It was only through Global Voices Online that I found out Bong Austero, who penned an open letter that’s been much-forwarded (sometimes even without his name), is a blogger.
Reading his blog was quite an experience. There are three entries that should be read by everyone, regardless of which side they’re on, not least because they give breadth and depth to the open letter that he says he never thought would achieve such a wide circulation (and probably, for that very reason: people could tell they weren’t crafted for any other purpose than to express the author’s feelings):
The demolition team becomes personal
All three entries are not just eloquently, but so honestly, written they remind me of something people have been chiding me about: the loss of civility in discussing the issues. I do not, and will not, regret a temper and biting words with regards to public figures, but perhaps that shouldn’t be the case with regards to private individuals, particularly in the blogs. Perhaps, but not always.
One thing, though: anyone should be able to say anything they like, for whatever side. When you try forcing people to shut up, you lose. Mr. Austero is speaking to his constituency, and obviously doing it well -and in a way no one can question. So read what he has to say.