Author Topic: Should We Recoil in Fear, or Step Out in Faith?  (Read 1471 times)

benelynne

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Should We Recoil in Fear, or Step Out in Faith?
« on: September 09, 2007, 06:28:10 PM »
Nothing takes longer to heal than innocence shattered.  It seems that the Boholanos' comfort zone has been irreversibly violated by the spate of crimes, petty and big. Miles away, I can almost feel the pall of fear that overcasts the land we all love. Browsing through this forum, I could discern that fear has gripped not only the residents and overseas Boholanos, but also the foreigners who have considered this their home.

There is nothing more numbing than fear. What is more frightening, however, is what fear does to us. It immobilizes us, makes us paranoid and feel powerless. I can feel it not only among the ordinary Boholanos, but also among those whom we've entrusted to safeguard our peace. Even as a neophyte here at TB, I have immediately felt this undercurrent of fear. If I were closer to the epicenter of this tremblor, I would perhaps get a better sense of why even the more levelheaded among us are verbally pelting officials and calling them names.

At the risk of being irreverent (since I am writing from the secure walls of one of the most peaceful cities in the world), I would like to invite Boholanos all over the world to put their heads together on what we can do pro-actively about the situation. We all want to go home one day, and the best time to prepare ourselves is now.

I am sure we are capable of being more that just the wait-and-see spectators or joining the tomato-pelting bandwagon. To rephrase JFK, "My fellow Boholanos, ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what can you do for your country."  Was it Voltaire who said that "Evil triumphs because good men do nothing?"

So what do you think we can do? Those who live in places in Northern Europe, Japan, NZ, etc. where crime rates are known to be low, what security policies and laws are implemented or community activities undertaken that make your surroundings comparatively safe? Maybe some will work for us, some will not. But let's share our observations and personal experiences. There are people with decision-making powers here at TB. I believe they would appreciate constructive inputs.  I am sure this is a better exercise that blame-throwing that only provides temporary catharsis but no long-term solution.

These lawless elements will have won the day if we concede to them by doing nothing.

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benelynne

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Re: Should We Recoil in Fear, or Step Out in Faith?
« Reply #1 on: September 09, 2007, 06:51:13 PM »
Let me start with what I observe and experience here in Japan.

Aside from the central police station, there are small police boxes called koban spread out in strategic corners of the community--commercial centers, transportation hubs, recreation facilities. I even see them in remote areas. These police boxes are manned by 2 to 5 policemen and are open 24/7, and policemen take turns patrolling the surrounding areas by car, motorcycle or even bicycle. They are not intrusive to the day-to-day affairs of the neighborhood as long as there are no apparent violations. People here know that the police will come anytime you call the police hotline 110.

I am sure there is also a police hotline in Tagbilaran, is there?

I see these cops with a detailed map of their area of coverage. The bulk of their job is in fact giving directions. But with the detailed map, they can quickly respond to SOS calls in the neighborhood.

Also, especially in the countryside, neighborhoods clustered around elementary schools here usually have joint activities such as picking up trash on the streets once every three months or more. Aside from contributing to cleanliness and beautification, this civic activity gives residents an added benefit of socializing and acquainting themselves with one another. New people are introduced and suspicious characters are reported. After an accurate account of untoward incidents or accidents are gathered, an official report is prepared by the school and circulated among families through an information sheet distributed to pupils and students.

I can see that maintenance of peace is not only due to the diligence of the police but also community vigilance.

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C2H4

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Re: Should We Recoil in Fear, or Step Out in Faith?
« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2007, 12:24:28 PM »
We might have vigilantes in Bohol before long.

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benelynne

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Re: Should We Recoil in Fear, or Step Out in Faith?
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2007, 03:23:24 PM »
We might have vigilantes in Bohol before long.

I'll say yes to vigilance, but no to vigilantism.

Don't you think that that cuddlesome tarsier that symbolizes Bohol very much symbolizes our peace as well--so fragile, so delicate, yet so worth protecting and fighting for?

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Sigbin II

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Re: Should We Recoil in Fear, or Step Out in Faith?
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2007, 03:33:10 PM »
The only vigilante whose judgment I would trust would be myself.  But then I don't know how just I would be if I were to become one.

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Sigbin II

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Re: Should We Recoil in Fear, or Step Out in Faith?
« Reply #5 on: September 10, 2007, 03:37:34 PM »
Was it Voltaire who said that "Evil triumphs because good men do nothing?"

I think it was Edmund Burke, sir. :)

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benelynne

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Re: Should We Recoil in Fear, or Step Out in Faith?
« Reply #6 on: September 10, 2007, 05:08:31 PM »
The only vigilante whose judgment I would trust would be myself.  But then I don't know how just I would be if I were to become one.

I'm sure you'll make a fearsome, legendary vigilante, Sigbin. Just live up to your name. I still prefer re-claiming our peace peacefully.

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benelynne

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Re: Should We Recoil in Fear, or Step Out in Faith?
« Reply #7 on: September 10, 2007, 05:16:13 PM »
I don't know how true this is but I heard the police in Cebu, have no phone;because the bill remains unpaid.
Is this true in Bohol?

Frank, do me a favor, please test-dial the police.

"Hello, I'm the phone bill collector. I am on the way to collect your payment, but I was held up along the way. HELP!"

You'll see if they're doing their job. Not funny?!

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benelynne

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Re: Should We Recoil in Fear, or Step Out in Faith?
« Reply #8 on: September 10, 2007, 05:47:47 PM »
I think it was Edmund Burke, sir. :)

Thanks.

Ignorance prevails if wise men do nothing.

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