Jaundiced fanatics and the democracy they supposedly defend

 Nothing is more oxymoronic than a pro-Noynoy rabid who, at the same time, claims to be all for democracy. Or better yet, drop the ‘oxy’ in oxymoronic and you have the word I actually have in mind.

Social media is littered with perfect examples of how these blind followers instantly come to the defense of their idol—the present-day incarnation of Baal—even at the slightest hint of criticism leveled against their perpetually faultless president. What’s odd is that the reason for many a Noy fanatic is their supposed love for democracy. It’s true what they say then: too much love could kill.

These Aquino-obsessed extremists often resort to personal and extremely below-the-belt attacks at the immediate sight of dissent to their irreproachable perception of Aquino. Good grief, I honestly feel like spewing every expletive known to man each time I read their ad hominem counters, their naïve take on things, their ‘I could never be wrong’ faith in Aquino. No, no, more than the expletives, I feel homicidal each time.

But then one should always try mighty hard not to let them get the best of you. Still, as you gather composure to keep calm, it can be very frustrating when these Pinoys, some of them fairly reputable, start complaining and criticizing those who dare speak up and show their disapproval of how this particular president does things. I thought you people are proponents of democracy? Do you only defend democracy when your right to speak or choose is obstructed but conveniently stifle the rights of others when they go against your views? Crap. Just crap.

Some of them resort to emotional blackmail (it’s pathetic), asking those who choose to be vigilant and critical of Noy if they’ve done anything for the country, if they were part of the forces of Edsa One, if they gave up so much so we can all enjoy the democracy we have. Who the hell do they think they are? How messianic and presumptuous.

If you do something for the country, do it wholeheartedly; don’t coerce people through emotional extortion (ayaw intawn pangihap!) when opinions and outlooks start to differ from yours. A truly vibrant democracy is one where there is a plurality of views, where there is a healthy exchange of ideas, not where there is monopoly of public opinion. That is, in a covert and more dangerous sense, a creeping dictatorship.

Some of these comments-cum-attacks posted online (from news sites, Youtube, and to our personal Facebook pages), I was told by a reliable source from the Palace, are Malacañang-generated. But the rest are from ordinary citizens who simply adore Noynoy (or the entire Aquino family) with fervor that borders on fanaticism and worship. Is it all the subliminal messaging (Yellow and ribbons)? Perhaps. Is it mainstream media bombarding the populace with biased reportage in favor of the Aquinos? Maybe. Is it how this country has mystified that family into the level of hero, saint, god? Could be.

Whatever it is, it sure is creepy. I can imagine these blind followers blasphemously rewording Christian prayer and chanting all together: ‘Noynoy born without sin, pray for us to have recourse to thee.’ Oh God help us.

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