Our “party” system is shot, without sanctions for turncoatism, with patronage politics, with winnability being defined by how much a candidate is willing to spend to get to the top (which he already pocketed from the citizens, which he probably considers an “investment” that will yield huge returns).

When I was working for a short time with a presidential wannabe, who was behaving more like I was working FOR him, I found that even some folks who purport to be into “change politics” are not into being questioned by others, much less ready to debate on issues. The arrogance of both the people who are both in power or not even in power yet!

It is our right and, in fact, our obligation to question our candidates, to require more from them than platitudes, empty promises or mere rhetoric. We have to also urge our compatriots to start asking questions and demanding reasonable and rational answers.

Hi jess_ones,

I am a practicing Catholic but not a regular churchgoer. For me, two very different things. I guess, I am searching for the kind of Roman Catholicism that is more solemn and less “human.” My mom thinks I am being my usual rebellious self but can no longer force me to go to Mass because she can’t force a 44 year old to do anything, especially when all I do is complain about how the sermons no longer touch me (not because I am “frigid” but because a lot of them are unprepared to render them

I so agree with all that you posted, especially –

“This is a very interesting time for us as a nation. Desperate political situations are forcing us to confront questions that we never really had to answer in the past. Someday, when we get back on our feet, we will look back at the Among Ed phenomenon and be thankful for the wisdom it has given us.”

To this I say, “Amen.”

For a very long time now I have not been a practicing Catholic and because of this, it is easier for me to appreciate the justifications you have made in favor of Among Ed’s wanting to do more for the country on a wider scope. There is finally a good man willing to fight in a place where most of us wouldn’t have the courage nor the necessary qualities to survive. It ought to be simple, and the only arguments should really be from a tactical point of view.

If we listen to Among Ed talk, his approach is much more secular and down-to-earth than, say, Brother Eddie’s. That there is more of an uproar over Among Ed’s running tells us more about Filipino Catholicism than about “religious” candidates themselves.

This is a very interesting time for us as a nation. Desperate political situations are forcing us to confront questions that we never really had to answer in the past. Someday, when we get back on our feet, we will look back at the Among Ed phenomenon and be thankful for the wisdom it has given us.