Recently, as I sat in my living room watching horrible news about the wanton killing and kidnappings happening in the country, I drifted a little into wishful thinking/daydreaming mode. While I was at it, I imagined becoming this all-powerful being that pops up in the hideouts of kidnappers and killers and wipes them off the face of the earth for good while sending a strong message to the others that I am coming for them. It was really enjoyable while it lasted until I jolted back to reality and realized that wasn't going to happen, not now, not in the years to come.
Honestly, the stories I grew up listening to always left me wondering why some things are happening or aren't happening. Considering how witches and wizards were revered and feared in those days, I always wondered why they couldn't do us a favour and start using their powers to deal with people making everyone's lives difficult. Whenever I watch movies depicting them, they always look battered and poor, so using their powers to make life better by dealing with greedy politicians and criminals shouldn't be a problem, right?
Now, back to me. Despite once having a burning rage in me to go out there and tear criminals apart, nowadays, age and experience have made me see the world in a different light. If I have the means now I won't bother becoming a crime-fighting vigilante. I'd rather use the money and power as incentives to those already doing the work for whatever penny they could get.
One of the reasons why crime continues to wax stronger in the country is that those enlisted to fight crime are doing so on empty stomachs and with the knowledge that if they die on active duty, their family will suffer and will be neglected. So they'd rather look away from a crime scene that will endanger their lives. I mean, I once talked to a police officer who clearly said a smart policeman on the field can do his 35 years without having to shoot a bullet. Considering the rate of crime in the country, it sounded preposterous. However, he knew what he was talking about. In hindsight, what he meant was that a policeman should master the art of running away from crime scenes that will involve confrontations with criminals, and possible gun fights.
Now, I have seen a lot of vigilante movies, which, by the way, are mostly about fictional characters. However, one truth that has nothing to do with fiction that always resonates in those movies is that crime will never end. The world we live in has always been about the strong and the weak, where one preys on the other. Becoming a vigilante with endless resources will not end crime. And considering fighting crime comes with a lot of sacrifices that may not be worth it in the end, I'd rather enjoy my money in peace and fortify those who have the stomach for the
fight.
