The man with his ever present and faithful side-kick Sancho Pancha, is known for his big dreams, his fertile imagination and consequent strange language and/or funny actuations. It would be hard to fault him with such a bearing or stance whereas he simply thought and acted according to what he thought of, willed and therefore did. Thus it is that to this date and time, his good intentions are celebrated with delight and his ludicrous antics are recalled with fun, in the course of history. Personalities like him are wherefore described as “quixotic”, viz., over-imaginative and consequently over-acting human figures.
Impressive Don Quixote and supportive Mr. Pancha are characters whose incarnations have accompanied humanity in its long history. Together, it can be said that the pair dutifully forwarded the following more basic and distinct teaching across the decades: To dream big dreams is free in the same way that to imagine vain imaginations costs nothing on condition only that such remain in the sphere of desires and designs – not in realm of ground realities under penalty of likewise big frustrations and deep depressions.
Even in the political history of this Country – and so in other nations most probably – there were and there still are repeated incarnations of the pairing Don Quixote and Mr. Pancha. In other words, there are always certain personages with their respective closed avid followers at times called “rahrah boys”, who have the hats the latter thrown into the political arena with ideals and ideas to premise the candidacy upon. Some of such figures are so impressive in words, looks and gestures – yet basically empty in possibilities that they rightfully merit the description “quixotic”.
To run for a national elective position with neither the standard required money chest nor the necessary machinery of as many line official supporters as possible from national, regional down to the local levels, to aspire specially for the highest elective office in the land without the backing of a standing and tested political party, to quest for a coveted elective post with but plain idealism and raw courage – this is exactly what a “quixotic” candidacy is in reality and truth. Why? Philippine politics is inherently partisan which basically means the backing of political allies which in turn equals money – lots of money. In other words, politics in this Country equals some tickling rhetoric, more die-hard allies, much freely flowing promises plus the good backing of hard cash.
Plain idealism mere purism and/or absolutism, fortunately or pitifully, have still no place in standing Philippine politics. In other words, Don Quixote and Sancho Pancha make a good story – but bad politics.
OVCruz, JCD
November 11, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
don quixote
The man with his ever present and faithful side-kick Sancho Pancha, is known for his big dreams, his fertile imagination and consequent strange language and/or funny actuations. It would be hard to fault him with such a bearing or stance whereas he simply thought and acted according to what he thought of, willed and therefore did. Thus it is that to this date and time, his good intentions are celebrated with delight and his ludicrous antics are recalled with fun, in the course of history. Personalities like him are wherefore described as “quixotic”, viz., over-imaginative and consequently over-acting human figures.
Impressive Don Quixote and supportive Mr. Pancha are characters whose incarnations have accompanied humanity in its long history. Together, it can be said that the pair dutifully forwarded the following more basic and distinct teaching across the decades: To dream big dreams is free in the same way that to imagine vain imaginations costs nothing on condition only that such remain in the sphere of desires and designs – not in realm of ground realities under penalty of likewise big frustrations and deep depressions.
Even in the political history of this Country – and so in other nations most probably – there were and there still are repeated incarnations of the pairing Don Quixote and Mr. Pancha. In other words, there are always certain personages with their respective closed avid followers at times called “rahrah boys”, who have the hats the latter thrown into the political arena with ideals and ideas to premise the candidacy upon. Some of such figures are so impressive in words, looks and gestures – yet basically empty in possibilities that they rightfully merit the description “quixotic”.
To run for a national elective position with neither the standard required money chest nor the necessary machinery of as many line official supporters as possible from national, regional down to the local levels, to aspire specially for the highest elective office in the land without the backing of a standing and tested political party, to quest for a coveted elective post with but plain idealism and raw courage – this is exactly what a “quixotic” candidacy is in reality and truth. Why? Philippine politics is inherently partisan which basically means the backing of political allies which in turn equals money – lots of money. In other words, politics in this Country equals some tickling rhetoric, more die-hard allies, much freely flowing promises plus the good backing of hard cash.
Plain idealism mere purism and/or absolutism, fortunately or pitifully, have still no place in standing Philippine politics. In other words, Don Quixote and Sancho Pancha make a good story – but bad politics.
OVCruz, JCD
November 11, 2009
Impressive Don Quixote and supportive Mr. Pancha are characters whose incarnations have accompanied humanity in its long history. Together, it can be said that the pair dutifully forwarded the following more basic and distinct teaching across the decades: To dream big dreams is free in the same way that to imagine vain imaginations costs nothing on condition only that such remain in the sphere of desires and designs – not in realm of ground realities under penalty of likewise big frustrations and deep depressions.
Even in the political history of this Country – and so in other nations most probably – there were and there still are repeated incarnations of the pairing Don Quixote and Mr. Pancha. In other words, there are always certain personages with their respective closed avid followers at times called “rahrah boys”, who have the hats the latter thrown into the political arena with ideals and ideas to premise the candidacy upon. Some of such figures are so impressive in words, looks and gestures – yet basically empty in possibilities that they rightfully merit the description “quixotic”.
To run for a national elective position with neither the standard required money chest nor the necessary machinery of as many line official supporters as possible from national, regional down to the local levels, to aspire specially for the highest elective office in the land without the backing of a standing and tested political party, to quest for a coveted elective post with but plain idealism and raw courage – this is exactly what a “quixotic” candidacy is in reality and truth. Why? Philippine politics is inherently partisan which basically means the backing of political allies which in turn equals money – lots of money. In other words, politics in this Country equals some tickling rhetoric, more die-hard allies, much freely flowing promises plus the good backing of hard cash.
Plain idealism mere purism and/or absolutism, fortunately or pitifully, have still no place in standing Philippine politics. In other words, Don Quixote and Sancho Pancha make a good story – but bad politics.
OVCruz, JCD
November 11, 2009
Monday, November 09, 2009
begging bowl
There is a world financial crisis that even much progressive and wealthy countries are reeling from. This is not to mention the reality of global warming that practically all nations the world over are suffering from in form of one kind of economic reversal or another. And said revolt of nature, so to speak, brings to fore the more recent devastation of some parts of the Philippines due to extra-strong typhoons. So much assets and resources of a good number of people were wasted and lost. So many families were rendered homeless and destitute. So many voices were heard asking for food, shelter and clothing.
Fact: So, the Philippines has brought out the begging bowl.
Time and again it was before said in many ways and heard in many occasions that the Country was truly fortunate and blessed for having a socio-economic expert at the top of government. Repeatedly was the boast made that the same person even frequented a well known university in foreign soil to obtain such a prestigious expertise. And for no less than some nine years of top national leadership, the people even heard some glorious preaching about the certain and certified vision of “super Regions” together with “Super Maids”, among other numerous beneficial assurances.
Reality: Yet, the Country has in hand the begging bowl.
One development plan after another were made. Many economic programs were proclaimed. This and that infrastructure projects were advertised. Practically numberless personal appearances and visits, photo opportunities and announcements about so many progressive ventures were made – all in the name of the economic progress of the Country and the common welfare of the people. Billions upon billions of pesos were thus spent one year after another. Bigger and bigger annual budgets were drawn. More and more debts were incurred. And there is the standing claim that the economic fundamental are in place.
Truth: Still, the Nation has paraded the begging bowl.
And there were the one too many expensive foreign travels and luxurious accommodations abroad to the glory, comfort and fame of the Chief in command. Thereafter, infallibly as the sun rises the night after, there were glowing reports of economic gains obtained for the Country, financial welfare for the people assured. The proper clapping was readily made and the politically correct praises were duly said. As usual, many promises were made and big expectations were raised. But at the end of all these envisioned national development and affluence, more people are poor, more families are hungry, more communities are deprived and depressed.
Question: When will the begging bowl be withdrawn and gone? What is in store for the Philippines? How will the Filipinos regain their lost dignity and once again have their legitimate pride? After June 2010? Just asking.
OVCruz, JCD
November 9, 2009
Fact: So, the Philippines has brought out the begging bowl.
Time and again it was before said in many ways and heard in many occasions that the Country was truly fortunate and blessed for having a socio-economic expert at the top of government. Repeatedly was the boast made that the same person even frequented a well known university in foreign soil to obtain such a prestigious expertise. And for no less than some nine years of top national leadership, the people even heard some glorious preaching about the certain and certified vision of “super Regions” together with “Super Maids”, among other numerous beneficial assurances.
Reality: Yet, the Country has in hand the begging bowl.
One development plan after another were made. Many economic programs were proclaimed. This and that infrastructure projects were advertised. Practically numberless personal appearances and visits, photo opportunities and announcements about so many progressive ventures were made – all in the name of the economic progress of the Country and the common welfare of the people. Billions upon billions of pesos were thus spent one year after another. Bigger and bigger annual budgets were drawn. More and more debts were incurred. And there is the standing claim that the economic fundamental are in place.
Truth: Still, the Nation has paraded the begging bowl.
And there were the one too many expensive foreign travels and luxurious accommodations abroad to the glory, comfort and fame of the Chief in command. Thereafter, infallibly as the sun rises the night after, there were glowing reports of economic gains obtained for the Country, financial welfare for the people assured. The proper clapping was readily made and the politically correct praises were duly said. As usual, many promises were made and big expectations were raised. But at the end of all these envisioned national development and affluence, more people are poor, more families are hungry, more communities are deprived and depressed.
Question: When will the begging bowl be withdrawn and gone? What is in store for the Philippines? How will the Filipinos regain their lost dignity and once again have their legitimate pride? After June 2010? Just asking.
OVCruz, JCD
November 9, 2009
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