Is this good news that will affect the whole world? We are referring to the reports that trials in vaccines that have been introduced in the United States have started, and we do not know yet whether they will be effective enough to be introduced worldwide later. But it is still a welcome development, that gives hope to an almost despairing humanity. So far, however, according to CNN reports, only one person, a female, had submitted to it, and she will most likely go down in history as a heroine, or a martyr. Whichever the result.
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Its name is said to be “Moderna” and why that was chosen, no explanation was given, but as the old saw goes, “What is in a name? A rose with any name will smell as sweet.” So long as it can save lives and prevent the rampage of the coronavirus, let’s not mind whatever it is called. Tests have reportedly been made in the United States, the United Kingdom and China. Well, China should be leading in the search, both for a vaccine and a cure, since, after all, it was the country that introduced the deadly virus to the world.
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In the meantime cases are still spiking in the United States, but we do not hear anything about the pandemic from China that has been mum over the matter or the virus that had hatched in its bosom, unlike the Americans who continue to bare their very souls to the media, Chinese people are often known for being secretive, which is probably why the COVID-19 is taking too long to conquer. Who knows whether it had been controlled had the medical people there sought the help of other specialists worldwide to work on its prevention and cure?
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Well, that is water under the bridge now, and let us now make the most of whatever remedies our own scientists and doctors discover, and recommended as something to combat this plague. And of course let us not forget our faith and continue to pray and ask our Lord to protect our people and guide us towards the discovery of a cure for this malady that has afflicted mankind in this generation that we belong to. And also that this discovery will take place soon and be available to all the world.
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But at least we should be thankful for the fact that our people are more compliant and considerate because they have adopted the wearing of face masks so obediently. Countries where this simple protective device has not been followed by everyone are now realizing their folly because of the number of cases and deaths they are contending with. Such a simple item, inexpensive, too, compared to the medicines and treatments required for a patient whose chances of recovery are not encouraging at all, has proven its worth among so many countries and people.
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Who can blame Japan for calling this plague the “China Virus”? Of course everyone knows that it all started in China, in the city called Wuhan, and was transmitted by bats. I only hope such name-calling will not start a China-Japan war, because hostilities are the worst thing the world will have to contend with while the virus is raging! Some people even worry that war would break out between the U.S. and China and even if they will not bother with us, who will not be affected? As I have quoted before, “When giants fight, the pygmies tremble”. And who are the pygmies?
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I have often wondered why the great CNN, or Cable News Network, seems to be ignoring the Philippines in its regular reports. But yesterday, after President Duterte delivered his State of the Nation Address, or SONA, they gave it several minutes of coverage. Since we already had listened to the actual delivery, it didn’t matter anymore. But it did focus on what the President said about Senator Frank Drilon who, I gathered, had referred to his family as a dynasty with his daughter mayor of Davao, and his two sons also in politics.
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Going back to the President’s SONA, one item that evoked a lot of reaction was his mention about restoring the death penalty. I noted that stunned his listeners for a while, and only when he asked outright why there was no clapping, did the audience comply. Well, that is his advantage, seeing that he has stressed that he is not seeking reelection. But I am sure a lot of our people, belonging to a deeply religious country, will certainly have a say on that come election time.*
