On Fear and Courage

On Fear and Courage

“Drug lords rule Munti” (Phil. Daily Inquirer, Dec. 16, 2014). This news shocked people from all walks of life more than any other especially when facilities enjoyed by the “lords” behind the bars were taken pictures and displayed on each newspaper’s front page. Daily news on TV gave people’s speculations on this exposé. Social influences, bribery, threat among others were said to have enabled these prisoners realized their “dreams” in life while in prison. Ironic, but it really sounds amazing how people in prison can cause fear and discourage persons in authority from telling the truth and enforcing the law.

One of our lessons in Values Ed. dealt with courage and I learned this quote by Piers Anthony, “Being terrified but going ahead and doing what must be done – that’s courage.” This I remembered when I was thinking of the said news. De Lima, who led the raid and disclosed everything, could have read and been inspired by Anthony that she instantly acted on the matter. She could have feared the real LORD that she gathered that overflowing courage to march through the gates of Bilibid and surprise the aspiring recording artists and celebritiesinside the assumed-to-be prison.

          What could have other factors that prompted this fast and furious lady to such a dangerous mission is none of my concern. What I want to emphasize here is her apparent demonstration of fear and courage and the impact of such an act to all. Hers is an act which proved we still have people in authority to rely on.