Be wary

Words of wisdom that find relevance in any situation are: “look before you leap” and “think before you speak”. Add to this homespun knowledge the phrase: “don’t believe everything that you read.” Indeed, a little precautionary wariness may have tempered the overzealous journalistic outputs this week which immediately pounced upon France’s “alleged” decision to include the Philippines in a list of blacklisted countries. The report—which quickly spread in the internet yet sputtered out as fast as it came — was proven to be misinformed. According to our Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, the mistake apparently arose from an interview given by a French civil servant to a French newspaper who has since been “officially” advised that information he has provided is inaccurate.

Officially, France announced its plan to blacklist 17 countries which did not assist in investigating foreign aid fraud, thereby banning the use of their banks to distribute French development funds. The decision was made shortly after France’s own scandal involving former budget minister Jerome Cahuzac came to light. In brief, Cahuzac spearheaded the fight against tax evasion yet later admitted to having a secret, Swiss bank account. Needless to say, the backlash was embarrassing. One can only assume that France’s move to blacklist not only stemmed from a desire to crack down on foreign aid fraud but to save patriotic face. Amongst the so-called “non-cooperative states” are: Switzerland, Lebanon, Panama, Costa Rica, the United Arab Emirates, and Brunei.

What’s more interesting, however, is how quickly the news caught on. I sympathize with the journalist’s dilemma: on the one hand, their credibility rests upon the accurateness of their reporting yet, on the other hand, they need to be quick on the “writing draw” lest they be “out scooped” by more enterprising colleagues.  Indeed, we live in an age of instant data-fication. Forget day-to-day and hour-to-hour, people have become used to getting the information on a minute-by minute and even second-by-second basis.  Journalists have to compete with social media sites like Facebook and Twitter — not to mention YouTube — to get their story across at the soonest possible time. “Waste” too much time double-checking a lead and their news becomes historically stale before it even hits the printers. Indeed, the old adages of look before you leap and think before you speak become antiquarian sentiments which can be left by the wayside of the information highway. Yet I would argue this is precisely the moment that such wisdom becomes imperative. When life moves at a click and tempo more akin to a Sex Pistols punk rock song than a Frank Sinatra ballad, it becomes more necessary than ever to slow it down. But remember, just in case the first two phrases remain unheeded, the reader is properly advised:  â€œdon’t believe everything you read.”

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SSM: In other news around the world, French lawmakers have recently jumped aboard the same-sex marriage bandwagon by passing the “marriage for all” bill. The latter was signed into law by French President Francois Hollande last May 18. Vincent Autin and Bruno Boileau became the first French couple to be legally wed in Montpellier, France, last Wednesday amidst the largest street protest in years and a smoke bomb exploding near City Hall.

What is interesting, however, is that it took the French this long to approve the bill in the first place.  They have long held a reputation for being ultra-liberal and generally less “burdened” by inhibitions as the rest of the world.  Public support for the same sex measure stands at 53% with 47% opposed.

Across the channel, members of the British House of Commons voted 366 to 161 in favor of their same-sex marriage bill, practically ensuring that the measure will be passed into law. And although it is expected to face rough sailing in the un-elected House of Lords, liberal groups in Britain are rejoicing over their victory. Indeed, the social attitude is changing in Western democracies as recent polls indicate that 54 percent of Britons and 53 percent of Americans are in favor of same-sex marriage. The Netherlands sanctioned same-sex marriages in 2001 — the first country to do so and 14 countries have since followed suit. In 2004 Massachusetts became the first state in the United States to legalize it and today, 12 states recognize the union. 

 And whilst the Philippines continues to wrestle with more basic socio-religous issues such as the reproductive health bill, I am sure that someday (hopefully not soon), this issue will occupy center stage and ignite a passionate divisive debate.

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This day in history: On June 1, 1794, Great Britain and France fought the largest naval battle during the French Revolutionary Wars. A French ship carrying grain from the United States which was being escorted by the French fleet commanded by Rear Admiral Villaret-Joyeuse was blocked by the British fleet under Admiral Lord Howe. The ensuing hostilities resulted in seven ships being destroyed and a combined 5,200 casualties.  The French grain convoy was able to successfully reach port yet the British were able to continue conducting blockade moves for the remainder of the war.  In the aftermath, both sides issued press releases with the British claiming a tactical win while the French trumpeted their strategic victory.
The “Glorious First of June” battle demonstrated the problem of communication, disobedience, discipline and poor training among the British and French navies.  200 plus years, these problems are still being encountered by modern day fleets including ours.    

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In memoriam: Farewell to Radio Mindanao Network/DZXL’s sweet talking legal analyst and commentator, Antonio G. Arellano, more popularly known as “Atty. Aga,” who shed his earthly existence last Sunday.  A graduate of De La Salle Taft and UST Law class of 1975, Atty. Aga leaves behind five grateful children who fondly refer to him as their protector and superman.  He re-joins fellow Friday Club member, Lito “LBJ” Balquiedra Jr., in spreading infectious laughter and good cheer wherever they may be.  

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“Some say be careful what you wish for. Well I’d be more wary of not wishing at all.” – Unknown              

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