‘Thus, to be great, one must work with the Agency? Where do I sign up?’

WOW! Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr. worked with the American spy agency (according to his own son): “I will recount to you an experience that I had recently when I was in the United States and I was hosted by the director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the CIA. At ang request ko sa kanila: ‘Can I see some of the records about my father when he was working with the OSS?’ The OSS was a predecessor of the CIA. And they allowed me. They took me to the records room and they started to show me many of the records, the reports that were given during the war that are still secret. And I mean he was greater than even we realized. The things that he did, the things that — the sacrifices that he made for the Philippines. And I asked CIA, ‘Maaari ba pakopya ko, iuwi ko?’ ‘Sorry, it is still classified.’ And that was the depth of his service to the country. After the war, after liberation, he then entered into politics. He became the second district representative of Ilocos Norte and he served for about 10 years before becoming senator and ultimately president.” [https://pco.gov.ph/presidential-speech/speech-by-president-ferdinand-r-marcos-jr-at-the-wreath-laying-ceremony-marcos-day-celebration/]

Thus, to be great, one must work with the Agency? Where do I sign up? Be that as it may, as Filipinos wind down their National Peace Consciousness Month, an international network found it fit to release this missive: “The UN International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21st, serves as a vital reminder of our shared responsibility to work towards a world free from violence and conflict. Despite the profound significance of this day, we continue to witness troubling realities: many nations, communities, and individuals remain embroiled in conflicts that cause immense suffering and destabilize societies. Recent statements from the United Nations emphasize the urgency of addressing these crises:

1. ‘The resurgence of violent conflict in recent years has caused immense human suffering, at enormous social and economic cost.’

2. ‘Violent conflicts today are complex and increasingly protracted, involving more non-state groups and regional and international actors. It is estimated that by 2030, around half of the world’s poor will be living in conditions affected by conflict and violence.’

“Domestic crises in countries like Cameroon, Haiti, and Sudan, as well as international conflicts, such as those between Israel and Palestine or Russia and Ukraine, dominate headlines daily. In Asia, we must not overlook the ongoing challenges in North Korea, where nuclear tensions and human rights abuses continue to threaten both regional and global security. Similarly, Myanmar is grappling with a deepening political and humanitarian crisis following the military coup, leading to widespread violence and displacement. Meanwhile, ASEAN countries are making concerted efforts to address these issues and promote regional peace, but they face increasing challenges such as territorial disputes, political instability, and economic inequality. These ongoing crises serve as stark reminders that despite global efforts, we have yet to break the cycles of violence and conflict that continue to affect various regions.

“However, it is also crucial to recognize that certain global forces have made peace even more elusive. The rise of neoliberal economic policies, the influence of the military-industrial complex, and the interlocking interests of these forces have deepened global inequalities and made the world more fragile. The pursuit of profit and power often takes precedence over humanity, compassion, and tolerance. War clouds seem to loom over many parts of the world, fueled by greed that poisons the human soul, diverting focus from the values that bind us together.

“On this 40th anniversary of the International Day of Peace, we must reaffirm our commitment to the pursuit of peace, not only by ending violent conflicts but by addressing the underlying causes that fuel them. True peace transcends the mere absence of war. It involves the promotion of justice, equality, and the fulfillment of fundamental human rights. It is a Peace rooted in understanding, empathy, and reconciliation, ensuring that every person can live with dignity and security.

“In this struggle for lasting peace, the work of non-governmental organizations and civil society groups is indispensable. These organizations labor tirelessly to mediate, rebuild, and foster resilience in communities devastated by conflict. Their efforts are crucial in reducing the frequency and intensity of violent clashes. Additionally, peace education, both through formal and informal mechanisms, plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of peace. We must make peace education more accessible to younger generations worldwide, as it is key to building a world that is not only peaceful but also rich in diversity, understanding, and beauty. By educating individuals about the values of empathy, tolerance, and non-violence, states and NGOs contribute to the long-term foundation for global peace.

“As we reflect on this important occasion, let us recommit ourselves to the prevention of conflict, the promotion of dialogue, and the creation of a lasting peace. The road to peace is challenging, but our actions today will determine whether future generations can live free from fear, violence, and oppression.” [Global Thursday Forum, Statement on the UN International Day of Peace, September 21, 2024]

We also note US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s statement Commemorating the International Day of Democracy: “In 2024, a historic number of elections are taking place, giving a record number of people around the world the chance to make their voices heard. Ensuring all citizens can participate in those elections strengthens democracies and ensures they are better able to find innovative solutions to the challenges we face.”

Finally, we include for the record the recent report of the passing of the infamous Red Guard Song Binbin (Song Yaowu) whose role in the beating (with a wooden stick) of a deputy principal (Bian Zhongyun) to death in August 1966 heralded Mao’s Cultural Revolution. [“Ex-Red Guard Offers Fresh Cultural Revolution Apology,” https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-CJB-20331]