www.onevoice.org.ph

I wanted to make a separate entry for this, seeing how powerful it is to spread ideas even to the few people who visit my blog. And amidst the threat of a pseudo-dictatorship or destructive anarchy or both, I can recall truly powerful lines from one of my favorite movies (and graphic novels) of all time, V for Vendetta:

"You cannot kill me. There is no flesh and blood within this cloak to kill.
There is only an idea. And ideas are bulletproof."

Yes, over and above bloodshed, we have shared ideas. It is in the immense power of our principles and the bushfire spread of such ideas where we may find the salvific democracy we long for --- an understanding, a personal vindication against social hopelessness, a committed participation, and a unifying cause, all for the promise of such a glorious democracy. How so many people speak of the American Dream, when we can dream so much more for our beloved country. Can we not speak of it? Of the Philippine Dream? And soon the cancer of our society will transform into an overwhelming concerned civilian force, looking for small but coordinated solutions to the deeply embedded problems of corruption, apathy and lack of hope.

Enter One Voice. A caucus of civilians and concerned groups that still dream lovingly for their country. Briefly, they propose a 5-step process towards social renewal:

1. Discontinuance of the present "people's initiative";
2. A social reform program now;
3. Elections in 2007 as scheduled, as an indirect referendum, and electoral reform now;
4. If necessary, a constitutional convention (not a "con-ass") after the 2007 elections, and;
5. A collective effort to rebuild the trustworthiness of our democratic institutions.

If you'd like to support this cause, simply follow the sign-up instructions in their website. If you'd like to read their position paper that fully explains the context and the implementation of the abovementioned 5-step process, click here.

It's about time we end the division and speak with One Voice.