The road to perdition

tears because common sense clearly says that in cases like the killing of unarmed prisoners right in their prison cells in the dead of the night using superior numbers and superi (was it for search or arrest?) should merit immediate suspension, followed quickly by investigation and finally indictment. Or, just plain immediate sacking.

The tears are just props for obscur- ing duty. Regretfully they cannot elicit sympathy or understanding when justice is called for and not given. So far, so bad for this PNP Chief who is always in the public in foreign boxing venues while his subordinates are carrying out summary executions of drug suspects.

Then we have the President himself ranting regularly about how he hates drugs, how he has a list of drug suspects, how they should all be killed. Illogical, nonsensical, illegal and immoral. No rule of law invoked, no due process thought of, no rehabilitation, no second chance, just draconian measures that do not solve the drug problem but just create criminal actions.

And, of course, do not dare question human rights violations that are happening on a daily basis. That would merit a rain of expletives, curses and insults.

All this is now normal public discourse.

Where the above leads us is to a coarser existence, a fearsome universe and an unintelligent management of government and oneself. There is a palpable lack of compassion and justice that bodes ill for the country. This is not an environment that will produce a better society and a happier citizenry.

Indeed, we may be on the road to perdition.