The verbal brawl on Dec 29 revealed the character of those who uttered street language and only confirmed that their reputation conforms to their character. Character is what you are and reputation is what others think of you. In this instance the reputation of target killers, bhatta demanders, extortionists and corruption do stick, not just because of press reports, but because of ground realities and if any doubts were there, the verbal brawl of Dec 29 has only confirmed these charges. It also provides food for thought, that there should be some scrutiny to eliminate such men, before they are allowed to contest elections. Men with a history of fraudulent financial scams, or involvement in heinous crimes, or those who have serious criminal cases pending adjudication, should be weeded out. In any case, we must also consider to provide some sort of witness protection programme, if we expect our citizens to come up to the witness stand and narrate the bitter truth about those, whom we all know are involved, but none dares to point a finger at. In the meanwhile, may I suggest that Mr Akhtar and the wiz-kid mayor be given some counselling in how to carry themselves in public and converse without resorting to abusive threats and repulsive language. Political leadership should develop the tolerance to criticism in democratic societies, but this must remain within the confines of civility. If a party leader is being worshipped like a Pir or something, he has no role in democratic politics. GULL ZAMAN, Peshawar, January 1.