A Matter of Trust

Despite all the movies and press about cops going bad in the U.S., people still call 911 over there. Over here, there's a tendency to hesitate, to wonder if the solution might be worse than the cure.

I'm sure that there are good police officers here in the Philippines, the ones who try to do their job despite having no budget for things like plastic bags or rubber gloves to recover evidence, despite the relatively small pay, despite seeing how much more money the less honest ones get. I'm sure its hard with families to support.

It's just that we don't really seem to think of most of them that way. The ones we trust are the ones we know. There is no real faith in a fair and impartial system.

I wonder if that faith will ever emerge.

Soulfast and Saintswalk

All Saints and All Souls Day are very important days here in the Philippines. It's said that people are willing to work on Christmas, during Holy Week, but not on these days.

I think it's partially due to the tradition of remembering, honoring and praying for relatives who have passed away. The other probable reason is that it's a time for family reunions to take place (complete ones, because the departed can be thought to be in attendance as well).

On this day, I greet my departed family and hope they are enjoying their eternal rest.