Just imagine if instead of this we had more heroic citizens doing positive action and looking for positive results. We can if we want to. We won’t have paradise on earth but close to it. If we do we will not have 10 percent of our people experiencing hunger at least once during the past week or 30 percent of our people living below the poverty line. This means even though they may have enough food, they do not have proper health care or proper housing, or opportunity for learning to be able to contribute to society. We are proud of heroes who died for our country but there are heroes who live unselfish lives for their country. Some are ordinary people you know who do their best and contribute to the welfare of this country. This is what we all should do.

Recently a friend approached me with rhetorical questions. "Instead of corruption is it possible to start on a new slate? Can we get people to look down on corruption and the corrupt?" Those who have sinned must not only repent but resolve not to do it again. Can those with ill gotten wealth make amends and use their tainted money to help the poor or promote the welfare of the community? Where wealth is concerned, it is not enough to be sorry and resolve not to do it again, there is need for restitution. If it can no longer be given back to the original owners, then it must be given to the poor or the community. There must be justice, meaning to right things that have been imbalanced. Only then can we have peace in our hearts and prosperity for the nation.

Isn’t it ridiculous that a fellow who has been convicted by the courts beyond reasonable doubt can now be clamoring against corruption? Maybe it is not ridiculous. Everyone can repent and make restitution. Those who have fallen can turn a new leaf and unselfishly work for the common good. Another friend has vehemently objected to relegate corruption problems to our courts. His thesis is that our courts are toothless as evidenced by so many corrupt leaders who have gotten away scot free with unconscionable depravity. Convictions of the powerful are rare in our system. This is the job of our legislators to make the justice system work, instead of providing us with entertainment. I am no apologist for the administration. Or am I? The ones in power are critical for reform. We need to convince them to lead the way against what is detrimental to the community.

We need to look for results. By their fruits you shall know them. There are many good people in our land. They should be the models put up for others to follow rather than focusing on the depraved. There are hidden heroes. You may not agree but what we are now is because of them. Some examples are the Gawad Kalinga volunteers of Mr. Manoloto, the taxi drivers who return packages left in their vehicles, the Chinoys who work to give lower prices for our consumption goods, the dedicated teachers, health workers and a host of others. We thank the Lord for them. Results are what we want. (Today is the Grand Reunion of AIM, their 40th anniversary, an institution that has produced positive results for the nation. Congratulations.) emeterio_barcelon@yahoo.com