"And nothing to look backward to with pride; And nothing to look forward to with hope." <br> – Robert Frost

JUDGING from the smaller-than-expected indignation rally last Friday in Makati City, it seems that prudence, and T.G.I.F. ("thank God it’s Friday"), got the better part of the citizens as they either avoided the certainty of a massive traffic gridlock, or the threatening inclement weather; or the usual rallyists-for-hire complaining of lack of food; the police were alert and determined; and the rest decided to go home early than risked being stranded in the city.

As perceived, it was supposedly a rally of an increasingly "outraged" citizens to end all rallies. As it turned out, it was modest, noisy, albeit peaceful, indeterminate, and was tainted by ambitious candidates for 2010 who took advantage of free publicity and ready-made audience to project their presidential ambitions.

This opportunism further dismayed the bleeding hearts and anti-PGMA do-gooders among the small upper middle-class representation.

First, it was unclear what the citizens were "outraged" at, if true, or at whom?

Especially those who have served under her administration, and who have worked with her, are they outraged at her personally, or her family?

Are we "outraged" at the lack of diligence and accomplishments of our joint Congress?

Are the leftists "outraged" at their failure to seize political power?

Are we "outraged" at the corruption and ineptitude of the Philippine National Police?

Are we "outraged" at the corruption and scandals involving ZTE-NBN, or the Northrail, or the Comelec automation?

Are we "outraged" at middle echelon officialdom and below corruption ranging from BIR examiners, to Customs appraisers, to LTO fixers, to land registration faking of land titles, to traffic enforcers?

Are we "outraged" at the inability of the State to eradicate lawlessness and collect loose firearms?

Are we "outraged" at the maltreatment and exploitation of OFWs at the hands of bureaucrats?

Second, what are we really angry at, or frustrated of, or "outraged" at?

Is it all of the above? Or, is it only with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo?

Being the President, should all the blame and problems be heaped on her doorstep being the Chief Executive? Is that fair?

Third, let any nation that has no sin cast the first stone.

When an incumbent governor sells the vacant Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama, and gets arrested, is that not corruption?

When a Korean President, or a Korean business taipan, or an Argentine former President, respectively, among other examples, are indicted, are these not samples of corruption?

Fourth, are we really "outraged" at PGMA in view of her many accomplishments, pro-poor policies, microfinancing, job generation, high GDP, and lack of prima facie evidence of personal gain or wrongdoings to warrant being "outraged" with her governance?

Are we "outraged" at her personally, or all of the above, and the blame solely to be borne by her? Is that fair?

When all is said and done, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo continues to sail into the sunset despite the turbulence and hardship of her watch – either because the critics have failed to single her out for a specific case of corruption, or her many achievements and hardwork have more than compensated for her shortcomings?

Indeed, all of us have something to lament, regret, moan and whine, and be outraged, But be outraged at whom, or at what?

Truth to tell, it’s the political system, and the undemocratic business oligarchy that should be addressed.

For these reasons, we need to revise and amend the Constitution, and change the form of government. There is nothing to lose and more to gain. The whole exercise, as alleged, is not to extend the term of the President, and elected officials beyond 2010. This is speculative and insulting to the Filipino people.

Let us light a candle instead of cursing the darkness.

You be the judge. (For comments and views, please e-mail: chaff_fromthegrain@yahoo.com)