Thoughts on Election 1.

Hitting the sack really has the mind going places. A good friend sent me a text message to watch the senatoriables' debate airing on a prominent local broadcasting channel. My first reaction was, "I didn't register dude 'coz I know it wouldn't matter anyway, and I'm sorry for the complete lack of enthusiasm" so I didn't bother to pick up the remote control lying at an arm's reach. Instead, it got me thinking what that channel would normally air on that time slot if it wasn't voting season. What I deduced from that situation is that the TV station literally cleared up one of their shows just to make room for this which means there are viewers, and when there's an audience, there's money (thank the advertisers for this). I know there's a degree of importance when some people start to make money out of it. Personally, I don't like governance because of the way it twisted the word 'politics' in most countries, which was by the way put into positive light the very first time by my political science professor, but the nearer the election date draws near, the more I can't not think about it.

One of the many things I learned from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Trilogy is that you must take it very seriously, dead-serious even when you are destined to rule over a race, because you are thrust with the power to lead a nation to flourish or to its peril. History is literally in your hands. There is a saying I happened upon on the Recess cartoon (a long time ago) that goes, "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely" and Sauron's character is the very personification of that, doing anything and everything to stay on top, selfish and unmindful of others, treating them all as "expendable". Aragorn on the other hand, is very much aware of the sins of his ancestors and is terrified of the possibility that the innate greed that runs deep in his blood might catch him off guard and spring forth, fueling time and again the perpetuation of evil, so he shuns away from the temptation of power and longs for the peace that was snatched from the races that fought and died for it. Even though he was insecure about it, there were others who believed in him because he possessed king-like attributes, namely:
• Nobility - He understands the word 'Honor' and lives by it. In these deceitful and chaotic times, pity those who cannot fathom it.
• Kindness/Compassionate - He cares for even the smallest race, the hobbits and respects their purpose, even though it would be easier to bully and make fun of them.
• Temperance - He let a steward take over the kingdom of Gondor and chose to be a ranger instead of being the rightful heir. He declined the ring from Frodo when he was offered it (Boromir failed that test).
• Charisma - He easily gains the respect of his fellow men (living and dead) as well as other races, maybe because of the discipline and strength he showed when he chose exile instead of the kingdom.
• Humility - He does not unnecessarily and boastfully lord over his comrades and for this, his words and instructions are accepted and respected.
• Fidelity/Faithfulness - He knows love has bound him to Arwen, and he does not give in to rebound easily (Eowyn) even when he thought the elf has gone for good, and fortunately for him, he thought wrong.
• Impartial/Considerate - He does not let anger and bitterness guide his actions. He does not pass judgment onto others even when he can strike them dead (Wormtongue, Saruman's henchman in Rohan). He gives credit where credit is due (Acknowledging the hobbit's efforts to quell evil).
• Courageous - He does not give in to despair. He gives confidence and inspiration to others even when there seems no reason to be (Battle at Helm's Deep).

Mind you (and I don't get tired of putting emphasis on this), being the descendant of the previous kings did not persuade even himself that he is fit to rule over his fellow men, it is by these qualities that he has shown (therefore, don't think that I am secretly rooting for someone). When was the last time we have ever seen anyone close to this? Some might think that I wasn't acting responsibly when I chose not to register and therefore didn't intend to vote, but I have my reasons and one of them is this. All these candidates may have the money for the campaign, but no good businessman will let an investment, especially a large one go bad. A good leader however, has the "command responsibility" mindset and for the sake of accountability, "takes one for the team", which by the way is Team Philippines. Yes, that is all of us, and when the time comes that someone realizes that campaign money is just money, and will actually take the opportunity to break the vicious cycle and make the country not even the slightest bit ashamed that their allegiance is with the Philippine Flag, only then will I make time to be a part of the voting population.