Republished from MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR (Friday, June 15, 2012)
From the sheer goodness of one's heart - are we really doing even small things for our fellow creatures? Hey, don't you see it/
We are becoming more and more uninterested. We live without concern. We are not making the difference. We even don't think or even don't try to think about it. We have no influence or weight - neither good nor bad. Is that really what we want?
The taxi driver has learned his way and makes a detour without his conscience pricking him in taking my pruse: "Nong, asa ka? Diretso lang!" - "Sorry, Sir!"
On the other hand, while walking a short distance somewhere down town in Davao City, I don't care about the (blind?) beggar, who might really need any single centavo. Many other "business beggars" or swindlers have dulled so much my usually open hand character. BAHALA NA - suddenly, I really don't care!
Several years ago, while riding a jeepney (yes, I always loved to so!), I listened to two passengers. "You know, our neighbour suffers from lung cancer. He asked me a loan because he needs to be hospitalized." - "And, what did you do/" - "WALA, nothing, BAHALA SIYA! Why did he never quit smoking as I have told him already long time ago?"
Well, here we are! Why should I help other people around me, if, on the other side, MY cries of help or urgent appeals have been rejected, as intentionally unanswered? Indifference or egoism? It seems to be a privilege for us to close our eyes, ears, and mouths in such an indifferent and shameful way, that we hurt those who seek our attention.
Somebody tries to become our friend. Sure, why not?
Somebody was hired as a leader and needs the support of his or her staff. Sure, why not?
Somebody is ill and is suffering from from persecution and needs us? Sure, why not?
Somebody needs our advice because he or she is facing a difficult decision or homelessness or living alone or losing his job? Sure, why not?
Somebody suffers overwhelming prejudice, provocation, and loss of reputation and needs badly the involvement of another helping hand. Sure, why not?
Because of indifference, we keep keep on destroying our good nature and the whole globe by unintentional or international contamination of the environment. Indifference allows wars instead looking for peace. Indifference allows man to hide behind stupid excuses... .
