Lusty May

May is a beloved month, the month of summer and rebirth. In May, the earth gives us all its wonderful growths, colors and scents that renew  our being human. Ironically, It also brings to the fore the human tendency to grab for the best, and in the process, bring out the worst.

Amidst the promises of concern and care in the media campaign materials, the national election theme is lust. Behind all the political glamour surface the shocking truths of power monopoly in almost every nook of the country, a conversation piece among the electorate, the non-voting young and old, who have experienced how it is to be deprived, disadvantaged, and abused within the socio-economic system. While the Filipino is truly resilient and patient, the accumulation of rising expectations consistently met by rising frustrations should be taken seriously by those who will be elected in the national and local government leadership positions. It’s going to be a hard climb up, and sliding back could deplete our national energy to reach the comfort and progress zone our people need and deserve.

We are about to write a new page of our national history on 10 May, with as much hope as doubts and fears. We now can do our share in voting for the people who could have the better capacity to look after the people’s welfare in mind and heart, and who will act accordingly  even when personal interests might be at stake. Yes, we need heroes and saints in the real sense of the words. So let’s continue our candidate-searching, share with others what we think, search our conscience, and make up our minds. Lastly, let us pray.

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"It's May! It's May! 
The lusty month of May!... 
Those dreary vows that ev'ryone takes, 
Ev'ryone breaks. 
Ev'ryone makes divine mistakes! 
The lusty month of May!"
-   Lerner and Lowe