It seems we never learn our lessons. I noticed that political parties are starting to look at some people they consider viable candidates for senator in the 2016 elections. Not a few of the people they are eyeing are celebrities.
I wish somebody could tell me if among the celebrities who have been elected senators, or held any elective national position in the country, there is one who could really hold up the banner of outstanding performance in office; or one who has shown selfless dedication to his sworn duties and responsibilities to advance the interest of the country; or one with untarnished reputation, unquestionable integrity and honesty. On my own, I cannot recall a single name.
But if you asked me if I could name from among them a convicted plunderer, or one indicted for plunder (with mounting evidence of wrongdoing, hence, detained without bail), or one who is inept and dishonest, or a hypocrite and pretender who never stops acting (exclusive of singing and dancing) to lull the dumb and the unthinking to vote for them, I can name several, with the ease of answering
2 plus 2 = 4.
If you also asked me if I know of somebody who, despite his dismal
performance (or nonperformance) in the Senate, still found the gall to
announce that he would like his son to replace him in the Senate (as if he has a legacy that his son should perpetuate), I can also name one. The name is easy to remember as his wife caused a national
embarrassment when she was intercepted in the United States, carrying
a huge amount of undeclared US dollars.
It is a truism that we deserve the government that we elect. And for that matter, I can’t help but wonder: Are we nuts or something? God, help this country!
—CARLITO S. VILLANUEVA,
Villanueva_carlito@yahoo.com