Vignettes and Gandhi

Every morning I like to watch the morning show Umagang Kay Ganda (UKG) on channel 10. I find the hosts upbeat and and the news and related features informative without sounding too dismal (or overly cheerful) about the state of our country's day to day struggles.

I was sitting there, eating my breakfast, when I saw the plight of the Negros farmers who've been on hunger strike for nine days now, trying to get the President and the nation, and maybe even the world, to see their struggle to claim a parcel of land that had been promised them under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). I could see their gaunt faces, stoic and poignant at the same time, trying to answer the host's questions without reverting to their local dialect, conveying their dismay at the President's inability to make good on her word. I almost choked on my coffee when one of them started to speak Hiligaynon - it was too close to home.


I blinked back tears and wondered if the government, indeed if the President herself, could remain unmoved by their bravery and dignity.


These are men willing to lay down their life for their cause. It would be a sad day indeed if their sacrifice goes unnoticed and their voices unheard.



*******

Whereas, in the office, some people remain apathetic and totality devoid of concern for their work. I'm not too sure if they do this on purpose, or if they're merely walking through the motions of their life without seeing the connections, hence the impact, of their actions on others.

I can't help getting mad at them. In fact, I'm sorely tempted to go on a rampage (that's how mad I am). But then, that would be totally unproductive. So... damage control it is.

If they show themselves to be unreliable then they better not be surprised at being treated as dispensable.



*******


"Your beliefs become your thoughts,
Your thoughts become your words,
Your words become your actions,
Your actions become your habits,
Your habits become your values,
Your values become your destiny."
— Mahatma Gandhi


So, if your destiny ultimately hinges on your beliefs, what is the difference between the farmers and my co-worker? And where will it lead them? And what about you and I? What do we believe in?


I believe that we can choose our beliefs. I believe that we can change our beliefs. I believe that it takes courage to stick to our beliefs.

And, it gives me hope knowing that we can be who we believe our self to be.



(~_^)