Many politicians mean the opposite

By Al S. Mendoza

 

IN politics, stupidity is a virtue.

In being stupid, many politicians aren’t aware.

It is like writing: There is no dull topic, only dull writers.

And dull writers do not know they are dull, or even dumb.

I am not saying I am not dull.

But for sure, I do not know I am dull.

However, I can honestly say that writers aren’t at their best at all times.

So do others engaged in other disciplines.

There are prolific days, lean days.

There are bountiful harvests, puny collections.

That’s nature’s way of giving, living.

As The Beatles sang it, “The love you take is equal to the love you make.”

What I know is, I have a little knowledge in writing—or, allegedly, I can write.

Whether or not I am a dull writer, it is for you, my dear judge, to say.

But in today’s milieu, it is altogether different in politics.

While writers usually mean what they write, not politicians.

Almost, it is an unwritten rule that what politicians mean when they say something is the opposite.

To a politician, his no answer could mean yes—99 percent of the time.

Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte has consistently said he is not running for President in 2016.

Yet, he keeps visiting the nation’s major cities on a speaking spree.

Be not surprised if he runs for President, or vice president, in May.

Now, if a politician’s answer is “No comment,” you can bet that’s a yes.

Mar Roxas is consistent in saying he is not 100 percent sure of gunning for the Palace next year.

That is an absolute yes that he is a presidential bet.

Grace Poe said she is unsure of her plans in 2016.

That is an absolute yes that she will aim for Malacanang if she gets drafted by the Liberal Party of President Aquino.

Alan Peter Cayetano is one of the few who is frank enough to say he could make a go of it if given the chance.

The Cayetanos have always been like that—beginning with my buddy, the late Rene Cayetano.

Rene was the distinguished senator on whom Senators Alan Peter and Pia had inherited impeccable integrity and an unimpeachable honesty in serving the people.

I have known Rene when Alan Peter, Pia and, yes, Ren-Ren were still kids.

One time, Rene traveled with us to San Diego, CA, when I covered the World Junior Golf Championship—with Ren-Ren carrying the country’s colors.

Rene and I, together with long-time golf official/demigod Jake P. Ayson, played a round at Torrey Pines in San Diego.

I won some bets—in dollars, mind you.

Rene had parted off precious greenbacks but, deep in my heart, I knew he did lose—deliberately, diplomatically.

There are politicians who still adhere to the original meaning of a politician: Dignified, respectable, noble.

Listen to Maurice Barres’ take of what a politician is today:  “The politician is an acrobat.  He keeps his balance by saying the opposite of what he does.”

*          *          *          *

I tip my hat off to Dr. Reuben “Boyet” Reyes Jr. of Bolingit-Pangasinan Provincial Hospital for his quick and efficient response to the 67 or so pupils hit by food poisoning (diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ache) for eating expired chewing gum/menthos bought at a sari-sari store near the Gelew Elementary School in San Carlos City.  Dr. Reyes, the hospital’s toxicology department head, said several candy wrappers shown him by the pupil’s parents showed expiry dates of 2012 and 2014.  “Fortunately, nobody’s in serious condition right now but they are all still under serious observation,” he said.

(For your comments and reactions, please email to: punch.sunday@gmail.com)

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