Monday, January 08, 2007 Seares: Being nice before brawl By Pachico A. Seares News Sense
HAVE you heard a politician tell publicly what he truly feels about a rival seeking to beat him in the next elections?
“He’ll run against me? He isn’t even fit to be a dogcatcher.” “Let him run and I’ll beat him to a pulp.” That sort of comment is rarely said. What do we hear instead?
About equal opportunity: “It’s a democracy. It’s his right.” “The sun shines for everybody.”
Or the rival’s qualities: “He’s a worthy opponent.” “She’s thoroughly prepared.”
When Rep. Clavel Martinez confirmed she might run against Gov. Gwen Garcia, word from Capitol was about the public good. “Voters will have wider choice.”
Unlike wrestlers
Or flattery may be the tack. Rep. Antonio Yapha of Cebu’s third district, commenting on Governor Gwen’s brod Pablo John, said the lawyer-consultant would have made a tough and interesting rival. He patted PJ though he insulted wannabes Tony drubbed to get to Congress.
Why does real feeling not surface? Why can’t pols sound like TNT wrestlers who rant and fume even before they climb the ring? “I’ll smash, pound, and tear him to pieces, the ugly and pathetic excuse for a fighter!”
They want to be seen by their public as gentlemen, or ladies, that’s why. Honorable, well-bred, dignified—at least before the brawl is on.
There are exceptions. And they are combatants who make the arena rock though Comelec still has to strike the starting bell.
