democracy
this was my last april's reflection paper for a forum i attended. i just came past it a few minutes ago.
Last Wednesday, April 25, 2007, we went to participate in a forum conducted by Mr. Randolf David, a professor of sociology in UP Diliman. The next day, we viewed a VTR by Tado about voting. The two events presented different views regarding democracy.
First, Professor David discussed about the history of how the Philippines granted freedom and started to exercise democracy as its form of government. From what I understand from the forum, democracy was something that was hardly within the Philippines’ reach. I am not saying that our nation is not exercising the virtue of democracy as said in the VTR about voting. But what I am trying to emphasize is complete democracy where the people – ang masa – is in full control of the things happening in the country especially in the government. I agree that the Philippines is facing a lot of issues regarding dishonest politicians in position and other disturbing matters right now. These issues may be considered as factors for inhibiting the Philippines in achieving its goal to attain complete democracy. I have to point out the historical martial law during Marcos’ time. For me, it really doesn’t matter if Marcos really did have good or bad intentions why he declared martial law during his term as president. The concern right now is that the event somehow traumatized the Filipinos when it comes to democracy. During EDSA1, he – Marcos – was removed from the presidential palace and was dethroned and replaced by Cory Aquino. But did EDSA1 really made a change? Did the next EDSA revolution overthrowing President Estrada made a difference? History just repeated itself in front of the whole nation. I guess that is why the Philippines is so far from grasping the concept of democracy. Though we try to overthrow one corrupt official for another, we still choose someone who would do the same later on. It’s like a cycle that never seems to stop. By why is that so? Is it because of the system? Or the people voting? Poverty? Or the greed engulfing the hearts of the officials who try to protect their place in the government? It is alarming to think that the actions we think would procure change is the reason why change doesn’t really happen.
The following day, a video clip about voting was shown to us. In this VTR, different guidelines when voting were discussed. Certain measures are to be observed when voting so as to protect the integrity of one’s vote. The value of voting is highly essential because it represents the active participation of the members of the society – our country. I agree that we must be responsible enough to vote wisely and honestly. For if we don’t, we are considered traitors to our fellow men in our nation. As the forum the day before implied, we must vote so that we could have the right to make our sentiments against the government heard (I believe that one doesn’t really have the right to complain against the government if he/she doesn’t even have the initiative to vote for the right people he/she wants to be seated in the senate). And also to have the chance to give your own say on whom you think is the best leader for our nation. ^_^ splat! 
Currently listening to: missing you
Currently feeling: sad
Posted by abbikristia at 08:38 PM | Add a Comment