“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the
way, and shows the way.” John C. Maxwell
By Alex P. Vidal
The alleged threats of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo
Duterte that he would shoot those behind the “Duterte for president movement”
is just a pakitang tao.
A hogwash.
Some observers believe Duterte is only
overexcited because there are sectors all over the country that really demand
for a change in the leadership of our country from “soft” to “hard” whatever
that means.
For all we know, those pushing for Duterte’s
presidential candidacy in 2016 could be his own people masquerading as
“independent” reformers and advocates of law and order.
Duterte is a known disciplinarian and tough guy
who believes in the extra-judicial solution for heinous crimes in our society.
In other words, he does not care or advocate for
the human rights of criminals.
Duterte wants to finish off every criminal he
meets on the street, if he has his own way.
FLOAT
As early as 2004, his name was already floating
as among those potential presidential aspirants. His fans and admirers believe
this country needs an iron hand to deal with dangerous criminals who kill
civilians with impunity after robbing them and raping women and children.
But Duterte can’t just issue threats left and
right against anybody in this peace-loving country.
For sure, the Roman Catholic Church as well as
other religious groups that don’t advocate violence as a solution to improve
peace and order in our country will oppose him from pillar to post.
It’s OK to issue a stern warning and send
shivers down the spine of kidnappers, rapists, bank robbers, smugglers, drug
traffickers, etcetera, but there is a limit to all of these braggadocios.
When dealing with civilian groups, apolitical
sectors and non-combatants in our society, Duterte must learn to choose his
words.
In others words, he must be circumspect and
observe proper decorum even in the way he expresses himself and his ideas.
Duterte can’t just issue bizarre threats against
anyone he suspects of being a threat to society.
If there are civilians in this country who
really want him to be the next president because they believe in his
leadership, Duterte should not be so cruel with his statements toward them.
The final decision still rests on him.
FORCE
Nobody can force Duterte to run if he doesn’t
feel like extending his political tentacles to the Malacanang.
By issuing threats that he would shoot those who
spearhead the movement to compel him to run for the highest position of the
country, Duterte sounds corny.
He should remember that he is not the only human
being who carries a gun or any deadly weapon.
If Duterte continues to chew more words than
what he can actually swallow, he is sending a mixed signal to the criminals.
There are criminals who are not intimidated by
mere words. There are those who will really test Duterte’s mettle whatever
position he carries if cornered and have nowhere to hide.
If he wishes to attract more admirers and
supporters in the national level, Duterte must learn how to speak softly.
He can always carry a big stick without the need
to telegraph his punches.
In that manner, Duterte can gain the respect of
even those in the sectors of religion, academe, and business.
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