Basic HTML Version
4 I The Best Online Education System in the world
POLITICS MINUS THE COMPLICATIONS
Kathlyn Q. Barrozo
Class of 1991, University of Santo Tomas
B.S. Medical Technology
Politics connotes the ideal state in which society has to be. Although ultimate power is to be found in
government, authority still lies in civil society. If politicians do not find favor in those that they lead, they will
eventually be deemed unfit to rule. The power lies in the people, and it is this fact that has politicians
perennially currying favor for themselves from their constituents.
However, though all of the above statements have been deemed true and correct, politicians must remember
that they are put into office because those that they serve aspire to see peace and order in their organization.
People also tend to be quite fickle about their choices: they want something the first time then change their
minds the next. When people see that something is not working out the way they want it to, they are easily
swayed to believe in something else that might work better.
To become a politician with fixed principles and steadfast goals is great, but in the face of changing political
trends and conflicting interests, how firm can one manage to be? Organization and order comes in many forms,
sometimes even in chaos. (Ever heard of organized chaos?) The ability to prioritize is a gift that doesn’t come to
everyone. The desire to serve is seldom genuine in all people. It is therefore the responsibility of politicians to
discipline themselves in order to deliver reliable service to their constituents. If the only reason they want to be
in office is to be in power, they need to have their head examined or something. Being in power is not going to
last long. Intentions become oh-so-transparent in the long run. Regret can only come in the end.
It’s also difficult to remain in power without being touched by the “ills” of politics. Many an honest politician
has admitted so. However, it takes a certain sense of character to look out for the welfare of others. So far, only
One Man has succeeded in doing that, and He wasn’t even totally human in nature. He laid his life down so
many others may find eternal life, and see how far-reaching His influence has been! He knew when to say YES
and when to firmly say NO. He knew when others were just baiting Him, and He knew when they were being
honest. He could have demanded that people bow down to Him and no one else without question, yet made a
choice to remain as humble as His earthly origins.
In our day-to-day lives, let us remember the example of One Great Man who never forgot that He was on earth
for a reason: to serve, not with great power and with fear in others’ hearts, but with a genuine love for all
mankind. That’s politics without the complications.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1.
Why is it difficult to be engaged in politics?
2.
How are people changed by politics?
3.
How do you choose your political officials? What qualities do you want in a political official?
4.
How can a political official remain true to his calling to serve?
5.
Can service to the people only be attained through political office? Why or why not?