On politics and politicians

It’s election time. Politicians are on the move. They need to win votes. And as much as they dislike the idea of doing their campaigning in the Indian reservation, they do so because every single vote counts. The politicians know that this year’s election will be a close fight, and getting the Native American Indian vote will be crucial.

They were all assembled in the Council Hall to hear the speech. The politician had worked up to his finale, and the crowd was getting more and more excited. “I promise better education opportunities for Native Americans!”

The crowd went wild, shouting, “Hoya! Hoya!”

The politician was a bit puzzled by the native word, but was encouraged by their enthusiasm. “I promise gambling reforms to allow a Casino on the Reservation!”

”Hoya! Hoya!” cried the crowd, stomping their feet.

”I promise more social reforms and job opportunities for Native Americans!”

The crowd reached a frenzied pitch shouting, “Hoya! Hoya! Hoya!”

“I promise to stomp out corruption here inside the reservation.”

Even the children joined the shouting: “Hoya! Hoya! Hoya!”

Body tired, throat sore the politician shouted his loudest: “And I promise you I will stay honest and truthful!”

And the loudest response thus far from the audience came: “Hoya! Hoya! Hoya!”

After the speech, the politician was touring the reservation, and saw a tremendous herd of cattle. Since he was raised on a ranch, and knew a bit about cattle, he asked the Chief if he could get closer to take a look at the cattle.

”Sure,” the Chief said, “but be careful not to step in the Hoya.”

There’s just this thing about politicians and promises during election season.

Now let me tell you another story.

A member of the Senate, known for his hot temper and acid tongue, explodes one day in mid session and begins to shout, ”Half of this Senate is made up of cowards and corrupt politicians!”

All the other Senators plead to the angry member that he withdraw his statement, or be removed from the remainder of the session. After a long pause, the angry member conceded.

”Ok,” he said, “I withdraw what I said. Half of this Senate is NOT made up of cowards and corrupt politicians!”

Now let’s be fair. Not all politicians are dishonest. Not all politicians over-promise and under-deliver. You just need to know which half it is.

The politician was sitting at his campaign headquarters when the phone rang. He listened intently, and after a moment his face brightened.

When he hung up, he immediately phoned his mother to tell her the good news.

”Ma,” he shouted, “the results are in. I won the election!”

”Honestly?”

The politician’s smiled faded. “Aw, heck, Ma, why bring that up at a time like this?”

And here is my last jab today on politicians.

A little girl asked her mother whether all fairy tales began with “Once Upon a Time.”

“No,” replied the mother. “Today most of them begin with “If I’m elected….”

If you look up the online dictionary, “The Free Dictionary” by Farlex (www.freedictionary.com), you will be surprised to find that the word “Politician” is defined as:

• One who is actively involved in politics, especially party politics.

• One who holds or seeks a political office.

• One who seeks personal or partisan gain, often by scheming and maneuvering: 

• One who is skilled or experienced in the science or administration of government.

John F. Kennedy said: “Mothers may still want their favorite sons to grow up to be President, but . . . they do not want them to become politicians in the process” (John F. Kennedy).

A gentleman named Peter Frame says, “Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other.” How true this is, especially in our country.

How I wish we have more statesmen than politicians in this beloved nation of ours. And just in case you do not know the difference, the politician thinks of the next election while the statesman thinks of the next generation.

Let us pray that God will give us honest men and women who will lead the nation towards the paths of righteousness and justice. And yes in case you did not know, there are godly politicians and they pray too. 

Here is the way an honest politician prays: “O Lord, give us the wisdom to utter words that are gentle and tender, for tomorrow we may have to eat them.”

(Francis Kong will speak on what successful entrepreneurs do differently and why. Attend the “Disciplines for Breakthrough Entrepreneurs Seminar” on April 24, 2010 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati, Call 996-4610 or visit www.iluvlearning.com to register.)