How many times have we heard the argument Vox populi vox Dei? "The voice of the people is the voice of God" referring to the majority as having to be God saying His piece. The multitude cannot be wrong it can be regarded as God has spoken through them. This is the very foundation of democracy. After all arguments have been said and after all informed citizens have heard and understood, they vote and whoever has the most number of votes win.
That is what I did today. Vote who I think will be fit to be our leaders. And yet, why is it that I do not think I have exercised my right fully?
I had a hard time picking twelve candidates to fill the senatorial slots. I feel the list of choices was lacking. Lacking of people who I believe can really play the role. I look at the list and think "I have heard their promises before and nothing happened." This led me to think about the phrase: vox populi vox Dei. This could have been true during Socrates' time. When the world was not complicated with too much materialism, pork barrels, technology, population explosion, cheating, election related violence, etc... When, I suppose, people knew and understood the issues for they were not that complicated (well, I'm not talking about philosophy) and voting was probably done by raising of hands. We know very well this is not so today. Today, the rule of the majority sometimes translate to the rule of the mob! Besides, how sure am I that those triumphant in their bids are truly winners? We've heard of massive cheating too often that the act becomes associated with every elections. It is in this light that I tend to agree in the saying: Nec audiendi qui solent dicere, Vox populi, vox Dei, quum tumultuositas vulgi semper insaniae proxima sit. Translated it reads:
"And those people should not be listened to who keep saying the voice of the people is the voice of God, since the riotousness of the crowd is always very close to madness."
10 comments:
At least, nakaboto tayo, Tito Rolls. We did our part. Kung babastusin nila ang mga boto natin, bahala na ang Dios sa kanila!
My former job used to take me to the different barrios in the country. It seems that the locals perception of a good leader is that of a generous monetary provider. Somebody they can run to if they need money for a funeral,birthday,christening, wedding. That was before the cell phone era, I am not surprise if providing cell load money is one of the mayor's function now.In short a leader's achievement is mostly a reflection of the desire of his constituent.
Doc Emer Exactly what I am thinking of.
peter Yes. How do you think can we tell these people that they are what they are because of these leaders who rubs their back and then robs them behind their back?
rolly, those people are aware that the money their local officials are giving them are supposed to be for projects that would benefit the whole community, but that is not their concerned they just want
an access to easy money.
peter maybe you've hit another aspect of the Filipino psyche that has been with us since Jose Rizal. That of being indolent and wanting easy money.
I think this comes to mind in every election. I'm hoping against hope that there will be some light after this. Naku, baka mas lalong dark light at the end of the tunnel. Wag naman.
As Dr Emer so stoically puts it, at least you have done your part. There is no solution for a problem like this and the most acceptable one is found in Dr Emer's suggestion. I like your parting quotation though. It's cynical and yet the undisputable truth!
ipanema I am always praying that we get to the end of the tunnel already and enjoy the light.
bayi Yes. As the late Pres. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." We can only succeed if everyone does his/her part and well.
Vox Populi Vox Dei . . . That assumes the omniscience of the majority which sadly isn't the case. The majority isn't always right. Sadly in the Philippines the riotousness of the crowd is often times sheer madness.
Tito R,
How long did it take you to decide and pick the candidates you "really" wanted to vote for? As usual walang mapagpipilian. It's a Hobson's choice: a choice between equally bad alternatives.
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