In Game of Thrones (RIP Dany), when Daenerys Targaryen asked Lord Varys where his loyalty lies given the latter’s propensity to betray the very kings he was supposed to serve, the Spymaster replied “My loyalty is to the people”. Varys is correct, especially when we view his words from a modern point of view.
In the past, leaders were often deified or believed to be chosen by a culture’s deity/deities. The pharaohs of ancient Egypt were regarded as human personifications of Horus. The Japanese Emperor was viewed as a descendant of Sun Goddess Amaterasu. Even Christian kings and emperors like Charlemagne like to refer to his “Divine Right” to justify his acts, which supposedly comes from God.
Today if you examine them logically, no rational individual should adhere to these views outright because, let’s be blunt here, they’re probably just a bunch of bollocks. And yet, as the 2022 Philippine National Elections draw closer, there are supporters who seem to consider their candidates infallible.
It boggles my mind why people are drawn to politicians like moths to flames. Cult of personality is one hell of a drug, I get it. But is it really difficult to stop and think for a second why we even support a candidate in the first place?
Look, there’s idiots from every camp, even that of the candidate I personally support and they definitely should be called out for their bullshit. But BBM supporters are just… they’re… something else. They defend Narc… I mean Marcos like he’s Mr. Clean, when everything he’s done, along with the sins of his father, mother, and sibling are public record and available for anyone to learn about should they be inclined to do so.
And yet they turn a blind eye, calling history as “fake news” (a term that needs to die already, it’s misinformation… news cannot be fake in the first place) and “biased” towards the family of the dead dictator. Side note, it’s hilarious that people equate bias with criticism. Just because something isn’t favorable to your side doesn’t mean it’s biased towards you as long as there are facts… hard, objective truths… that back them up.
Sometimes, my head is filled with elitist thoughts that say not everyone is capable of rational thinking, hence the strong affinity for following corrupt politicians. I don’t like these thoughts and I don’t want to be right. And while I don’t entertain these thoughts, it gets frustrating sometimes when you try to logically explain the reasons why you are against politicians like BBM and then get hit with childish retorts or replies filled with misinformation.
I am a cynic and I don’t believe we can change a person once they’re set on their beliefs no matter how much facts we cram onto the discussion. The only real chance for a change of heart to happen is when the individual themselves run into an experience that radically changes their of point of view i.e. get double crossed by the very politician they support.
But for you, oh reader who still values logic above everything else, let’s not forget Varys’ words. Our loyalty should be to the people, not the politicians chosen to lead them. Obviously, the act of supporting (and being) a politician is not wrong. But allegiances should not be absolute. At the first signs of descent into the dark side by our chosen politician, we must have our hands on the hilt of our sword, which in this case is criticism.
To explain my awkward medieval metaphor, we must always be ready to criticize politicians from the get go, and not engage in justification of egregious decisions and acts. And maybe even more drastic measures should the proverbial shit hit the fan.
This is my personal belief: support but never fully trust a politician. You’ll never know if and when they might do a heel turn and RKO you out of nowhere.
patrickkennan.com 