22 November 2008

"Yesterday is not ours to recover.....



"Yesterday is not ours to recover, but
tomorrow is ours to win or to lose."

- Lyndon B. Johnson

I've been asked by some people about my attendance at the vigils and about why I have taken an active interest in this cause. I understand where these are all coming from. In my first post, I said that I would not be highlighting my political inclinations and I stand by it. There is a difference between the two, at least, in my mind.

I attend the vigils to give support to what I believe in. What stirred me to get out of my home, and go stand with others against the I.S.A., was a blog post by Antares. That same night, I went for my first vigil. I haven't looked back since.

There isn't much that I can do about what's already done. However, I can look to tomorrow as President Lyndon B. Johnson says. I can either win or lose. Until and unless I do, I'll never know. My conscience will not allow me to do nothing. This is why I attend the candlelight vigils.

In the course of doing so, I've discovered that all the emotions I feel, while sitting at home browsing the sopo blogs, were also what many others are feeling.

There are many people just like me, in the real world as well as in the cyber world who feel just as outraged at what has happened, what is continuing to happen and more worryingly, what may happen.

We never know when something we see or read or hear will touch us and prompt us to get up, get out and get involved in something that we believe in. Just as when Antares posted his blog, he would never have known that it was the catalyst for changes to my mindset and lifestyle. I haven't been the same since!

Therefore, when tomorrow comes, I will do my part.

Date : 23rd November, 2008

Time : 8.00pm

Venue : Tarmac (next to carpark)

opposite the Civic Centre, PJ New Town


15 comments:

TheWhisperer said...

With some typing, you spoke my heart.

Perfect and Pure!

You did it again, Lita. You have just stirred my emotion.

Thank you for that and I look forward to see you there.

SFGEMS said...

The Whisperer: So kind of you! It's easy to write from the heart.

No need for thanks but you are welcome. See you!

:)

de minimis said...

Hi Estrelita

I'm so glad you left a note at my blog. Been reading your blog for a while too. I like your quiet passion, especially on the ISA. I admire your consistency in the candle-light vigils. Change will come because of people like you.

Anonymous said...

It is always easy making a choice, but the difficult part is standing by that choice made. Especially when we are seen as anti-establishment.

SFGEMS said...

de minimis: I believe that we have to do what we can. I like the phrase "quiet passion". Thank you.

When change does come, I'll be able to quietly smile and say I had a hand in it.

:)

SFGEMS said...

peng: I think it is only important how we see ourselves. As long as our conscience is clear, we know in our hearts that it's the right thing to do.

:)

Anonymous said...

Lita, Another excellent write up.Great work. Truth will always set ppl free.

Most would fear of the unknown, but once its revealed, they set new standards and discover higher threshold level within them. That's life growth and progress!

"One would not find new land if he fears in loosing sight of current shores"

Cheers.
rakyat@work

SFGEMS said...

Reject Mahathirism: Thanks for dropping by and for all the tips!

I'm sure those who come here will benefit from that!

:)

SFGEMS said...

Rakyat@work: Thank yo again for so much encouragement.

You wrote "One would not find new land if he fears in losing sight of current shores".

My version "One would not find new friends, if one fears losing sight of current friends".

Cheers to you too! :)

Anonymous said...

Ha ha, that's creative and a good one Lita, here's another, "If I can make current friends happy, why make the rest of new friends miserable?"

Cheers,
rakyat@work

Jarod said...

Lita,

You words is strong. especially "I stand by it." yes, we have to stand by it. We have to make the first move. Coming over tonight! See you!

SFGEMS said...

Jarod: It was nice to finally meet you. I'm glad to know you and your stand on what is close to your heart!

:)

Starmandala said...

I'm really glad we befriended each other through the blogosphere and I say that with pride. Now I look forward to an actual encounter! Thanks for mentioning my post on the ISA, Lita - it is truly gratifying to know that even ONE person was motivated to stand up for justice. This is why I've been putting so much energy & time into blogging - because I know it DOES effect events in the so-called "real world"!

SFGEMS said...

Antares: The feeling is mutual.

It is the exact reason why I write what I do.

You never know when I might do an "antares" to someone reading my blog?

:)

Anonymous said...

Lita, remember the article that Antares wrote about Malek, the ISA victim, which kinda inspired you. (http://magickriver.blogspot.com/2008/10/release-detainees-abolish-isa-demolish.html)

He too was inspired to write about it after I posted it in his comment column.

Small world, isn't it.

Keep up the good work.

Cheers!!!

Anonymous 10:20