Hang loose!

By Johanne R. Macob

 

WHENEVER I get so pressured, or when I can hardly get over some bad things that happened, I have that habit of facing the mirror and telling myself to “hang loose, baby.” This helps me get through the rough times always. Now, I wish I could teach the not-so-lucky and still grieving candidates in the last polls, including their ever- loyal supporters the same technique and hope that it would work wonders for them, too.

I know the past campaign had been very exhausting, not only for the candidates, but also for their families and all sorts of controversies, allegations, and black propaganda- both in the national and local levels- were circulated in different channels, particularly in the social media. This was expected. However, what saddened me was seeing supporters throwing mud and below-the-belt accusations while sharing concocted information that they thought could ruin their bets’ opponents. Worse, some supporters went to the extent of maligning and slandering supporters of other parties, wishing a family member be raped or be killed. These were uncalled for. So to these supporters, now that election is finished, I say, “Please, hang loose now.”

As a young voter and an avid social media user, it is my prayer that we have learned our lessons as respectable people, especially during an election period. There’s nothing wrong with promoting our bets but to malign other candidates’ names and their families and supporters with baseless accusations, not to mention, attacks on their personal integrity, is cruel. Let’s focus on the facts, on the real issues. Then, we should desist from sharing anything, particularly the memes that contain ‘funny’ but unfounded information. I remember lecturing my seventh-grade niece, a social media user, to start checking on her sources before she shares anything on her FB account. We need to stop being one of those na “may mai-share lang.” I told her.

It’s a week after the elections, I hope we all get to move on. As what the outgoing and the incoming governor of my beloved Pangasinan said, the people have spoken, the politics is done, it’s back to work again, back to loving Pangasinan even more. Our bets may have won or lost but we all have to respect the will of the majority, as we’re living in a democracy. Not all the candidates I voted for triumphed. Disappointed as I might be, I have to accept that I am not the only one living in this country. I just pray that the promises of the newly-elected leaders will be fulfilled.

At this point, I want to congratulate all the winners (and the non-winners) for their dedication to serve the people. To the Espinos, the people, indeed, want a continuity of progress towards “Pangasinan Number 1!” All the best!

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

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