A National Envy

By Precious Joan D. Narciso 7-November-2012

I know envy is not exactly a virtue. But today, I believe the Philippines could gain something from it. The world was on its toes as another US election drew to a close. Despite the economic downfalls, America is still on top of the world. Not one country has truly taken its place... yet. It is but natural, of course, for states and nations to see who will lead the US, and practically the world, for the next four years. As for the Philippines, we have a bunch of reasons to watch how Obama won over Romney. Their policies, especially that of immigration, foreign relations, defense and economy, have rippling effects to our own. Especially given the "special relations" we have with the US. But I'm not going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of Obama's re-election. That's a business the DFA & our President should focus on. What I really want to express is how much I envy the Americans in three points concerning the presidential elections. First, I envy their system. It's a bit odd for us who takes only the popular vote. Thanks to Mr.Varona, I understood how it goes in the US. The winner is not determined by the total number of votes. However, whoever wins the most number of votes in a state gets the electoral vote from that place. It could be tricky. There are states with larger electoral votes than others. Still, I think it's a system where cheats are difficult, if not impossible, to accomplishwhich brings me to my next point of envy. It's amazing how their candidates know when to concede. It's defeat with grace and nobility. It's when the politician for a few months stops being one and starts being a true leader to his followers. It's when one proves that the campaign is not at all for personal reasons but for the nation as a whole. Then there's the winner who invites the other party to talks on how they can cooperate and work for the nation. The night after the votes have been casted becomes a night of once again uniting as one. It's like saying, let's get the job done together. No hard feelings. Despite what's been said during the campaigns and debates, the leaders of the two parties take on the lead to becoming matured men. Moreover, leaders with nothing but the welfare of the nation in mind shineboth in their defeat and victory.

The road to that night was not easy. And that's my third point of envy. Politicians don't win by just charming their way through people. They have to know the ins and outs of running a nation. Debates expose them. And voters! Oh the voters know why they are voting for who they decided to vote. They have issues, national issues, which matter to their lives. And that is how they think about who to support. To an ordinary American, the basics of military spending, government intervention, austerity, and foreign relations are not distant theories. They somehow learned the implications of those things to their well-being. And that's how they vote. Needless to say, they can't be bought. I wish we could say the same things for us this coming May 2013 elections. But reality kicks in and we know we're not Uncle Sam in this respect. For one, we don't have official debates. Such are under the initiatives of competing TV stations. But of course, that helps compared to having none at all. Our system is not perfect. And that calls for more vigilance. But I'd like to challenge our people and politicians to start acting like the Americanswith awareness and maturity. We have key issues to consider when we vote for our Senators and local leaders next year. To the Filipinos who have access to the internet, it's not that hard to let ourselves some information about the Bangsamoro, our territorial dispute with China, the RH Bill, the Sin Tax Bill, and a whole lot of issues which can distinguish a principled politician over another. As for our leaders, I can only pray Romney and Obama's speeches earlier struck a chord in their hearts and minds. Aren't we tired of hearing those who lost bids appeal for investigation instead of humbly conceding? We can do much with our time and effort, plus resources, if we all move on to serving the Philippines after the proclamation night. I know we are still a long way into getting there but I hope, for our nation's sake, we don't get past this national envy until we practice what we've just witnessed in the news today.