California circus, Manila ‘perya’

There was no roller coaster; yet everyone got thrilled by the ride. There was no Ferris wheel; yet everyone got dizzy with the motions. There were no costumes; yet everyone knew there were phonies. The seat of the Governor of California was in question; yet the people’s sanity was at stake. It was a serious affair; yet everyone was laughing. It was an election; yet people felt more like it was a circus.

"It was entertaining," said Don Rice, a student at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) Extension who moved to this side of town from the East Coast two years ago.

A group of students at the UCLA Extension had a discussion about the spectacle that happened last October 7. A statewide special election was held to determine whether then Governor Gray Davis should be recalled and, if so, who will succeed him? The first question was simple. "Yes" or "no" were the only choices. The second question was a bit more complicated, to say the least. Voters had 135 candidates to choose from.

"It was overwhelming. There were just too many choices," added Rice who also works as a freelance copy editor.

The list of aspirants overflowed with a variety of characters, from traditional politicians like Cruz Bustamante, the first Latino elected to California statewide office since 1878; porn flick producer and Hustler magazine publisher, Larry Flynt; a porn star; and even actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger, who eventually won the people’s heart and their votes.

On the one hand, the assortment of candidates proved that democracy was very much in place here in California. People’s right to run for office was respected as much as the people’s right to vote. On the other hand, this may underscore a flaw in the system that allows a person to file his/her candidacy as long as he/she meets the minimum qualification requirement that includes a nominal $3,500 filing fee.

It was obvious to students involved in the discussion that some of the candidates were, in fact, just in the race for ego gratification. At a small price, these personalities were able to generate news and publicity for themselves.

"They certainly got a wider audience," observed Brian Feugret, a French national who has been based in California for eight years now. He works for an aerospace company.

While others questioned the intent and sincerity of some candidates, nonetheless, a lot of people believed that a contender’s means of livelihood was irrelevant.

"I think Reagan did a good job," commented Leigh-Davis Glass, a lawyer who is also hosting some TV shows in California. She is taking some units in broadcast journalism to be able to eventually move from the courtrooms to the news studios.

Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States, was a Hollywood actor before he entered politics. Now, another actor has been elected into office. No one can tell this early how Schwarzenegger will fare in his new role as California governor.

While others adopt a wait-and-see attitude, however, Feugret is certain: "I think he will become a politician. And eventually, politics will win."

As the discussion unraveled, I sat in my seat unsure of how to react. As a Filipino student, I was certain that the political situation back home was a lot more chaotic. We have experienced the impeachment of a President, the highest ranking official in the land; and actors running for office? That’s nothing new.

Actors-politicians, nowadays, who can tell the difference? Should we even bother?

In any election, it’s always just a question of sincerity and ability. One can’t go without the other. A good candidate must have genuine concern for the welfare of the country’s majority, which are those who live below the poverty line. Sincerity is always hard to measure. But there are ways. His/her platform of service and agenda should be a good indication. What are his/her stand on issues? More importantly, what are his/her motives for running?

Still, sincerity is nothing without the ability to run a country. Track record can definitely reflect one’s facility to govern.

In a few months, the Manila circus will commence, if it hadn’t yet. And it’s going to be bigger than the California spectacle in terms of thrilling exposés, dizzying motions of the political rigodon, personalities wooing the people for their vote, and even magicians with disappearing and appearing ballot acts.

It will be overwhelming. Like in the past, it will be, to a point, entertaining. But the challenge is for Juan dela Cruz to look beyond the commotions in the perya and choose the most worthy candidate who should be able to restore peace and uphold democracy in the Philippines.

Here’s to learning from the past, moving on and making the right choices.