In an amazing display of
concerted denunciation and unity, it feels like the entire city has been
instantaneously and spontaneously marshaled into a singular groundswell of
empathy and support for one of the city’s elder statesmen. He is shown in a
truncated video to have been verbally and publicly abused by a lesser-known city
alderman, known by a good number for his at times abusive behavior in his
exercise of duly-constituted power and for sometimes having a virulent tongue.
Almost quite out of character,
local social media exploded with news
about the public abuse heaped against our elderly statesman, who is already in
his 90’s and who is also bound to a wheelchair.
Being a good measure of the local public pulse, social media gave us an
undisputed collective response, when many posts from various sources were
unanimous in their condemnation and their drive to expel the alleged abuser
from his positions in both public and private sectors.
Even the public apology
delivered in impassioned and bombastic tone typical with many local politicians
did not sit well especially with those who had expressed negative sentiments
and were adamant in the move for his expulsion.
The apology delivered in front of a gathered city council came dressed
with a little bit of sobbing, and stray mention of some fragile medical
condition. The entire package delivered
with apparent intent to appeal to the emotions of those within earshot,
especially the one of forgiveness.
This all made for good theatre,
histrionics and all, but there is a larger issue here that hopefully society in
general could recognize and piggyback on, for the greater good.
The unfortunate incident does
have its grave ramifications on the social fabric of this society but there are
other important and deadlier issues that have to be dealt with by a collective
and motivated citizenry. One just hopes
that this cohesive unity of force and influence will continue to be harnessed and
directed into addressing those more critical issues besetting the entire
city. Issues like rampant corruption in
public governance, alleged misuse of public funds, widespread flooding,
apathetic public officials, widespread disregard of the rule of law, etc.
Causes near and dear to the
subject elder statesman. Thus needless
to say, he would be mighty glad if something good and lasting ensued from
this. And it would be our greatest show
of homage to him and his life.
A politically active and
engaged citizenry is a good start. This
unexpected mishap has galvanized the citizenry to unity and action. It is best to feed that momentum for greater
advocacies all relating to the ideals of local governance.
The sacrificial lamb in the
person of a low-level political huckster has ushered in a new possible dawning
– of an organized force ready to pursue greater causes.
We can all do it!
