. How it went missing is still under investigation.
My worry is, did we acquire them as brand new or second hand? If second hand, how long had they been in service in South Korea?
Remember when we had several incidents of Vietnam vintage Huey helicopters and we dubbed them as flying coffins? Of course, FA 50 is different. Let’s hope that the investigation will be truthful, not hiding details that could result to future similar incidents.
Money may not matter much, but losing more pilots is.
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LWUA’s interference in the affairs of COWD is nothing but a political move to benefit certain people. The politicians responsible for this growing crisis should act to correct it if they are sincerely concern of the welfare of the consuming public.
For once, endeavor to make public the contract entered into by all parties. The solution of the problem could be hidden among the details. Do not wait for something unpleasant to happen.
When politicians meddle, it spoils the transaction.
