Ako Mismo

June 7, 2009

Progress lighting dimming in our country, we should all be very concerned, if not alarmed, with the state of our dear country. Our country has suffered hundreds of years of foreign rule, with the Filipinos treated as slaves in their own land. We rose above it (did we really?) and established our own democratic government. We liberated ourselves from colonizers, only to be treated as fools by our own leaders. Look at us now: the leaders in governments have been pillaging our country, and we’re all like orphans looking for a refuge.

Watching with disdain all the advertisements of obvious aspirants for the presidential position, I wonder how is it that, with all the rampant problems in our society, politicians have been thinking about how to be in that top position. Ironic, isn’t it, that with the bid for the presidency, they ignored what is it all about to serve the country?

Watching the ANC forums, Countdown to 2010, I am thankful that the aspirants now are participating at a forum like this, where the nation can listen to their plans for the country and the answers to the issues thrown at them, not just some battle of popularity. We really need a president who can make us listen and think, not someone who just makes us laugh. With that kind of president, in the end, we can hardly laugh at our fate.

If politicians have been preparing for the elections as early as now, I guess the voters should also start contemplating whom to vote for this coming election. Many have been fighting to block the move of the present administration for charter change, and this to give us a chance to choose our next leader. Yes, we should all participate in this national exercise. It is our right, and it is especially our responsibility.

Truth be told, I am yet to be a good citizen, and encouraging people to vote, to vote wisely at that, is my own little way to help shape the path of our nation. I hope, somewhere, somehow, someone might change their mind and vote. As early as now, let us take keen interest in the election and make our selection process a very tedious one.

 

(photo from the web)