Listening to politicians

The campaign season has officially begun and the big issue, apparently, is that the national candidates are still at a loss on how to campaign. Before it began, leaders of the principal political groups seem to have arrived at the same thinking that the campaign should stick to positive messages and avoid negative campaigning. Some people thought therefore that this meant there would be no personal attacks. However, anyone who has studied the history of Philippine politics knows that in a political arena where politics is dominated by personalities and political dynasties, campaigning based solely on issues is unimaginable.

First of all, issue-based campaign requires politicians who are running on the basis of an ideology, which is almost totally absent from our so-called political parties. The only parties that I am aware of that have any semblance of ideology are the Makabayan bloc and the Akbayan Party led by Risa Hontiveros and Chel Diokno. My understanding is that the Akbayan Party was founded as an advocate for the social democratic ideology.

During the opening rally of the Marcos-endorsed slate, President BBM launched into a personal attack on the personalities of the leading opposition group – the Duterte camp.

During the proclamation rally for the senatorial candidates of the other side, former president Duterte launched his own personal attack not at the senatorial candidates but against his successor, BBM. He again called the current President a drug addict.

His son, Sebastian Duterte, accused the present regime as an oppressive one. This was a strange if not a comic accusation from a Duterte scion. After all, many observers believe that these two regimes were actually similar in many ways, if not simply two different faces of the same coin.

I sympathize with the senatorial candidates of the two parties because any attempt on their part to campaign based on positive messages will simply not be believable. How many will believe them if they campaign on the platform of eliminating corruption? How many will believe that they are running as personal sacrifices and not to enrich themselves? How many will believe that they intend to put the interest of the masses ahead of their own personal interests or the interest groups or the family dynasties they represent? This lack of credibility has resulted in entertainers and family dynasties being elected.

Unfortunately, when there are authentic and principled politicians who decide to run, their message is not really taken at face value by an electorate that has become cynical about politicians. Perhaps the only basis for judging candidates is by looking at their personal lives and those of their family members.

We should review the lifestyles of the candidates and those of their family members. This is going to be my personal basis for the candidates I intend to endorse for the coming titles.

All about canes

For an ageing population, the use of canes has become a part of our everyday life. Here are excerpts from a highly informative article on the use of canes, courtesy of fellow columnist Jose Y. Dalisay Jr. and the Mayo Clinic, internationally known for the quality of its medical care and cutting-edge research.

Choosing the right grip. “Pick a grip that feels comfortable for you. Foam grips or grips shaped to fit the user’s hand are popular choices. If you have trouble grasping with your fingers, a larger grip might be a better option.

“Choosing a good cane grip eases stress on joints and may help prevent other joint problems. Numbness or pain in your hand or fingers might be a sign that a cane’s grip isn’t a good fit for your hand…”

Types of cane grips. “Many canes can be adjusted, but some cannot. To make sure your cane fits you properly:

Check your elbow bend. With the cane in your hand, your elbow should bend at a comfortable angle, about 15 to 20 degrees. You might bend your elbow slightly more if you’re using the cane mainly for balance.

Check your wrist height. With your arm hanging straight down at your side, the top of your cane should line up with the crease in your wrist.

“If your cane is too long, you’ll need to work harder to pick it up and move it. If your cane is too short, you might lean to one side. That can throw off your balance.”

Walking with a cane. “Hold your cane in the hand that’s opposite of your weak or injured leg. Move the cane along with that leg, so each time you step, you move the cane too. That gives you support as you walk. When you step forward with the other leg, don’t move the cane.”

Using a cane on steps. “As you go up steps, use your free hand to hold onto the railing if there is one. Step up first with your stronger leg. Then step up with your other leg as you move the cane at the same time. To go down steps, hold onto the railing. Move the cane at the same time you move your weaker leg down to the step. Then step down with your other leg.”

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