The first decade of the twenty first century comes to a close with the world in turmoil. They were ten years of terror – blood shedding and wars. The significance of 9/11 which formerly was an emergency phone number without the slash, has been imprinted din the minds of people all over the world, when on that unforgettable day, more than two thousand lives were lost in the United States of America. It seemed unbelievable that such carnage would take place in the “land of the free and the home of the brave,” which was not touched in two previous world wars.
And so, at the end of 2010, we do not just look back to the events of the year, but more fittingly to the last whole decade. It could have been a decade of progress and prosperity with the advances in technology, but sadly, more focus was given on how to protect the nations through these speedy communication techniques and ways of travel. Billions (or is it trillions of dollars) were spent on homeland protection and international security and thousands of soldiers from countries all over the world died, in an attempt to control the surging terrorism,. The later years of this decade saw the international economic decline from which we have not fully recovered.
This last decade also saw the mighty fury of nature through hurricanes Tsunami, earthquakes and erupting volcanoes. We saw them as if they were only happening next town through our television and internet. We were witnesses to the warm and heartfelt response of people in this part of the world, when money, clothes, food and other things were donated to assist the victims of these disasters.
Well known people, actors and actresses held fundraising campaigns and personally went to the places affected to lend a helping hand. Members of the media used their expertise and power to spread the news, to appeal for help. Even children gave up their savings to contribute what they have to people they had never seen in person but they know needed help.
This decade also saw the election of a black president in the United States, a first in the history of this country wherein only in the previous century, segregation of blacks and whites still existed.
Here in Canada, 2010 will not be easily forgotten, it is the year that Canadians from all races, colours and creeds stood together as one and waved the Canada flag for their athletes in the International Winter Olympics. Be they in the venues for the games or gathered in a pub or the living rooms of their homes, they cheered as one, as the Canadian athletes won gold medals and sang “O Canada” and “I Believe”. It was a glorious winter in Canada.
But 2010 has also been a sad years. It was almost unbelievable where it was reported that the commander of the largest military airfield in Canada, CFB Trenton, Russell Williams, was a rapist and killer of two young women, one a member of the military itself and another a well-loved member of a family in a town in Ontario. This criminal did not only confess to these two horrific acts, he also broke and entered homes of women he stalked, and robbed them of their most personal garments. Here was a man in power, a member of the military elite, who was a respected officer in his position and a monster lurking in the dark of nights.
The people of Canada had drawn a breath of relief. He got what was due him; a life sentence without parole for twenty five years, a withdrawal of all the titles and honours he head previously received and the burning of all his uniforms to erase his connection with the Canadian military.
True, the sad events he was responsible for drew people to the television, internet and newspaper, but the title “Newsmaker of the Year” did not befit him. It was said that “He was selected Newsmaker of the Year because of the magnitude of his evil and because of the news his deeds generated”. (Toronto Star, Friday Dec 24, 2010, pA16) and for that, the title “Infamy of the Year” suited him better.
Giving him the title “Newsmaker of the Year” placed him in the same category as Pierre Trudeau, the Canadian Soldier, Stephen Harper, Paul Martin, Jean Chrétien and Stockwell Day. Definitely, he is not one of them. One has to stop and explain how he was chosen.
Let us look at the bright side and cheer for Sydney Crosby and Justin Biever who ranked second and sixth as newsmakers. And of course let us now forget Patrick Chan who won the gold medal in figure skating in the World Championship in Beijing with his quad.
In the Philippines, 2010 brought a new president, Noynoy Aquino. Has he brought a new era of hope for Filipinos? Let us keep our fingers crossed.
We are entering the second decade of the twenty first century with new hopes for a better economy and we fervently look forward to peace. Canada is withdrawing our soldiers from combat duty in Afghanistan. Those who will be left until 2014 will assist the people in education and training for the soldiers of the country. Let us hope there would be no more gatherings on bridges in the Highway for Heroes.
And as we move forward, let us count our blessings. Let us thank our farmers for their hard work and bountiful harvests that we enjoy most in late summer and fall. Let us be grateful for our police forces that keep us safe, our public transportation system that some often complain about but which I do believe is adequate and convenient for most and for our health care system that is available to all residents of this country whoa re legally living in Canada.
Let us hope and work with advocates for the continuous support of immigrant settlement resources that are at risk of being lost right now. May the government understand the importance of these settlement resources for newcomers in the country.
We have to work hard to achieve our dream of a better life for us and our children. Let us move on towards that dream in 2011.
Manigong Bagong Taon sa Lahat!
