To Be Selfless or Not to Selfless, That Is the Question

More than the issues on pink fences or the latest UAAP ball game, we have to focus on the imminent danger that has been hanging in our midst yet is left untouched due to many a political issue. Terrorism is an act familiar even to the poorest family in the Philippines. And yet, we are rendered inutile by it, because we lack the resources to push through with a fight against it, hence the controversy circulating around the House of Representatives and the senate.

Unless they pass an anti-terrorism bill that will hopefully secure the citizens of this country a little more. Although unsure of the negative effects of this bill, people have already started speculating as to whether it will be effective or not. Opinions from both Max Soliven and Marichu Villanueva, both from the Philippines Star have its differences, and yet both look forward to the approval of the said bill.

Soliven's column strongly favors the anti-terrorism bill as is expresses by the line "This is why I say: we must have an anti-terrorism law. And the more teeth we put into it, the better." However, though he supports it, he sees the initial flaws of the plan, and concludes that due to more politics the bill will end up useless even if it is passed. He is really skeptic when it comes to the ability of our law makers to create a law that is both efficient and effective. Because of the issue of "human rights", the senate and congress reduced the number of detention days from 90 to 15. Seriously though, who would be afraid of such "punishment"? Our justice system holds on to suspected drug users and pushers for an indefinite period of time, as such it should give a more apt response to suspected terrorist, as they are recognized as a greater danger to all.

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...le the latter leaves it to the readers to think for their selves without direct prodding from her. She cajoles them to use their commonsense in hopes that they'd see the story from a different angle after she gives the cold hard truth with as little brainwashing as possible. Soliven's appeals much more to the emotional side of the reader to be followed by the logic in his column, while Villanueva touches on the logical aspect of the issue with emotion as the last thing on her mind.

It doesn't matter though, which of the two holds more appeal to one particular reader, since different people have different tastes in reading, and it will depend on them which of the two they will prefer. The most important part is the columnist's opinion on the matter, and that they were able to convey clearly, without a doubt. They have said their piece, and the rest is up to you.