A call for poise and dignity

It’s historically axiomatic that the Philippine government, since the acerbic Manuel L. Quezon down GMA, has always played up ingratiatingly to the good graces of Uncle Sam.

Many claim special relations or historical tie-ups in political and cultural aspects. They range the gamut of ideological lessons in democracy, the Thomasite education of the "little brown brothers" in the English language, the sweat, blood, and tears amity during World War II, the July 4 independence as truly so, and the efforts of fighting extremism.

It could be said that the fecund seed of terrorism leading to the 9/11 catastrophe was hatched in Manila. It’s just a huge blunder that the Manila info and CIA intel on the Al Qaeda plot wasn’t accorded serious US reaction it greatly deserved; thus, the 9/11 cabal and tragedy.

Whether or not Juan dela Cruz has been aptly recognized by some smattering "ugly Americans", is something else. For one, Filipino USAFFE veterans of the epic Bataan 3-months delaying action for America to gain time to marshal its military forces destroyed in the Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Japanese treachery, have only grudgingly – and 6 decades late – been beggared by mere one-time pittance of a few thousand dollars each. For another, Uncle Sam’s treatment of poor Juan dela Cruz, though not condescending perhaps, but certainly not special, as some lackey Pinoys like to proclaim unilaterally in self-flattery.

Take that snub on President Gloria Arroyo – assuming to be unintentional – when she did a sidetrip from her other foreign travel for a chance audience during President Obama’s inaugural. Though some odiously uttered "mirisi" for the rebuff, yet others took the diplomatic slight as a slap.

Another example of just being obviously taken for granted by USA was its being by-passed by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton whose 5-nation itinerary in Asia was her first State travel under Obama. Hence lately, Hillary herself had profusely expressed – in a token of rue – that the US government is now looking for ways to sustain ties with RP, as she greeted the RP with "warm wishes" on the June 12 Independence Day. Hillary’s message states: We are committed to continuing friendship and finding new ways to work together… for the good of our two countries and the world". She further exuded with: "The United States is proud of many ties that connect our nations"… as the US and the Philippines "share cultural and familial bonds".

   With some 4 million Fil-Ams in the land of milk and honey, many perhaps still sending US dollars to their families left behind in their native land, indeed the US and the RP share mutual concerns and interest. But while the Pinoys should not unnecessarily be fawningly subsuming themselves to Uncle Sam, the US must not also patronizingly belabor the proven loyalty of the Filipinos. Just a sprig of courtesy, a modicum of respect, and a shade of dignity, may really be the heart of the matter, as friendship goes.

And so, as President Arroyo is all astir in anticipation of Pres. Barack Obama’s invitation to break bread with her sometime at the end of July, GMA must maintain her presidential poise and dignity, and not be too exuberant as to wear her heart on her sleeves in awe of the Obama glitter.

This is the time to defy criticisms of her being afflicted with wanderlust. Just be level-headed, and not cut corners in her audience with the perceptive Obama. And never ask for aid or favors, military aid, or whatever. Remember, while Barack Obama and Michelle may be virtual yearlings in public governance experience as politics goes, both lawyers – like Bill and Hillary – are intellectual thoroughbreds.

The very "esse" of human nature being materialistic as to betray some form of ape-like avarice, it becomes innocently harmless among children and the uncultured, and may still be becoming even if pathetic. But to the heads of state who avidly sidle with the richer ones, in sheer ingratiating fecklessness, even short of thrusting piteously with open palms, is a stupendous diplomatic calamity.