On self-control

On self-control

In the context of the current monetary crisis that has led to
a national economic crisis, many informal leaders have asked the
people to exercise self-control and patience. They have also
appealed to the people not to be incited into rioting.

In my opinion the appeal has its benefits because riots are
only advantageous for thieves, hoodlums and anarchists. However,
the appeal should also be directed to the authorities, their
children in business, tycoons and distributors who hoard basic
foods.

Many children of government officials collude with big
businessmen. They submit an informal note from their parents and
exercise pressure on bank directors to approve their credit
application for fantastic amounts of money. Later, they deviate
from their core business and incur ever increasing expenses. They
neglect bank interest payments. In general they cannot curb their
greed in business, they want to have it all and do anything to
increase profits.

It is not just or fair to blame the present crisis solely on
traders. Those in authority should also respond to the appeal for
self-control. One should not outgrow one's usefulness in a
position of authority, although there is no regulation in the
constitution prohibiting it, because social laws will always
apply, i.e. everything will reach its saturation point. Just look
at the signals: riots everywhere, a high frequency of corrupt
practices, decreasing GNP and skyrocketing prices of staple
foods, etc. If they cannot read these warning signals, they
should mix with the people on public transportation without
airconditioning or the use of escorts, drink coffee in roadside
stalls engaging in conversation with pedicab drivers and little
traders, do their own shopping at traditional markets and not
send their maidservants, etc.. The most important thing is to
open their hearts and their minds.

DIDI M. WIRATMAKUSUMAH

Sukabumi, West Java