When a wrong is repeatedly done, it somehow becomes tolerable for the many, and for the wrongdoer.
When the tolerable action is further repeated, it becomes not only tolerable, it becomes "the normal" action; the wrong has become a "right".
When the wrong has become right, eventually it becomes, to our desensitized consciences, the moral standard. The basis for which our succeeding actions are founded.
And when the very foundation of our actions is immoral, what kind of fruits will our actions, our way of life, bear?
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Lest we forget:
It is NOT the normal way for government officials to receive cash, without proper receipts and vouchers. Unless, the "gift" is a bribe. And bribery is illegal and immoral.
It is NOT the usual way that public officials are elected by cheating through manipulations and erasures of public documents. Unless, one is a cheat and a liar. And cheating and lying are wrong and immoral.
It is NOT the regular way that during elections, votes are bought and sold. Unless, the buyer has no respect for the dignity of the voter, and the voter does not value his vote. For vote buying and selling are illegal, and immoral.
It is NOT a practice that a government official usually promises to somebody that "may 200 ka dito". Unless, one is a thief. And stealing is wrong and immoral.
It is NOT the standard of the justice system that a convicted plunderer, is given immediate pardon without the latter admitting guilt and remorse. Unless, the President is named Arroyo, and the convicted plunderer is Erap. For Arroyo and Erap are .....
