Lead by example, speak by deeds

The Church exhorts its flock to speak against extrajudicial killings related to the bloody war on drugs carried out by the present administration.

I believe however the Church can have more impact and be more effective if it leads by example and speak by deeds.

One thing it can do is to open its doors as a sanctuary for those seeking to escape the murderous claws of the drug executioners whoever they may be.

Another thing it can do is to lead in the creation and development of realistic rehabilitation programs that will help addicts seeking to reform and build a new life succeed in this effort.

There are many things that change. But one fact that does not change is that action speaks louder than words.

Solving the transport problem through people power

Transportation officials should not ignore the importance of walking as part of the solution to the traffic problem in our country.

It may not be evident, but every meter that can be taken away from the distance that people have to travel can significantly reduce the space needed for transportation vehicles on the road.

Thus together with the grand transportation projects such as trains and cable cars being considered, transportation officials should also create safe pedestrian corridors where people can walk.

Apart from pedestrian corridors, transport officials should also create bike lanes and a bike use program.

If there are these options for people to help themselves, I think many people will avail of this.

The War on Drugs

tv grab of drugs confiscated in a buy bust operation

Why do some people get to be addicted to drugs while others don't?

I think people who take drugs are those who are trying to fill a void in their lives or are trying to escape a life without purpose or meaning.

People should have a purpose around which they can structure their lives. This can be religion, family, a personal ambition, an advocacy or anything that they can dedicate their lives to. Without this, they can fall prey to the temptation of drugs that can bring them temporary pleasure but eventual ruin.

If these people who have become addicted to drugs are to be helped, I believe someone must reset the button of their lives for them and try to define or structure a new existence for them through a new environment and long term work engagement.

Figuratively, this is like killing their old selves for a chance to get a new life. And someone must take charge.

Goal vs Wish

Earlier I got into a conversation with a person whose personal qualities as a leader I admire.

Talking to this person, I got an idea why some people make it in life despite great obstacles, while others do not, even if  they are given all the chances and opportunities.

People who make it have a set goal in life and a plan on how to reach this goal by stages.  They also have a time frame for every stage of their goal and work hard with focus and determination to achieve it.

The rest simply have a vague idea of what they want but have no idea how to get it.

Yet  without a goal, without a plan to move forward it is a gradual slide to poverty even for those who start with a lot of money. And many are already there.