Ignorance Is The Best Policy

IGNORANCE IS THE BEST POLICY

       I once had a sincere conversation with an elder relation of mine; concerning a sensitive topic. I had noticed that my younger sibling had committed a lot more mistakes and did a lot of unconscionable actions, than I had done. And it came upon my awareness that he was often tolerated: being forgiven; or assisted in getting out of the trouble he made for himself. But when it came to me; I was often chastised and left to overcome the burdens and predicaments which ensued from my mishaps.

    When I asked my aunt why this apparent "unfairness" was being practiced by our family; she told me that it was because I was a 'better' person than my brother. That was how everyone saw me. And because of that, they expected me to always behave/act appropriately enough so as not to get myself in trouble.

    I began to feel disfavor for the reason given me. It had been that way ever since we were kids; and I was admonished for picking on my brother since I was "the elder one", and that I "should know better than picking on someone younger than I was".

    When I was reading the Mary Jane Veloso narrative of the circumstances related to her incarceration; the delivery of the given statements appeared suspiciously fabricated, including the emphasis placed on the fact that the woman was a 'high school drop out'. Perhaps to insinuate that the person 'did not know any better'; enough to be tricked by an illegal drug dealer.

    If one would take notice of her narration regarding her baggage's inability to support the huge volume of clothing she had; the prime inquiry would be thus: why does she have to bring so much? Did Christine Sergio make sure that Mary Jane had a predicament with her baggage so as to take advantage of the situation; and provide her with a bag lined with heroin and use her as a drug mule? Or was the illegal recruiter just gifted with the wit of spontaneously manipulating sudden circumstances?


" i have much of dress but my bagpack is not enough for all my dress and personal needs... "     
   -Mary Jane Veloso testament
    
    Would the fact that Mary Jane Veloso 'did not know any better' be a valid alibi to qualify her for clemency or pardon? That she was merely a vessel for a crime which she had no awareness of? So then, "ignorance IS an excuse" in some situations. 

    If the world carried on and consented to the perpetual toleration of this matter; then criminal offenses will be impossible to counter. All the 'wise guys' have to do is find the 'dummies' and use them; since they are often worth the forgiveness and toleration of the masses.


online source:
 www.rappler.com/nation/91026

Capital, with a capital 'C'

Capital, with a capital ‘C’

    When a person enters a movie theater, there are a set of rules he must follow in order to remain within the venue. A loud ringtone is forbidden; conversations should be carried out in whispers; illegal recording of the film is disallowed; and even intimate physical behavior is no longer tolerated (at least in more civilized and respectable cinemas). These are made aware to the public through different channels of the media; and are not as complicated to comprehend as the mandates in the constitution. Even a toddler can understand them.

    Follow the guidelines, and remain in the theater. Disregard them, and find yourself in trouble; especially if the attendant or security guard is obstinate about carrying out his duty.

    This is a metaphor which serves as an introduction to a point I wish to share; though heartless as I may seem to a majority.

    I was watching the news and, for a number of consecutive days, saw reports of a woman condemned to death by firing squad, in Indonesia: apprehended for possession of illegal drugs. Many of her fellow countrymen have put up vigils for her, and appealing to government officials to interact with those of the other nation; in order for clemency and absolution to be granted. It is usually the normal, and humane, thing to do in such cases. But the next question would lean on determining if it is the RIGHT thing to do.

    Mostly everything in the world is relative; since everybody has their own views. Let the Filipinos consider the Indonesians heartless and cruel for their actions. Then let the Indonesians criticize the Filipinos for their lack of respect for the laws of a foreign country. From another perspective; if there is an impartial party to this issue, which would ask both states if drug dealings is wrong: even the incarcerated woman’s countrymen would give an affirmative response. In almost every corner of the world; this action is considered a criminal offense and is outwardly condemned.

    There is a common statement that begins with the words: “If you know what’s good for you…” Why then, would one take a risk on something which could get himself in trouble? Moreover; why take a chance on committing a crime in a country that practices capital punishment?

    Government officials were said to have raised appeals for the woman’s benefit; as well as the interests of her relations. Again, it is the human and NATIONALISTIC/PATRIOTIC thing to do from the perspective of the Filipinos. Considering the side of the Indonesian government; they may just consider it undignified on their part, to have their rules bent in favor of another state’s concerns; for a crime committed in their territory. If such clement actions be carried out; it may just inspire the repetition of similar, or related, offenses. Would Indonesian authorities want to be taken for fools? Perhaps they would find it practical to make an example of a specific incident, to get their message across?  “Here’s to remind you on whose land you’re standing on.”

    A temporary reprieve issued to the woman leaves the matter open to all possible outcomes, ensuing from consecutive procedures which will be carried out. She may be absolved, repatriated, or executed but the fact still stands that she had committed, and was involved in,  a crime; even as a victim of illegal human drug trafficking. It was done in a country which demands the respect of its laws and legal measures. Indonesia owns the prerogative to inflict upon her-and/or her cohort- whatever action they would deem appropriate with regards to the given incident.

    On another note:  it is not ‘customary’ for Filipinos to behave as the munificent Charles Xavier, upon discovering a mutant intruder in his kitchen; if they should find a burglar in their residences.

    “In fact, you never have to steal;…because I’m going to beat you to death!” 

    If the Philippines still practiced the execution of capital punishment, and an Indonesian was arrested for an offense which merited him, or her, the death penalty; would the said individual be granted any pardon? The person, most likely, would be dead even before his/her countrymen took in a breath to air any appeal.

    

A Box of Contradictions

Sometimes, when we have things to express; and we say them with our hearts (and not just our mouths); there is the impossibility of being civil or, on a more reserved tone: MODERATE. A real person talks or says what he/she wants without obliging oneself to be curtailed by society’s own opinions.

So that is my introduction as I will share/say something about what I have noticed in this world. A truth based not only on my experiences but also on those of others. And I will present this directly and as casually as I can.

The world, or LIFE, as we know it, seems a fluctuating reality of contradictions.

What do I mean?

Simple. My explanation will be via the following examples I will share:

I have heard some individuals speak of principles which they suggest with a generality. There are some persons who will suggest the nobility of being silent and stoic when trials and problems burden our lives. And then there are those who proclaim that freely expressing one’s true feelings and opinions is also a noble thing to do.

Take a look at Facebook and other social network sites and find posts which insinuate that the Lord is perpetually loving and never tires of forgiving. But in the Bible, Christ tells an adulteress to “go forth and SIN NO MORE”. Is this trying to say that people are forgiven only once, and cannot/must not do any wrong anymore? What happened to the unceasing mercy others have spoken of?

The Filipino people sing the praises of some individual they believe to be better than another: as in the past presidents of their country; only to degrade and criticize them later on.

‘Let’s put an actor on the throne and show the Americans they’re not the only country with some buckaroo artist ruling them.’

‘Oh hell! That action-star president sucks. The dwarf looks good! Let’s put her up in his place; and make sure there are boxes for her to stand on behind the podium, okay.’

‘For crying out loud! That dwarf is a cheat and betrayed the trust of thee people with one damn phone call. That bow-legged nerd looks more respectful. HE is the savior of this country.’

‘Down with that bow-legged, balding twerp. He doesn’t have the guts to kick some insurgent asses even if he has the right to. Tell him to get his butt off the throne and....hmmm, let’s see...Maybe we can try that harlot for size, the one with the unreserved mouth....Or that new-wave hair styled secretary..’

A few years in the near future: ‘What on earth were we thinking of putting The Punisher up there? Seems we don’t like his Vito Corleone method of doing things! Hey, put up the list of replacements....’

There are sects which call themselves CHRISTIANS; but proclaim contradicting teachings. I won’t mention which exactly, but I encountered one Christian religious faction that claims it is wrong to pray to the Virgin Mary because she is only a MORTAL. And then my religion tells me to pray the rosary which, apparently, is related to the worship of the Mother of God. These are BOTH Christian assemblies and groups, by the way.

No wonder an ex-girlfriend detested me for crying out “Santa Maria!” as an expression of surprise or frustration.

And did you ever see a person in a sect smoking a cigarette when their fellowship condemns vices; inside an institution where the same individual forbids the very same practice?

How about that song which goes “I love you, I hate you, I love you, I hate you...”?

  

It is not a vague possibility that there have been instances when a person would curse or condemn one of his/her own kin; and then later, express some ‘buried/remaining’ affection for the same.

Oh, and here’s a good one:

My father used to say: “When you’re right, you’re right. Period. It doesn’t matter even if you’re talking to the president so long as you have a point; you can tell him to go to hell.”

During moments of conflicting views I had with the old man; I never won a discussion or an argument with him, because he was always right. SUPPOSEDLY.

“How can I try to explain,

When I do,

He turns away again...”

    All these, and many more situations/circumstances show the inconsistency of life. Did you ever wonder why?

Simple.

Because God made everybody unique. And there came the imposed axiom which goes: “No man is an island.” We live our lives everyday, inevitably compelled/obliged to interact with the different people around us.

And what is ‘right’, by the way? It’s what one person thinks of something; and ‘wrong’ is what they think of another thing they do not agree with. Since we have to interact with various persons in our lives; when we ask one person about one thing, then ask another the same,; most likely we will tend to disagree with, or be confused by, one/any/all of them. Unfortunately, for me; I give most of everything I encounter an open mind. If anyone else would emulate my manner of acting with regards to this subject; they too will start wondering like I do.

It is probable for me to receive some criticisms for having brought this topic up. “You should not use the name of the Lord in vain”. “Do not put the Lord to the test.”. “Respect thy father and mother.”

I wasn’t really. I was just wondering why the contradictions. Hey, I thought an open mind was something worthy of possessing. Why is it when I use mine; people want to kick me, instead of saying “Good question”?

So the changes of people’s opinions and views depend on circumstances in life, because of the imperfection of everything that exists in this world. What is fine, acceptable, right etc at one time (or with somebody), may not be so at (or with) another.

“Life IS like a box of chocolates”, as Forrest Gump says, “You never know what you’re gonna get.”