Wookay. It's been forty-eight years since I last posted something. (Wait, sino ba nakaisip nitong 48 years na idiomatic expression na ito? What's the logic? Everybody seems to be using this term to connote something that's taking so long.)
For a change, let's post something socially relevant, or something related to current events.
I've read in the news yesterday that 17 bodies were already found in connection with the lost Air France passenger plane. It's good that they already know the exact area where the plane actually disappeared, crashed or plummeted. And I think it's also good that families and loved ones of the lost passengers already know for sure that there's absolutely no chance of anyone surviving, unless a miracle happens. Don't take me wrong, I sympathize with the victims' families, and I think losing people you love in such a way is a really horrible and tragic experience. I just think that all the uncertainty surrounding the plane's disappearance last week makes the torture even more unbearable. And I know that the feeling of waiting for something you're not sure would come is one of the worst feelings there is. At least with the bodies being discovered one by one, families can now start the process of grieving and mourning for their loss.
According to the news item I read, Air Force Col. Henry Munhoz declined to comment regarding the condition of the recovered bodies, saying that information would be too emotionally painful for relatives. Moreover, he also refused to identify the personal belongings they found as doing so may cause additional emotional distress.
Uhm... I don't question his intention of trying to shield families and relatives from emotional pain. But I really don't get the point. What's wrong with disclosing the fact that the bodies recovered are in an advanced state of decomposition and far beyond recognition or whatever? What's wrong with disclosing that they found something like a blue laptop with the owner's name engraved on it in big letters? Okay, let's say that detailing every recovered personal stuff to reporters would be rather indiscreet, but I hope the stuff are there for relatives to inspect. And I hope they stop saying this kind of information is confidential for the sole purpose of avoiding distress and sorrow and tears. Why try to heighten the level of suspense the relatives are already feeling? I mean, the bodies being bloated and rotten and smelling terrible is probably what the relatives are already expecting. The sooner the bodies are identified by families while they are still identifiable, the better it would be for everybody. I'm not sure if Munhoz is trying to cultivate false hope among relatives, but that's what I think he seems to be doing. Give the relatives the facts they need and are desperate to have right now. The more they know of the progress of the investigation and of the search and retrieval operations, the sooner they can process their emotions. Besides, some families and relatives may not have the means to fly 1,000km north-east of Brazil's Fernando de Noronha islands or wherever the relatives are stationed right now, awaiting for their loved ones' bodies and may be merely relying on the media for news of their loved ones. Give it to them straight because they are desperate for every piece of information. I think no amount of depressing detail you withhold would take away the pain of losing a family member. I dunno but I really try to put myself in their place and these are things I would really want to be told.
Anyway, enough of this sappy, sentimental entry. I hope I can write something jolly soon.
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