Pros and cons

Pros and cons

From Sinar Pagi

There are many pros and cons in this era of reform. It is only
logical, our country is getting acquainted with democracy for the
first time. The student demonstrations, the presence of
vigilantes, the Special Session of the People's Consultative
Assembly, the existence of a militia and the behavior of
Abdurrahman Wahid are not free from pros and cons.

Will the new culture of pros and cons become ours in the
future? It is correct that they are part of democracy. But,
should they end with conflicts, bloodshed, deaths? It is really
crazy.

Can the pros strike an agreement with the cons? Can the pros
be less egotistical? Can the cons be less intransigent? Can the
pros and cons sit with cool heads at the same table for the sake
of the nation's unity and cohesion? I really do not know.

I appeal to the pros and cons. What are you looking for
exactly? Do you not hear the wailing of the little people who
suffer and worry? Do you not see that farmers are confused
because fertilizers are hard to obtain and expensive? Do you not
see that the stomachs of the little people are increasingly
empty? Do you not see that vagrant children increasingly crowd
the crossroads in cities? It is crazy.

The more you are absorbed in your egoism, the more the
innocent people suffer and the more this country will be
destroyed. Have pity on us who know nothing. Have pity on us lay
people.

The sacrifices undertaken by our heroes in seizing the country
from the colonialists should be sufficient. Let us fight to
continue their ideals. Let us not fight anymore.

Fill this independence with a struggle full of brotherhood,
unity and peace for the sake of the people and the nation.
Extinguish the fire of grudges with the water of peace.

Oh God, please give guidance to the pros and cons. Open their
hearts to make peace in good faith.

T. HINDARTO

Kadipaten, West Java