"Let’s do Rizal proud."
We commemorate today the martyrdom of our national hero, Jose Rizal. Given the extraordinary circumstances we find ourselves in these days, it might be timely to ask: What would Rizal think? Say? Do?
As a doctor, Rizal was a man of science. He knew that decisions—especially those that could spell the difference between life and death—should be made based on empirical evidence. Not politics, not conjecture, not myths. If he were around today, in the time of the coronavirus, he would probably tell us to get our act together. Consider the data, place our trust in the experts, and never act as though we know more than we actually do just for the sake of appearing in control.
As a writer, Rizal was a man of letters. He believed in the power of the written word. He knew he did not have to scream, or to challenge enemies to fistfights or duels or lace his language with expletives. Instead, he used clarity and logic in his writing. While he knew he had a way with words, he did not use it to be glib in his speech, bend the truth or lace his lies.
Rizal used characters in his novels to highlight what was wrong. His critique of the cancers of society was powerful and lasting—our own children still read the Noli and the Fili. And when he was told to keep quiet for ruffling the feathers of the powers-that-be, he simply went back to his desk and wrote some more.
As a member of the privileged, educated class, Rizal was as realistic as he was idealistic. Initially, he simply found ways to work with and within the system to bring about change. He was rational and congenial, but he was very much aware of what, to him, were negotiable and non-negotiable. Once lines were crossed, he knew he had to amplify his voice. He challenged his compatriots to debates and moved them to think about what they wanted for their people, how problems could be solved, and how they envisioned their country.
If Rizal were here, he would put to shame those who reject the facts, those who do not act with urgency on our needs, those who condone or even enable bad behavior among those supposed to enforce the law, those who speak lies and indecency, those who break the rules to put themselves at an advantage over others, and those who believe that they would be in power forever.
As we prepare to greet 2021, let’s make sure that all the resentment, frustration and desperation we felt this year translate into information we can act on as conscientious voters next time around. Let’s do our national hero proud.
