Tuesday, May 15, 2007 Speak out:Yesterday’s vote By Wilfredo Fred Chica
YESTERDAY'S vote, I believe, will likely confirm, nay, even strengthen the almost total monopoly and stranglehold on public office by the political clans.
Their surrogates and sycophants will retain their power over the public purse and dictate how laws are implemented.
They hold this "default dominance" by riding on the back of the millions of ignorant, feckless voters in our midst who think and/or act no better that carabao-minded citizens led by the nose, yoked to the vested interests of traditional politicians.
The middle-class vote, more informed and aware, will be swamped by the sheer majority of the "masang tanga." They will remain a shut-out although valiant minority.
Yesterday's election was a show and demonstration of People Power.
But that power to choose has long been diminished, vitiated and subverted by political entrepreneurs who have masterly exploited the ignorance, poverty and plain stupidity of the lower classes.
A few good men and women may get through and obtain mandate to serve us with the character, competence and commitment of the true, rare public servant.
With them lies our hope.
In them is the yeast to grow a new breed of chosen custodians of the common good.
