Ridiculous Politics

The 42nd Ontario general election is set on June 7, 2018.
“Brod, sino ang iboboto mo?”
“Kandidato sa riding ko.”
*****
“Ano’ng partido ang kikilingan mo?”
“Saranggola ni Mang Kepweng.”
*****
“Sa tingin mo, sino ang magiging premier ng Ontario?”
“Wala nang iba kundi yung nanalo.”
*****
“Naniniwala ka ba sa mga pre-election surveys?”
“Ano ‘yun? Mapapagkitaan ba?”
*****
“Nagbabasa ka ba ng diyaryo, nakikinig sa radio o nanonood ng TV?”
“Alagad ako ni Mang Donald.”
*****
“Alam mo ba na ang pulitika ay mahalagang bahagi ng iyong buhay?”
“Lahat ng marumi at pabigat sa buhay, pilit kong iwinawaksi.”
*****
“Puwes, huling tanong: Sino ang iboboto mo?”
“Kandidato sa riding mo.”
*****
The above was a mock cross-examination of a Canadian voter, during a recent weekly Saturday Seniors’ Table Discourse (STD) at a mall.
Questions were addressed to a reluctant and confused vacationing witness, Randy, who is from Vancouver.
*****
It was all just for laughs.
As the seniors moved towards the exits while smiling and grinning, they will never know that what has transpired typically describes what many Ontarians think about the back-stabbing, muck-rucking, name-calling and the endless pursuit of candidates to destroy each other’s reputation that perverted what once was a dignified and respected process to choose a leader who could best answer the people’s needs.
*****
Anyways, do you know that:
If you’re in the hospital during the election period, some hospitals in Ontario have a voting program that takes place from May 21 to 23; and
Advance voting runs from May 26 to May 30 at advanced voting locations in electoral districts, and May 26 to June 1 in returning offices, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Go, just go! Exercise your right to suffrage.
And VOTE WISELY. (If anything, wisely is not a candidate anywhere in Ontario.)
*****
Napulitika rin kaya sila?
My good friend Ka Tasyo was referring to the NBA Coaches Association’s Best Coach for the 2017-2018 season awardee Dwane Casey, who was fired as the Toronto Raptors head coach.
Ka Tasyo also referred to ousted Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
Begging context is what were said and done that led to these goodbyes, both incidentally occurring on May 11.
Whatever, I will likely misquote Atorni Pulpol, who said: “After the dust settles, the remains are to be seen.”
*****
There will always be firsts and, always, not the last of such.
I’ve been to a lot of elections of officers of academic, civic, community, religious, and social groups, but what I witnessed recently was definitely one for the books.
Before anything else, this organization is ultimately free from any major controversy; and its funds are well collected, kept soundly and disbursed wisely.
However, while the top two posts will always be favored pedestals; in this case of a poll, the two top posts remained vacant after those nominated, qualified and capable to do the job well, in their own right — respectfully declined their nomination.
Of course, all the other officers were duly elected.
Just curious: Will the glass be half-full or half-empty?
*****
Hurrah and congratulations to all the winners in the May 14 Barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections in 42,044 barangays in the Philippines.
May Bathala give you:
The moral strength to be honest, accountable and transparent leaders;
The knowledge and wisdom to guide your followers to progress and prosperity;
The indubitable will to stand up and fight for the good of your constituency; and
The perseverance to outlast the legacy of your term of office.
Is that too much to ask?
*****
Impong Panyong asks: If a good and noble idea called politics is ridiculed, can it be ridiculous politics?
“Ah, ewan! Heto singko, bumili ka ng kausap mo!”
*****
Forget May 11. The consumerist Mother’s Day date is past. The recent Philippine election is history.
All the world’s eyes, ears and interests — since December 2017 when the nuptial day was set — are now glued on the Royal Wedding on Saturday, May 19.
Expectedly, the whole event would be an amazing spectacle for all to behold with awe.
How everyone wishes to witness and be part of it.
*****
This was also a much hyped topic in our Saturday mall meet-up.
Counting how many more days are left for him to receive his pension, Tata Roger exclaimed how he always wished to be a prince.
Kaka Poldo calmly said: “But first, you must figure out why a beautiful maiden would want to kiss a frog.”
*****
Today, more than ever, this Walt Disney song echoes loud and clear: “When you wish upon a star makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you. If your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme; when you wish upon a star as dreamers do …”
“When You Wish Upon A Star” is written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington for Walt Disney’s 1940 adaptation of Pinocchio.
Cliff Edwards, in the character of Jiminy Cricket, sang the original version, which is heard over the opening credits and in the final scene of the film.
Yes, dream. But stay awake to make your dream a reality. butchgalicia@yahoo.com