I almost didn’t attend yesterday’s rally at the Makati Central Business District against charter change because I was severely turned off by the “interfaith” adjective attached to the demonstration. I read on the papers that the rally would be spearheaded by Catholic groups and the last thing I want to do is attend a political protest led by an institution that cares more about preserving their outdated dogmas than enacting changes that can improve human lives. But I haven’t been to a demonstration in a while and anyway, I like going to rallies. They have a fun sort of carnivalesque atmosphere to them, minus the alcohol – which is good because at least people aren’t behaving like drunken idiots. But beyond the fun is also the tiny tiny spark of hope that rallies bring.To me, rallies are a reminder that there are people who actually care enough about our country’s social problems to do more than just sit and criticize current events without even immersing themselves in the real conditions of the masses. It’s a refreshing change from being around folks who roll their eyes at my political beliefs, dismiss my opinions as “outdated radical thoughts”, or who drag me away from political arguments because I can get a little too hotheaded, pissy, and downright socially embarassing when I encounter people who disagree with me (and by “people” I mean my own parents and some of my friends. I love you guys but seriously, I do get annoyed when you do that. And I’m sorry if you had to read my blog to know that but I’m too passive-aggressive to tell you these things to your face).
