“An optimist may see a light where there is none, but why must the pessimist always run to blow it out?” — Rene Descartes
I can almost swear “someone” is cursing the upcoming presidential elections in May 2010. It’s as if “someone” is killing all chances of emergent hope — “someone” is out to sabotage this one shot we have at clean, honest elections.
Although the existence of that “someone” is hard to prove and coming up with strong evidence is hardly possible at the moment, what seems to be ‘a clear and present danger’ is the unabated doubt creating an atmosphere of general distrust.
There is widespread doubt in the effectivity of the system. Doubt in the reliability of technology. Doubt in the trustworthiness of the candidates. Doubt in the ‘maturity’ of the electorate. Doubt in everything elections-related. Essentially, doubt in the possibility of Philippine political redemption.
It is so easy to spread doubt and plant fear in the hearts and minds of our fellowmen. I can’t think of anything easier to do in a time like this. When faced with the task of choosing what to promote, the average salesman would always opt for those that are easy to sell.
Which idea is easier to sell: That fully-automated elections would be 100% successful or that it would fail?
You get the point.
***
Have a little faith
I am a proponent of vigilance and a promoter of justified and regulated doubt. But in no way will I consent to being a conduit of fear-mongering. I have better things to do with my time (and I have a lot of time, mind you).
My dear friends, casual and accidental readers, one and all, I urge you to have a little faith in this much-awaited political exercise. Let not the sensationalized news and overblown negative write-ups deter you from participating in this democratic process that is part and parcel of who we are and who we intend to be.
Of course there will be glitches, there are flaws, there are questions that need to be answered — but all will be resolved in due time. That is what these tests are for — to see what works and what doesn’t — to separate the reliable from the not.
Trust the system — a good measure if not entirely. Trust that technology can and will work. But most of all, trust yourself. Trust that YOU dictate your vote. Trust that it is you who will dictate your destiny and consequently, this country’s. Trust that unless we take a chance, there is no way of ever finding out what will and will not work for us.
Think about it. If we can’t trust ourselves? Who else will?
Besides, if all else fails, there’s always manual elections. So douse that fear. Besides, I’m sure you have better things to do than worry, so get over it.
RJMarmol.com - Since 2008. 
Let me know what you think… :)