In a perverted way, one can derive relief from the tumultuous turn of events in the Philippines by looking at what is happening beyond our borders.
Unfolding international events tell us that peace and justice in societies remain elusive, and that some leaders are more concerned about personal aggrandizement than improving the quality of life of their constituents.
Some leaders also appear obsessed with asserting influence and control over territories they have no business stepping into, throwing the rule of law and basic decency out the window.
In other parts of the world, some races believe they are entitled to inflict violence on other peoples, justifying their acts by twisting the truth and pretending to be on the receiving end of the violence leaving them with no choice but to retaliate.
And then, closer to home, we see a regional power asserting its might and bullying who it perceives to be its weaker neighbors.
These are all political maneuvers, but there is also the less obvious but immensely more compelling economic considerations.
One can drum up worst-case scenarios and descend into fear about what could happen to the world in the succeeding days. There is an overwhelming sense of helplessness among ordinary people that they are powerless against these external events, with decisions being made by only a few individuals.
The sense of foreboding is all too real. It is often tempting to shut down and refuse to listen to the news which gets depressing by the day. Is a just and honest government truly possible, and would not modest gains, if any, be negated when a new administration comes along?
But it would be wrong to believe that the people are completely powerless. While decisions with profound consequences are being made by a handful of individuals, people continue to wield electoral power. So long as citizens are able to vote and choose their leaders, they are not mere pawns. The power to install representatives who make decisions for many is sacred and inviolable. It is a decision that must be guided only by good sense and a rejection of blind loyalty, fraud, or manipulation. These are, after all, who would speak for us and decide for us on the bigger international stage.
