Maybe non-readers of the DAILY STAR will not get the laugh I hope to hear. But what did those who did read yesterday’s issue think of the Business Section headline saying “Animal genetic improvement program continues in NegOcc”? Did it elicit a smile, at least? If we are concerned about improving the genetics of animals, what about human beings? Could it be done in such a way that there will be no more criminals, and no more diseases that heighten mortality rates?
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If you thought that funny, I am glad because we do need to keep our sense of humor these days. It is rather difficult to do that when much of the news you hear or read about concerns diseases, if not uprisings and political outbursts. Funny, but in these days, politics should be the last thing in our minds, health and well-being should be topmost in our concerns. Seems that it is not so in the United States where the outgoing president does not seem inclined to “pack up his tent like an Arab, and silently steal away”.
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Only one day is left of the administration of Donald Trump who had been hoping to hang on for another term when Joe Biden upset his plans. The transfer of power is due to take place the day after tomorrow, and the world is watching for what plans Donald Trump has been cooking up so he can prevent the takeover by Joe Biden. But it seems as if the American people, with some exceptions, of course, are ready to accept the change, so what steps can Trump take to stop it? It’s a long shot that he must know is likely to miss.
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But what should concern us Pinoys more these day is still the COVID 19 that is only not disappearing or waning, but has introduced a new variant that is again puzzling medical experts. Is it true that a case of this variant has already been found in our country? Wednesday is the feast day of Bacolod’s patron said, St. Sebastian. Let us pray to him to intercede for us with our heavenly Father to keep us and our country safe from it.
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A most interesting development from Congress is that the President has his list of congressmen supposedly involved in corruption and is set to blow the whistle, figuratively, on them anytime. Now, instead of fearing COVID infection, such politicians must be quivering in their boots in fear of the exposition. Other presidents would probably be diplomatic about it and just warn the “suspects”, but since this one has claimed that he is no longer interested in reelection, he may throw all caution to the winds and expose them. The guilty ones must be consulting their lawyers now.
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I have always liked that old saying “It’s an ill wind that blows no good”. Indeed, even this COVID pandemic has brought some good as far as family life is concerned. People now tend to stay at home more than they used to, so bonding can take place. Perhaps some folks have no idea what their family members go through in their occupations, but with them at home more times than they used to, can share experiences and bond as they never did before. The threat of any one of them getting infected by the COVID should also make them protective of each other.
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While the Diocese of Bacolod is looking forward to its feast day on Wednesday, the United States is expecting to see, not a peaceful transition of power from Donald Trump to newly-elected Joe Biden, but some big trouble from the followers of the loser. So, while the inauguration of a new President is supposed to be an exciting event reports say that thousands of members of the National Guard will be on standby on that day. Not only that, I am sure there will also be very strict checks on those allowed to come into the hall where the rites will be held.
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But they are not over-reacting, because the Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned that protests may be held in 50 states on inauguration day, January 20. So they are taking no chances , especially if they recall what happened during that siege in the White House. Of course Trump can wash his hands of whatever may happen, because he could not benefit if anything happens to the president-elect, but like what happened during the attack on the capitol, nobody ever saw his footprints there.*
