DON'T HATE "IRRESPONSIBLE" WRITINGS, STATEMENTS OR BLOGS
DON'T HATE 'IRRESPONSIBLE'
WRITINGS, STATEMENTS OR BLOGS
By BERTENI "TOTO" CATALUÑA CAUSING
Author of the book "Simplified Libel Law in the Philippines"
One who has been assaulted can always post his or her counter without any charge on Facebook and other online sites. In other words, why should the State help you for defaming words when you can defend yourself anyway as web rebuttals are free? So that libel is not necessary.
For every hit at you do not hate them as "irresponsible." Take it as an opportunity to shine by posting your defense of truth in the most decent language you can. Remember, no one can argue against when truth is shown.
But then, let you be educated. There is no such a thing as false opinion or idea, as stated by the US Supreme Court in Gertz vs Welch.
So do not cry if others look at you with bitterness and pettiness. These are their prerogatives. You cannot compel them to speak good of you. Even the dull and the ignorant have their own mind, too.
It is just like courting a lady. If she does not like or love you, you have no right to compel her to love you. Otherwise it is rape or a crime called violence against women.
You have no reason to force others not to speak ill of you by threatening them with harm. It is not your right to get mad, run amok and kill anybody in sight for if you do the law will still catch up with you.
The most you can do is compel your mouth to shut. No one else but you can control your lips. Remember that the words you spew out cannot be taken back.
If you feel you are angry, control it from getting out. You may be hit by your stroke or you may learn others are more dangerous than you when mad.
Learn that immoral ways cannot be kept for all seasons. Learn that money is only temporary that those who praise at every turn of the dole are the first to run away when streams run dry.
But then, let you be educated. There is no such a thing as false opinion or idea, as stated by the US Supreme Court in Gertz vs Welch.
So do not cry if others look at you with bitterness and pettiness. These are their prerogatives. You cannot compel them to speak good of you. Even the dull and the ignorant have their own mind, too.
It is just like courting a lady. If she does not like or love you, you have no right to compel her to love you. Otherwise it is rape or a crime called violence against women.
You have no reason to force others not to speak ill of you by threatening them with harm. It is not your right to get mad, run amok and kill anybody in sight for if you do the law will still catch up with you.
The most you can do is compel your mouth to shut. No one else but you can control your lips. Remember that the words you spew out cannot be taken back.
If you feel you are angry, control it from getting out. You may be hit by your stroke or you may learn others are more dangerous than you when mad.
Learn that immoral ways cannot be kept for all seasons. Learn that money is only temporary that those who praise at every turn of the dole are the first to run away when streams run dry.
Of course, always keep in mind that forgiveness is invented for those who have sinned and those who are ready to regret and show remorse.
The rule of life should be that written in Desiderata. It is a timeless lesson for all of us to read every day. So glance at it:
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
"As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
"Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story.
"Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
"If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
"Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
"Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
"But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
"Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
"Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
"Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
"Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
"And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
"Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
"With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
"Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
Max Ehrmann c.1920
The rule of life should be that written in Desiderata. It is a timeless lesson for all of us to read every day. So glance at it:
"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
"As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
"Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story.
"Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
"If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
"Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
"Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
"But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
"Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
"Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
"Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
"Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
"And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
"Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
"With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
"Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
Max Ehrmann c.1920
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