“You learn more from losing than winning. You learn how to keep going.” –Morgan Wootten
A lot of old and familiar faces are seeking various elective posts in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections; at least, for some, they have found a major political party to back them. Without support from an organized or recognized (even decent) political party, any political candidate will be left shooting for the moon.
However, despite entering the political arena in, at least, the last four election cycles, many of these candidates are still unknown – they continue to run and are not losing hope; they’re reminiscent of Sancho Panza, Don Quixote’s squire, who endlessly tilted at the imaginary windmills.
Family insurrection
Many of these unsuccessful candidates have been discouraged by their families because of hallucinations depicting a lucky break in politics. Such family insurrections erupt, even broken marriages, due to “hard-headed” losers who refused to call it a day when it comes to seeking office. As a result, family funds run dry; money intended for food, shelter, education for their children, among other familial duties.
The argument put forward by these “uncooperative” families is, if unsuccessful in earlier attempts at lower office, chances of success in vying for a major position would be nil. They contend, instead of wasting on money on a campaign, their ambitious relative should save it for their future and their children’s future – after all money doesn’t grow on trees.
The most expensive elections
For a third world country, the Philippines has the most expensive elections. For instance, a candidate for municipal councilor would have to spend at least P200,000; for a city councilor, the cost comes to at least P500,000 – and it continues to grow the higher the position (not to mention funds spent on vote buying – let’s not be hypocrites). Senatorial candidates could see spending surpass P500 million – today’s “standard.”
Life is extremely hard in the Philippines, which is currently suffering under unprecedented inflation. 2019 candidates with little hope of success should withdraw – or stay away from politics altogether. There is no substitute for frugality in the times of economic difficulties. By saving money, we can move around confidently and without stress – we can walk straight and smile knowing that we won’t be a burden to our family.
If “hard-earned” money is wasted on politics, with no hope of recovering it immediately (unless committing graft and corruption once in power), it is tantamount to violating one’s own human rights – the fundamental right to live with dignity and self-preservation. Self-respect is lost and one becomes anti-social if everything earned through honest-to-goodness means is thrown away because of misplaced ambition far from reality./WDJ