Audience participation

A question was posted on politicalarena.com by a user named Vanni. I thought that it was very insightful so I answered it and am sharing my answer here.

Do you think the boldness of our lawmakers has something to do with the people’s indifference to Philippine politics? Where do you think this will lead us?  – Vanni (politicalarena.com user)

Thank you Vanni for this insightful question.

By  ‘boldness’ I assume you refer to the behavior of some lawmakers in both houses of legislature, that is, appearing to act only for their own interests and not of their constituency. (This actually brings up a good question especially for the Senate as to WHO is the specific constituency each of these senators represent?)

It is my belief that that kind of behavior is largely in part to the lack of awareness of the common Filipino when it comes to the whole practice and exercise of legislation. Whether it is because of a lack of information and education, and/or an attitude of indifference to the issues, the result is that very few genuine citizens’ voices are raised and heard. Sadly, most of the voices heard in these halls of legislation are that of interest groups and lobbies not necessarily representative of the common man.

All of us are looking for positive change in our country and the way politics are done. Yes, that has a lot to do with choosing the people who will be placed into these offices. But that is only HALF of the whole picture.

Let me put it this way, politics is a lot like a play or a movie performed and shown in a theater. The actors on stage perform for an audience and it is the audience as a group that has the final word on whether the show is a hit or not. You could have the best actors and the best directors but if no one goes to watch it, then the show is a failure. On the other hand, it is very likely that a very bad movie can be a success just because a lot of people watched it.

Politics is a stage play.

But who is watching?

The point I am making is that politics and politicians need an audience and that audience is YOU and each and every Filipino citizen. An audience member can choose to buy a ticket for the shows or movies to watch in much as the same way you choose who to vote for. But buying a ticket will not get you anywhere unless you go and watch it. In that same way, each Filipino must WATCH the men and women who have been elected into these offices – from the local to the national level.

How do you watch? By keeping tabs on the issues, reading up on current events and writing congressmen & senators telling them what you think and what your stand is. Politicians need to know they are being watched, not just by a few people but by each and every citizen. That is after all, the definition of true citizenship – taking an active part in the dealings and concerns of the state.

Tired of the same old thing in politics?

Be part of the change

you want to see!