Murder and megalomania

Some people find it hard to accept that their honorable mayor or governor could be involved in a heinous crime like murder. I don’t. Murder is an important component in the politico’s arsenal whose desired end is the perpetuation of the politico in power. After all, lo politico has usurped power not by fair play or honest election but by fraud, intimidation, cheating, vote buying and, of course, a lot of money. He must ensure his hold on to power by whatever possible means at his disposal, including the organization of private armies, the use of threat and intimidation, harassment or blackmail and murder.

In fact this case is not unique in our country. Since the start of civilized societies, these political weapons have been used extensively by those in power. Take the case of Julius Cesar who used his legions to crown himself Roman emperor. Other members of the Senate. who did not approve the idea, wasted no time in debates but took matters into their own hands. Led by Cesar’s friend, Brutus, they took turns in stabbing him to death in the Senate hall, plunging the empire into years of turmoil and civil war.

In Germany, the diminutive Austrian Adolf Hitler murdered his political enemies and exterminated millions of Jews in gas chambers in what is now known as the “final solution.”

In Russia, Stalin launched the dreaded purge and slaughtered hundreds of thousands of suspected enemies and revisionists.

In the US, several of its presidents declared wars on recalcitrant  nations like Iraq, Vietnam and Afghanistan, leaving millions dead or dying. Like President William MacKinley, they even invoke their inspiration from Divine destiny for their interventionism.

 In the Latin American continent, political dictators propped up by the US routinely executed civilians suspected of being rebels.

We have seen the likes of Idi Amin of Uganda and “Papa Doc” Duvalier shocking the world with their atrocities. Our own Marcos was a bit too tame compared to those two for the guy still had some scruples. His Catholic upbringing probably kept reminding him of the fires of hell.

Those of who us who have not experienced the headiness associated with holding an elective position probably can’t figure out how politicians think and feel. Still the symptoms of megalomania are evident. As one sits longer in office, the politician no longer thinks of retiring. He wants to sit there forever. He and members of his family.

Thus we have dynasties sprouting everywhere inspite of the law against it. You simply can’t fight megalomania, the headiness of power. Power intoxicates and rubs off all reason. Politicians readily use alibis for reason. They do that all the time.

As I said earlier, murder is just one of the weapons employed by politicos to perpetuate their regime – and you’d better believe that so you won’t be shocked when assassins come barging to your door to shoot your head off. They did that to Denolido and Ortega. What makes you think they won’t do that to you?