FROM JAIME GARCHITORENA, 25 JULY 2009
While the catholic church is indeed a large network, it is not a political network.
Priests owe their fealty to the church hierarchy but this only extends to
church matters.
And while the church can dictate the standards they feel are appropriate for
choosing a candidate the church cannot insist that all of its members
support much more vote for Panlilio. In the arena of politics and especially
in the activity of voting, a priest is imbued with the same protective
rights as any citizen and freedom to vote for whoever he chooses. If the
author is to imply that he would prefer that there would be a command vote
on the basis of a priest being part of the Church then the church is now
impinging on the FIlipino priests right to vote freely.
The church cannot use itself as the campaign network of Ed Panilio. Imagine
that EP is a product. Lets say toothpaste. While the church may be concerned
that rotten teeth and bad breath may be detrimental to the audience and to
attendance I dont think it would be right for a priest to promote Colgate or
Close up or even isist that all parishoners brush their teeth. Perhaps in
his personal capacity he might take a parishoner who may be offensive and
promote the virtues of oral hygiene but to ask the church to endorse a
temporal product would be wrong. The Church speaks for god only in church
matters and matters of scripture. To speak of a temporal product in his
capacity as a priest, he unintentionally imbues the temporal product (
whether toothpaste or a candidate) with the same authority from god and his
church. Not good and if ever I got to mass (minsan naman napipilitan ako)
and I hear a priest endorse a candidate from the pulpit I promise that I
will walk out of the Church.
With regards to Centro Catolico, I would argue that this is not necessarilly
true. Id wager that There are more priestS accused of sexual molestation than
there are Baranggay Chairmen so I would never assume that the Church, by
virtue of being the Church, is imbued with higher than average moral
standards. Nor is the Church untouched by corruption. A high church official
told my father (dec) that if the Catholic church were to stop accepting
contributions from corrupt politicians the Catholic Church as we know it
would collapse.
While the church, to forward its own agenda, must create the scenarios and
mood to get a candidate ( who is friendly with church policies) elected it
is wrong to assume the members of the hiearchy has no right to think
differently and vote otherwise.
Rather than being sad, I am actually gratefull that certain priests and
bishops do not feel that Ed Panlilios bid for the presidency is flawed because
this means that there may be a fundamental flaw in EPs bid that is specific
to his peers.
My personal motto? Whats good for the Church is not necessarilly good for
the citizenry and the state.
Jaime Garchitorena
ON AMONG ED PANLILIO FOR PRESIDENT
by Dean Vergara 25 JULY 2009
I live here in the USA for 15 years now. But I follow closely the political
developmentin the motherland. May I add, too, that I am a former seminarian from .Nueva Caceres.
I decided to write you this piece in reaction to Fr. Shay's article on Among
Ed, "Penniless Priest for President".
Fr. Shay expressed it well and effectively.
I will add that his lack of political baggage or in the absence of political
patronage in his campaign is a fundamental factor that is unique to him to
effectively get rid the country of graft and corruption.
It is sad to note, however, that some Catholic bishops are chiding Among Ed
as a mere dreamer and asking him to get real as he has no war chest to wage
a nationwide presidential campaign. But the reality is this:
Among Ed can command the support of more than 60% of the Catholic clergy to
breakaway as a winner. He only needs the support of at least 60% of the
clergy to wage a campaign as effectively as any moneyed presidentiable to
end up ultimately a winner. The Catholic clergy is found in every town or
parish and in every barangay there is a Centro Catolico who is more
credible than any barangay chairman.
The reality is that the access of Catholic Church is more extensive than any
political party in the Philippines. The Catholic hierachy, however it
deflects the issue of being apolitical, has no alternative but carry out its
moral authority to speak for, guide and mobilize the faithful to vote for
the right candidate. The right candidate points to the direction of Among Ed
campaign.
In my job as a Supervisor, I am gaining ground from pinoys here to convince
their remittance beneficiaries in the Philippines to vote for Governor Ed
PANLILIO.
Monday, September 7, 2009
LOOKING FOR THAT LEADER OF THE PEOPLE
It is the duty of every Filipino citizen, of all sexes and voting age to seek that person who will become president of the country. It is not enough that we stand on the sidelines and view the way every candidate puts up his or her face, say and promise on tv or radio that he/she will do this and that. More than all that bravado, we need to know the track record of every candidate from the time of birth through education and then through employment and service to the government. Some phases may not be rosy, but the last ten or twenty years of his/her life would be a good gauge of whether they have the mettle, the courage, the much-needed qualities of the highest leader.
Number 2 quality after incorruptibility, is courage to face all odds -- not shying away from any debate, dialogue, or even confrontation of enemies. Whenever I am drawn to political issues, I always see the painting of Delacroix in my mind, with a woman holding the flag and urging her compatriots to continue the fight. Then I also recall the images of the Filipino women during the American period, fighting the soldiers, holding the flags and then retrieving the bodies of their comrades who fallen in battle. Another is that of the Lakambini women during the Philippine-Spanish revolution, singing and dancing inside homes, as if revelling over something trivial but actually covering up the secret meetings of the Katipunan.
Are we anywhere near a revolutionary period? Under a democratic regime, we cannot claim revolution but reform for the laws have been set already on how changes in government have to be done -- according to laws and peacefully. Rather, we are entering a crucial stage in Philippine history where we are righting a wrong or wrongs that have taken place: one, we are doing away with that practice of old political parties determining for themselves who will become candidates; two, we are going to insure that the octopus hands of corrupt leaders shall not be on the peoples' coffers to use for the campaigns in 2010 elections; three, that the candidates to be chosen shall come from all sectors -- not necessarily political, but rather those whose intentions, motives and interests transcend classes; those who are sincere, honest, brave God-loving, peaceful and capable of orchestrating various tasks at hand in providing public service to the people.
Let us not complicate matters. (I wish I had written this in Pilipino, Folks.) But sometimes, the use of English makes the tasks at hand seem enormous when actually, our search for a true leader in the highest post of the land could be very easy, if we only know how to listen to that person next to us -- Because, after all that leader has to be accessible to everyone.
No longer shall we have a leader who has a coterie of guards around her or him, who is inaccessible because they are abroad hobnobbing all the time with the rich and all other officials, yet remain detached from the daily struggles for food, clothing, shelter and education of the people.
Yes, our search continues, and we know that we will soon have that leader-candidate.
WILHELMINA S. OROZCO
YELLOW TORCH MOVEMENT
We have to RESET the Yellow Torch Forum scheduled for September 16, 2009.
The Fires of Change are raging wildly and have gutted expected campaign blueprints and infrastructures.
The Liberal Party has changed its Starting Team.
The Lakas-Kampi-CMD Party will soon hold its convention to choose its 2010 Primary Antagonist.
The Nationalista Party is reviewing its strategic plan.
Elements of the Opposition are redrawing their pathways.
Reform Advocates are consolidating behind a common 2010 aspirant.
A Public Forum on the Changing Political Landscape could be more insightful and productive after the flames of change have settled into simmering embers.
Global Filipino Nation (GFN) will make a future announcement on the refined thematic focus of the Public Forum.
CONNIE GOMEZ VALDES
Deputy Executive Director
GLOBAL FILIPINO NATION
GFN 0632 9866343
Off. Add 2240 Chino Roces Bgy Bangkal
Makati City Metro Manila
The Fires of Change are raging wildly and have gutted expected campaign blueprints and infrastructures.
The Liberal Party has changed its Starting Team.
The Lakas-Kampi-CMD Party will soon hold its convention to choose its 2010 Primary Antagonist.
The Nationalista Party is reviewing its strategic plan.
Elements of the Opposition are redrawing their pathways.
Reform Advocates are consolidating behind a common 2010 aspirant.
A Public Forum on the Changing Political Landscape could be more insightful and productive after the flames of change have settled into simmering embers.
Global Filipino Nation (GFN) will make a future announcement on the refined thematic focus of the Public Forum.
CONNIE GOMEZ VALDES
Deputy Executive Director
GLOBAL FILIPINO NATION
GFN 0632 9866343
Off. Add 2240 Chino Roces Bgy Bangkal
Makati City Metro Manila
ON NOYNOY AGAIN
FROM MARCELO TECSON, OFC, 6 Sept 2009
...
In the case of Noynoy Aquino, the question then is, does he appear as the one who can be expected as genuinely honest, caring for the people, and least likely to become corrupt because of his upbringing and lessons ingrained by his parents, especially President Cory, as well as from the influence of his sisters who can be expected to help him maintain his integrity so that he will not dishonor the family name? Does he appear as an ambitious and aggressive politician intent on accumulating power, wealth, and fame for himself, whose acts since the very beginning of his political career seems geared towards the realization of his grandiose ambition? Does he appear as the least "dangerous" (likely to become power drunk and corrupt) among the present crop of presidentiables?
In the 2010 presidential election, we have to ensure that the PRESIDENCY does not fall into the hands of a DISHONEST and ruthless presidentiable, who may continue to rule after his term by himself as Prime Minister under the proposed parliamentary system, or through his surrogate under the present presidential system. Does Noynoy appear as the most promising means of avoiding this dangerous probability?
...
In the case of Noynoy Aquino, the question then is, does he appear as the one who can be expected as genuinely honest, caring for the people, and least likely to become corrupt because of his upbringing and lessons ingrained by his parents, especially President Cory, as well as from the influence of his sisters who can be expected to help him maintain his integrity so that he will not dishonor the family name? Does he appear as an ambitious and aggressive politician intent on accumulating power, wealth, and fame for himself, whose acts since the very beginning of his political career seems geared towards the realization of his grandiose ambition? Does he appear as the least "dangerous" (likely to become power drunk and corrupt) among the present crop of presidentiables?
In the 2010 presidential election, we have to ensure that the PRESIDENCY does not fall into the hands of a DISHONEST and ruthless presidentiable, who may continue to rule after his term by himself as Prime Minister under the proposed parliamentary system, or through his surrogate under the present presidential system. Does Noynoy appear as the most promising means of avoiding this dangerous probability?
HOW NOYNOY CAN ENABLE NEW POLITICS
Excerpt from Issuance of Presidential Candidate Nicanor Perlas, 5 September 2009
Noynoy Can Enable the New Politics
Noynoy can do one thing that will dramatically reduce the dangers enumerated above. Noynoy can refuse the temptation of accepting his “destiny” of being the presidential candidate of the Liberal Party and, by wishful thinking, the candidate of all opposition to the current administration in an epochal battle of good and evil in 2010.
For one thing, the Liberal Party of Noynoy is NOT the only opposition party.. Second, the Liberal Party, with its mixed track record, cannot re-brand itself, even with Noynoy’s blessing, as a non-traditional party. Thus the Liberal Party is a part of the spectrum of traditional parties even if there are individuals within the party who are non-traditional. The party as a whole is not the bearer of new politics. Will Noynoy survive the intramurals within the Liberal Party and present a vision and strategic agenda that transcends the Liberal Party?
And third, will Noynoy be able to unify the dozens of non-traditional movements and parties when, by a wrong decision, Noynoy will destroy the very foundation upon which these movements and parties of new politics are built?
Prominent members of the Liberal Party share some of these thoughts. Senator Francis Pangilinan recently begged to differ that the Liberal Party is the opposition party. He said that the opposition is more than the Liberal Party, more than other traditional parties opposed to Arroyo, and includes non-traditional parties and movements.
In addition, Senator Franklin Drilon, said that Noynoy “is not prepared for it” (the presidency). And Noynoy himself is not clear whether he himself is qualified or not. He is also not clear on how he would go about systemically changing the landscape of traditional politics and transforming Philippine society. Can his lack of clarity be the beacon for the new Philippines around which all kinds of forces arrayed against the Arroyo regime will unite?
There is one thing, though, that Noynoy can do to help enhance the longing and hunger of the majority of Filipinos for a new kind of politics. He can announce that he will resign from the Liberal Party and participate in a unification process with non-traditional political and social movements for new politics. He can lend his newly minted national stature to advance the cause of the new politics, both in terms of substance and process.
Concretely, this would mean that Noynoy will announce that he is willing to be part of an open process of determining who would be the best new politics candidate for president in the national 2010 elections. It is open in the sense that, at the end of the day, Noynoy himself may or may not be that presidential candidate. Yet he would still be able to bring energy to the pursuit of the new politics by supporting whoever will emerge as the presidential candidate of a unified movement for a new politics.
This is the real challenge facing Noynoy Aquino. Will he be an enhancer of the new politics? Or will he be the instrument for marginalizing the new politics?
Overcoming the Deadly Virus of Traditional Notions of Winnability,
...we should all reflect on the ultimate meaning on the current events surrounding Noynoy. It is difficult to discern what wants to come from the future. And it would even be more difficult to discern if we are infected with the virus of traditional notions of winnability.
The Noynoy event provides us with one of the most potent challenge to discern what real new politics really means in theory and practice. We can only hope that Noynoy becomes an enabler of the new politics. And I hope that all those truly seeking a better country are able to truly discern the profound conceptual and behavioral requirements of the new politics, one that we are all hoping to begin today and realize in 2010 and beyond. Our future as a nation will depend on it.
Noynoy Can Enable the New Politics
Noynoy can do one thing that will dramatically reduce the dangers enumerated above. Noynoy can refuse the temptation of accepting his “destiny” of being the presidential candidate of the Liberal Party and, by wishful thinking, the candidate of all opposition to the current administration in an epochal battle of good and evil in 2010.
For one thing, the Liberal Party of Noynoy is NOT the only opposition party.. Second, the Liberal Party, with its mixed track record, cannot re-brand itself, even with Noynoy’s blessing, as a non-traditional party. Thus the Liberal Party is a part of the spectrum of traditional parties even if there are individuals within the party who are non-traditional. The party as a whole is not the bearer of new politics. Will Noynoy survive the intramurals within the Liberal Party and present a vision and strategic agenda that transcends the Liberal Party?
And third, will Noynoy be able to unify the dozens of non-traditional movements and parties when, by a wrong decision, Noynoy will destroy the very foundation upon which these movements and parties of new politics are built?
Prominent members of the Liberal Party share some of these thoughts. Senator Francis Pangilinan recently begged to differ that the Liberal Party is the opposition party. He said that the opposition is more than the Liberal Party, more than other traditional parties opposed to Arroyo, and includes non-traditional parties and movements.
In addition, Senator Franklin Drilon, said that Noynoy “is not prepared for it” (the presidency). And Noynoy himself is not clear whether he himself is qualified or not. He is also not clear on how he would go about systemically changing the landscape of traditional politics and transforming Philippine society. Can his lack of clarity be the beacon for the new Philippines around which all kinds of forces arrayed against the Arroyo regime will unite?
There is one thing, though, that Noynoy can do to help enhance the longing and hunger of the majority of Filipinos for a new kind of politics. He can announce that he will resign from the Liberal Party and participate in a unification process with non-traditional political and social movements for new politics. He can lend his newly minted national stature to advance the cause of the new politics, both in terms of substance and process.
Concretely, this would mean that Noynoy will announce that he is willing to be part of an open process of determining who would be the best new politics candidate for president in the national 2010 elections. It is open in the sense that, at the end of the day, Noynoy himself may or may not be that presidential candidate. Yet he would still be able to bring energy to the pursuit of the new politics by supporting whoever will emerge as the presidential candidate of a unified movement for a new politics.
This is the real challenge facing Noynoy Aquino. Will he be an enhancer of the new politics? Or will he be the instrument for marginalizing the new politics?
Overcoming the Deadly Virus of Traditional Notions of Winnability,
...we should all reflect on the ultimate meaning on the current events surrounding Noynoy. It is difficult to discern what wants to come from the future. And it would even be more difficult to discern if we are infected with the virus of traditional notions of winnability.
The Noynoy event provides us with one of the most potent challenge to discern what real new politics really means in theory and practice. We can only hope that Noynoy becomes an enabler of the new politics. And I hope that all those truly seeking a better country are able to truly discern the profound conceptual and behavioral requirements of the new politics, one that we are all hoping to begin today and realize in 2010 and beyond. Our future as a nation will depend on it.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
TOO MANY CHOICES FOR PRESIDENT
The imagination of our people is getting broad and soaring to the skies. So many people want to be president; and so many are being pushed to become president. We are amid a period of discontent and frustration over the way politics has turned out after the 1986 People Power Revolution; this is why we are in a very agitated way seeking the best person to fill the highest slot of the land.
The latest news is that Noynoy Aquino is in Zamboanga on a retreat to find out if he is really destined to be a candidate or not, somewhat like what his mother did in 1985. Mar Roxas has also retreated as a presidential candidate in deference to Noynoy. Meanwhile, other candidates, Erap, Manny Villar, Jamby Madrigal and now even Noli de Castro are also preparing to join in the political contest.
What will come out of this "labu-labo" scenario? How will the current administration consider the choice/s to be come president? Will the candidates live to see their dream come true or will they lie on the wayside, assassinated again?
Yes, 2010 will be a bloody election period unless we keep it in our mind that we have every right to choose our candidates and our president down to all the positions in the government that need to be elected. We must be part of the process -- so that any untoward events that will put the country in the worst list as the most dangerous place in the world shall not, never occur.
Meanwhile, let us continue the search for the best government program that we would like to happen after the elections, and then ask those who are running or who want to be in the list of candidates, if they are willing to embrace our agenda. We are beyond personalities now. And candidates have to put up a higher quality - that of discerning what the people really want in physical and moral terms.
LET US JOIN THE PEOPLES' PRIMARIES. CALL UP -- 09164755004
-- EMMA S. OROZCO
PAINTING: La Grande Famillie, 1963 by RENE MAGRITTE
DON QUIXOTE VS THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING
FROM JAIME GARCHITORENA
Some people refer to certain points in the future as make or break.
Many say that 2010 is make or break.
I believe every day is make or break.
I believe that the future is only a product of the way we have taken our past to influence our present.
1986 was make or break. Every impeachment was make or break. Every scandal we don’t deal with properly is make or break. Every day a petty theft happens with impunity is make or break.
Every day is make or break and in our recent history we have break-ed more than we have make-ed.
In relation to 2010, many people have called this a make or break election and the same people have created a vision of the future with Noynoy at the leading edge. This, in my opinion, is placing at the forefront, someone who, to my personal knowledge, has exhibited no significant presence in the past , no accomplishments of great leadership that may indicate a better future, and at present reflects a personality that indicates timid-ness and reluctance rather than what many people characterize humility and thoughtfulness. It reminds me of Peter attempting to step off the boat, into the turbulent waters, as he followed Jesus walking into the lake, and his lack of faith almost leading to his drowning.
To those who believe, Noynoy’s parents have shown the way and have proven the concept of popular support for unlikely candidates. Noynoy, the rock who some have decided to build the future on, could at least take a step in the waters with more confidence and faith. If Noynoy does not believe, how can we?
I won’t comment on those who have latched on to Noynoy as a potential president of the Philippines because I believe the choice for choosing a president is akin to choosing a religion or belief system to anchor ones hopes for a better life and after life. But I believe that aside from being technically qualified, a president must be bold, daring, and decisive as the odds stacked against our 2010 president will be formidable indeed. No doubt that any leader’s palms will sweat at the Herculean task ahead of him. But he must hide his sweaty palms that under whatever gloves he feels are needed to handle the boiling cauldron that is our country.
Im not looking for the perfect leader. I can go to church for that. But even that leader was nailed to the cross.
Im looking for someone to hand me a resume, look me straight in the eye, tell me that he is the best man for the job, show me a plan, convince me that his experience matches the need, and tell me that he will break his back trying to fix what everyone else says cannot be fixed.
No hemming. No hawing. No asking for one million signatures. No asking for discernment from God. No signs of grace from his departed parents. No validation from his siblings. No parachutes. No guarantees.
I can do this he has to say. Lets get it on.
I dont want a reluctant candidate and I certainly dont want a reluctant president.
For my choice for presidents and 2010, I would rather have a Don Quixote than The Man Who Would be King.
Some people refer to certain points in the future as make or break.
Many say that 2010 is make or break.
I believe every day is make or break.
I believe that the future is only a product of the way we have taken our past to influence our present.
1986 was make or break. Every impeachment was make or break. Every scandal we don’t deal with properly is make or break. Every day a petty theft happens with impunity is make or break.
Every day is make or break and in our recent history we have break-ed more than we have make-ed.
In relation to 2010, many people have called this a make or break election and the same people have created a vision of the future with Noynoy at the leading edge. This, in my opinion, is placing at the forefront, someone who, to my personal knowledge, has exhibited no significant presence in the past , no accomplishments of great leadership that may indicate a better future, and at present reflects a personality that indicates timid-ness and reluctance rather than what many people characterize humility and thoughtfulness. It reminds me of Peter attempting to step off the boat, into the turbulent waters, as he followed Jesus walking into the lake, and his lack of faith almost leading to his drowning.
To those who believe, Noynoy’s parents have shown the way and have proven the concept of popular support for unlikely candidates. Noynoy, the rock who some have decided to build the future on, could at least take a step in the waters with more confidence and faith. If Noynoy does not believe, how can we?
I won’t comment on those who have latched on to Noynoy as a potential president of the Philippines because I believe the choice for choosing a president is akin to choosing a religion or belief system to anchor ones hopes for a better life and after life. But I believe that aside from being technically qualified, a president must be bold, daring, and decisive as the odds stacked against our 2010 president will be formidable indeed. No doubt that any leader’s palms will sweat at the Herculean task ahead of him. But he must hide his sweaty palms that under whatever gloves he feels are needed to handle the boiling cauldron that is our country.
Im not looking for the perfect leader. I can go to church for that. But even that leader was nailed to the cross.
Im looking for someone to hand me a resume, look me straight in the eye, tell me that he is the best man for the job, show me a plan, convince me that his experience matches the need, and tell me that he will break his back trying to fix what everyone else says cannot be fixed.
No hemming. No hawing. No asking for one million signatures. No asking for discernment from God. No signs of grace from his departed parents. No validation from his siblings. No parachutes. No guarantees.
I can do this he has to say. Lets get it on.
I dont want a reluctant candidate and I certainly dont want a reluctant president.
For my choice for presidents and 2010, I would rather have a Don Quixote than The Man Who Would be King.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
WHEN US BISHOPS POSE OBSTACLES TO SOCIAL CHANGE
The Health Care Reform Bill that is being debated upon in the United States has now entered a new phase: the bishops, a group of religious people who should be care for the health of their constituents are now divided. One is for the passage of the bill, and another is against it because of the benefits that the health bill accords those patients who want to undergo abortion.
Here we can see how difficult it is to work for change in a society, whether rich or poor. The religious sector is bound to be as conservative as ever, and refuse to conduct discussions on how to pass a bill, no matter if it will benefit millions, so long as a provision exists that will challenge its policies.
So how do we solve this problem, this impasse that could be created by such groups? I think that the best thing is to really bring the issue to the people and let them decide on what to do about it.
I am not for abortion totally, as I think there are instances where it is much needed: for example when a pregnancy is endangering the life of the mother, or when it is a product of rape and the mother refuses to keep the child. However, I believe that discussions should continue on this matter
Peoples' Primaries candidates must make sure that they would be able to discuss issues like this on the level, and not allow their religious bias to take over the need for impartial discussions.
Here we can see how difficult it is to work for change in a society, whether rich or poor. The religious sector is bound to be as conservative as ever, and refuse to conduct discussions on how to pass a bill, no matter if it will benefit millions, so long as a provision exists that will challenge its policies.
So how do we solve this problem, this impasse that could be created by such groups? I think that the best thing is to really bring the issue to the people and let them decide on what to do about it.
I am not for abortion totally, as I think there are instances where it is much needed: for example when a pregnancy is endangering the life of the mother, or when it is a product of rape and the mother refuses to keep the child. However, I believe that discussions should continue on this matter
Peoples' Primaries candidates must make sure that they would be able to discuss issues like this on the level, and not allow their religious bias to take over the need for impartial discussions.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
TED KENNEDY: AN UNUTTERED WISH?
The passing away of US Senator Ted Kennedy leaves a sad note in the political world. He was one of the icons of American politics that really made democratic principles the shining shield against conservatism, corruption and bigotry. He could have lived longer to be a global beacon to young and old alike, regardless of sex, creed and race. I am particularly sad because now I know why I had felt a different kind of sympathy over him when he was till ailing. He had taken those issues considered "soft" in the macho political world -- education and healthcare and he also stood against the Iraqui war. As an educator, I hold in high regard those who share these principles as it is very hard to embrace them at a time when "to belong" becomes the password to be known politically or to be recognized rather than what one stands for.
But more than this, I had also hoped that another Kennedy could have been president so that the public service that was not completed by his brother, Jack, and what was missed by his brother, Bobby, could have been done by him. I think that he had borne that feeling in him all throughout his life, also that the burden of fulfilling what his brothers had aimed for were on his shoulders and that he could have thought that the public also expected him to take on the cudgels as well.
Yet for all his senatorial achievements he achieved more as well taking on those issues which could have easily been lost in the meelee of "war preparations against terrorists" and the economic recession. A news syndicate reported that: "He was in the front ranks of Democrats in 1987 who torpedoed one of President Ronald Reagan's Supreme Court nominees. (He said,) 'Robert Bork’s America is a land in which women would be forced into back-alley abortions, blacks would sit at segregated lunch counters, rogue police could break down citizens’ doors in midnight raids, and schoolchildren could not be taught about evolution, writers and artists could be censored at the whim of government, and the doors of the federal courts would be shut on the fingers of millions of Americans.'"
Women, blacks, children, writers, artists-- his concerns reveal high level politics that looked at society from different perspectives of people, which showed his deep preparation and commitment as a national leader. Those aspiring to become leaders of our country could learn a lot from his life, regardless of some unsavory past experiences in his resume. All sectors of society should be the concern of every legislator.
Another report mentioned that "In 2002, he voted against authorizing the Iraq war; later, he called that opposition 'the best vote I’ve made in my 44 years in the United States Senate.'” This just goes to show that he was a pacifist, aiming at peaceful means for resolving contradictions rather than through "saber-rattling."
His commitment to his country was unwavering till the end, even though he was already diagnosed terminally ill, he even advised that a replacement for him be effected right away after his death. So until the end, politics was in his mind and maybe we could ask,
Why was he so determined to fulfill his role as a legislator? In his mind, did he ever wish or did he harbour being a president despite the failed attempts? If we go by the dates of his illness, he suffered the first stroke in May 2008, when the primaries were being held to choose the candidates, including for the presidential position. Then after the Obama inauguration on that same day, he suffered the more debilitating stroke.
As some alternative healers would analyze, a disease may manifest itself physically, like cancer, but once mental and attitudinal make-up is redirected to healing, combined with great family moral support, then cancer can be conquered. Hence, maybe if Sen. Kennedy had uttered his wish to become president, and/or told his family and peers to tell him, "Hey, you are doing great as a legislator. No need to be president of Superman's country. Being president is not the be-all and end-all of politics, " then the pressures on him would have been less and that cancer would not have grown so easily in his brain.
I would ask all societies steeped in working for change to be more tender in treating those who have a lot to give in terms of public service, commitment and loyalty rather than pressuring them to deliver right away. Life to be lived well, need not be under too much pressure to achieve, but rather to be savored and enjoyed while fulfilling oneself, one's talents and serving those who are truly in need.
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