“THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT
KING CHARLES I IS THAT HE WAS 5’6″
TALL AT THE START OF HIS REIGN,
BUT ONLY 4’8″ AT THE END OF IT…
BECAUSE OF…
Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protecteur of England
PURITAN-…… “
If I was in charge (thank God I am not) , I would have a different way of solving the bus driving problem that endangers Metro Manila. You know the one they tried to fix by having a blessing and instituting the yellow line rule? It’s not original. In fact it will consult a source over 2,000 years old. The following is not taken from the actual book the Art of War but from the biography of the author Sun Tzu by Ssu-ma Ch`ien. The pdf with this story is here .
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Ssu-ma Ch`ien gives the following biography of Sun Tzu:
Sun Tzu Wu was a native of the Ch`i State. His ART OF WAR brought him to the notice of Ho Lu, [2] King of Wu. Ho Lu said to him: “I have carefully perused your 13 chapters. May I submit your theory of managing soldiers to a slight test?”
Sun Tzu replied: “You may.”
Ho Lu asked: “May the test be applied to women?”
The answer was again in the affirmative, so arrangements were made to bring 180 ladies out of the Palace. Sun Tzu divided them into two companies, and placed one of the King’s favorite concubines at the head of each. He then bade them all take spears in their hands, and addressed them thus: “I presume you know the difference between front and back, right hand and left hand?”
The girls replied: Yes.
Sun Tzu went on: “When I say “Eyes front,” you must look straight ahead. When I say “Left turn,” you must face towards your left hand. When I say “Right turn,” you must face towards your right hand. When I say “About turn,” you must face right round towards your back.”
Again the girls assented. The words of command having been thus explained, he set up the halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill. Then, to the sound of drums, he gave the order “Right turn.” But the girls only burst out laughing. Sun Tzu said: “If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame.”
So he started drilling them again, and this time gave the order “Left turn,” whereupon the girls once more burst into fits of laughter. Sun Tzu: “If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.”
So saying, he ordered the leaders of the two companies to be beheaded. Now the king of Wu was watching the scene from the top of a raised pavilion; and when he saw that his favorite concubines were about to be executed, he was greatly alarmed and hurriedly sent down the following message: “We are now quite satisfied as to our general’s ability to handle troops. If We are bereft of these two concubines, our meat and drink will lose their savor. It is our wish that they shall not be beheaded.”
Sun Tzu replied: “Having once received His Majesty’s commission to be the general of his forces, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept.”
Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straightway installed the pair next in order as leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolutions, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling back, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not venturing to utter a sound. Then Sun Tzu sent a messenger to the King saying: “Your soldiers, Sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for your majesty’s inspection. They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire; bid them go through fire and water, and they will not disobey.”
But the King replied: “Let our general cease drilling and return to camp. As for us, We have no wish to come down and inspect the troops.”
Thereupon Sun Tzu said: “The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds.”
Despite being a practicing Catholic and an outspoken pro life advocate I will make the case for the public beheading of any reckless bus driver that causes death. That will be a good start. From there work our way up to beheading for endangering the public but not actually causing death. If two or three bus drivers from a single bus line cause death then behead the general manager from that bus line simultaneously with the bus drivers. Leadership is everything.The buck has to stop somewhere. Maybe then will make the bus drivers and operators stop giggling like the concubines in the story.
We don’t need a yellow line rule nor public blessings, let some heads roll in public and I will guarantee you change. I don’t want any money or royalties from my idea . All I want is sole concession rights where this will take place. Gogs Great Eats concession stands all over the place. With lots of ketchup.
I can see it now, like some Game of Thrones episode ,where one of the Night’s Watch who desert the wall. Close Get the other drivers to look “Don’t look away , Father will know if you do.”
I can justify my stance within the framework of the Catholic Church.
From Cathecism of The Catholic Church
2263 The legitimate defense of persons and societies is not an exception to the prohibition against the murder of the innocent that constitutes intentional killing. “The act of self-defense can have a double effect: the preservation of one’s own life; and the killing of the aggressor.
Do you anyone who has ever died from a reckless bus driver here in Manila? I am sure you at least know someone who does know someone killed by a bus driver. Whenever the topic comes up, there is always talk about the unwritten rule of bus lines. If someone is hurt by your driving make sure you take it all the way and end their life. Kill instead of injure , it’s cheaper on the bottom line. A funeral is more economical for the bus line than long term hospital care. I can never prove it but here is a couple of more examples of that unwritten rule echoing in cyberspace.
If you find me extreme well the lives lost from bus driver recklessness are not coming back. Life is cheap in this country. The bus drivers and more importantly bus companies take life for granted and laugh at the idea of safety. We’ll see who laughs if my idea ever pushes through. If you are going to endanger lives then we will start with endangering yours.
In a lot of ways the bus driver culture and the fact that it is allowed to exist is indicative of many many things wrong with this culture. There really is something to operating a heavy vehicle. Like it’s an extension of you. Still at some point there should not be a disconnect with your humanity. Bus drivers treat pedestrians and lighter cars as gnats. I do admit that pedestrians do the drivers no favors by darting anywhere at anytime but that is the pinoy for you. They exist in chaos they themselves create yet complain if you point out the obvious.
I have said many times KSP is the root of all evil. The drivers along Edsa like to believe that by using their piece of junk to intimidate others they are more macho. It really speaks to lack of consideration for your community, rudeness and entitlement. The fact that is accepted by the culture and law enforcement speaks more to who we are than a half Mexican in American Idol or Manny slugging it out in Las Vegas. For Pinoys the everyday reality is so ugly why not grasp at straws for escapism and false identity?
I don’t want to hear any of you bleeding hearts complaining to me that these guys are just trying to make a living. Yeah right, make a living by converting the living to the dead. If you still find my recommendation extreme sometimes third world problems require third world solutions.
Putting a very sharp needle into the balloon known as Pinoy Pride since 2012.
Sometimes we have to do extreme deeds to get a message across, loud and clear.
I have been longing for the day when death penalty by guillotine to return while being aired publicly on local TV.
That would be convincing reminder that “HEY! We still have laws and discipline here in the Philippines!” But that’s only one part of the solution. 🙂
The only obstacle we may encounter while enforcing this must be the CBCP and/or the Pro-Life that is OH SO PRO for Pinoy sex workers in Japan and its remittances.
Don’t forget about the CHR – Criminals’ Human Rights. They only think about the aggressors’/suspects’ rights while conveniently tossing the victims’ rights in the shitter.
Well done Gogs! I’ll tell ya… Each and every day (M-F) I am forced to confront the utter stupidity and complete lack of safety an consideration of ALL drivers. However, the Buses pose a much more extreme threat due to their sheer size and weight. Oh! How I dream about driving the same CAT Vehicle I used in “the sandbox”. That would solve the problem. Any erring/crazy/intoxicated bus drivers encountered would be dealt with accordingly. “Accordingly” being my “tail gunner” (aka Trunk Monkey) opening the top hatch of the armored Suburban with his M249-SAW and giving an entirely new meaning to the phrase “Power Point Presentation”! Actually, I hold the same feelings for most of the drivers in Metro Manila but that’s not the topic here.
Traffic, especially on EDSA, continues to become more chaotic with each passing day. The biggest single problem, outside of a total lack of driver education and discipline, are the buses. There’s far too many and most, if not all, are driven with such wild abandon that one would think the drivers are suicidal! I don’t care that these bus drivers “are just trying to make a living”! I don’t care that they may not be educated enough or have enough common sense to know the difference between right and wrong! Matter of fact; I thinks its downright stupid for folks to let these guys slide (after a fender-bender) because “oh, they’re so poor”! F THAT! They are maiming and killing people! The government agencies, especially the LTFRB, need to stand up, grab their balls and lay down the freaking LAW! The situation is WAY out of control!
Anyway, thanks for your article… Nice One!
Gogs, I like to include those smelly and unkempt drivers maneuvering their equally dirty jeepneys devoid of road courtesy and who thinks all the roads in our country are race tracks and one big terminal at the same time.
kill one to warn a hundred, quite effective
And that’s what’s reflected in one religion’s sacred book that says:
“And there is life for you in (the law of) retaliation, O men of understanding, that you may guard yourselves”.
Ed,
Yes, it’s time we bring back public executions! Those closed-door lethal injection events don’t send the message strong enough! Nothing says “don’t try this, ever” better than seeing someone beheaded!
Sun Tzu’s Book of the “Art of War” is taught in military academies; companies strategist workshops; and even war historian’s course. I read it once…it is a good way to formulate strategy. I don’t think, it has a place in our insane traffic system. We have a drivers’ mindset of Everything for Himself. Traffic rules are not followed. Police enforcing the traffic rules, accept “lagays”, to let traffic violators go. I know a friend in my hometown, who acquired a Drivers License. He does not know how to drive, a vehicle. He does not even own a vehicle He cannot even drive a Bicycle…
Gogs, dude… I tried to explain in this article the problem of the Filipino attitude:
http://chinocracy.blogspot.com/2007/04/reason-for-filipino-problems-amor.html
But your phrase “KSP is the root of all evil†is the best way to say it so far.
Thank you. They do want all the attention without going through the trouble of working for it. We do master in the art of living vicariously while simultaneously grasping at straws. It’s a theme I revisit and again and again because I see it all the time.Your “Amor Propio” looks like a keeper.
Thanks, but “KSP is the root of all evil” is one for the books.
I think it also points to the problem being one of personal conduct and values just as much as government and the system. Again, it’s human hubris.
Great article. Still, I disagree that decapitating the offenders should ever happen.
Come on, beheadings are too merciful! Especially after their most inconsiderate policy of killing off their victims to avoid paying medical expenses.
I’d rather they be bound with long enough rope to the rear tow cleats and dragged around at high speed along EDSA, so they die a slow, painful agonizing death, while they watch their limbs and other pieces get torn off.
To paraphrase Hangover 2 “Edsa has them now”.
Sometimes I wish summary execution could be made legal for certain parties. But then again, since FILIPINO law enforcers would be dishing it out, I wonder if it would be performed correctly.
I just got reminded of something else I wanted for our bus industry…
Abolish the boundary system.
http://www.betterphilippines.com/transportation/its-the-boundary-system-stupid/
the philippines is below the world average on road fatalities per capita. we are usually ranked in the number 60 – 100 in this category. but dont let the facts get in the way of the country bashing.
I know that your IQ is dwarfed by the bus drivers. I stand behind my statement. The same way you stand behind a guy who bounced off his mother’s corpse straight into Malacanang. You must be so proud of yourself.
So are you telling us, “pwede na yan”, because other countries have more road fatalities than we do? Are you arguing that there’s no real need to improve road safety conditions because other countries are worse off? You do know that it’s arguments like that that justify mediocrity and inaction which keep the Philippines from moving forward, right?
We may not be able to totally eliminate all incidences of road fatalities but we need to address the factors that we have control of. Or did that not enter your mind because all you see is quote, country bashing, unquote?
Oh so you’re talking about statistics to justify your moronism eh? Well here’s something for you moron because fliplandia is still placed equally with African countries for this year’s Global Peace Index. Our country will never be like New Zealand or Iceland with mediocre-minded morons and ignoramuses like you around.
http://www.visionofhumanity.org/gpi-data/
of course you stand behind it because you’re in denial. im staying on topic, your histrionics are being ignored. im just putting things in perspective lest you succeed in your mission to undermine the philippines again by portraying it as the world’s most dangerous place for motorists. the facts just dont agree with you.
What facts? I live here . I have been on buses and tried to drive with them, they don’t pass the eyeball test. Just like you . All googly eyes over Noynoy that you come in here with “custom facts” and claim I am in denial . Noynoy was not a leader before coming into office and he sure as heck not one now. Just because the palace pays you to infiltrate us the way Jane Fonda broadcasted to American troops in Vietnam. Tell your supervisor you don’t want this territory. The only people who believe you are in adjacent cubicles to you.
“of course you stand behind it because you’re in denial.”
The joke is on you because there is no greater denial AND excuse than the “pwede na iyan” mentality.
Deal with it. 😛
Fact: only anti-intellectual emo pricks will call this ‘country bashing’. So you want us to delude ourselves? What you’re looking for is a government whored by media telling you that “everything is OKAY” and never wanted progress but to be part of a MEDIOCRITY.
My advice: If you’re an idiot, choke back on your own tears.
Contrary to what Jaks says, there is a need for my recommendation.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/243145/call-center-agent-killed-as-bus-slams-drags-motorcycle-in-makati-interchange
A sentiment reflected by one of my high school underclassmen… Basically, fear ensures compliance.
Excellent way of telling, and fastidious paragraph to get information regarding my presentation subject matter, which i am going to deliver in institution of higher education.
as long as the same-old-shit way of earning through numbers of passengers in PUVs continues, then expect more of these accidents will happen. i’ll blame the government by allowing this kind of business in the country. public transportation should by run by government pretty much like the “Metro” in U.S. or in South Korea wherein drivers have fixed income regardless if the bus is full or not of passengers.
in the philippine scene, some drivers even use drugs to be awake so they can drive for longer hours to meet the quota and earn afterwards. in return, accidents will happen because of poor judgement in the road. poor maintenance of old vehicles is also a problem and can be the cuase of accidents.
look at Davao City, they strictly follow the 30kph on all vehicles. thanks to their strict mayor duterte the accidents/fatalities are very low.
son of a bitch if i become president i’ll make 1 corporation of Public transportation and end the privatization of this business. or i’ll have green frog in makati handle it. i will have the jeepneys stay within barangays only. 50% of all jeepneys will be sold to other 3rd world countries. drivers who will lose their jobs will be relocated to a new job base on market demand probably in factories. Lol!