We may go through months or even years when nothing happens. Then, all of a sudden, everything starts happening at the same time. These are the gear-changes of life. And of politics.
Issues that had remained dormant for years, suddenly come to life. And maybe people who had remained quiet and obedient suddenly realize they have power in their hands, the power to help decide, the power to choose. The time when every single person becomes important and his or her choice a determining factor.
It is on these occasions that every person is asked to assume responsibility for the choice that is made.
There are two ways of looking at the choice: I choose what suits me best. And: I must not base my choice on what suits me best.
The two statements are only apparently contradictory. When we say “I must not base my choice on what suits me best” we are saying that one’s choice must not be determined by personal considerations, personal animosity versus the person representing the other side, or, even worse, determined by promises of back-handers, promotions, jobs or whatever.
Any time and anywhere this happens, that is the death of democracy even if cloaked under a mantle of righteousness. This is politics becoming one big marketplace where everyone and everything has its price.
On the other hand, and without contradicting all that has been said so far, one’s choice must be determined by what is to my advantage. Obviously, not to my advantage personally, as if I stand to gain from the outcome.
If I love my country, as everyone should, I must choose what is best for it. My country above everything, although perhaps not my party before everything. If my country is put in a situation where war is the only outcome (as countries in South-East Asia are facing right now) then war it has to be.
But if the leader of my country undertakes war simply for self-glorification, that is not good for my country and all citizens must oppose it with all the means at their disposal.
If the leader of my country brings in a system of repression and a dictatorship, my duty would be to overthrow the leader and bring back democracy and freedom to the country.
This can come in far less dramatic tones and colours. Our country is a country where the rule of law applies. But if the ruler of my country is prepared to turn a blind eye to illegalities, then it is the duty of every citizen to oppose this at each and every turn of events.
And when a time comes, as it sometimes does, when every person is asked to stand and be counted, that is clearly my duty. Regardless of personal advantages or disadvantages, regardless of what other people around me might say, and regardless of tribal or other links.