POLITICAL analysts argued that campaign ads, TV and radio commercials, support from local government units, and the endorsement from the administration still determine a candidate’s chance to win during election season. Given this analysis, do candidates who do not have the political machinery, financial capacity and the popularity have a slim chance of winning?
A 2003 study revealed that the ability to address the issues of poverty, health and environment still influences voters. Some analysts say that the issue of corruption is no longer a factor. According to Ronald Holmes, president of Pulse Asia, the number one determinant is the image of the candidate, based on news reports. Is he sensitive to the needs of the community? Is he approachable?
Dubious characters surfaced in the final stretch of the campaign period. Black propaganda and character assassination that made their way in social media only place an exclamation point to the matrix upon matrix that were already out.
Herbert G. Walther wrote: “Politicians believe that effective government requires occasional compromise. Concessions to opposing viewpoints are necessary if our system is to function properly.” Winston Churchill judged democracy despite its flaws, to be the best form of government. Many believe that the democratic process will only work if we guard the independence of the three branches of government: Executive, Legislative and Judiciary.
What is exactly happening in our country today? Let us give this some thought.
An unknown contributor to the book “An Abundant Life,” underlined the importance of our thoughts: “We are apt to regard our thoughts as fleeting and unimportant and, as a result, imagine that it matters very little what we think as long as we say and do what is right. Yet in the last analysis, everything depends on our thoughts.”
He added: “Our thoughts are the products and proofs of our character. But they are infinitely more than that. They are the very materials of which our character, lives and destinies are built. Evil thoughts mar and destroy. Good thoughts build up, elevate and refine. What we shall be in the future, today provides the basis from which all our words and actions spring.”
No matter what those politicians may be thinking and the “baggage” they carry, we will vote according to their competence, integrity and love for our country. Today, Election Day, let us invoke the Holy Spirit to give us the gift of discernment so we will vote for the right people.