Politics as sport in America

Everyone, or so it seems, continues to talk with apparent envy about how “nice” the US election went: Fast, orderly, peaceful, clean. And everyone also keeps on saying: “We want to copy that, but we don’t have what it takes to do that.”

***

The voting process is so complicated (for us who’re not used to it) that even one well-known tv host was heard saying: “Bakit hindi na lang bilangin ang lahat na botos. Kung sinong may maraming botos siyang panalo.”

***

The American voting style is, yes, so complicated it won’t succeed in Phl. A political science professor of my acquaintance said: “Our voting style is simple but some politicians make it complicated... So much so that it takes weeks for the people to know the final result.”

***

“And when the final result is in,” said this political science professor, “everyone claims to have won, including the losers who claim to have been cheated.” In other words, no one loses in Phl elections. Every Pinoy political watcher knows this.

***

My good friend and media colleague Loy Jurado sent me the following list of  “ups” which he titled “7-ups for a Wonderful life.” It says...

***

1. Wake up. And decide to have a good day.

2. Dress up. And put on a smile each day.

3. Shut up. And learn to listen.

4. Stand up. For what you believe.

5. Look up. To the Lord.

6. Reach up. For something higher.

7. Lift up. Your prayer to Him and everything will be all right.

***

Going back to the US election (here we go again) reader Gary Llanuza said in a phone call: “Politics may not be a sporting event but good sportmanship is practiced by American presidential candidates. The losers are quick to concede admitting defeat. Not in the Philippines. Until now, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago doesn’t talk to Sir Fidel Ramos who beat her in a presidential election many years ago.”

***

Mrs. Nimfa Buenafe, TF’s neighbor on V. Gullas St. left a white handbag in a taxi last Thursday evening. The bag has Mrs. Buenafe’s name printed on it. Finder may return the handbag to the owner through this newspaper. “Or he may keep it if he likes it,” said Mrs. Buenafe.

***

OVERHEARD. A middle aged businesswoman who has just returned from her first trip to Manila was asked about her Manila experience by a neighbor. “Didto sa Maynila, Day, no, maraming babayeng pangag. Mga wa’y ngipon.” The neighbor replied: “Saba diha, Day uy. Postiso sad baya nang ngipon mo.”