a bit off the mommy track

But I've been thinking all week about another issue I once covered just as intensely, 20 years ago, and want to say something about it.
On one of the most amazing nights of my life, I watched Filipino democracy activists storm Malacanang Palace in Manila, the erstwhile home of the brutal and corrupt dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. They ran free through the hallways, laughing at Imelda's extravagant collection of shoes and bras, dancing around paper bonfires outside. Their joy was contagious, and the promise of that night seemed immense: the country was free, on its way to respectable self-rule.
But twenty years and several failed governments later, corruption and other abuses of power continue in the Philippines. During this anniversary week of the "People Power" revolt, the current president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, declared a state of emergency, while police last Saturday raided offices of the Daily Tribune, which had criticized her.
Filipinos deserve better than this. If you're of a mind to do so, you can send protest letters to the governmentthrough the Office of the Press Secretary at osec@ops.gov.ph, with facsimile number (632) 735-6167 or deliver these to the nearest Philippine embassy and consulate.