The Last Blog of the Year

I have been avoiding blogging because when I think of blogging, some political issues come to mind and that is not what I would like to put here. But for the last post of the year (and the first in a long time), I will close with my political views.

I have thoughts about the so-called presidentiables; some of them good while others are negative. I do have my choice but in this spot, I will remain neutral. Such is the freedom of thought and speech that we have that I could choose not to make a choice (just yet anyway). What I would rather express are my thoughts on our democratic process.

It is obvious that Filipinos as a people are still very clannish. A candidate for a national post is expected to win or do well in the place where his family hails from. Likewise, if he wins then he is also expected to do something good for "his people" or the very extended family expects to benefit as well from his victory. The elected is also expected to "reward" the areas where he posted a good lead. Such is the dynamic of gratitude in our political system. Was not that the case during the Marcos years?

In this election, as in the past, money will move; specially now that we are feeling the residual effects of the financial crisis felt in the developed nations. It is still very likely that some people will sell their vote to the highest bidder, hoping that the bid will be high enough to last them a week or so. Politics here is a business more than an ideology. If money goes out before elections then somehow there must be a way of recovering afterwards. If one wins and does not know how to play the game then money will continue to flow out of the pocket and one will find himself bankrupt at the end of his term. The story does not end there though. Even after your term, people will still expect you to be as generous as when you were in position. I have heard people on the bus before comparing the benefits they got from different political rallies.

We elect personalities. That is why we have so many political parites. If you examine their creeds, you will be likely to find that they are exhorting the same high level principles. Those creeds will probably not mention much that can be actuated directly. For instance, they might mention that theirbekgroup respects the rights of individuals at all levels and will support actions that promote the good of the majority. Yet they can not give you a definite stand on how to deal with squatters or whether gasoline prices should be regulated. So, we can not really choose the right candidate based on his stand on issues. Instead, we consider his family background more than past accomplishments. Look no further, Gloria Arroyo won her senate seat mainly because she was the daughter of a former president.

This evening, I pray fro change. I pray that we will have enough to eat so that we can think well for the future of our children. I pray that we will be well rested so that we can see beyond the
glitz of the campaign and really see where the candidate is likely to take us if he wins

I love my country and I pray that we will really elect the rightful servants. Remember, it is called PUBLIC SERVICE, it is not PUBLIC WILL SERVICE.