TF reader thanks writer for his sane commentary

Dear Mr. Tundag;

I read your piece in the October 9th issue of The Freeman and felt compelled to write. Thank you for your sane and non-bombastic commentary about the current trend in Philippine politics. You gave voice to what I have been feeling after observing the goings-on among the various political groups. It seems that everybody including the family dog is running for office. But nowhere is there a sense of integrity and seriousness of purpose in the service of our country. I do need to apologize for my fragmented and probably erroneous reading of the state of our country because I am looking on with an outsider's eyes. For sure, the masa seems to be highly involved in electoral matters. There is no dearth of political commentary blaring forth from neighborhood radios. And yet, and you have to forgive me, it seems to me that the general trend of the discussions seems to have descended to the level of neighborhood gossip. Is there an informed electorate? I'm not sure. Our country faces major challenges, and yet, the ship of state seems to be mainly directionless. Where are our leaders who are worthy of our respect and admiration?

When I was a college student at the University of San Carlos, our heroes were individuals like Raul Manglapus and Jovito Salonga. Now we seem to have made heroes and heroines of the pretty boys and beautiful girls of mixed blood (and preferably American, Australian, European, etc.)  of movies and TV..Have we not gotten out from under the yoke of colonial mentality?  Again, I apologize if I am over-generalizing. I am no political scientist; just a regular person who wishes she had the vision of a Rizal and the charisma and courage of a Bonifacio. But why should we look to one person to save us? Why can't we rise up against the ills of our country, barangay by barangay, poblacion by poblacion until we overwhelm the system that is riddled with corruption and self-aggrandizement? After all, isn't that the meaning of katipunan?

So again, thank you, for your clear sight and perspicacity. Please do not stop throwing forth your seeds of wisdom. Perhaps some will land on fertile soil and bear fruit.

Verna Sison