Destiny, dynasty

The victory in May 2010 of a reluctant and very late entry to the presidential derby bolstered the notion that the presidency is really a matter of destiny. The most organized campaign machinery, the fattest war chest, the best political strategies and the cleverest political alliances all came to naught, because destiny had decided who it would smile on.

I wonder if the same holds true for lesser positions, like senators and tongressmen... I mean congressmen... governors and mayors and councilors that we will be voting for on May 13. For sure, some of the candidates do think they are ordained, and it is going against fate if they don’t win.

But of course no one is leaving their fate entirely up to fate; hence the cacophony of the 2013 campaign. While the Comelec led by its chairman (see story on page 3) is doing its best (despite the Supreme Court) to keep the campaign within lawful bounds – at least in terms of expenditures, posters, airtime in media – most candidates are doing all they can to get votes. They sing and dance, and even strip (gross!); they beg and borrow (I guess the stealing can come later?), they make out of this world promises and make sawsaw in every issue not only under the sun but in the entire universe. Our boxer lost? Praises for his valiant effort. A foreign ship gets stuck in our reef? Calls for an investigation. The bombing at the Boston Marathon? Strong condemnation! Hmm, there was no statement on Psy’s new dance video Gentleman; maybe the new hip-popping moves will make an appearance on the campaign stage during the mitings de avance that will cap the campaign.

I started out with only one name on my vote list, with the intention of adding to that list as I get to know the candidates and their programs in the course of the campaign. Honestly, I have been considering four or five more names, but I have had to put them back on the “pagiisipan” (I’ll think about it) list because of disgusting campaign behavior.

Destiny may determine one’s assumption to office, but for many it’s dynasty that is the determining factor. Whatever the Constitution may say, I don’t think we’re going to get an anti-dynasty enabling law within my lifetime – or yours.

A most practical fellow I spoke to recently insists that political dynasty is a normal thing: It’s a family business. Doctors beget doctors, the same thing with lawyers or shoemakers...why not politicos? The kids grow up in that particular milieu, he notes, so what do you expect? And if it proves to be a lucrative endeavor – and in most cases it is – it should be no surprise that the offspring follow their elders into the political ring.

Of course, the dynastic candidates will take exception to this, insisting that it is service, not lucre, that draws them to the political arena. They all claim it is “track record” and not family name that they are banking on to sweep them into office; just wish that their so-called track records are even half as weighty and prominent as their family names.

No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it is dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.

Luke 11:33-36