Mar
06THE POWER OF ONE VOTE…The power within you.
Filed Under (Politics) by Atty. Karen Gempis on 06-03-2007
Allow me to thank all of you who have contributed their insights to this site. I appreciate the fact that despite our backgrounds, beliefs, and workload for each day, all of you still manage to make this site worth visiting and the topics more interesting day by day..This is one affirmation that a lot of Tanuananons out there are concerned about our town. I am hoping these insights will give our prospective leaders the message we want to convey.
One of our able and competent reporters from TV particularly GMA-7 made a documentary on the topic of how sacred and valuable ONE VOTE is for every Filipino this coming elections. If I’m not mistaken the documentary was entitled “Makapangyarihan Ang Boto Mo” or something of this sort. Although I was not able to finish it since it was past my bedtime, somehow I understood the message and the advocacy behind it. There is POWER IN A SINGLE VOTE and I agree with them. I would like to convince you of this statement in the same manner that documentary I have mentioned reminded me…and hope that in being convinced of this will push us to positive action.
How can one vote be powerful?Can my vote of confidence make a difference? What is the chance that it will be heard? All these questions would come to mind and many more. The question is really ironic. For there is the basic principle that there is strength only in numbers as an army who goes to war and conquers the enemy. There is victory only in UNITY and the latter speaks of numbers. A single voice will be negligible but a chorus would make a melody. We always have those famous qoutes of “united we stand, divided we fall” which also implies PLURALITY. Even our family values focus on UNITY despite and in spite of the uniqueness and worth of each member, the fraction as compared to the whole, or the detail as to the overall painting…
Still it remains that your vote IS YOURS ALONE. Your voice and your identity. It may be a single vote but it is your SOVEREIGN ACT which you alone can exercise.This time, all of us are made equal again. Regardless of background, beliefs, religion, perspective, education and occupation, here is an equalizer, a balance—THAT ONE VOTE– that is for you to cast. Suddenly the ordinary Juan dela Cruz who does not get attention day in and day out finally makes it center stage! He suddenly becomes important, necessary and to some extent even indispensable. WHY? Because his vote can define victory or defeat, winning or losing in the race. This is our election. A candidate wins by PLURALITY and they will do whatever they can to make sure your vote is cast for them. This is the basic and this is the reality.
Still how does it become powerful or better–where lies the power? The vote you make is yours alone. It is only you who can go to the polls and exercise it. There is no proxy or substitue. That is why, for our candidates to earn it, they will eat and dine with you, sing and dance before you (even with the latest dance craze of “Itaktak Mo”), listen and pay attention –they must– to your sighs and hopes, if only to convince you, your vote will not be for naught, as an ardent suitor pursues his cherished love. In Tanauan, they will put their smiling faces even as they are already exhausted from their campaign sortee and exchange a word with you. You will be surprised that they already know the names of ALL OF your children and even their birthdays! That is how they will impress their familiarity on you when on ordinary days they act oblivious of you! Your surprise will leave you thinking but this will leave you smiling.
THE POINT IS to never lose that chance to speak your mind by easily giving away that one vote reserved only for you! That come election day, you will go to the polls convinced that whoever is deserving of your confidence was a matter well though of and reflected upon. One should never get to the point that he will feel cheated later on because he was under duress or influence when he made his choice. And please, stand by your choices…This is a give-and-take situation and so make the most of it! You give your vote to him who best deserves it–to him whom you know you can approach whenever you go to the municipal hall to attend to whatever business you may have AND when you already feel bypassed even in the basic services they should provide…(Remember if the garbage truck passes by your street to regularly get your garbage) THESE are simple things but mind you, this will help you define whether your choice is a friend or not, an ally or not…
Finally, MAKE THEM SWEAT for your one vote. Make them prove to you they earn it and will not get back at you when they already sit in office… The balance scale is suddenly tipped to you Juan dela Cruz. Let us not make victory sweet for them without making them put their ounce of effort and sincerity. Let us be sparing in giving victory TO ONLY THOSE WHO TRULY DESERVE IT. TO ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE TRULY EARNED IT.
Yes, the right of suffrage is an inherent right for all citizens, no matter his standing in the society. It is that opportune time when everyone is in equal footing in the eyes of man and his observed law.
Nevertheless, for us Tanauananons who have found our calling elsewhere, I do not know if this is true for all, but it seems apparent that one loses his interest to vote in his current locality. Let me cite my own experience (this also includes my siblings who are based here as well).
It’s been years since I last voted after relocating here in Manila and then my current domicile,Cavite. I cannot just bring the courage in me to vote here much less register anew. I do not know what’s with me. I just cannot seem to bring that power in me to exercise this one thing I know I have - that power to “choose”, during election period. I mean, I seemed to have lost interest. It’s not because I have lost faith in the government nor its leaders, for after all, I am in government service. I was truly active then back home. I even took a critical role as one of the “think-tanks” and organizers of that specific mayoralty election which propelled our chosen candidate to grabbing the post from our current mayor.
I guess, in my self introspection, I have come to one simple conclusion: I still consider Tanauan as my home and I just want to have my voice heard in my home sweet home. I feel as if Manila or Cavite or wherever I may find my future,is just fleeting or temporary. I do not know, I just do not feel at home nor do I truly belong. I just feel that my “one vote” will not matter nor is it important. I have considered going home during voting day but begged off due to workloads. I guess in the future, I will still return to my beloved hometown and without a doubt, be an active voter once again.
My question is: do you also feel the same way as me and my siblings do? Tell me.
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Honestly, I am a bit confused with the Philippine politics. I have TFC and GMA7 so that I can watch live events coming from the Philippines. It seems political affilliation is defined by either pro administration or pro Erap. Has any of the candidates presented a platform of government yet? All I see is personal attacks inciting people to rally to destabilize the government. It seems Philippine politicians run for for public office for two reasons only: One, for fame and glory; second, for self preservation of their wealths. Should I vote for a politician who wants to destabilize the government or should I vote for a politician who has an idea on how to improve the lives of the Filipino people? The choice is yours. Ask yourself: One, who is the best candidate who can represent you most; second, who is the best candidate who can make your dreams come into a reality. Let your voice be heard. Thus, goes your one vote, the “Power of One”.
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Yah, thanks to TFC, I am well aware who can get my sacred vote. Although most of them are traditional politicians, who want power for their interests, but still I believe some of them may have a heart for the nation. Sayang, we can’t vote for local elections here, OAV will start on April 14 to May 14. But nevertheless, I am going to vote not only because it is my right but I still have pride for our country and my single vote might help those deserving candidates for the senate.
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“Kun ako an papakianhan?â€(Kuya Rindo @ Ate Babes). Karuyag ko deri mahirayo hit akon bungto nag natawhan. Karuyag ko nga masaksihan kon ano man it maupay ngan deri nga mga sistema ha aton bungto. Kumo ako harayo, nakikita ko it kakulangan hit nga programa ha aton bungto.Tungod hit “MGA BALUD HIT KAPALARAN†deri ako sukot makauli kay ha iba man nga lugar ko nakit an it akon swertehay. Salit hinaut unta nga it mga Tanaunanon pumili hit Tinuod nga mag seserbisyo, PARA HA BUNGTO, PARA HIT KAKABUBUWASON HIT ATON NGA ANAK! PILION NATON IT LIDER NGA DERI KA PAGDUDUMTAN KON MAGDAOG O MAPERDI MAN HIYA!. PARA MAGIN MAUPAY IT SURUSARABOT,KINAHANGLAN KUMO USA NGA BUNGTO, PERMI KITA MAGSARANGKAY! Panumdumi naton in usa nga kanta nga winaray “AN IROY NGA TUNA MATAM-IS PAGPUY-AN BISAN DIIN SIPLAT PUROS KASANGKAYANâ€. HA MAABOT NGA ELEKSIYON PILI KITA hit aton magigin KAupod Dara an aton mga ONGara para han aton bungto, ngan hinaot unta nga ano man it aton magigin desisyon’ ito in makaka upay para hit aton BUNGTO “AN TANAUANâ€
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Nice try Homeboy…Simple la it im pangangampanya…I think I read something familiar…I wanna say good luck to you…I hope you or your bet is not one of the trapos…
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Just be reminded that you are going to vote only for those who are lesser evil.
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all of us has a bet for this coming election nor i, but i really hope kon hin-o man it magdaog hit mga tig-sering yana nga taarabot na pinili-ay ina-ot unta na magserbisyon hin tangkod ngadto hit mga taga tanauan…
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Hello;-)OAV or Overseas Absentee Voting, right? Great, you guys out there should make the most of it? While I was in lawschool, I do remember that law was rigorously lobbied in Congress because of the numbers of overseas Filipinos out there.. If I’m not mistaken, it was Erap’s time. Anyway, I just hope a lot of Pinoys will maximize that. I’m sure, you are updated as to how our senatoriables fare in their campaign spree…so much energy and color, don’t you think? I just hope that we all will see the same enthusiasm when they get elected.
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hello homeboy!!! at last…finally;-)
KAUpod Dara an aton mga ONGARA. very lofty words my friend;-)I do share your aspirations I would say. It doesn’t matter if we’re far this time because it’s only for NOW…we will go back and by that time we’ll be a constant vanguard for what is due every Tanauananon;-)We toil for now but rest assured, this is not for nothing;-)
By the way, who are you campaigning pala?;-)
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Hello deyciid. Thanks for being a constant visitor of the polblog;-)
I wish our choices are not confined to choosing who is the “lesser evil”. But i’m afraid that’s all we have for now;-) In one law subject, Land Titles and Deeds, we have a principle that says, “a defective title can be a source of right; An innocent pruchaser for value and in good faith has the law within its side.” By analogy, I think this may apply to our case–voters choosing the lesser evil…than not having any choice at all. This can still be remedied;-)
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Well said Rose;-)I think our incumbent officials should share their insights on these topics, don’t you think? I understand, we speak from our own perspective and they also have their own..They should say something, don’t you think? Because maybe, just maybe, we’re not reading them well enough.
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That’s my aspiration Karen..But sad to say most of my colleagues here are so lazy to exercise their rights…I can’t blame them. They are used to be naive of what is happening in our country…As long as they earned money..keber la nira…negative attitude…nawawara na an patriotism naton..
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I must say, I’m quite impressed with the quality of the intellectual repartee between the participants on this blog site. I’m equally pleased with the sense of patriotism, civic-mindedness, as well as the obvious expression of love for our beloved Tanauan demonstrated by everyone.
Having been away for almost a quarter of a century from my hometown, I am sincerely proud that the offsprings of my contemporaries have indeed become active members of the Tanauan community. Reading through the names of the bloggers, I imagine some of you as little kids playing on the neighborhood streets of Licod, Canramos, San Miguel, Solano, etc. during the time my family was still residing there in a small nipa hut in Canramos.
Keep up the great work, guys (and gals!!).
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Thank you for visiting our site;-) perhaps my parents were an acquaintance of yours years past…
Indeed we have been the kids just playing around the neighborhood streets ten, twenty years ago;-)
This site is actually one venue for us to share our ideas and hopefully make these ideas real;-)
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The backdrop may appear dim and sad but PERHAPS,JUST PERHAPS (I’m keeping my fingers crossed) this blogsite can awaken the patriotic spirit in our kababayans overseas..Anyway, i do believe the actualization of great things were products of open and courageos minds…at the end of the day, it is still human nature to extend beyond the SELF when all his needs (basic and otherwise) have already been satisfied…(Maslowe’s Hierarchy of Needs)
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Sangkay! Nakaka aghat man gud it nga opinion hit aton igkasi mga taga Tanauan.Dpa ako nangangampanya.hehehe makikita naton ito kon hin o it ak sinisiring!
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Thanks Opuk! Maipapatapod ko ha imo deri upod it bet hit mga trapo ha tanauan. Usa ini hit magtatrapo hit hit tanauan. mag LILIMPYO
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Hehehe…Very obvious kana homeboy…Sige na..I hope your bet win…Sana dire na liwat ma tunga it imo mga kabaryo didto…baga may kalaban ada na taga admin..Good Luck..
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hello homeboy! siguraduha la nga it tim manok yana nga maabot nga election asya gud it magtatrapo… bangin hiya asay it himuon nga trapo…hehehe. joke la balit.
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psst..homeboy maupay unta kon it imo kandidato sugad kay baga maupay pamation magtra2po..cguraduha nga diri ito albating.. hehehehe..peace man!
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Ano at albating @ Salvarez?
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sangkay..;-) i hope the brief exchanges with opuk and others are all in pursuit of a healthy and warm exchange of opinions…balet, i just hope that this discourse will not veer us away from one goal–to contribute something that will enrich tanauan;-)
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hello rock, opuk, etc;-)
i have this inkling that you guys are in the opposite camps vis-a-vis homeboy? am i right? in any event, which is understandable because its election time, i just hope your rooting for competent leaders. we need it badly these days…even for Tanauan;-)
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Its just shows the color of politics…in the end we are all responsible of our actions…and we are man enough to accept criticism either bad or good…but freedom of speech was long been born…right homeboy? Silence implies cowardness…If you have courage, be bold and depend of what you believe in…
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Masanay na si Homeboy sa criticism. If he wins or his bet wins…he will hear more of this kind,..,beware….
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It mga nabutos yana ha tanauan, it mayda desisyon, basta ako. Padayon ako nga magkikita hit nahitatabo ha aton bungto, ano ngahaw it albating?? nakakalimut na ako
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hehe, hiara na iton it ak mga kabaryo, ada man la ti hira natutunga kon election.Goodluck din hit mga kandidato…
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Waray problema sangkay, marisyo ngan la,,d ak apektado, nakakawara ngani hit kaguol, baga ak permi may kaistorya na waray waray, puros man tagalog denhi. hehehe
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marisyo la,,,hehehe
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im glad;-) marisyo lagi it mga pabaton-baton hini nga site;-)
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@ Homeboy…good for being sport…Now let me ask you if you or your “bet” wins? Ano it imo una nga hihimu-on? Or what is your platform in our local government? What are your capabilities to be a leader? This is your chance to sell yourself…This is Not compulsory…hehehe…right atty?
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ha pagka yana!!! Dpa ako mabaton, kay di man ako kandidato. Kon umabot man ito nga takna. Pag aandaman ko. ha pagkayana. Linya man ako kan atty.. . .
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playing safe..that’s good…I have to wait when you file your candidacy…Sorry for being optimistic…I think you have a good legal background…this will help a lot…Kan Atty Tiu?….
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the instrinsic value of one’s power to vote comes from the dignity and the essence of man - a rational being. voting requires the two acts of man’s rationality - freedom and will - and as we must honor and respect. this the very same reason why one’s power to vote is so sacred.
sorry for my late comment and congratulation by the way. hope to keep in touch.
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