Safe and dry; thoughts on the RH Bill
Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 11:58AM I don't understand the reminder to "stay safe and dry" that people like to post on Facebook and Twitter. Nothing against the people doing that ha but after a while, when everyone has said the same thing, it begs the question: who doesn't want to stay safe and dry in this weather? Let's spare a thought on all the people in Quezon City and Marikina who have had to flee their homes, who can not stay safe and dry even if they wanted to.
And what's with all this hoolabaloo of some people linking the bad weather to the passage of the Reproductive Health bill? "Does the rain today aim to tell us how God weeps for man? I think it does," said @msshaneph on Twitter. I swear to the flying spaghetti monster, some people here can be batshit insane.
I would like to think they're a minority though. I would like to think that Filipinos are good, forward-thinking people who know the value of safe sex and responsible parenthood. Now that we're on the topic - since you're probably home and not doing much, do read Pia Cayetano's blog post on Ten Facts About the RH Bill (if you haven't yet). Then, tell your friends! Support the RH bill, support your fellow women.
Reader Comments (11)
Thanks for sharing this article! I really find it disappointing that even educated people oppose the bill because they are sadly misinformed about it. Sheesh all that they have to do is read it and open their minds.
Sorry for venting out here lol. I just find it frustrating that people vehemently oppose the passage of a bill that would promote a universal right just because they are deluded with some unfounded ideas that they have about it.
You're right. I don't think the weather has something to do with the RH Bill. :\ How can they that way. :|
I was quite in shock when I first read someone linking the rains and the RH Bill. I mean why? Rather than use social networking to help MMDA, other agencies in finding victims (kahit yun na lang gawin nila to help), they're using it to guilt trip people. Hay!
What's not to understand about people posting 'stay safe and dry' on social networking sites? It's raining hard, it flooding in many places, if you're at home and browsing the internet, the least you can do is to let other people know that you hope they CAN stay safe and dry as well. I've posted messages like this a couple of times and will keep doing so if I feel like it. On my part it's not so much a reminder as a wish of good will in this time of calamity. And just because a lot of people say it, doesn't make it any less sincere. And lastly, in no way does it mean that I have not spared a thought to those who are stuck on roads or rooftops waiting for help and rescue.
A little positivity never hurt anyone, but maybe a little condescension does.
Hi Lorena! Thank you for your comment. I'm all for positivity and goodwill. Saying "stay safe and dry" may be sincerely meant, but it's not useful. Sharing emergency numbers or weather resources is useful, so that others may do the same and perhaps prevent or minimize the human suffering caused by this rain. Asking a person how he or she is doing, and if there is anything else you can do to help, that is useful. But saying "stay safe and dry" in this weather - and NOT offering something more substantial in promoting positivity or goodwill - is something I feel is unnecessary as much as admonishing someone to "keep breathing".
I apologize that I generalized earlier. I do see a lot of people and FB pages asking everyone to "stay safe and dry", curt, obvious, and not at all meaningful. But I'm sure there are other people who say that and have done something much more meaningful to comfort their friends and family. I did not mean to put them in the same boat.
To clarify,I'm not condescending on people who wish others to stay safe and dry. I'm just saying I don't understand it because I feel that there are more meaningful things to say or do in this situation.
@BrownOso I feel the same way! I can't believe people in this decade - even here in the Philippines - would oppose a solution to a serious but preventable problem. Thankfully I don't personally know anyone who is against it.
@Gen-zel @Alexis hay!
I shared the link to Sen. Cayetano's article on my Facebook page and I was VERY surprised to be greeted by a lot of hate messages saying that the worsening of the weather is because of the RH bill and heaven wants to purge this abomination. Wow lang ha. I sincerely hope that those people are just trolling pero I think otherwise :(
Agree with your sentiments exactly. I also appreciate the shout-out to the Pastafarians!
Personally, I think that those people who are attributing the rain as punishment for RH bill, are those na wala ng maisip na dahilan para hindi ituloy ang RH bill.
Thanx for sharing the link..I will share it on my fb..
Halong!! (stay safe in ILonggo!)
Some people--a lot, actually--are more closed-minded than you would believe. I've given up trying to enlighten them regarding the RH Bill.
Thanks for sharing the link to Senator Cayetano's post on the RH bill. It's a good start for anyone who doesn't have the slightest or have doubts on the bill. I remember I've a friend on Facebook that said, both Pro- or Anti- people alike do not have the right to say anything about the RH bill if they haven't read each clause and understood it. hahaha! Touché.