Mudslinging and madness (Sabong News)
Author
Alex M. Eduque
Date
APRIL 23 2022
To say that the election fire is heated would be an understatement – it is burning like never before. The mudslinging is so real, that it seems that some have short-term memory, or even suffer from temporary memory loss because it is so rampant, it is almost impossible to keep up alongside trying to maneuver through this pandemic, and continue on living your life. I have always remembered election season to be heated, but even from halfway across the world this time, I feel like the toxicity has reached a level I have never lived through in the past. But it is, I suppose, the product of increased social media use, and really, it is all part of the game – after all, an esteemed politician once told me in the past, “Don’t sweat it, I eat lies, controversy and conflict for breakfast. You have to in order to keep afloat in this crazy world.”
It is amazing how the very principle my late grand-aunt and my mother continuously instilled in me growing up is so applicable to so many facets of life; even in this pandemonium. “With privileges comes responsibility,” they would always tell me. Quoting the late John F. Kennedy, perhaps, this thought haunts me at my most trying moments – when I am facing a tough decision that needs to be made, or when I need to make a choice that does not come easy. It governs my everyday way of life, and grounds me in moments I would otherwise be flying high. There are so many variations to this very statement, but the point I am deriving is that we must never forget this thought in the most challenging of times. And oftentimes, I wonder if the public officials we elect as leaders are even conscious of this very ethos.
It is undeniable that being elected a public servant comes with its own set of privileges. Whether one chooses to acknowledge it or not, the sheer fame that comes with being recognized as someone who has chosen to devote their lives to the greater good of the community comes with its set of perks. But with it, must also come the consciousness of the great responsibility an elected official possesses. First and foremost, their responsibility to their constituents – listening to, and addressing their needs. The responsibility to be there for them everyday, but most especially when the need, and unforeseen situations arise. The list goes on, but most relevant to all the exchanges we are seeing today is the responsibility, in my opinion, of an elected official to be accountable for their words, actions, and how they choose to appear in front of the Filipino people.
To be in the position to run for public office means that one has some degree of accolades. He/she is respected, renowned to an extent, and has a following. I am of the firm belief that it is one’s responsibility therefore to act accordingly, and to employ the values he/she wishes to impart on the people. As voters, we must remember that (with a little room for emotions and human error) the actions of a person under stress or challenging situations says more about them than the way they appear in rosy times. We get a glimpse of their crisis management style as they face the fire. Their words are a direct reflection of their principles and values. Never forget that “What Susie says of Sally says more of Susie than Sally.” In other words, what one says about others is a direct reflection of themselves, and can tell someone more about them than the person/people they are talking about – or in the case of mudslinging, trying to destruct.
To wish for a world sans mudslinging and madness especially in the time of elections would be totally unrealistic. Rather, what we can pray for is that people become enlightened to the truths as they appear before their very own eyes. Just a little more than two weeks before the day – let us all pray that the Filipino people chooses wisely for their nation.
