Quote:
"This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and the special pride that must be theirs tonight," McCain said. "These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face."
Unquote.
I can’t put exactly a finger, as to why I suddenly felt a lump in my throat. The lump in my throat got even more pronounced when I watched President Obama’s speech in Chicago after his electoral victory.
Photo by Abangbay
He talked about the United States still being one in spite of differences in color, religion, race, and individual preferences. As I was watching him speak, I grew maudlin. Perhaps because I admire how both candidates were gracious in defeat and victory, or because for the first time in history – the seemingly impossible feat has taken place – a black American has been elected to the highest position in one of the most powerful countries in the world, or simply because in my heart, I was wishing Philippine politics would be like the same – clean and unrigged; that losers would graciously accept their defeat; and that everyone would work together after the elections, for the betterment of the nation.
But sadly, this is not what is happening here in my own country. Presently in the locality where I live, the losers of the elections are now still trying to recall the proclamation of the Governor elect of the province.
Why do they have to do that? If they really wanted to help the people, they can do so, even if they are not in Office. It is clearly apparent that their agenda is not service for the people but for their own selfish motives.
I perform my obligations dutifully as a citizen of my country. I fulfill all my responsibilities to the best of my ability, but still…
I pray that our corrupt politicians would eschew their self-interests and genuinely think of the welfare of their constituents. These bad eggs are destroying the true democratic spirit of Philippine politics.
And all I can do, for now, is pray!
8 comments:
This superb post deserves comment, even if only to sympathise and say I hope your dreams for the Philippines come true. Well done for expressing this so well, Jena.
Thanks for the empathy Jean. Yes, I've been wishing and praying for that since I exercised my right to suffrage.
I've heard similar wishes expressed from other countries across the globe. It's a good reminder that as imperfect as our democracy is here in the US, it's much worse elsewhere. That said, we have a good tradition of gracious speeches followed up with much less gracious actions by the losing sides :).
Hi Francis, yes I can see. Is it true about those Obama supporters losing their sense of direction? I find it hard to believe that they walk like zombies in the streets and the president is allegedly irritated by them. I saw this on TV and I believe it must be the losers who are airing this to discredit the president or whatever.
Thanks for the visit. Happy blogging.
I'm sure there are a number of people out there spreading false stories, just like they did during the campaign. As gracious as McCain's speech was, we had some firsthand experience with some hateful people after the election. Palin spent 2 months calling Obama a godless terrorist and a communist at public rallies, and she riled up some very scary elements.
Sadly I have to confess that I don't know much about the politicians in your land. But I think you and avery other citizen deserves honest politicians who look for the welfare of all.
Even in Germany the politicians look at first at their own welfare and in the second place they think about their citizens.
I think it will elapse a long time before the first black german bundeskanzler will be elected...
Wish you all the best Rainer
Hi Francis,
Perhaps, they have to give a closure and go on with what they were previously doing. Thanks for the comment. God bless.
Hi Ray,
Yes, I would think so with Germany. I guess there will always be bad politicians wherever you are.
Thanks for the visit. Happy blogging.
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