Politics and superstition

I am not superstitious. Whatever is printed in the horoscope does not affect me at all, for which reason, I do not patronize it. If it says something good, as they do, in most of the time I glance it, I do not become euphoric. When it predicts anything negative, I do not panic either. Without having to be superstitious though, I tend to observe how nature works and the way things develop to serve as guides in my day-to-day activities.

In human interpersonal relations however, it is very important to observe the flux of people as they deal with one another. Usually, the changes of relations among human beings tell us something. When the bonds of friendship between two buddies appear to be stronger, it is observable that their commonality in interests and biases is more pronounced. If, on the other hand, they fall out of each other's grace, we know something went wrong somewhere but more often because these are better locked in the closet, we do know why.

This week, two things took place. One, I chanced upon a person with deep political experience in the city although I had the feeling that he actually sought me out. Two, while we were talking about our preferences in the coming elections, a man with a high elective position in the government rang my cell phone. Because I am not superstitious, I did not give any meaning to the simultaneous occurrence of two events, which tough related in their character weretotally disjointed.

The first event. The man I met is about a decade my senior. He was a trusted confidant and leader of an established political dynasty in the city even before I frayed into politics. His loyalty and trustworthiness brought him into the inner recesses of confidential meetings and strategic planning. I noticed the pride that he cherished in his heart each time he narrated specific events of his distinguished participation in important operations.

Apart from his recollection, almost done in monologue, he enumerated the names of high strung city politicians and political figures, who have moved away from their former idol. However my eyes popped in recognition of their political prominence, my mind was stirred by the inexplicability of their moves. Such departures saddened my eloquent conversation partner but despite my prodding, he would not reveal what he knew of the reason for splitting.

Worse, these personalities, according to that aged political clansman, became sworn enemies of their erstwhile boss. Perhaps because of his premium inside information, he grudgingly admitted that their splits were inevitable although he was not prepared to judge whether they were anchored on acceptable causes.

The second event. When my cell phone rang, the feared name of a Cebu politician registered as my caller. Frankly, I did not expect any call from him specially at this time. My mind quickly travelled thru time to try to find out when was the last occasion we talked to each other.  I could only remember having sent him text wishing him well (and praying for him) upon learning that he had a serious medical condition. Curiously, when I picked up the call and said hello, the caller terminated the connection. Thinking that it was polite thing to do, I sent him a text wishing him luck in the coming mayoral contest. With all humility, I had, however, made it clear that I was voting for his opponent. It was a text message that he promptly replied too.

If I were superstitious, I would have taken my conversation with the experienced leader as a sign for me to take cue from the departures of many other politicians from the umbra of a politician. The winds of change should smell something putrid. That those former allies and followers became bitter enemies should say something about the character of the man they have chosen to junk.

If I were superstitious, I should take the call of the politician, coming as it did in the middle of a conversation on him, as a confirmation of the stories I just heard from the experienced leader. That he aborted his call was most ominous.