Livin high and takin it easy

The image that made its rounds on the social networks October 23 onwards

I wanted to repost this immediately after I first learned about it through Twitter and read about it on the Gang Badoy Multiply site three days ago. After all, the first sentences did say please help in spreading the word. I decided to hold back because for all I know it might be some hoax like that Jacque Bermejo issue and the last thing I wanted was to take part in the proliferation of something untrue (especially when most times I just want to live high and take it easy hah-hah-hah!).

PrintScreen of Gang Badoy's blog on Ella's Blog

Because Ella’s site was blocked or down, the post made its rounds through a re-post on Jenni Epperson’s Multiply site.

PrintScreen of Jenni Epperson site on Multiply

Today I decided to post about it because Manuel Quezon III also made a post on it, along with some updates.

PrintScreen of Manuel Quezon III's Oct 23 post

And finally, Ella’s site is back up and she had this to say…

Ella's Last Stand on the Issue - October 25, 2009

And I quote the following:

My blog can no longer handle the amount of traffic coming in every hour. I’ve already allowed all comments with no moderation, however, it is still experiencing glitches…

…There is no malicious intent on my part with regards to the management of the technical side of this blog nor is there any government conspiracy going on. No one is trying to block the blog or silence anything. This is simply a matter of capacity overload.

Everyone has seen and heard what I had to say. All I did was ask the right questions that sparked a controversy….

…I am neither the hero nor the villain here. I am just a blogger who wanted to know what’s going on. I did not accuse anyone of hoarding. …

…All that I ask is for people to take their part in this issue: volunteers. DSWD, and myself. Wherever you fall in this category, do your part. I am not the issue. DSWD has a problem deploying relief goods. I know each of us have our own stand regarding this situation. Don’t let this cloud your judgment of anything other than what’s important — getting the right help to the people that need it most.

To read the entire post, click here to go directly to Ella’s site.

As for my take on this issue, I am both saddened and gladdened by this. It was sad to see all those relief goods stored in warehouses instead of being distributed to those who need them. It is understandable that a lot of people were angered. I was myself. That was just unacceptable. A lot of people commented on the possibility of these goods being distributed during the campaign period, with the names of various politicians stamped/taped on it, and knowing how corrupt our politicians are was not really unlikely. I have and will always hate politicians and politics. (But yes, I will make it a point to fly to El Nido to vote. I will not even attempt to comment on Erap’s supposed bid for [yet another] presidential seat).

On the other hand, I am glad that this problem had been “exposed”. Now things are being done to address the problem, or at least I hope so. I am glad that people are now more vigilant of things like these. I only wish the Filipinos in general would not only be vigilant but also smart. (I swear if Erap still gets votes and [God-forbid] wins, damn this country and its citizens to hell).

Sometimes it is good NOT to forget. Learn from the past people and do not make the same mistakes. More importantly, do not keep on making these mistakes again and again and again and again. Kamown!