On Noynoy

I know that a lot of people like Noynoy. Friends, colleagues, relatives, etc. – so this post may put a lot of them off.

I just felt compelled to share this article because it articulates my frustrations with the current “election setup” our country is in.

Beyond the Amber Ribbons: A NO for Noynoy in 2010 Elections by Mark Gamboa

The only difference is that I do not share the article’s absolute stance that we should not vote for Noynoy. I believe anyone has a right to prove himself especially if fairly elected. But I do resonate with the points of the article – which in turn make me wary of him being our next leader if, in fact, elected.

As I said the crux of this issue for me isn’t so much as the fact that we have the candidate choices we have, but the reasons by which we choose to support them. My post is more about analyzing us as a society and not really the leaders that govern us.

All in all, I’ve kinda lost all faith in our society’s competence in selecting proper leaders. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Given how much power of decision is granted to those who cannot think critically; we really don’t deserve democracy.

I mean the fact that Erap, someone who has been deposed and convicted… actually has a fighting chance, already is a clear indication that the whole system has been undermined by an actual, legitimate, terrifying incompetency of voters. That, or cheating… probably both. Still, what the fuck is a convicted felon doing in the presidential running!? It’s an abomination!

Now back to the topic at hand, the fact that people seem to see Noynoy as this “messiah” worries me. It’s one thing to be impressed with a candidate, or to be hopeful for one… but another to think and assert blindly that they are the solution to all our woes, when they simply aren’t. I guess the term I’m looking for to describe the phenomenon, assuming he is a decent leader is that you’re choosing the right man for the wrong reasons. And that kind of reasoning only works if you hit the jackpot – otherwise, we have just dug a deeper hole for ourselves. And history hasn’t been kind to our society as far as good leaders go, do you really want to tempt fate?

Interestingly enough, I’ve been reading the Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini for recreation/entertainment, but I cannot help but apply a passage from the book that struck me and had me think about all this… Cris sending me the link shortly after seemed to be a sign that I should actually blog about it since I’ve been meaning to but couldn’t find an “angle” to start with.

Amusingly, the passage kinda answers the whole debate about logic vs. virtue – a card which Noynoy fans love using.

WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT The passage doesn’t really have anything to do with the story development, so I wouldn’t consider it a spoiler. All the same, I put the warning out of courtesy.

They were quiet for a while, eating, then Oromis asked, “Can you tell me, What is the most important mental tool a person can possess?” It was a serious question, and Eragon considered it for a reasonable span before he ventured to say “Determination”.

Oromis tore the loaf in half with his long white fingers. “I can understand why you arrived at that conclusion – determination has served you well in your adventures – but no. I meant the tool most necessary to choose the best course of action in any given situation. Determination is as common among men who are dull and foolish as it is among those who are brilliant intellects. So, no, determination cannot be what we are looking for.

“Wisdom,” he finally said. “Wisdom is the most important tool for a person to possess.”

“A fair guess, but, again, no. The answer is logic. Or, to put it another way, the ability to reason analytically. Applied properly, it can overcome any lack of wisdom, which one only gains through age and experience.”

Eragon frowned. “Yes, but isn’t having a good heart more important than logic? Pure logic can lead you to conclusions that are ethically wrong, whereas if you are mortal and righteous, that will ensure that you don’t act shamefully.”

A razor thin smile curled Oromis’s lips. “You confuse the issue. All I wanted to know was the most useful tool a person can have, regardless of whether that person is good or evil. I agree that it’s important to be of a virtuous nature, but I would also contend that if you had to choose between giving a man a noble disposition or teaching him to think clearly, you’d do better to teach him to think clearly. Too many problems in this world are caused by men with noble dispositions and clouded minds.”

“History provides us with numerous examples of people who were convinced that they were doing the right thing and committed terrible crimes because of it. Keep in mind Eragon that no one thinks of himself as a villain, and few make decisions they think are wrong. A person may dislike his choice, but he will stand by it because, even in the worst circumstances, he believes that it was the best option available to him at the time.”

“On his own, being a decent person is no guarantee that you will act well, which brings us back to the one protection we have against demagogues, tricksters, and the madness of crowds, and our surest guide through the uncertain shoals of life: clear and reasoned thinking. Logic will never fail you, unless you are unaware of – or deliberately ignore – the consequences of your deeds.”

I believe this lack of logic is exactly what is happening with society nowadays. And I don’t blame them, because we’ve experienced the “evil” people who are extremely intelligent (Marcos, et. all) But all the same, we cannot let that fact suddenly abandon the requirement of competence, experience and intelligence over something that isn’t even confirmed to be true (virtue). What proof do we have that ANY of the current candidates are of virtuous nature? We don’t!

To be perfectly honest, I think all of them have varying degrees of corruption, and that it’s naive to think otherwise. But given that, I want to choose someone who will have something to show for it at the end of the day. For example, Singapore is essentially a dictatorship – and lets not kid ourselves; there probably is corruption there as well – but see where they’re at. I’m willing to put up with an opportunist asshole for as long as he/she is able to accomplish something positive for the good of the country – rather than some passive idealist who cannot break free from the system (or make it even worse by their inaction). Promises are as easily broken as they are made… results matter.

That is what frustrates me about the whole Noynoy fad, because logically, he doesn’t fit. Applying clearly reasoned thinking/logic to the issue cannot bring you to Noynoy as a choice because there are existing candidates that are more intelligent than him, more capable than him, braver than him, etc., and have the track records to show for it. Simply put, if it’s “standards” we’re talking about, he loses to one or two existing candidates on all counts.

Yet, he is leading… if only for a single thing that is not and cannot be confrimed: virtue. I’m inclined to think most of the Noynoy supporters are voting out of hope, which is fine… noble even. but just like the passage says:

If you had to choose between giving a man a noble disposition or teaching him to think clearly, you’d do better to teach him to think clearly.

With that in mind, I find it hard to believe that Noynoy supporters are “thinking clearly”… and my reasons would be the same as what the article states (and more). If you look at it logically, would you, could you, claim otherwise?

I would understand if you were a Aquino family member, and are supporting him. I would understand if he helped you some way in your life and you feel the need to repay the deed by supporting him. I do not blame nor take it against people to stand by a person out of purely selfish, or even opportunistic reasons. ¹ After all, you can’t blame people for watching their own backs But honestly, to choose him because of his virtue – and more so claim that such virtue exists simply because he was the son of Cory!? Am I the only one who thinks that’s absurd? It’s literally saying “Well, I choose him because he seems to be a nice guy – since his mom is so and so” – even worse, that seems to be exactly the sentiment his supporters are taking today. I’d sooner accept a selfish reason then an ignorant one.

Let me be clear; I have nothing against Noynoy. While I agree with the article’s points, I really don’t mind if he wins. To me, its a simple matter of “anyone but Erap.” You may think its silly, but do not underestimate the Erap-man hahahaha. It takes testicular fortitude to have the gall to run for presidency after being jailed… and even more “mojo” to actually stand a chance. So yes, for the love of God, anyone but him! Officially though, I’m for Gordon (and Bayani) or Gibo (alone) with Noynoy as my 3rd and last option.

What I’d just like to point out is the very disturbing fact that while it’s extremely convenient for him (and for his supporters) that people see him the way they do – it is a foolish way to decide on a leader. And any society which decides that way, and ends up failing… will deserve exactly what it gets for its foolishness.

My 2 cents.