Why is there no Christian vote? Because Christian principles (as opposed to Christian affiliation) were never our defining values.

It will be good for Fr. Ed to run – if only to see if a person can win on a purely moral platform. Cory was the closest we had to such a thing. HIstory is going to judge her harshly on the governance side. As for Fr. Ed, he has yet to show that he can govern strategically. Cleanness is not policy.

There is something scary in calling for a “Christian vote.” Is it based on the numbers or the principles? Why not an Islamic vote?

I now know why Christ never dabbled in politics. NEVER. It has no place in his teachings. He was also indifferent to denomination. “He who is not against you is with you.” NOw that, my friend, is the ultimate endorsement of inclusiveness.

Beware the religious vote. It’s a trojan horse for bringing unelected men in skirts, collars and plaid suits into positions of EVEN greater power and influence.

And before Pere Ed goes any further in courting our vote, let him lay down his principles on reproductive health and national defense. Without these, he’s just saying, “just trust me.” Sorry Fr. no cigar. You’ve been taking too many swigs off the sacramental wine if you think you can walk to Malacanang on a morality ticket.

I’m sorry if I sound skeptical of churchmen and reigionists of any sort. I grew up in their schools and have seen them up close and personal. They are clerics first, citizens second.

Let the good father answer the difficult questions first.

V

PS “naughty devils” is an oxymoron – an asymmetric one

Personally there is nothing new in the concept of governance which he shared.
There is good governance because of bad governance. But what was striking to
hearing was the role and responsibility of the people, especially the Catholic
faithful, in good governance. He said that the people should elect the right
leaders of this country and not to allow moneyed people like the jueteng lords
pushing down our throats their choice of candidates. Worse, these kingmakers
would themselves decide to become political kings. Simply put, our people should
vote according to their informed conscience and should not allow the kingmakers
to magically fix the results of elections.

During the open forum, I asked the governor two things: first, is there a
deadline for his period of discernment and divulge later to us whether or not he
is running for the presidency? Governor Panlilio said that he is not setting a
deadline. But when shall we know that his period of discernment is over? I asked
him too whether he would take the challenge to run for the presidency if there
would be no good candidates to choose from. He was consistent with his answer
that he was open to the possibility of running for the presidency but only as
the last option.

I agree with some who say that come 2010 national elections it would be the
Good pitted against the Evil. If Governor Panlilio runs for the presidency he
would be on the side of the Good of course. But without him as a presidential
candidate, the 2010 national elections just the same would be a playing field of
naughty devils. Our country would remain as hell as ever.

Why don’t we have a Christian Vote? Let us not be particular about the
religious denomination this time. If a presidential candidate is bent to destroy
the teachings of Christ then let us finish him with our Christian Vote. And any
presidential candidate who lives a life of the gospel values of Christ then let
us support and champion his cause.

regarding your earlier post about retribution. i was actualy planning to post something about it. i must admit what held me back was the fear that most people will not find it palatable. its about the “a” word if you know what i mean. anyway i’ll try to collect my thoughts and post later.

ian… you should influence other filipinos within your age group. the youth often confuse criticism for critical thinking. you obviously know the difference.

Ask Chiz if he has a vision for an energy secure Philippines. How to balance the need for affordable energy with the need for availability. Why you and not Mar, Dick or Gilbert or Among Ed, etc? Hard policy questions.

There’s much to be asked and we have to thank LPGD for pointing out that the way of answering is just as important – maybe more important than the answer itself.

Why do I include Mandela? Because, ruthless guerilla and apartheid victim that he was, he saw no future in retribution as policy. He, like other great leaders, knew that ultimate justice will be imposed by heaven and history- anyway. Meanwhile he had a nation to repair and govern.

Remember that culture is the behavior of leaders. Followers take their cue from the people on top. I hasten to add that there can be many cultures. So which one is yours? Show me your leader and I’ll have an idea of the collective value system.

What did the ANC show tell us about the “First Five” when viewed against this filter?

Doronila thinks they were all diminished by it. I agree – especially for Escudero.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090515-205098/Nobody-got-away-undiminished

our presidential hopefuls should run on platforms that directly address the country’s problems. they should get elected because of that not just because they are against the incumbent”

LPGD: This is the great service your blog renders: Trash talking does not equal leadership. Remember what happened to the opposiiton after Feb 86? The became, collectively, the ruling coalition which, having no Marcos to kick around, ended up kicking each other, which they do to this day.

And do not be so welcoming of post admin prosecution of the Arroyos. Look at the Macoys. Prosecution will distract the nation and, since they can afford the best legal and illegal help, produce unintended consequences.

Our expectations are too low.

i would hate to see a candidate get elected because his platform was based solely on anti-pgma or anti-anyone sentiments.

our presidential hopefuls should run on platforms that directly address the country’s problems. they should get elected because of that not just because they are against the incumbent.