election fever

the elections is on the Monday and I still haven’t completed my list of candidates to vote for. this will be the third time that I’m voting. the first one was for the SK in 2000, the second was during the 2004 presidential elections. I do make it a point to vote. I don’t really care what pessimists say about the elections. participating in the elections is still a good thing, no matter how much of a mockery other people make of it. it’s one of those opportunities when you can actually do something good. something good is worth doing. why vote? why not?

im not looking for perfect leaders. im just looking for those who could the job best. and of course, those who are not corrupt. but to be really honest, I’d rather think that all of them are corrupt. it’s less disappointing that way. those who make themselves an exception to this are truly outstanding. may their tribe increase!

I hope most, if not all, registered voters vote on May 14th. that would be a sign of a better, more mature, more responsible citizenship for this country.

*****
elections in the Philippines is no longer about choosing the best. now it’s about choosing the lesser evil. it’s sad and really cynical. this mind frame can still change but it will take some more time and more meaningful experience for the regular juan de la cruz. a change of mind in this country cannot be hastened. a change of heart, maybe, but of mind not so fast. Filipinos are rather emotional, we tend to be biased towards what we feel is right over what we think is right. for juan de la cruz, the heart rules. that’s why he easily falls for a trapo’s sweet, sweet lies. but can we blame him? he’s jobless, his family is hungry and his children are out of school. what chance does he have over the manipulative politician dangling the carrot of a better life on his face? a very slim chance.

** trapo means traditional politician