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.