Order of the Knights of Rizal - Canada Region

Editorial

A TEST OF REASON

December 28, 2005 will be a test of reason. A test on how it will prevail among those who have come to a "dialogue" between the Lina-led Supreme Council and representatives of overseas chapters.

Given the tumultuous reaction of foreign members to the plan by Manila of ratifying an amended By-Laws without the benefit of proper, fair and just process of consultation, this spur-of-the-moment gathering will resemble either a hurried and unofficial "constitutional convention" or a confrontation the repercussions of which could be devastating.

Having bowed to the relentless pressure from outside the Philippines, Sir Jose D. Lina agreed to postpone twice the ratification assembly and now hopes to achieve in a matter of hours what normally would take months. Should it fail to resolve the issue, the responsibility is his alone. Should it succeed, he rightfully gets a lot of credit - not full, but a good chunk of it.

While the well documented stand of the Scarborough Chapter and the Knights of Rizal Reform Movement is perceived to be revolutionary in nature, its members are adherents of reason. We believe for example, that reason dictates a much longer period than one day or one month is required in order to prepare a generally acceptable statutory document such as the By-Laws. However, we also believe that just like this season of heavenly miracles, a miracle in this regard is not entirely beyond the realm of possibilities.

Reason, or lack of it, will determine the course of the Order's history from hereon end. We pray that the New Year will be a reasonably Happy one for us all!

Copyright 2005 Knights of Rizal Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

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