Pork barrel's origin:
The term originated from pre-Civil War practice of Americans of giving a barrel of salt pork to their slaves. The slaves must compete among themselves to get their share of the provision. The barrel of salt pork is used as a measure of one's wealth in 18th century era.
No wonder, our President is giving pork to slave politicians - and these slave politicians compete among themselves on who should get the biggest share. And now, with the 10Billion Pesos Pork Barrel, the pork barrel has now made its point of being the measure of Napoles's wealth.
Today's Question:
Is there really a need to abolish pork barrel? Is it not needful in this country of ours? Is this not a way to bring localized projects to the people needing them at most? Is pork barrel not a tool for countryside development and progress?
If we abolish pork barrel, will these money-hungry politicians not find ways to get their share of wealth from our pockets? If we abolish pork, will Imperial Manila bring projects to backward countryside of provinces?
More than ever, we should contemplate on our actions that history may not repeat itself in the same substance, but different form.
Either to abolish pork barrel or not, let us be vigilant in ensuring that our money is used for the betterment of the nation and society we live. Otherwise, our quest of today is just a waste of time. Consider EDSA I and EDSA II.
