"Sowing the seeds of Struggle, Reaping the harvest of Freedom"

"Sowing the seeds of Struggle,
Reaping the harvest of Freedom"

(Notes on the Filipino peasant as a force
 against the ever-oppressive order)

By Kat Ulrike

At first, this note expresses support for the Filipino peasant in this month commemorating their hard work and their struggle for land, life, and justice against inequality, feudal injustice, and state-sponsored terrorism. That even in a time of global pandemic and its effects in the national life and its economy, the Filipino peasant remains a "vital position" and a "formidable force" in advancing the people's struggle against the ever-present tyrannical order. 

For in this continuing past, the plight of the peasant masses bear the burden brought by poverty, oppression, and tyranny brought by local landlords, comprador-traders, and corrupt bureaucrats and its attack dogs. Also aggravated by the COVID19 pandemic that has affected local and global supply chains, the peasantry faces a situation that slows down production, enough for the international community sounding alarm on the very real possibility of food shortages and famines at worst. 

But in this present Duterte regime, poverty incidence amongst farmers and fisherfolks continue to remain highest in the country despite the administration's "developments" in agriculture prior to the pandemic and other press releases. It is unsurprising, especially that with the 2019 Rice Tarrification Law and other related acts, these drags domestic rice production down despite promises of "support" from the "rice competitiveness fund" coming from tariffs- that even consumers also affected by perennial price hikes as a result of inbridled rice imports by entrenched interests. 

Furthermore, programs like the "Build Build Build" becomes an opportunity for developers and exploiters alike to aggressively convert farmlands, forests all for infrastructure, real-estate, or commercial purposes while displacing peasants from their only means of livelihood.  Even ancestral domains of national minorities such as the Lumads and Cordillerans also affected by the actions brought about by the present order's brand of "development"- that in Mindanao, most productive lands are set to be converted into infrastructure projects such as the Mindanao Railway Project; or in Cordillera, wherein a new Chico river Dam project may flood villages and displace its people. 

Recently, the price of vegetables and  rice was at its lowest forcing farmers either to rot their produce or still face the cycle of usurious debt all to make both ends meet. For sure the Agriculture Department "tries to resolve" such as its "farmers markets", but can't face the fact that these farmers faced no support from supposed concerned authorities while saddled by the rising costs of production and at the same time facing dwindling farmgate prices.

These problems, ranging from landgrabbing, cheats from middlemen, exorbitant taxes, to those of usury and others oppressive in nature continue to aggravate the lives and labours of Filipino peasantry. What more of an ever-existing repression and fetid corruption brought by the bureaucrats and its attack dogs in uniform. Even in this pandemic period where people are in demand of support, the regime shortchanged peasants and food production with the agriculture sector set to receive a measly 1.5% of taxpayer's money while allocating a lion's share of pork barrels all in preparation for the 2022 elections to those of additional budget for both defence and internal security. The latter, of course, serves no purpose other than to perpetuate state terrorism against the folk, especially with the recent passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act that targets those who actively against the regime and its unjust policies especially the peasants, indigenous peoples, and the urban poor, who altogether at the mercy of that repressive law that has vilified their struggle for rights and welfare. 

Not surprising isn't it that the regime has ever continued its blood-soiled action. Be it in a form of extrajudicial killings to those of vilifications and slander, the regime's perchance to oppress the folk intensifies popular hatred no matter how apologists tries to divert the blame to its political rivals. These also shows how the regime continues to be in connivance with the landed gentries and compradores in maintaining its foothold while continuing its subservience to foreign interests with latter's promises of loans for various projects. It doesn't matter how it affects the farmers, fisherfolks, indigenous peoples, and the urban poor so long as projects like the Kaliwa Dam, the "Aerotropolis" at Bulacan, and other projects under the "Build Build Build" continue and be profited by interest seekers both private and in the government. 
Also wouldn't be surprised that it is the system's fault for not addressing food security all because of not addressing the plight of the farmers, what more of favouring entrenched interests in the agricultural sector.

But in spite of these challenges, the Filipino peasants, along with the other affected sectors, continues to assert land, bread, peace and justice. Regardless of the slander, harassment, and coercion brought by the order, as well as this ever-present pandemic, that actions such as the recent protest in Mendiola to those of appeals for immediate relief for the affected sectors shows how these affected folks continue to sow the seeds of resistance that neither the order's oppression nor the pandemic can stop the struggle from ever growing be it in the metro to those of the countryside- and that struggle isn't just about reclaiming their lands, livelihood, or the country itself and its future, but to dismantle the very system that enabled its centuries-old oppression and its continuity of injustice. 

And even in this pandemic period, hope that the people continues to support peasants and fisherfolks in their campaigns and programs in promoting food security and rural empowerment, of sowing the seeds of struggle and reaping the harvests of freedom. The order may parrot words like "development" the way it also preaches terms like "freedom" or "democracy", but for whom that word "development", "freedom", or "democracy" truly benefits in the countryside? 

"Let the River of Justice flood the Rotten Order"

"Let the River of Justice flood the Rotten Order"

(A note on the events surrounding the death of River Nacino
and the fight for Ina Nacino's freedom)

By Kat Ulrike

Political detainee Reina Mae Nasino and representatives
of the National Union of People’s Lawyers arrive
at the wake of 3-month-old baby River at a funeral home
in Pandacan, Manila on October 14, 2020.
Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

This note strongly condemns the action taken by the authorities against the Nacino family after the death of 3 month old Baby River. 

That from the unjust arrest with false accusation, followed by the decision brought by the courts to remove the child from her mother, to those of disrupting the burial's solemnity, these shows how the system has imposed its version of justice: that by simply because of opposing that "dear leader Digong" and other forms of dissent rather constitutes to promoting terrorism enough to "face the long arm of the law" even it meant an accusation. or sure apologists of the order would laud the system's actions so aloud that it even justifies separating the kid from her mother, that "law is law" even it tramples human lives what more of human rights. 

But regardless of the justifications brought by the regime, these series of events shows how the ruling system, who while claiming they value "human lives" are themselves depriving it on others- especially to those whom they perceive as an enemy regardless of its innocence. It is not surprising that even expressing sympathies to the family is itself also an act of terror and therefore face slander, threats, anything brought about by the order and its apologists through press releases and in social media. 

Perhaps, from these apologists it's easier to justify what the authorities did to Ina and her family, as well as her colleagues regardless of not proven guilty by the courts, what more that it doesn't matter whether her family, friends, and others are mourning but instead blaming her and the rest involved for being against Duterte and the system "instead of being contented as a mother", that again, unsurprising for knowing that for some time the order parrots human rights, rather downplays it in favour of "ending the insurgency" whether it is armed or not. It also doesn't matter whether there are "collateral damages" either, what more of differentiating who is taking arms or asserting pro-people reforms and sound alternatives. 

And that the order's view of "winning the peace" is by simply showing no remorse to those perceive as "against."- especially in this time of Dutertism and its idealised orderism. 

"New Face but Same Boss."

"New Face but Same Boss."

Or: "Thoughts on the recent change of leadership
in the House of Representatives"

At first, this note is ought to say that the recent change of leadership in the House of Representatives is nothing but an internal issue involving allies of the Duterte administration. 

For despite having feud between Cayetano and Velasco, these two men wanting power shared the same interest of defending their dear father Digong as they supported the Anti-Terrorism Act, the shutting down of ABS CBN and its right to operate its TV and Radio stations, and by granting their dear leader "extraordinary powers" in diverting public funds to his projects of interest. 

This writer wouldn't be surprised if that by supporting their dear leader also meant kowtowing to his interest and those of his foreign overlords. Whereas Duterte have to respect unequal agreements such as those from the United States, China, and other developed countries, so are the two- while the people are actively opposing the plunder and destruction of resources of the country "all in the name of development."
And since Cayetano, now ousted from his seat as speaker, may feign acting as a "conscience" of the administration if not a "fiscaliser", will he after all of kowtowing to his "Father Digong" and ever clinging to the position of house speaker? Don't think so- may even cost further his reputation all after his actions during his speakership; after all, he will be remembered for his million peso cauldron used during the South East Asian Games and in justifying his display of things irrelevant to the congress such as his collection of basketball stuff "just to remember the late Kobe Bryant".

For now this note would say that to sum all these, that this speakership duel will be remembered as all about getting a bigger share of power. Expect these two still busy toadying up to their masters, of Digong and Inday Sara, to those of Bong Go just to pursue further their political ambitions- the question is, who will be really chosen to succeed beyond this matter? For sure everyone can't just "move on" for this brouhaha. 

But in the end, people have nothing to gain on that rift nor from Velasco's speakership in this time of pandemic. For sure other than the much-bragged projects of course, there was no programs calling for immediate support such as mass testing and affordable treatment of the infected patients caused by COVID19, not even wage increases nor immediate assistance for the unemployed, no job security, not even land reform.  

"Is the Authorities really value Human Lives?"

"Is the Authorities really value 'Human Lives'?"

(A note after the reports on River Nacino's death)

At first, this note extend its deepest sympathies to political detainee Raena Mae Nasino and her family for the untimely death of her 3 month old daughter River last Friday after suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome. 

According to reports, Baby River’s health deteriorated after authorities separated her from her mother and deprived of breastmilk, barely 2 months after she was born. As Nasino, a member of Urban Poor group KADAMAY, was found out she was pregnant after her arrest along with other activists on November 5, 2019 in Manila for alleged illegal possession of weapons. On April 8, Nasino, together with other political prisoners, filed a petition before the Supreme Court  to allow their temporary release on humanitarian grounds. The Supreme Court decided instead to pass the responsibility to the lower courts. On August 13, River was separated from her mother by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 20. A motion for reconsideration was also denied, and Reina’s case in the Court of Appeals remains pending. Nasino’s lawyers even filed a petition for her temporary release after discovering that River was no longer responding to medication and might die soon but to no avail. The baby died without reuniting with her mother.
Coincidentally, Nasino's arrest last 2019 was also another attack on the people's resistance after multiple raids took place in Negros and in Paco, Manila. And contrary to the allegations brought by the authorities, she and others arrested have consistently opposed anti-people programs of the Duterte regime such as Operations Tokhang, Galugad, the TRAIN law, and demolition sprees brought about by the Build Build Build program.

It is unsurprising for with this kind of action brought by the authorities shows failure to show compassion and a blatant disregard for basic human rights such as that "right to life", contrary to what Duterte himself telling about "Human Lives over Human Rights"; that be it arrested, killed, or involuntarily disappeared shows how this administration doesn't matter about their lives nor innocence, but instead justifying their demises all due to their beliefs; and to think that the administration's supporters either justify that action as part of war on terror/or insurgency, it clearly shows that those who oppose Duterte's bloodied policies, what more of promoting "pro-people" alternatives are synonymous with terrorism- and not even surprising about trumped-up charges to justify further their arrests if not their demises. Thus, is the authorities really value "human lives" as what they did to Ina and her child? 

Expect more protests all because of this kind of inaction (or rather say intention) that's brought by the order. Saddening yes, but with the action brought by the order really intensify people's anger no matter they're trying to lessen it.
And to cut this note short, this would say each and every concerned should realise how these bandits in uniform has done to Ina and her infant child, and that to call for the release of Political Prisoners, to pursue pro-people reforms, is just along with the fight for lasting peace based on justice- and from this would really meant valuing human lives that's contrary to what the present order has shown over. 

"Up to what extent will they defend the order, their idol, and the bullshitry?"

"Up to what extent will they defend the order and its bullshitry?"

Last September 2020, social media company Facebook Inc. has removed 155 accounts and 6 Instagram accounts all because of "coordinated inauthentic behaviour" on behalf of a foreign or government entity. 

According to news reports, these removed accounts were to be originated in China, with content focused primarily on the Philippines focusing on politics and supporting certain politicians. At the same time, Facebook also took down 57 accounts and 31 pages all traced back to the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines- and from these accounts were mainly involved in psywar operations which includes red-tagging activities accusing certain individuals of being connected to the Communist Party. 

At first would say it is a "sigh of relief" especially when people are sick and tired of fake reports or false accusations; but for those supporting the administration, that kind of response from Facebook meant interfering their activities of supporting their president and its actions. That, whether by using "free speech" clause to justify their statements to those of accusing the social media site of interfering with state affairs/or in connivance with the opposition, it doesn't matter for these supporters to think their activities Facebook deemed as a "coordinated inauthentic behaviour" but instead it was their 'right' to use Facebook or any social media site like Twitter or Instagram as a tool to promote the government's action "right or wrong". And even Duterte himself accused the social media site of "encouraging the left" and "inciting rebellion" all after that shutting down of alleged fake accounts and pages. 

But come to think of this, since the administration got triggered after the social media site's action what more of its basis to shut it down, then how come it is the same administration who did threaten certain persons with arrest all because of criticising Duterte via Facebook? Is this what the regime talked about respecting one's freedom of speech and expression? For sure one would remember about those who who were forced to apologise by authorities while being mocked, slandered by the regime's supporters for their actions opposing the president. Are they even communists or 'yellows'? Nope- but for the supporters, they can be classified as such.

And to think that the regime justified those posts shared as part of its "battle of ideas", is it really a battle of ideas when in fact more like slander, falsehood, or threat against one's person and not the idea? As far as a concerned person sees is that the regime has promoted disinformation so long as it benefited its own survival (as any other psywar operation that uses lies and half-truths). That those from the opposition, be it "red" or "yellow" are meant to face the wrath of the administration's sockpuppets including those from government agencies who demand "unity" through blind obedience to "tatay Digong" instead of "destabilisation" brought by the "opposition". Even ABSCBN, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler, and other news agencies providing news critical of Duterte was even accused of promoting destabilisation from these sockpuppets too! 

Also the fact that one government official described its own shared post of a fake report as "informative" and "entertaining", then  this also shows that regardless of its slander shown to a certain person or a group (especially if that person or a group is against Duterte) it doesn't matter- what is important is on how to win from that "battle of ideas" between their beloved "tatay Digong" and his enemies. However, that same government official who did shared that "inspiring", "entertaining" or "informative" posts did not even present any evidence for the claim except a rehash of old allegations on certain individuals as members of the Communist Party. Wouldn't be surprised that those posts isn't limited to these individuals alone because of a belief, but also to those who simply disagree with the regime's actions, much more oppose- altogether as to be surveilled, harassed, imprisoned with false accusations, killed, or by simply disappeared.

At present, the regime's diehard supporters (including those feigning 'neutral' when in fact treating Duterte as a lesser evil figure), as any footsoldiers of this rotting order, has either defending their posts as a matter of freedom of speech and trying to maintain their presence in social media, if not accusing Facebook for supporting the opposition as what their idol said. Some would even call for investigating Facebook if not its outright banning along with a law calling regulating the use of social media sites, while others calls for moving towards other social media sites such as Russia-based VKontakte, China's Weibo, or even MeWe, and propagate its bullshitry.

But the question is, up to what extent will they defend the order, their idol, and the bullshitry ever being done? Unless they are truly remorseless they Wouldn't be surprised if they end as memes simply because of their belief in defending their idol as well as his actions. That they defend the use of Dolomite "sand" in Manila bay regardless of its problem not knowing they themselves becoming butt of jokes, of posting their false reports about the government's infrastructure program and be shared by fellow supporters as if "gospel truth", to those of how the government is acting in regards to this COVID19 pandemic regardless of its problems; altogether along with the usual blaming those against their idol's actions as a stumbling block to his self-interested if not blood soiled agenda. These and more would say are driven by the goal of defending that goddamned order right or wrong as if like 2016, this time against those who are truly concerned about their homeland and its people and not just the "yellows".

"As Duterte lashes out at Facebook after blocking those supporting him"

"As Duterte lashes out at Facebook 
after blocking those supporting him"

Source: CNN Philippines 

 It seems that the president is acting like a despotic landlord after ranting at the social media site for "coddling with the opposition".

For in his weekly public address last Monday, president Rodrigo Duterte strike at Facebook for taking down accounts that supported his policies, most of which deemed fake due to its inauthentic behaviour. 

"I allow you to operate here," Duterte said. "You cannot bar or prevent me from espousing the objectives of government. Is there life after Facebook? I don't know. But we need to talk."

For as Facebook has  removed 57 Facebook accounts, 31 Pages and 20 Instagram accounts for violating its policy relating to "coordinated inauthentic behavior" on behalf of a foreign or government entity. And most of the posts such as those synonymous with his programs to those of slander against the opposition as deemed fake and meant to misled people. In fact, according to that social media site, it justified shutting down false accounts, one based in China and another from the Philippines, all used to post information about a variety of subjects including those of Philippine politics. The Philippine-based network, however, had ties to both military and police, as it showed examples of posts slandering activist groups and the legal opposition as part of its antiinsurgency agenda if not to push through the candidacy of the presidential daughter Sara Duterte for the presidency. 

But according to both Military and Police officials, that hey had no hand in accounts busted by Facebook for spreading disinformation. This comes despite multiple reports documenting police and military commands spreading fabricated information on their social media accounts over the same topics that Facebook mentioned. Some would even shared by officers, most of them as rabid supporters of the administration. 

As for Duterte and the administration, it doesn't matter whether it is disinformation or not so long as it supports the government agenda. Instead, accusing Facebook of helping and encouraging communists to block his efforts. If not mistaken this isn't just about communists who really voiced their opposition against the system, some of these Duterte apologists did even slander ABS-CBN and other news outlets, or concerned individuals all for being critical against Duterte the way it slanders the legal left for its views. Worse, to see those who vent their angst against Duterte through their posts (like Laarni Villaluz with her meme, Joshua Molo with his reasonable post, or Ronnel Mas and his outright rage) end forced to apologise even in front of authorities. 

Perhaps, wouldn't be surprised if he really meant shutting down just like how justifies use of Gasoline in his past statements: 

"Even the advocacy of government was removed. So what’s the purpose of you being here? Facebook, listen to me: We allow you to operate here hoping that you could help us also. Now, if government cannot espouse or advocate something which is for the good of the people, then what is your purpose here in my country?" 

So does it mean that disinformation is part of the government's advocacy? Not surprising if that's the case, his supporters had been known for making posts and supporting it no matter how fake/edited it would be if being checked. And despite his criticism towards Facebook, Duterte himself has also benefited from that said social media site with its popularity in the Philippines as its supporters either projected his cockish, strongman image to those of making slander against the opposition in its aggressive social media campaign that helped him win the 2016 presidential election; and still broadcasts his speeches and public appearances online to reach a wider audience either through its "presidential communications" or its so-called "Duterte''s Diehard Supporters".
And from the tone of Duterte's statement, no matter how spokesman Harry Roque would explain how his boss did not intend to shut down Facebook and describing takedowns as "censorship and suppression of right to expression" would say it is way far from it. Yes, he wanted to talk towards the management of that social media site- a way of making another example of submission towards "government policy" like what happened to ABS-CBN and other sites.

But come to think of this: since it is from Facebook where some of those who expressed their angst against Duterte end forced to take down just because being pressured by Duterte supporters/or by the authorities themselves (like those stated above), then it is not surprising that these same diehard supporters who either demand for "controlling use of social media" or in this present case, ditching their Facebook for VKontakte or MeWe.
And in speaking of the latter sites, the question is, will they survive VKontakte? Weibo? MeWe? Sorry to say but from these individuals, all due to their fanaticism, and even the ringleader himself, themselves became memes- and now they are triggered all because someone is taking down their posts, groups, and blaming Facebook's Zuckerberg along with opposition for all their woes. 

Or is the president's lashing also a means to veer away from matters of importance such as this COVID19 pandemic?

"When fake reports, false pages, and inauthentic behaviour became the administration's social media strategy"

"When fake reports, false pages, and inauthentic behaviour
became the administration's social media strategy"

The recent action brought by Facebook Inc. has brought concern for the Duterte regime and its apologists. Be it because of their nature of their content being junked as "coordinated inauthentic kind of behaviour" to those of false reports such as those shared by a government officials, the order, through the Duterte administration, has suddenly talking about "freedom of speech" to those of threatening the social media site to be investigated, if not shutting its presence down for what they think as "intervention."

It is not surprising, for as these apologists of the order sees the role of social media as a medium the government uses for effective information dissemination and direct popular participation, it is also serve as a way to curry support especially in regards to their programs- including those that may end questionable rather than their expectation that's agreeable. 

However, this incident didn't happen last September. Last 2018, Facebook Inc. has removed almost a hundred pages, including a handful of pro-Duterte pages after it was found guildy of posting spam or irrelevant content. According to a report in CNN Philippines that year it said that it had removed 95 pages and 39 accounts as part of its ongoing efforts to protect its services from abuse. And amongst these removed pages are vocal in their support for Duterte and former Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos- and include names like "Duterte Media", "Duterte sa Pagbabago BUKAS", "DDS", "Duterte Phenomenon", "DU30 Trending News", and "Manang Imee".

For Facebook Inc., these said pages violated the social media site's "spam and authenticity policies by encouraging people to visit low quality websites that contain little substantive content and are full of disruptive ads." "We don't want this kind of behavior on Facebook — and we're investing heavily in both people and technology to keep bad content off our services...," Facebook said in a statement. "This takedown is a small step in the right direction, and we will continue working to find and remove more bad content."

But for the fanatic this doesn't matter. They realise how social media as capable of "making wonders" thus they have to invest on those whether to curry people support or to defend their idol Duterte no matter how the social media site trying to control it. Of course, these fanatics would claim about "freedom of speech" or ranting how about the opposition, especially the radicals for propagating messages critical to the government? This writer even saw those calling Zuckerberg as an ally of the opposition all because of the actions pointing against them- and it is not surprising that for these fanatics it is their duty to defend the order such as their president no matter how fake it is or not. 

However, as Facebook Inc. continues its "purge" of false accounts and "fake pages" due to "coordinated inauthentic behaviour" and the likes, this time the government, with all with that grave concern from those recent reports has to counter it- just like what Cayetano said, that how come Facebook deactivates accounts of those supporting while allowing those who he called as destabilisers demanding for a violent overthrow of the government?

Quite ridiculous tho as Cayetano et al. expressed that message, but it is the same administration who threatens those who seriously dissent in various forms be it memes, statement of concern, or plain simple angst- that at times end forced to apologise under coercion by *ehem* authorities sworn to upheld freedom of speech and expression. And is it also the same administration, who, while sharing some false reports, even justify it as "informative" or "entertaining", aside from accusing those being featured in shared posts as "destabilisers" and "terrorists."

At present, the government is still waiting for Facebook Inc. to respond to its call for some "talks"; but for now they have to get contented on that social media site's justification behind their action. Others, aside from calling for shutting down Facebook like what happened to ABS CBN, either planning to move to another site or just staying put and continue its action as the Presidential Communications. Wouldn't be surprised if after 2022 would change scripts if not remain remorseless in justifying their idol's actions to those of promoting toxic positivity. After all, they have to maintain their presence in social media knowing its major factor for their idol's presidential win during the 2016 elections. And from their presence this includes promotion or provocation: of showing various government projects regardless of its fakery (like those of a bridge project somewhere in Luzon but uses a picture of a bridge located somewhere in the Balkans) to those of accusing Vice President Leni Robredo for stealing the Vice Presidency from their preferred candidate Bongbong Marcos. 

What more of others who would even cloak themselves as "neutral" or "pragmatic" but from the tone of their commentary it makes Duterte as a lesser evil figure. 

***

And because of these actions makes a concerned would think if not say outright that they are altogether footmen of the order that's rotting, desperate to maintain in power. Not even surprising that they have that less concern given to the "validity" of their statements and instead given more emphasis on their strategy to misled the people in their hodgepodge of toxic positivity and rabid loyalty to their idol Duterte. It doesn't matter when the dolomite sand beach in Manila has its negative effects for the important is its aesthetic; what more of collateral damages in its anti-drug operations "just to maintain order". Perhaps right was one of their rabid supporters that a hundred casualties, regardless of its innocence or not be taken their lives for years of "stability", that human rights is unnecessary, that "law is law" and its harshness meant "no mercy", and that to live in an autocratic order as better than under a chaotic democracy.

But despite all these, that the people are increasingly becoming aware of what goes on behind the sawali curtain. For sure they dismissed the delusions brought by the order as the waters of the Manila Bay destroys the artificial beaches. That they felt betrayed by the man who promised to stick the Flag in the disputed seas while riding a jetski, of claiming to be a "socialist" only to be surrounded by interest-seekers especially those of ex-military servicemen claiming to be "working hard" to preserve the ever-rotting order. 

Perhaps, this writer may've agreed that the promises of the 1986 and 2001 revolts turned out to be empty rhetorics and half-baked 'realisations' meant to impress the majority and thus led to an upsurge of Orderism ranging from Marcostalgia to Dutertism. The problem is, neither their yearning for nostalgia or change didn't push their nation forward- worse, to see the country still in its ever-continuing past.