I don’t know where in the space-time continuum is Bill Esposo. Maybe he was affected by the early DST imposed in the US.

His column today advises the opposition to change its campaign strategy. Fast. His thesis is that using Estrada as an emblem/flag/standard of the opposition is wrong, divisive, and drive the opposition to defeat.

Isn’t the replacement of the campaign manager a signal of a shift in strategy? Or is Esposo still thinking that JV Ejercito is still the manager (well, he is, but will be replaced by Serge Osmeña soon)?

Hasn’t he heard Serge said in an interview that the campaign will concentrate on boosting Sonia Roco and Nikki Coseteng’s rankings? That the campaign will concentrate on places where the opposition is weak?

His defense of Francis Pangilinan is noteworthy for being a non-issue. He rued the opposition’s seemingly ganging up on Pangilinan. If it is a non-issue, how come Esposo is still hitting the opposition because of that?

Anyway, his other points are logical and the opposition should pursue those talking points.

Speaking of Serge Osmeña, Babes Romualdez is happy that the debate being organized by pro-status quo businessmen will push through tomorrow, and called Osmeña Dr. No. He he.

And like every other ivory tower columnists, he looks down on a Plaza Miranda-type debate with these words:

Those who still insist on holding the debate at a public place like Plaza Miranda will just have to wait until somebody comes up with the bright idea to produce something like a Philippine Political Idol contest, where the candidates can sing and dance on stage so people can choose their Top 12 by texting or phoning in their choices. We can even throw in Boy Abunda as host to add the personality that would make the show complete.

His opinion is most probably shared by businessmen all over the country.

And his final words on the topic is plain wrong:

The opposition can continue with plans for another impeachment attempt if they so decide, but I really wish they would also realize that the country will not be able to move forward if we continue to keep dragging all the heavy baggage of the past. The time to move on has come, and hopefully the coming elections will be an opportunity for everyone to forge an even better future for this country – and this “great debate” is a step towards that direction.

Those who don’t learn their history are bound to repeat it, so goes a cliche. Move on, huh? Mr. Romualdez, tell that to those people whose relatives “just” died. Tell that to those who trusted your president for six years and yet to experience what you and your ilk have been experiencing. Tell that to Gloria’s street sweepers, who are being paid way below the minimum wage – the minimum wage that you and your ilk wants to remain that way, minimum.

The concept of justice is really alien to a lot of people in this country, I’m afraid.

Speaking of learning from history, here’s a scary news story: Champagne corks pop in Manila in echo of Marcos era. The ending part is what scares me:

“There is this mindset, which I think is so passe, that says: “The country is in shambles and the country is having a hard time and you are out there partying”.

But this generation is guiltless when it comes to that.”

This generation will have to learn history the hard way.