On worsening corruption: a call for change
In the “Philippine daily inquirer, Nov. 20, 2008, A15,” a paid advertising was published. It called out for support for the five bishops' call for a “radical change.” Well, here's my version.
Yes! The time for Radical change is NOW. The time to rebuild this country's economy and fix the social and political flaws. But you could prepare for “ a new kind of governance” all you want but to change our leaders does not change who we are.
Yes! Corruption is bad for everything. True, corruption does worsen everything but the government is not the only ones responsible.
Yes! Corruption has become a moral and social cancer, but it is not a cancer that the leaders has spread. It is the kind that grew from the individuals as individuals. We know for a fact that we ourselves are corrupt and unjust in one way or another, but what have we done to be accountable? Did we turn ourselves in? Did we want to stand in trial? Were we jailed? I can not understand why we demand judgment for politicians but refuse to be judged ourselves. Is that equality in judgment? If we seek equality and justice, be ready to stand trial.
“The time for national transformation is NOW where all of us must do right as citizens...” As human beings. “Doing right by our conscience, the law, the people and country is a sacred duty...”
“A commitment to reform requires COURAGE” not only to speak out against other's wrongdoings but to admit OUR wrongdoings, stand accountable for all our actions and do something about it. “It starts with self.”
I call on all of humanity to demonstrate their being “human” and have the COURAGE to use the REST of your natural born lives to do what is right. To put ourselves before judgment and endure the sentence. To put humanity, love and peace above greed, power, politics and self.
“We can no longer afford to do nothing” In calling for a corruption free government, change, real change, must come from ourselves NOW!
Humanity, in desperation, can no longer bare our self annihilation.
Look not on the faults and crimes of others, if you wish to change the world, look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself, “am I human?”
To scrutinize the deeds and misdeeds of others but consciously hide your every fault is not righteous, courageous nor is it justice. This kind of actions will not change the world nor uproot corruption. It will simply change the officials, their name, voice, height, face and fidelity (if any) to truth.
I call on all the self righteous(that includes me) judgmental and ignoramus to be, ourselves, accountable for our past crimes and injustice.
It's about time that humans adopt humanity.
_Orville "chubby" Basas
