Let history be the judge

GMA’s negative 38 net satisfaction rating is probably her worst ever and for any president for that matter since 1986. GMA’s defense, as emphasized by her son Mikey, are the high prices of oil, with food and other basic commodities becoming more expensive. However, GMA critics say there have been too many controversies hounding the government, the latest of which is typhoon Frank where they criticized the president for not coming home immediately during her US trip last month. The Sulpicio Lines tragedy continues to be part of the news especially with the discovery of toxic fertilizer carried by the passenger ship with fears growing over the possible spread of the toxic materials in the water.

There’s also continuing pressure for the government to stop the 12-percent expanded value-added tax (EVAT) on oil products, but GMA has stood pat on her decision to maintain that oil tax. Her spokesman has explained that the EVAT is actually pro-poor and suspending it would deprive the government of needed revenues to fund pro-poor programs. Besides, in the long run it will be the rich who will benefit from the suspension because the biggest oil consumers come from that sector of society.

During our MOPC private dinner hosted by the President at the Palace, the issue of the latest negative popularity rating was brought up. With less than two years before she finishes her term, I suggested to the president that she should just let history be the judge on her performance as a leader, and not be sidetracked by this recent survey. She should just continue to focus on her long-term programs that she believes will prove to be beneficial to the country in the end. GMA has always wanted to prove herself as a competent leader, and more so because she is the daughter of a former president, and deep inside her, she wanted to prove herself worthy of being a President.

 They say that sometimes, the most effective medicines are those that are the most bitter to swallow – and the same can be said for any president who is facing a predicament like the global oil and food crisis that is undoubtedly affecting people all over the world. Even in the past, there have been a number of presidents who had to take on unpopular fiscal measures and as a consequence, suffered from very low approval ratings – but were eventually able to bounce back and prove themselves right after all.

During the 1948 presidential elections, incumbent US President Harry Truman was already being written off as a winner, saddled by a three-way split in his own democratic party, but he managed to pull off a surprise win. His second term however was beset by the threat of communism plus the eruption of the Korean War, coupled by the problem of inflation that has been hounding his administration since 1945. By 1952, he had become very unpopular, his administration rocked by corruption issues compounded by the eventual firing of an extremely popular Gen. Douglas MacArthur who was prepared to bring the war all the way to China. At the time, people felt that if MacArthur were allowed to go to China, he would have finished the Communists by then.

The ensuing paranoia and suspicion over communism – driven by Sen. Joseph McCarthy – proved to be one of the most unfortunate periods in American history where careers, reputations and lives were destroyed. In the end, history vindicated Truman, and his standing with the American public eventually improved over the years, making him one of the greatest US presidents of the 20th century. As one analyst had pointed out, Truman set the US on the right course that ended in the defeat of communism decades afterwards.

Like GMA, Bush has sinking popularity ratings and is also considered one of the most unpopular leaders in American history. Last April, his disapproval rating reached 69 percent – the worst ever in Gallup Poll history, where the record was at 67 percent in January 1952 during the term of Truman. We wonder whether they discussed this privately during their meeting at the White House last month. By the way, there’s also an impeachment proceeding against Bush, although everyone knows this will not prosper. Again, we wonder if he got a few pointers from GMA.

Surprisingly however, there are many who believe history will be kinder to Bush contrary to the disappointment and disgust Americans feel over his handling of the Iraq war and the US economy.  Some historians are already claiming his decisions after 9-11 and the threat of the Taliban in Afghanistan will prove to be correct in the end, with terrorism becoming a continuing threat. Americans have to stay focused on the fight against terrorism for them to enjoy their democratic freedoms since they continue to be the primary targets of terrorists. Bush supporters are confident that his decisions after 9-11 will prove to be correct and that history will eventually vindicate him. 

Much like Bush, GMA is facing one of the toughest tests in her leadership today, with the country beset by a global crisis and her administration wracked by accusations of corruption and wrongdoing. But to those who know her, they will attest to her dedication and focus in achieving what she thinks will be the best for the country ultimately – regardless of the fact that such decisions could be unpopular and would cost her further in terms of approval and popularity ratings.

In everything one does, especially when one is in the limelight, the harsh and merciless eyes of the public are trained on you. History is not concerned with current sentiments or even the seeming outcome of the moment – but the final results which may become evident over the years. As they say, it will be history that will be the final judge of men and the legacy they leave behind.

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