ADVANCE TO BE RECOGNIZED!

Gentlemen,

It is indeed pathetic that we should be involving ourselves in petty quarrels in the case of the Paras problem; wasting our time knocking our heads on the wall, literally, when we know that there is nothing we can really do. The Gods-that-be in Manila have everything under control and would do everything in their might to keep their man in place as long as possible, so as "not to lose face."

However, that is not what can really worry us. What we should all be aware of, is that silence is, more often than not, the wrong stance.

A French philosopher (E.M.Cioran) once said: "We feel safer with a madman who talks than with one who cannot open his mouth." This is not to say that Laon Laan, whoever he, is a madman. He is just mad! I admire both of you Sir Peter P and Laon Laan for having this verbal joust. Can you imagine if the La Solidaridad or similar outlets of ideas never existed! If anyone thinks Laon Laan to be throwing punches below the belt – tell him, challenge him, discuss with him, and argue with him – just as Sir Peter P did. However, please join in a healthy discussion of the problems that beset us all.

If Laon Laan were wrong about his assumptions, I would strongly advise the people he has on the cross hair of his scope, to answer him and prove him wrong. It is not for us to stop him for that is his privilege, nay his right - he has presented his accusations and ignoring his claims just firmly establishes the belief that his claims are true.

Silence might be interpreted to be surrender or consent for most; guilt for those he accuses; and "schei…egal" to the rest.

Finally and unfortunately, silence in this case – has been a triumph for evil. The great hero is turning in his grave, but who cares?

Dennis Barcelona