"Out of fear comes respect."
We are a soft nation. We are soft because we lack discipline and character. We are soft because we forgive too easily. Kawawa naman. As a result, corruption flourished that contributed to poverty that led to insurgency and separatism. Because of our softness our enemies at home and abroad abused us. We feel more sorry for those who made us miserable than for ourselves who are the miserables. How many of those who did us wrong are in jail?
We lack the backbone of the Israelis who believe in an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. It is their backbone which allowed them to survive. It is their backbone that made them leaders in many fields, from military prowess to technology. It is their backbone which transformed their desert country into green orchards.
Israeli leaders were firm. They were strong. Even their women. Golda Meir was once said to be the only man in the Cabinet. Bibi Netanyahu, today's prime-minister, continues the tradition. That is why Israel and Israelis are very much respected and admired. How many countries its size enjoy the same respect? All American leaders make it a point to visit Israel, the latest being Donald Trump.
Among Philippine leaders, only two in my view commanded the respect of American leaders. Ferdinand Marcos, and today, Rodrigo Duterte. It was only when Marcos fell ill and the Ninoy Aquino assassination promised to destabilize the Philippines that the Americans felt the need for change. Why are the two respected? Because both are smart and firm. World leaders respect local leaders with these qualities. Idiots and softies can easily be manipulated.
I myself have no respect for softies. When you are firm, even your enemies fear you. Out of fear comes respect.
Source: FB (June 2017)
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