I think it's now our responsibility to encourage discussion on the issue, whether through debate or through other means.

Let’s get right down to it, then.

We haven’t set anything definite just yet, but me, Inna, and Joan have been organizing a series of forums with a couple of UP institutions. Jack’s bassist friend Mikey is also on board. (Jack/people who know him: how do I get in touch with him?)

The idea, so far, is for these institutions to provide unimposing, comfortable venues for unaffiliated students to come as they are and air their own two cents on the recent events, free from the fear of being drowned out by more organized voices or the fear of a violent dispersal.

These informal afternoon gatherings will lead up to weekly forums with key speakers from the government, civil society, the academe, and other experts, who could then respond to the questions, opinions, and thoughts articulated in the informal round table discussions.

To frame the discussions, each week’s afternoon sessions (Mondays to Thursdays) and forum (Fridays) will be themed: first week, 1017 and average, everyday Filipinos; second week, military adventurism; and so on.

If you’ve got anything to say – even if you support 1017, even if you aren’t sure of your own position just yet, or even if you just want the politicians to let you get on with your life – please please please please come and share your thoughts. You matter; it may not seem like it, but you do. We want to provide you with an opportunity to shape others' thoughts, and perhaps to shape national policy as well. I’m posting concrete details as soon as they become available.

I’m spent, and I’m not in the condition to type out everything I want to say. Its times like these that make me wish I didn’t need so much downtime, and its times like these that remind me just how good falling in love with a cause feels.