Politics is polarizing. It creates an invisible wall between people in the community, in the academe, in private and public offices, even inside the family. When one is identified with a particular color, he or she is considered a nemesis of the other colors and would eventually suffer discrimination, criticisms and disapproval from the one who will be lucky to have the seat of power. That’s the way it is then and it is the way it is now.
Politics and love have one thing in common – both are “blind and cannot see the pretty follies that they themselves commit”, if I may borrow the poetic language of William Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice. True enough, most followers of politicians are blind to the immorality, wickedness and sheer stupidity of their candidates in the same way that lovers will accept hook, line and sinker everything about the object of their love and affection regardless of how unacceptable it is in the sight of other people.
I guess that’s a sad reality we all have to bear. Another common feature about love and politics is, both are like a gamble. We place our bet to someone hoping that we will win but in this kind of game, anything is possible – we may win or we may lose. They say winning is not everything and what is important is how you play the game, but I guess this kind of dictum would not apply to love and politics. Why? Because unlike in other games, so much emotion and money are involved in love and politics.
When a politician invests hundreds of millions for his candidacy, he would definitely move heaven and earth to win. In the same vein, a couple who spent millions for their wedding would surely do everything under the sun to make it work. Money lost can be earned again but sleepless nights, wounded feelings and terrible heartaches caused by a cheating partner may heal but would surely leave scars that are bound to bleed again once the soft spot is scoured. It would take a tough person to instantly bounce back and pick up all the broken pieces to be whole again.
I have heard stories in the past about persons who committed suicide because they were cheated, hurt and ultimately left behind by their partners for another. But guess what. I have yet to hear politicians killing themselves because they were cheated, hurt and abandoned by their supporters and leaders on the ground causing them to lose in an election. However, there are rumors about assassination and plot of assassination to silence a strong contender.
Anyway, in a few weeks from now, we shall be choosing our next leader at the local and national level. Let us participate peacefully in the electoral process with hope in our hearts that everything will turn out just fine. Choose your candidates wisely.
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
