Don’t misread the times

By Jun Velasco

WHAT happened to Rep. Jose de Venecia and son Joey in the impeachment issue could very well be a portent of cataclysmic events in our corruption-battered existence.

Woe unto our children who are willy-nilly bombarded with shrouds — and shreds — of darkness everywhere. We oldies must be luckier for we had glimpses of the good old days in our gangling years. We know how the young today are torn and confused by clashing interests.

It’s extremely difficult now to crowd out the bad, who are — because of their edge in dirty lucre — lording it over the national psyche. Under the circumstances, our last resort is not even the Supreme Court which, as you well know, is now predictable. We cry out for Divine intervention, but the church, this now controversial institution, can no longer assert itself, having been mired too in worldly ways.

Back to JdV and the impeachment tragedy. Mantakin how the carefully prepared impeachment complaint was “leisurely” junked that threw the 8-man conscience bloc of the House justice committee in utter shock. Such is the stark reality of our judicial system today.

When JdV deplored, “every one is for sale now in the House,” he was using a figure of speech — and his former allies knew that — but they pinned him down just the same. Talk about friendship. It may take some time for the Sunshine in Joe to come back. He is, sad to say, overwhelmingly outnumbered.

We should read beyond what we see on TV and read in the newspapers. The nation is on fire. Anyone who denies that is misreading the times.

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Another friend, Aurora Linda Calvero — Roli, for short — died of cancer last week. A member of DCNHS Class 61, Roli was a lively member of our Crackerjacks gang in the 60’s who has left unforgettable memories of her unchanging friendship, loyalty and amiability. Roli showed what love and dedication to a profession and calling are all about. She displayed rare courage amidst a dreaded illness that saw her fighting patiently in silence, dedicating her dear life to sanctity and total submission to the will of God Almighty. As George Patton once said, “it is wrong and foolish to mourn the men who died it is rather that we should thank God that such men lived.” Someone said that death is beautiful as it consoles, redeems, sanctifies. Roli’s friends thank God that she, with her loyal friendship and love, has lived in their heart forever. Rest in peace, friend.

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Not much is known and heard in the media about the local DILG officers in Pangasinan. This must due to their boss, Domiciano Soriano’s quiet, low-profile but work-oriented work ethic. We should not forget that these are the very stout souls who provide direction and meaning to the local government units – from the provincial, to the town and barangay levels. It is to their credit that our LGUs are kept informed of government edicts and programs so that felt community needs are delivered to the barangays, puroks, sitios and the remote villages. Carry on.

Let’s applaud them thru their director, Domiciano Soriano of Agno, for their self-effacing and humble work.

(Readers may reach columnist at junmv@yahoo.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/think-about-it/ For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)