Politics: A bag of tricks

Election day is over, yet politics continues to rear its ugly head. The air is tension-filled, the people restless. These last 90 days were excruciating. Post-election events are making me cringe in disillusionment. Wow, this year, we’re writing into our history books another tale of deceit, deviousness and discord.

Having been in politics for a good number of years, I know for a fact that deceit and betrayal are common in this arena. I hate to be the cynic, but really, there are many dishonest people in this game. And betrayal is considered fair play and a part of every scene. Splashed on the headlines were prospective candidates who jumped from one party to another. Never mind if they left their partymates hanging, they just crossed party lines to support and rally behind the candidate most likely to win. And then, there were some who waited for the last hour to jump ship, waiting for the surveys and money.

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Deceit is the art of misleading people in a totally masked manner. This deceit has gone on and on, committing the sin of omission. Some candidates focused only on the bad, when they very well knew there was some good. But now that elections are over, you’d think that the actors would start simmering down. Wrong! They’re all riled up as deceit fills the air.

Deceiving people is in the heart of politics and if it’s worth anything, deception in politics isn’t unique to the Philippines. Just watch the world news to know what I mean. In an essay by Brian Davey entitled "Modernizing Deceit," he writes, "... Deceiving and misleading people has become central to the organization of modern society – not just in politics but also in economic relationships." Yet it isn’t correct because it’s done.

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Deceit doesn’t make the whole picture complete. With deception and dishonesty in politics come a lot of deviousness. Like any other endeavor, strategy is one big factor in politics. Unfortunately, in politics, a good planner or strategist will not often be found afloat if he didn’t have a devious mind. It is believed that if he wasn’t devious himself, he wouldn’t be able to stand the heat. Thus, strategists were given a sort of derogatory title – spin doctors. They don’t just make the plan of action, they also weave lies to make one "credible story" that will create an impact, cause disunity and disarray.

The mind of a devious man doesn’t care if they defame or offend another. They don’t mind getting their hands dirty. All they care about is pursuing their interest at all cost, even if they end up maligning another person.

It’s been days since the votes were cast, but the insults and character assassinations continue. Finger-pointing is a common practice, as well as claims of massive cheating and statements inciting the public to launch massive protest actions. Devious minds are distorting the reality even in my home town. As Mr. Davey pointed out in his essay, "What’s the hallmark of a world class liar? If you think about it, it is surely that such a person needs to appear as the living embodiment of honesty." They have the ability to lie. Ahhh...... fallacious politics. And what do people get when bribes are accepted and money is exchanged? Three years of non-service, for one. Well, we get the people and government we deserve when we sell our votes.

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There is bitter rivalry in the national and local levels. Supporters are agitated and any single act of provocation will spark, God forbid, violence. This discord has penetrated even the deepest ties and created division! Relatives pitted against relatives, erstwhile family friends pitted against each other. This continuing conflict can’t be good for the country, for personal relationships and our morality. The stress is taking its toll on us. Unity is the only key for this country to move forward. The game of politics is really dirty and to change it will require centuries of moral enlightenment. I’ve been told often enough that if you hate somebody, let him join the political arena, where the trust factor is so low. As Russian revolutionary leader Leon Trotsky once wrote, "An ally has to be watched just like an enemy." I tell you, those who enter this field must have a heart of steel. The devious minds in politics will never rest in peace until death does its part.

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Why haven’t we changed for the better? Why must candidates buy votes, use force and intimidate people to win? Last elections, the running price was P500 in Tarlac. This year, the amount went down to P100 to P150 per vote. Thank God money is hard to come by these days, which gives hopes to those who really wish to serve but have no resources. And to those who sell their votes, sorry folks you’re kinda cheap anyway. Hope to God the parties in power have learned a lesson. To get every candidate under one wing is disastrous for all in terms of loyalty. Deceitfulness cannot replace honesty nor can loyalty be bought. It’s good to have enemies for we realize who our true friends are.

What’s the answer to our moral dilemma? I believe it is a re-education of all Filipino values and a change in our government system. Wait for the Patriots meeting, under Fr. Joe Dizon, and of which I’m a part. The list for reforms runs long and it is an upward climb… for Fr. Dizon, and for us all.