When I was in college, I was fortunate enough to be part of the PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting). Being part of the extensive seminar, I got bored of rules, laws restrictions and massive ID cards that you have to bring anywhere. But the snacks are free and there are too many great people to mingle with. So I don't mind the endless talks since everything is perpetually free and you learn so many things.
Honestly, there was only one thing I remembered during the seminar. A priest gave a short talk about the dangers and perils we might have to face during elections. I can't recall the exact detail but there was one phrase I will never forget as long as I live:
"We don't need dead heroes…"
His point is this, everyone is better off alive rather than dying for something. There is always a safer better way to convey your message without wasting your life. If you are really serious about spreading the message, you have to spread it for a very long time. Dying while trying to teach everyone about the election will do you no good.
His thoughts on heroism is quite odd, but very true. Nowadays, getting yourself killed to prove your point is not only reckless to yourself but also to your family. A person getting killed during election time can be a husband, wife or kids cared for by anyone. Dying will only place other people in trouble because you are no longer there to guide and provide the needed muscle.
This doesn't mean we will to run away and curl our tails from those who threatened our lives. We run away but resort to legal matters to end the oppression. As gloomy as it seems, there is always someone who can legally protect us and get our message across. If there is danger, run but don't stop the message - there is always another way to get your message across.
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