The USA may have rejuvenated a much-needed friendship in a very important part of the world --- even though the 'friend' is a rather weak one.
From the article:
“Lorenzana also reiterated that the return of the historic bells.will finally put a closure to one of the dark pages in the country’s history when these were taken by American soldiers as war booty during the bloody Philippine-American war almost 117 years ago.
Background historical information:
Townspeople in the area used the bells to signal the onset of an ambush on the US Army troops waging war against them.
That falls under the “all’s fair in love and war” exclusion to decent human behavior at the time, I’m sure.
It is very good to put that ugly moment behind the two parties after 115+ years.
Oranges and Lemons, say the Bells of Sain... oh, never mind!
I am OK with returning those bells to the Philippines, but not with returning Santa Anna’s leg to Mexico.
Any Muslims in Samar? They’d melt the bells for scrap!
TO put today’s return of the Balangiga bells into proper perspective:
Suppose the British had hauled off the Liberty Bell during the War of 1812 and finally returned it to its home in Philadelphia today. All Americans (well the ones who appreciate our heritage, at least) would be echoing SloJoe Biden’s most memorable remark: “This is a big {you can supply the expletive} deal.
I for one am so delighted that the presidents over the past 115 years have ignored the pleas of the Filipino people for the return of their Balangiga Bells.
Why???
Because it shows the World Community one more time what an awesome President we have and how he truly cares for some of the least among us around the world and #WWG1WGA.
Great Job, Mr. President.
There’s about to be a big party over here.