We have got to buck up and support a pro-human rights stance in Syria.
We have to confront North Korea at the strategic level in a way that is clearly defensive in stance. (That missile is aimed at the route of least resistance and speaks volumes to my ears about the state of our own readiness.)
The DPRK's language is often symbolic and belies its intentions in a manner which is seldom direct. It is an unspoken language, however, always consistent with the spirit of that Country.
Thus, its not the satellite in showcase here, its the launch modality.
This threatens us only indirectly at this time however. Whether we respond or not (more importantly how to respond or how not to respond), must always be calculated to mitigate the threat that this becomes direct.
We must bear in mind and heart we belong on opposite sides of the 38th parallel and historically always have.
We have to be able to state a clear, cohesive, long-term plan of non-aggression, dialogue and de-escalation in the Spratlys as an integral part of the ASEAN regional community, with our allies in principle, and with China as an integral part of a continental whole (Asia).
We have to be both clear and consistent on what is ours (which can be jointly developed as a sovereign part of our Republic) and what is not ours (which can be jointly developed as part of a common trust territory solution).
War, in our age, can no longer be confined to particular regions, with specific or area combatants.
In an age where we, as the (free nations of the) one human race, are becoming closely related as a global community, conflagrations of any size shall be the concern of all our nations.
As in a forest of tress, War is the peril of all. (For War presents to our civilizations a threat as existential as fire is to wood.)
We have to stand on our own principles, clearly stated in our Constitution.
We have to be able to expound on these and understand them in depth from first principles.
It is from these principles that we may obtain certainty in a time of uncertainty.
It is upon these principles, we must return in order to build for our own generations the beginnings of an enduring, better capable, forward thinking, one and faithful Republic.
It is from an abiding understanding of these principles that the re-discovery of the truth that fills our nationhood with substance is made possible and this will fuel the rejuvenation of our great and noble society.
Where does it all begin, my nation? At the heart - that is why, my brothers and sisters of the Promise, I can say to each of you, "we already have everything we need".
Now, if we should criticize each other, let it be. BUT let it be done so always with a sense of civic affection and indivisible loyalty to the nation.
Let it be understood by each Filipino that in the end, when push comes to shove, we will all fall onto but one belonging - to the last!
And that ultimately, we love each other for being Filipino, just for being Filipino.
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