Truth and justice

My philosophy is simple: truth and justice. These are not complicated concepts. On the menu of choices we can make, the ones with the flavor of truth and justice are more satisfying than all the rest. 

In the Corona impeachment case, it is simple. If he has nothing to hide, just show the bank documents. The best way he can clear his name is by transparency. The Senate and Supreme Court should insist that he show the documents because this is the path of truth. It gets complicated when the highest court of the land subverts the truth process. It gets complicated even further when the majority of the Senate defers to the Supreme Court and supports its stand, on the basis of its place in the hierarchy structure of our country.

Let’s backtrack a little bit. Why were these institutions made in the first place? Why is the “impeachment” process taking place anyway? It’s not about systems or structures. It’s about truth and justice.

Someone may counter: If we do not respect our institutions, then anarchy may take place. I would counter: If we do not respect truth and justice, then anarchy takes place. Then the corrupt or those intending to be corrupt know that in this country, they can hide behind legal machinations. Following the rule of law even if it sacrifices truth and justice does not breed stability; it breeds disdain, hopelessness, insecurity.

What is the way to achieve harmony, peace and well-being of the people? Truth, justice and the common good. Everything must be subservient to this. They are not difficult concepts. Not difficult decisions. It becomes complicated when people start intellectualizing. Take the Corona case. We want to find out the truth. How can a “just” decision be made, if the impeachment court cannot investigate all documents pertinent to the case?  

Truth and justice. Leave aside all the complicated reasoning. The highest justice official of the land is being tried. It is important that we, the people, know the truth. So show the documents, reveal the bank records. That is part of the truth process. If the Senate and Supreme Court stand by this, we strengthen the pillars on which our country can grow. It is good for our country, for our people, and for the non-corruption stand of the current administration. If Corona is acquitted by legal machinations, it is not good for the country. He must be acquitted because he is honest and true. A process like this breeds security. The country is a safe haven if one stays true.

We need to be a country where God and goodness reign — not greed and manipulation. Every time the government at the highest level makes decisions based on these values, we strengthen and brighten the future of our people. When we get sucked into intellectual discussions that end up sacrificing these values, our future is sacrificed.

It is not institutions that will make our country great. It is the courage and clearsightedness of our leaders to make decisions and judgments based on the values of truth, justice and the common good. These values must take precedence over any institution or system. That’s the platform from which we should be making decisions.

If a rule is “broken,” or a system is “flexed” to allow for choices that strengthen these values it is good for the country! If we allow corruption to go on in the guise of safeguarding our institutions, we weaken the very foundations of our country. We weaken our connection with the divine, in the name of intellectual maneuverings. Why is the Supreme Court stopping the process of truth for foreign investments? It’s madness! It is not money that is going to make our country strong. It is truth. Truth and vision and noble objectives bring in the money. That is my experience in development work. If the country stands by truth and the common good at every step of the way, our economy will go through the roof, and our people will experience peace and harmony. The way of truth is the most long-term sustainable path for our country. It is the path of magnificence. Money must never, ever be the goal. If we make choices for material gain — and sacrifice the truth process — we kill the spirit of our future.

Call me idealistic, quixotic, naïve. I would rather say I am pragmatic. Because doing the right thing is sustainable. Because this case is so high profile, truth and justice must win. It is sending the wrong message to the country if it doesn’t. Let the decisions be made not on the basis of complicated legalese, just on the simple, pure, shining pillar of truth and justice; then our country will be able to see the splendid light of a long-awaited day.