FIREBIRD

CIRCA 1969 (Part II) : A WORLD IN UPHEAVAL

There was a major upheaval in the socio-political landscape of the world, particularly in America in 1969. A generation after WWII the world was still at war. This time, war took on a new form where new strategies were employed by the dominant powers of the capitalist west and socialist east bloc. It was the so-called “cold war” era which seen the conflict between ideologies of democracy versus communism. However, it was unlikely that these wars were truly ideological. Masked by ideology, the political maneuverings of the world’s super powers was really for economic supremacy. Thus, the global economy suffered from the effects of this Cold War. Further, the decision of the oil-producing Arab countries to cut back oil production, in response to Western military aid to Israel in the Arab-Israeli conflict, resulted in higher fuel prices worldwide. Hence, anti-war demonstrations were held across the U.S.A. in particular, against the Vietnam War.

Early in 1969, over 300 students were arrested when martial law was declared in Madrid by Spanish dictator Franco. In Argentina, a general strike and civil unrest break out in Cordoba and Rosario, following the death of a 15-year-old student while French Foreign Legion paratroopers land in Kolwezi, Zaire, to rescue Europeans in the middle of a civil war. Race riots occurred in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia later known as the May 13 Incident while the riots in Curacao marked the start of an Afro-Caribean civil rights movement on the island. On January 5, 1969, members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) damaged property and assaulted occupants in the Bogside in Derry, Ireland. In response, residents erected barricades and established Free Derry.

In the Philippines, there was an increased uprising of the "leftist" movement that created widespread chaos throughout the provinces when the Communist leaders in the Philippines split into two groups. One group composed mainly of young radicals, constituting the Maoist faction, reorganized the Communist party of the Philippines early in 1969 and established a New People’s Army. This faction adheres to the Maoist concept of the “Protracted People’s War” or “War of National Liberation.” In the year 1969, the NPA had, according to the records of the Department of National Defense, conducted raids, resorted to kidnappings and taken part in other violent incidents. Hence, the NPA (among other groups) is still in the forefront of the insurgency problem of the Philippines today.

1969 saw the rise of leaders of major historical significance. Richard Milhous Nixon succeeded Lyndon Baines Johnson as the 37th Prseident of the United States of America. Later, he would be the only U.S. President (so far) in history to resign in office.

In Cairo, Yasser Arafat was elected Palestinian Liberation Organization leader at the Palestinian National Congress. Hence, he became a much admired Palestinian leader for upholding peace until his death in 2004. While in Israel, Golda Meir became the first female prime minister. As of today, no other female has held this high office in a predominantly patriarchal society. In Libya, a coup ousted King Idris and brought Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi to power. Since, the al-Gaddafi family remains in power today. Charles, Prince of Wales, was invested with his title at Caernarton on July 1, 1969 in a royal pageantry that is as old as the British monarchy. This ceremony sealed his claim as the next sovereign. Although without actual political power today, the British monarchs are among the most recognizable figures in the world. Thus, they are influential enough to change the course of history.

Ferdinand E. Marcos was re-elected as president in 1969, making him the first in Philippine history. This ushered in remarkable development in infrastructure projects never before done in the country. Also, he was generally known for his constitutional accomplishments, which were equivalent to those of all former presidents of the Philippines before him. It was during his presidency that the Philippines gained international acclaim due to his mastery of international relations and foreign diplomacy. Unfortunately, his great accomplishments were tarnished later by martial rule which led to his ouster in 1986 by a military coup. His 20 years in power makes his regime the longest in Philippine history unrivaled even today.

As there were leaders who rose to power in 1969, there are those who fell from it or have passed on. Former United States General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower died after a long illness in the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. on the 28th of March while Charles de Gaulle stepped down as president of France after suffering defeat in a referendum on April 28.

Our world has changed so much since 1969. Yet, it is still in upheaval. The events of that year are strong influence on our political, social and economic landscape today. I figured this is what life truly is on this earth. Every era will have its share of trials and triumphs. It is often hard to imagine how human civilization thrives amidst chaos and conflict. Leaders and ideologies rise and fall. We wonder why certain events happen in history. Oftentimes, we seek the answers from philosophy, politics to religion. Yet these realms are, more often than not, the very sources of man’s conflicts. Nonetheless, our solace lies in our common desire for peace and justice. Hope springs eternal in the human spirit that through the generations the best of humanity shines brightly against the darkness that lurks in our midst.