Access!

Access!

Poor thing! Despite of her beauty and wit, Thumbelina could not just become Miss Universe. Mother Nature denies her of what seems to be admirable of women- length, shape and size. And it’s doubly misfortunate that people don't want to adopt a criterion that would allow her to compete despite of her shortcoming.

            However, people are known to violate many of nature’s decrees.

It used to be that only certified women could join the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant but Donald Trump, the pageant’s owner, lifted the veil to give the not-so-original ladies the chance to join it. He changed the rule in the name of fairness. He gives everyone the chance to claim the crown of the universe.

In one instance, critics have been demanding equal chance at entry for lesbians and gays in the uniformed services.People and institutions have condemned the disparate treatment of persons belonging to the “third gender”. Sexual preferences do not make the real distinction that could justify a different treatment insofar as entry to the armed forces is concerned. Eventually, military and police institutions have to adopt a non-discriminatory policy to appease the crying public.

            And just recently, some pretending experts on economics and poverty have claimed that many are poor in the Philippines because the illiterates and have-nots are denied essential reproductive health services. The debates have been so intense. They have been saying that equal access to reproductive health services would help the poor improve their lot. Eventually, the lawmakers conceded to this non-sequitor equation.Congress had passed a law which would allocate billions of pesos for distribution of family planning devices to the poor in the name of access and non-discrimination.

            Equality and fairness have become convenient justifications for these affirmative actions.The State, the great equalizer of society, has the prerogative to change public policies to institute conditions consistent with the ideals of equality and fairness.

            However, certain inequities remain unaddressed by the great equalizer in our society. Many things remain separate and unequal. It seems that the State is powerless to correct what needs to be rectified.

            Access to justice is still dim for the poor.

            Access to education is denied to poor children.

            Access to elective positions is shut off to those who don’t have influence and resources.

            Access to the military and police positions is withheld to those who lack the height and the size.

           

             Some economic, political and social forces tend to obstruct all efforts and attempts at equalizing these concerns. Also, the State looks powerless in the face of inequities which treat people separately and unequally because it is hostage in the hands of the privileged few. Moreover, the insensitivity of politicians who wield power and lord over our public institutions shut off the poor from essential public services and opportunities for better future.

           Cure: not election but revolution!