Let the carnival begin!

Now the carnival begins! I cannot call it a circus because it is bigger in scope with more players from good performers to clowns and puppets, taking us on rides on roller coasters or simply making those good shots that hit a mark in the game booths. Alegre! But the state of our nation is not supposed to be juggled in the hands of one inadept.

I usually do not want to talk about politics. It is one h--l of a topic that gets me at the edge of my seat. But this is our country! And the way things are going, I feel our future spinning!

On my way to work, the discussion in one of the station’s talk show was whether or not to receive money for a vote. Although I did not have the chance to finish the program, I knew that the station simply wanted to get the pulse. Indeed, we are sucked into a system of voting that somehow makes our sovereignty for sale. It is open and nothing much is being done about it.  Mostly tokens.

I hope we choose wisely. Well, that is always our prayer every election. But our country needs leaders who can veer us away from a impending war and a contest on our rights! Our patience is on the brim. It will take only a little to tip our soldiers over and the struggle is palpable.

On the national scene, we can see who is gearing up for what really as congressmen and senators position themselves, not just for this election but for the BIG ONE.

Our economists have always claimed that our advantage over other nations is our population. Now let us see how well this population is going to fair in this electoral race. Is there still a change to educate the masses who somehow, sad to say, treat the process like a teleserye.  They go with the popular, the handsome or beautiful, those who, whether sincere or contrived, hold their hands and have stories whether created or not, that are relatable to their situations.  Moreso, those who can afford to attach a different colored paper, on a sample ballot as their “leaders” make their rounds in the barangays.

A friend used to chide me for my naivete. He said this is a practice I have to accept. But my system wants to vomit the blemish that it has placed on my country and us, as citizens. It is the same system that made non-citizens get elected into vital political posts.

Given that we still have time, I hope that as soon as the nuisance candidates are weeded out, equal airtime, and space will be given to the aspirants before us so we can choose intelligently. For those who are running again, let us look at how far they have taken us. And for the new entrants, let us see where they want us to go.

Let us be aware, mas maayo man gani kung ang kinabag-an sa katawhan Bisaya, di binisay-on ta ang hubad para mas daghan ang makasabot.  Pili-on nato ang mga tawo nga dunay panglantaw sa usa ka malabuon nga kaugma-on sa atong nasud.  Kung asa man ta nahimutang, mao sab ang atong buhaton.  Pil-on ta ang mga mudumala sa atong cuidad, probinsya ug bisan man sa atong mga barangay.  Dili tungod lang kay ato siyang amigo kung dili, duna gayud siya’y kasingkasing alang sa ATONG tinuod nga kalambuan ug dili kinaugalingon lamang. (it is better if most of the people are Visayans m then we express in the language so more can understand.  Let us choose people who have a vision for our country’s progressive future.  Wherever we are, as we choose our leaders of our city, province or even our barangays, let us opt for those whose hearts are for our advancement and not their personal gain.)

Meanwhile, allow the dust to settle after the scurry of the filing of candidacy, as we pray for our country, our people and our leaders.