SMH

People are always prone to see the funny side of events. People would always want to have a laugh about an issue that does not necessarily tickle them as it does present the stark reality that there isn’t anything they could possibly do to make the situation any less shameful. Over the past few weeks it’s been one blasphemy after another.

Facing down that reality needs a lot of energy, time and resources. No one has that time and energy to counter little niggling irritations so all we can do is poke fun, propagate it on Facebook and twitter, make T-shirts and we all have a good laugh. But then, the fact remains that we are inching towards the edge of a precipice.

Mediocrity is a dangerous web, it sets its own bounds and one would wallow inside its shadows, eternally insulated from any form of confrontation. Nothing would ever seem worth the while to raise one’s voice or to take action. So as long as factors are not potent enough to penetrate and jolt one out of this nice tidy rat race, everything would seem acceptable. Everything would seem bearable, the good, the bad and the downright shameful.  

#MyOgaAtTheTop has been the height of events lately. 

Before that there was the pardon granted to a world renowned thief who is still wanted in various countries for financial crimes. The shame about his crimes isn’t as much it is some complicated, sophisticated business acquisition/financial deal as it is a case of just stacking raw cash into suitcases and cheap plastic bags and yanking them across Countries.  The stealing is a crime on its own; the stupidity exhibited is in itself a crime. To compound issues, we have had a Presidential spokesman come on air to justify this pardon. His words and actions have made the initial crime committed seem pale in comparison.

We all make mistakes, we all fall short.  This is very natural we all humans. On the other hand standing up to defend a wrong, no matter what words or policy or law you use to justify your deeds is just downright shameful.

Like my friend Obi has said, Keep wearing the T-shirts, keep the word alive.