Terrorism is anarchy in its lowest form

We were hoping that the country could be spared of terrorism during Holy Week. Our hope was realized as soon as Holy Week was over, our hope was that the elections would be peaceful and orderly. Last Sunday, suspected Communist New People’s Army rebels reportedly opened fire on the Makati office of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. Fortunately, no one was killed or injured. Needless to say, the attack had no bearings with the election. The reason for the attack was probably to oppose any increase in fuel prices.

Terrorism is the extremist form of anarchy, which Peter A. Kropotkin defined as "a name given to a theory of life and conduct under which society is conceived without government." And we would like to add this addendum by Johann W. Goethe: "The possibility of organizations without discipline, fear of punishment, and without the pressure of property."

Sad to say, terrorism is now a world problem. In a way, it can be said that it has replaced war. War is between two countries. Terrorism does not recognize borders. We have local and foreign terrorists. They may or may not be working together. Each case is individual. The worst thing about terrorism is that it shifts our attention from the problems of our nation to a senseless act committed by a few individuals who may not even have any demands and not even own the atrocious act that they have committed. As we have said before, it is evil for evil’s own sake.

There are now only 20 days left for this election. So far, nothing has really changed from the start. Four candidates are running, but the choice is really limited to the incumbent president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Fernando Poe, Jr. All surveys indicate that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has the lead. Raul Roco is a poor third and his current health condition will be disastrous to his campaign. The most noble thing he can do at this stage is to withdraw from the race and endorse the candidate that he thinks can best serve the nation. And above all, he should take care of his health. Elections will be over in just 20 days, but his health problem will be with him the rest of his life. Even if he is not elected president, he is one of our very few living statesmen. Whatever he decides, it should indicate that his main concern is the welfare of the country.

The opposition is trying to unite. But there is no indication that Sen. Panfilo Lacson will give way to Fernando Poe, Jr. So long as the two run separately, both are just strengthening the administrations candidate for president.

Those are the only two possible developments that can limit the number of candidates for this coming presidential elections. Either way, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stands to gain. The good thing is that so far the elections are going on very peacefully. May it continue that way till the end.