The Real Heroes are the Common Folks
By Shiva
@Shiva49 (26196)
Singapore
August 1, 2018 10:31am CST
The political system in less developed countries is corrupt and manipulated by wily politicians. There is total distrust to an extent whoever they elect to power the boss remains the same – unbridled greed, ego, and self-interest. Amid all these the vast majority remains stoic and uncorrupted like the lotus that shines resplendently even in dirty waters surrounding it.
Throughout our history this should have been a fact of life – the common folks are survivors whatever the system of governance is, be they democracy or autocracy. They hope against hope for a better life but ready to put up with harsh reality created by the few.
I never fail to admire the survival instinct of the majority; they face adversity as part and parcel of life. They know they are played out time and time again but for them, life goes on.
Mahatma Gandhi said it well “There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.”
I do not know when the tide will turn. Can we not be a bit more fair and proactive?
Image: People from Wikimedia Commons
11 people like this
11 responses
@vandana7 (98778)
• India
2 Aug 18
@Shiva49 High time...just waiting for right technologies though. For now, voting across the world is not possible. Once that is, and there is higher level of efficiency and less likelihood of data or outcome manipulation, the world would witness a big change in the way it votes today.
2 people like this
@vandana7 (98778)
• India
2 Aug 18
@Shiva49 Exactly. After my second case gets over, which I expect it to, by end of this year or next year, I want to begin a public interest litigation and change petition, to force the politicians to disband and win elections based on the policies they have in mind. Let them contest individually. And at the end of the period, there should be report card. Those policies that garner maximum support should be implemented. People should voice their requirements to Election commission. Election commission should make each party person voice his or her opinion on the subject and the percentage of funds to be allocated. People should be allowed to vote for a candidate matching their views anywhere across the country.
2 people like this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
3 Aug 18
numbers-wise, there are more common folks/constituents than people in government positions, from lowest to highest, so there will always be more of them. some attach themselves to those in power, some move where opportunities are to improve their lot.
they say "to whom much is given much is required" but what tends to happen is "absolute power corrupts absolutely."
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26196)
• Singapore
3 Aug 18
Well said. Power and wealth tend to change people's attitude and behavior.
When they move up the ladder, it becomes "the more I have, the more I want".
It is then no more need, but the greed taking over.
And the people are left to wait and hope against hope for better times - siva
2 people like this
@Letranknight2015 (51499)
• Philippines
3 Aug 18
unfortunately, that survival instinct causes people to betray or step down on one another.
2 people like this
@innertalks (21013)
• Australia
3 Aug 18
The real heroes are the common folk, because they retain the innocence and faith of young children.
Wealth, ambition, greed, worldly pursuit, wanting to lord it over another person, all move us away from this position.
What can return us to our childlike position again?
Only love can do this for us.
Photo Credit:
The photo used here was freely sourced from the free media site: pixabay.com.
Only love can help us return to love, and to loving others fairly, and openly.
@innertalks (21013)
• Australia
3 Aug 18
@Shiva49 Beautifully worded, siva.
Yes, everything that we do should be oiled by love, otherwise, we start squeaking and squealing about things then.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26196)
• Singapore
3 Aug 18
@innertalks Thanks Steve, it should be a seamless and inclusive ride with love illuminating our path and then we can ease into the unknown with the same comfort level - siva
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26196)
• Singapore
3 Aug 18
Yes, Steve, we have been led away from what really matters - love.
We put self-interest above love, empathy and childlike innocence so nicely captured in the photo.
The pursuit of worldly needs need not be at the cost of love; in fact, it should be oiled by love and inclusiveness - siva
1 person likes this
@ilocosboy (45157)
• Philippines
27 Aug 18
Today, in my country, we celebrate National Heroes Day, a salute to the peopke who brought peace and independence in my country. I believe you, more than that, the common people of every day that save us from hunger, accidents, giving us hope can be heroes too in their own way.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26196)
• Singapore
27 Aug 18
The vast majority lives with a sense of gratitude, love, and compassion.
They are ever ready to help others in need without expecting returns.
They can feel the pulse of others like them.
Good that you recognize their silent contribution - siva
1 person likes this
@ilocosboy (45157)
• Philippines
27 Aug 18
Sometimes we dont even know they are heroes that save our lives, like when you are driving your motorcycle where the centerstand is down that may cause road accident, they shout its down and thats where you realize he save your life.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26196)
• Singapore
26 Aug 18
My experience has been we are never abandoned.
Out of the blue help arrives though it may not be what we expected.
As long as we accept the reality that uncertainty is the only certainty, we feel at home.
Balance in pursuits and interests is my way - siva
1 person likes this
