Friday, August 01, 2008 Escudero: Ass By Edcer Escudero Wit or without
OUR penchant for colorful acronyms is simply astonishing, which puts us in a class all our own.
One cannot help but be amazed at the uniqueness of such popular creations as ATOM, Bayan, Piston, Meralco, Napocor, COLA, Pagcor, Courage, Pera, Mabini, Sona, etc.
This one is an informal collection of politicians who share one common object of dislike.
It is not nocturnal because it surfaces and grabs the limelight only on the day the President makes her State of the Nation Address (Sona).
ASS stands for Anti-Sona Solons.
It is a loose conspiratorial alliance of members of Congress who cannot suppress their aversion for, and allergy to, the President's Sona. So they boycott/snub the President's annual appearance at their Joint Session.
It is a very important session because it has a very important guest, the highest official of the land.
And some turn their backs on her and walk away; some don't just show up giving insulting and silly justifications.
Those ASS despise the President so much that they allow personal sentiments to rule over professional and ethical conduct. In this particular sense, they are VIPS - very impolite persons.
Those ASS have the unhampered right to snub the Sona, but they have to bear the consequence of being labeled as impolite, disrespectful, discourteous and ill-mannered.
They may have political will to be obnoxious, but they most certainly manifest obvious lack of political breeding. And they want to be addressed as "Your Honor". Que horror!
Of course there are valid reasons/excuses for being absent during the Sona - one is on OB in or outside the country; one is indisposed (sick); or one is six feet below the ground.
Actually, however, these ASS are not against Sona per se; they are against Gloria per day, for the rest of her days in Malacañang. The only time that the ASS will rest putting down Gloria is when they rest in peace. That's how committed they are.
The Sona is an important and relevant major address.
It is the annual report of the head of government, and the President, as chief executive is the only official authorized to make that report. It is his/her exclusive task and duty. Anyone who makes his own version of the Sona is a usurper and deserves no audience. He deserves a room in the madhouse.
Delivering the Sona is a matter of duty for the President. Being present during the occasion is also a matter of duty for all members of the Congress. No smart excuse can free them from such duty.
Sona boycotters owe the President a public apology for their uncivil and unbecoming conduct as lawmakers.
Here's an unsolicited advice for those ASS:
* Recall to mind what you have learned in school about right manners and good conduct.
* Put to heart the positive character traits of courtesy, civility and respect for authority.
There, more or less, define educated demeanor. Do not let power and high position transform you into arrogant, shameless and uncouth political animals.
