February 26, 2009

  • In 1986, United States President Ronald Reagan withdrew his support of Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos and his wife, Imelda, had to flee Manila for Hawaii. This was a result of the People Power protest, a nonviolent action of civil disobedience. It ushered in opportunity for Corazon Aquino to take office as the eleventh--and first woman--President of the Philippines.

    I still wish that the U.S. could say that we have our first woman President of the United States. To me, it symbolizes more progress, as I believe that sexism runs more rampant than racism. Fortunately, I believe that the U.S. can live up to its ideals. It will only do so if as a citizenry, we demand it, the way the Philippine citizens did in 1986.