The hypocrisy among us

The hypocrisy among us

The statement which the speaker of the House of
Representatives, Wahono, made at the closing of the current
session period deserves our attention. Wahono said among other
things that at present, signs are clearly visible of a culture of
hypocrisy which is affecting some of us, including some of our
leaders. What Wahono meant was the incongruity which tends to
exist between our words and deeds.

The former provincial governor of Central Java also said that
during the recent session period, the House clearly observed this
disconcerting social phenomenon and the tendency of our state
administrators to merely react to developments, which
demonstrates their lack of mental readiness to confront
uncontrollable social and political conditions that might arise.

Such a condition is actually the result of two different
crises that are at present taking place. One is the lack of
appropriate role models, while the other concerns the people's
trust. It is not easy at present for people to find role models.
Meanwhile, the people who are in a position to guard the people's
trust are failing to do so.

Our political stage is not one that ignores moral values, or
one where the end justifies the means. Because of our Pancasila
philosophy, our political arena should reflect good ethics and
political morals. Therefore, any incongruity between words and
deeds cannot be condoned. The same goes for arbitrary and violent
behavior.

Regarding this culture of hypocrisy -- assuming that it does
indeed exist -- the big questions are: How did it come about? How
do we get over it?

We profess to be a religious people. Religious tolerance in
our daily lives is praised by others. P4 Pancasila instruction
courses are continuously being held. Yet deceit and hypocrisy
continue to exist. Why?

This is a serious question. However, we must not lose our
optimism for a better tomorrow.

-- Surabaya Post