Pacquiao, on the JFK question JFK once admonished the American people to ask not what the country can do for them but rather ask, what they can do for their country. Vietnam was just beginning, the cold war was boiling and the civil rights upheaval was an erupting volcano. Nationalism and citizenship were primarily imposed with the military draft, unequal it maybe. Still, social unrest among the young perhaps showed that Kennedys call was being heard: what can a citizen do for his country? Pacquiao in effect is now being asked, or more appropriately being challenged to do what is right for his country, because he has not done anything or done not enough. An unknown boxer, much less as a Filipino, he climbed that ring, staked his life and future to herald what an underdog could do with heart and determination. He had no education nor livelihood. What he got in life was through his guts and total abandonment of boxings consequences. His defeats and knockouts served but another encouragement to get up and prove himself better. Eight world titles in eight different weight class after, he has earned for himself and for the Philippines, the admiration of the world. Still not enough. Yes, he fought primarily for money and for himself. Money he earned from other countries without the effort of anybody in the Philippines. Money that is being taxed just because he is a Filipino citizen. Before he was elected Congressman, what benefit did his citizenship provide? In his abject poverty, in his desperate years, in those days of pure hunger and simple wants, did being a Filipino helped? Was the Philippines proud of him then as a Filipino? So we go back to JFKs question and ask Pacquiao what can he do more? He who is the richest Congressman not because he stole the peoples money but because he earned such with blood, with sacrifice, with everything at stake. Why Impart his talent with the Chinese when territorial conflict exists between them and his country? Why not teach Filipinos instead to show gratitude and to pay his debts? Questions are, was he asked and what debts? Except for the land he was destined to be born, Pacquiao owe the Philippines nothing. The Philippines and the Filipinos on the other hand have a lot to thank him for. From one who share the pride of being Paquiaos compatriot, it is very hard to understand why he is being villified and rebuked. Why suddenly from being a hero, he ends up being the goat. He won his fights not because of the Philippines and the Filipinos. He did not win because he was idolized and deified. He won because he is Pacquiao. He will win or lose, the Philippines and the Filipinos, notwithstanding. And how must an ordinary Filipino citizen respond to JFK with regards to Pacquiao? Cheering him on will perhaps suffice. dan,mel&jim
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:36:10 +0000
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