Maximum tolerance for the intolerant

 Every time some protest march, rally or SONA take place we always hear the police and government officials declare that they will observe “maximum tolerance” in dealing with mobs and protesters who predictably end up breaking police barriers, throwing stones at police or targets, and destroying public property. Somehow, it seems that some leftist leaders and their puppet student activists seem to think that being “anti anything” gives them the singular privilege to attack and criticize anything or anyone they want.

Because of the policy of “maximum tolerance,” government officials and police authorities have created anarchists who think they are entitled to insult, provoke, or attack police officers without fear of arrest or being thrown in jail. How can our government continue with a policy of “maximum tolerance” for people who are the most intolerant, destructive and clearly intent on destabilizing social order and government?

When the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) granted bail and temporary liberty for Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, some leftist leaders wasted no time to make a big show of their disappointment and anger. They were also quick to lay the blame for “Arroyo’s freedom” on the Aquino Administration. One very visible leftist even went as far as blaming the “bulok” or rotten judicial system for causing the release of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Why should we show maximum tolerance for these intolerant trouble-makers who block our streets, divert police personnel to shepherd them, and mislead the public with their exaggerations and deception?

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was not set free in a manner as the leftists would have everybody believe. She was granted bail and temporary and conditional liberty as provided for by law, by the Constitution and the facts of the case. Just because one hates Gloria Macapagal Arroyo does not automatically mean the government should simply lock her up and throw away the key. Contrary to the claims of leftist critics the Philippine legal system respects human rights and does not abide by kangaroo courts, mob rule or rebel executions.

Why blame President Noynoy Aquino? He is not the complainant, he is not the prosecution lawyer and truth be told, P-Noy over extended his executive privilege just to make sure Arroyo did not leave the country when she got to the airport. So why are the leftists blaming him for the granting of bail? Have some leftists in Congress gone blind in their hatred or are they simply intolerant of true justice where even a criminal is given every means to defend himself or herself?

Actually, the truth of the matter is, they blame Noynoy Aquino because in doing so, they are almost guaranteed media exposure and a few seconds on TV Patrol and 24 Oras. They blame the government and the administration because it is their natural political enemy and any accusation whether true or false ultimately discredits the government. And because the end justifies the means they are very comfortable at misrepresenting or lying about the facts.

Aside from bellyaching some leftists have even raised the issue of political prisoners who remain in jail while Arroyo gets bail. The rage-blind leftists have obviously overlooked the fact that Arroyo was charged with electoral sabotage unlike political prisoners who are suspected of or charged with rebellion, sedition, terrorism, murder, extortion, kidnapping all done under or during a time when they called themselves rebels.

For two years and a half, the Philippines and the Filipinos have slowly, patiently and purposefully moved forward the “Matuwid na Daan” vision of President Noynoy. As the President pointed out, whatever has been achieved was because we all contributed to it. Unfortunately some leftist troublemakers choose to paint an ugly picture of the Philippines and dampen our hopes and our spirits. Perhaps it is about time “WE” make a stand. Maximum tolerance, whether in crowd control or public opinion, should only be extended to those who adhere to the laws, abide by the truth and sincerely work for the common good.

Yes we should observe “maximum tolerance,” but government officials must never risk endangering lives, public safety and property all for the sake of being politically correct. When “maximum tolerance” is abused or dishonored, when the authority of the state or of our policemen is challenged or attacked, our police officers as well as government officials must be resolute and clear in their response. Arrests must be made! Everyone must be made aware that there is and will be a penalty for breaking the law or destabilizing the government.

One person who stated this very clearly was St. Paul when he wrote his letters called the Book of Romans, starting at chapter 13 verses 1 to 4: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good.

“But if you do wrong be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment to the wrong doer.”  

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