In order to battle the roots of terrorism, we only need to
understand its roots, where it springs from and how it grows.
There are many ways it can grow, but the very root of terroism in
any form grows from disenchantment with an environment leading to
hatred and sowing its seeds selfishly to others, to support such
hatred, right or wrong, regardless the welfare of its followers and
espacially to society at large.
This is only a simple and basic explanation, for it goes to more
complex forms.
But at our level being common everyday men, we can identify
dissatisfaction easily. It could be the worker dis-satisfied with
his pay or rebuke, the religious radical exclusivities shown, the
hatred of certain races, etc.
While none of them are terrorists and need not suspect them as one,
but if we allow them to continue or be apathetic to their misery,
it may lead to them gaining adherents.
Misery loves company and when united and led by the more violent
who believe arm struggle or rejection of our constitutions is the
answer out of their misery, they may be a formidable challenge to a
peaceful society.
Terrorism begins with one.
Therefore, if we truly want to be protected from terrorism, such
help will have to come from us ourselves first.
Attempt to talk to those who are dis-satisfied and try to find
solutions for them, or give them physical attention whereby they
can get help. It will nip the growing radical bud, for our
Singapore society will always do what we can to help each other,
either immediately or in time.
For every man-made problem, there will always be another
man-made solution.
The more worrisome will be the ones whom put on masks and hide
within our society. But never fear masked men because it gets
tiresome after some time. They can hide amongst us one day, one
month or one year, but never forever. We must make friends with
more and be more perceptive of their changes.
It is often good to inform the authorities if one becames aware of
radical changes, but Singapore is not a police state whereby we
inform on each other. It would be better if we can change their
perceptions first, and helps more rather than authoritative
figures.
However, if there is clear and irrefutable evidences of
radicalism that may endanger the lives of others, then we must make
that call.
No govt is omnipotent and they will still try to give
confidence to its people. They are limited in strength. Thus each
and every one of us citizens will have to do our part, - preventing
radicalism with rationality regardless if we of the same race,
language or religion, and inform the authorities when all else
fails.
Fighting terrorism begins with you, me and our friends.
Combined, our network is bigger than any national govt on Earth. We
must no longer turn a blind eye in the face of threats, for it may
be our loved ones who will get hurt if we do.
The question rather is - Have we ourselves, through positive
engagement, done enough to prevent radicalism and
terrorism ?
To know your enemy is half the battle won - Sun Zi Bing Fa &
24Zhang ji.