My dream president

I caught a tv interview of some members of a group called “Artists Revolution.” Among its members are Apo Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes and YouTube sensation Juana Change. The group pointed out that the next elections will be held in a little over 365 days and that we should start working on getting the right people elected now.

In another tv show, I saw footage of students from the University of San Carlos calling on the youth to register and vote. I was surprised. For a change, people who were not running were actually covered by media and asked their thoughts about the 2010 elections. Before that, all I noticed were the tv advertisements of the presidential wannabes and their grandstanding in various forums. The thought of having any one of them running the Philippines has been making me want to move to another country.

It is easy to be hopeless and cynical these days. When friends and I talk about politics, our conversation invariably ends with “So, who should we vote for?” followed by a long sigh. I get depressed by the thought that when (or if) presidential elections are held next year, it is possible that I could be voting for the person who could do the least damage, the way I did in 1998 and 2004. I’m tired of doing that.

I’m happy to see groups like Artists Revolution and the USC students taking action this early about the 2010 elections. They might not have the money and media connections of the prospective presidential candidates but their causes could be in the minds of more Filipinos than is apparent now.

The website of Artists Revolution states that: “The opportunity for genuine reform and genuine leadership shall present itself through the national elections in May. Artists Revolution aims to drum up the spirit of hope amidst a time of apathy and cynicism. We aim to encourage and inspire fellow artists and fellow citizens to take it upon ourselves to face the problems besetting our nation squarely and believe that change will happen if we act now.”

 The group is non-partisan and is not endorsing anybody. During the interview, the members pointed out that the decision on whom to vote for rested on the individual voter. They also emphasized that our choices need not be limited to the persons who have signified their intent to run for president.

 I have no idea who that person is going to be. When I read about a meteor shower, I wanted to wait for it so I could wish that someone worthy of leading our country would turn up. Unfortunately, it was raining that night and I did not see any stars or meteors.

Just the same, I’m drawing up my criteria for My Dream President and will throw a coin in a wishing well, light candles in church, and spend more time staring at the night sky to try to catch a shooting star to make him or her materialize.

My criteria include: Loves the Philippines more than herself/himself, family, relatives, friends, schoolmates and everyone else; honest and will not tolerate corruption by those surrounding him/her; has the strength of character not to be cowed by the usual forces contributing to the mess we’re in; and has a clear grasp of environmental issues and will enforce a total log ban. I’m only asking for four qualities. That's not a lot. Surely, someone out there has all of them.

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