Beware of Opportunists Among Mainstream Political Pundits
The sycophants have all come out of the woodwork. And, they’re not shy.
Before we go any further let’s agree first on what a sycophant is. Wiktionary gives us the following definitions:
In case you haven’t noticed, a number of mainstream political pundits have now established themselves as promoters and defenders of Senator Noynoy Aquino. I think some of them sincerely believe Noynoy is the one. It’s either that or they’re just Yellow Fever junkies. Anyway, this post is not about them. This is about those pro-Noynoy pundits who pretend to do what they do out of conviction when in reality they’re just doing it for their own personal gain. Di bale nang mailigaw nila ng landas ang ibang tao.
Yes, magalit na ang magagalit, but there is no more denying the fact that a number of these media commentators are advancing the pro-Noynoy propaganda because they hope to be rewarded should the senator win the election. For all we know they’re already being compensated for their publicity work by way of retainer fees.
I am no idealist. I can accept the fact that this is just the way of the world. Altruism just doesn’t pay as much as opportunism. I am also not blind to the fact that the other candidates also have their own stable of media insiders.
So, why am I zeroing in on the sycophantic pro-Noynoy pundits? Just one reason. I hate their hypocrisy.
They talk about Noynoy being the best candidate because of his “honesty” as if it is a fact. One of them even made a real effort to play down the importance of competence, saying trustworthiness is all that is needed. Are you on drugs, Mr. Pundit? We’re talking about the presidency here and you’re saying whoever will take the post need not be competent? The same commentator also had the kapalmuks to claim that of all the candidates Noynoy had the solution to one of this country’s biggest problems. Really? By the way, he said that while at the same time acknowledging that the Yellow One hasn’t been talking about his solution that much. So, how did you know Noynoy had a solution to begin with, sir?
What’s hypocritical about these mainstream pundits is the fact that, while they’re talking about Noynoy’s imagined virtues, they are actually gearing up to take advantage. Yes, magalit na ang magagalit. As I mentioned above, some of these mainstream commentators may already be receiving retainer fees. That’s nothing. That’s small change. What these opportunists are really after are the juicy appointments to this and that office. Aba, ma-appoint ka lang sa board of directors ng ilang government-controlled corporations sarap na ng buhay mo. Pang-oportunista talaga.
I have actually made a list of all these despicable political pundits in mainstream media. I’ve grouped them in terms of who their known and likely candidates are. I will refer to this list after the new president’s first 100 days in office to check who among these kapalmuks got appointed. I’m betting the pundit who said competence is not important will be one of Noynoy’s appointed officials.
Now, this may all seem like one big rant to you. Partly it is. In any case, I do have a point to make and it is this: If you really want to vote wisely this coming May, start by being more critical of each and every piece of information you encounter. Don’t be a fool and don’t just accept each and every propaganda out there. Think for yourself. Don’t let these highly-motivated agents of dumb decide for you.
shaaaare!
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bp Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
onetamad,
i will. just send me $100.
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Bato-bato sa langit, ang tamaan ay… guilty. lol
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bp Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
chinoF,
narinig mo? parang may umaray banda dun.
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Noynoy Aquino Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
AREKUP!!!?
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bp Reply:
January 14th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
my apologies. my aim was a little off. was actually targeting the one behind you. mea culpa.
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kasama sa mga pundits na yan si mlq3, ano? i noticed he’s been getting his ass kicked on his own forum: http://www.quezon.ph/2010/01/14/the-long-view-leaders-and-managers
ano kayang position ang gusto niyang maibigay sa kanya ni noynoy? secretary of (removed by admin) affairs?
mwehehehehe!
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bp Reply:
January 15th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
dacoycoy,
actually, no if you’re asking about those i find hypocritical.
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Dear Friends,
Election time is here again. Many of you will shrug this off as another of those futile exercise that we as a dysfunctional nation go through.
Let me tell you, THIS TIME IT IS DIFFERENT. IF we make it so. Why?
1. This is the FIRST TIME THAT IT IS AUTOMATED: COMPLETE WITH FINGERPRINTS (BIOMETRICS). Naysayers talk of loopholes. But one thing is sure: Cheating will certainly be cut down (no ghost voters, no carbon papers, etc…)now. I say, first time. The next time around,some smart-pinoys will know how to go around it. Then cheating begins to accelerate again. WE HAVE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS FIRST AUTOMATED ELECTION.
2. We are now in a precarious situation: World financial crisis, Ondoy, Pepeng, Mt. Mayon, especially the pervasive apathy etc… We are slowly trudging to our doom. If we do not elect a good president this time, we will spiral down this pit. But, if we elect a good president, there is a big chance that we can rise up very quickly too. That is, if the next president will know how to position our country in the current world crisis.
3. There are more alternative media: more social networks,SMS/GMS and information is much much more accessible than before.
4. We have better choices (of candidates) now. Believe me! We do have a GOOD CHOICE!
MY APPEAL TO THE EDUCATED FILIPINOS WHO HAVE MORE ACCESS TO INFORMATION IS THIS: We must vote for the MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE TO LEAD us. AND we must CONVINCE all people within our circle of influence to vote for our choice! We, the educated people of our land should pave the way for our next president. Not the artista’s, singers, paid-media persons and other personalities. PLEASE! WE DO THIS CORNY THING EVEN JUST THIS ONCE.
HOW?
1. Be objective! Examine the candidates well. WITHOUT biases you know, surveys, benefits that you’ll gain when he’s president (for your business or careers–Pls., esp. not this! kaya naghihika-us tayo eh.), party-affiliations, strategic voting, etc… Here are some links that might start you out:
PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES:
by GMA (audio)
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/53577/kilalanin-forum-09-jan-2010
by ANC (video)
http://www.pinoychannel.tv/watch/v-185258?title=HARAPAN%2012/02/09%20PART%201/12
by Carlos Romulo Foundation presidential policy debate on Jan 14. (will send the links of recorded video if i can find one)
Che-Che Lazaro did a comprehensive interview of the candidates in alphabetical order. (You may also search for the interviews of candidates in the search box of probetv):
Sen. Benigno Aquino
http://www.probetv.com/index.php?option=com_probetv&view=video&layout=program&id=0&Itemid=8&vi=1417
Sen. Richard Gordon
http://www.probetv.com/index.php?option=com_probetv&view=video&layout=program&vi=1541&Itemid=8
Sec. Gilbert Teodoro
http://www.probetv.com/index.php?option=com_probetv&view=video&layout=program&vi=1344&Itemid=8
Sen. Manuel Villar
http://www.probetv.com/index.php?option=com_probetv&view=video&layout=program&vi=1311&Itemid=8
2. Do a background check on your chosen candidate: Google search, I think will do. Check allegations, counter allegations etc… (Allotted time: please do this fast! by next month: February: you should be sure of your candidate)
3. Once you are sure of your candidate, convince your household members, drivers, yaya, extended families, friends, etc… I think, our words are more credible and I hope we be relentless in convincing die-hards who are already stuck with an unsuitable candidate.
4. Go out and Vote this May (If you can). And if possible volunteer as a pollwatcher. Calling esp. the IT/computer geeks: please study the automated election well. If you see any prob., you can text/FB/e-mail etc… so we be aware what to watch out for.
5. Please pass this e-mail to all Pinoys out there.
Thank you very much.
May we rise to be a great nation once again.
God bless the Philippines!
Mabuhay!
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You said “I have actually made a list of all these despicable political pundits in mainstream media. I’ve grouped them in terms of who their known and likely candidates are. I will refer to this list after the new president’s first 100 days in office to check who among these kapalmuks got appointed. I’m betting the pundit who said competence is not important will be one of Noynoy’s appointed officials”.
Why wait 100 days post election? That will be too late. This is a critical time in our lifetime of choosing the right president of our country. It is better to expose all the so-called “TRAPOS” around him now. I currently live in the US and I follow very closely, what goes on in my homeland. To go back to your comments, it is sad to say that Ted Failon might be on your list.
It is also very disappointing to see that Noynoy refused to attend the recent presidential forum. I do not know why the media failed to make a big deal out of it; because it is crucial, Noynoy’s supporters must realize what kind of candidate he really is. It is inexcusable. If this happens in the US, this will be an early Christmas season for CNN, MSNBC, and FOX News. They will be will be on his face asking him why? What is more important being out of town or being the head of states? etc. I truly applaud the media for sponsoring such events and I would like to see more of this happens multiple times. Having nine candidates is bad enough to confuse voters.
Regarding the debate, only Senator Richard Gordon impresses me the most. He is the most accomplished candidates in regards to his records of accomplishment. A long time public servant for the people. It is a no brainer; pick a candidate who has achieved much accomplishment in his lifetime. I listened to his two of his radio interviews with Magic 89.9 and watched his TV interviews. I have to tell you, I can only imagine on how far he can take the country if he becomes the next president. The one that is impressive, he said he will be a “salesman president” to gather more investment for the country, he also talked about how he was able to convince FedEx to invest in Subic.
This article explains FedEx/Subic. Also includes an article when Fedex left Subic Bay.
http://www-cgi.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/96/0719/biz6.html
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/subicbay/message/326?l=1
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