EDITORIAL — America, the friend we love to hate

Today, July 4, is Fil-Am Friendship Day. It used to be Philippine Independence Day until then President Diosdado Macapagal changed the celebration to June 12 in commemoration of the day in 1898 when we declared our independence. July 4, 1946 was when we actually gained freedom.

Whatever is the real score, meaning whichever date should really match the appropriate and precise moment in history when we acquired actual and de facto independence, let that be the subject of endless debate.

After all, there is no dearth in debates in this country. We love to argue ourselves to death. So let us just focus on today, Fil-Am Friendship Day, and reflect on whatever the day signifies.

One thing for sure. Americans celebrate this day as their own Independence Day. There is nowhere in their Fourth of July celebrations to squeeze in any sentimental feelings about any friendship with Filipinos.

But we celebrate it anyway because we have to. America continues to be a multi-faceted option for many Filipinos. And because we Filipinos have an inherently romantic streak in us, we tend to view our ties in the context of friendship.

We doubt very much if Americans see it the way we do. Oh, of course, we are friends. There is never any doubt about that. But they do not push it the way we do, and for a significant reason. We serve a more practical purpose for Americans than just friendship.

Today, as things get more and more difficult in the Philippines, the friendship of Americans, and the practical purpose such friendship means to them, makes it all the more imperative and necessary to stay chummy with them.

Dollars, mostly earned in the United States but also elsewhere by millions of overseas Filipino workers, are helping keep this country afloat. America may be the friend we love to hate but it is still a friend. Dread the day when it sees no more practical purpose to be so.