Columns

The Black Knight 

“Cartago delenda est.”? or C for Vendetta

by Sir Manny Bade, KCR

The air is now filled with rumours and innuendoes swirling around the controversial Scarborough Chapter, the hotbed of activism (some may even call radicalism) and home of the equally controversial Knights of Rizal Reform Movement (KRRM). 

First, there was the rumour that the Chapter would be scrapped, that its status as a chapter would be revoked, its members to be scattered to the four corners of Toronto and henceforth, Scarborough would not be allowed to have a chapter.  This reminds us of Carthage, the city that rivaled Rome and almost defeated the Romans in the famous Punic Wars. 

In his famous oration on the Senate floor, Cato demanded: “Cartago delenda est.” Carthage must be destroyed. Taking cue of his speech, the Romans scattered the Carthaginians, burned their city, even removed the very foundations of its buildings, and sowed salt on its ground so that now the site of the famous city is turned into a desolate desert.  

Archaeologists even now could barely find traces of the once prosperous metropolis. After that rumour had passed there is now talk about removing the very active and vocal commander, Sir Alexcs Trinidad, KCR and replacing him with someone appointed by Manila at the recommendation of the Canada Region. If it is fulfilled, this move could have a devastating effect not only on the Scarborough Chapter but on the whole Order.  

The activists within the chapter, and they have supporters around the world albeit silent for now will not rest to prosecute this intended injustice.  This could be the spark that will ignite a volcano still dormant inside each aggrieved knight, reminiscent of the volcanoes or the Noli and the Fili Sir Miling Silverio, KGCR refers to in his poems. But more importantly, this will expose the dictatorial tendencies and vendetta attitude of the officers of the region who would be thumbing their noses on the democratic principles and practices now enjoyed by each chapter around the world.  

For if such precedence is allowed to happen, then, what can prevent other leaders to exercise such abuse to silence their critics and subvert the will of the members while imposing their own?