A Principle-Driven Life... Ohhh, Sh*t!
By DonBasyo
@DonBasyo (215)
Philippines
April 3, 2007 11:58am CST
I am a local public official in our province. In a country built on corruption. And like any other kid, I would like to stay as a kid. Not an immature brat, an irresponsible brute, but I want to keep my ideals and aspirations intact to someday make a difference in our country.
It bugs me though since in order to make a change, the system calls for me to be wicked and corrupted. The path towards change calls for me to be a source of something I very much despise.
My family kept on telling me to be in the corrupt system, play the game, then if I am within it and become a strong pillar of the system... I can change it.
This principles I hold are the only treasure I have in my possession and I do not if I can compromise these in order to effect change if I can effect it without being corrupt.
Help me...
3 responses
@tombiz (2036)
• Philippines
6 Apr 07
This is actually the very reason why honest and full of ideals who entered politics eventaully lost their way in the forest jungle called politics -- a very treacherous and dog-eat-dog world. It is not easy to proclaim to be the bearer of changes into the system but once you are already into the system, it will be so hard not to be infected because you can't survive...without playing the game. The thing here is to rise up from the system you are in -- how to do that is on you. Remaining within the system will definitely corrupt you. People are demanding changes but they themselves are hoding back changes. People are demanding you to be honest but they are asking money left and right. In my hometown, both camps for the mayoralty race are budgetting at least p1500 each voter. Imagine that! How the winner will eventually recoup that money? By honesty? Hehehehehe maybe...maybe not! Either rise up from the system or just leave...amass wealth the right way...be superrich...then run...at least if you have much money of your own...you can still be corrupt-free...just like you I am also confused.
1 person likes this
@DonBasyo (215)
• Philippines
6 Apr 07
Arrrrgh... exactly my point... Come to think of it money is not really the answer to our poverty and misfortune. Whilst people complain left and right about their miserable lives and ask for money from politicians... Why cannot they ask for development and viable projects that would sustain a productive livelihood and economic security?
I pity the farmers in our town for instead of risiing from their plight (where they are over-worked and always fall victims to scrupulous merchants) they are continuously being dragged down to the earth.
Are you a youth politique as well?
Thank you very much and your response has been + marked
@gsgonzalez2007 (1004)
• Philippines
6 Apr 07
Don Basyo, I admire public official like you. You are one of those we consider to be the HOPE of our nation. If you will continue to stand with your principle of changing the system, remove corruption in your province then you will be a hero. But If you will be persuaded by these evil ones, then your principle will be wasted. Let the Divine Providence guide you. We need you Don Basyo.
1 person likes this
@DonBasyo (215)
• Philippines
6 Apr 07
Thank you very much ma'am...
I am just torn between my principles and the yearning to serve my constituents. I cannot deliver unless I swallow my principles. The so called SOP comes in automatically, the failure to deliver the SOP to the Mayor, Accounting Office, Barangay Captain will lead to the non-delivery of the project. The corrupt system is already intact and cannot be by-passed. If I by-pass the system I will be delayed (and I am delayed for almost 3 years now). I haven't delivered any project to my constituents since I cannot swallow my principles.
My constituents are now turning their backs on me... I am now being hated by my fellow youth for my ineffectiveness.
What should I do?
Thank you very much and your response has been + marked
@guardiangel (118)
• Philippines
3 Apr 07
Go on with your aspirations. Ask for heavenly guidance and walk on the straight path. If you go with the system in order to attain what you aspire, this will belong to "the end just not justify the means."
If you feel that the system is rot, then why play with it or try to enter it? It will just swallow you and become part of it.
@DonBasyo (215)
• Philippines
5 Apr 07
Well I did just that for the past three years... But it felt like I am pushing a huge truck up-hill, with all the people on-it; and all I wanna do is to get everybody over the hill and prevent them from crushing down the road... But the people I am trying to help, instead of making it easier for me, keeps on jumping and doubling the weight...
I am so freaking tired but just cannot let go... My mind and body is telling me to leave it and go back to my happy and rich life (a happy go lucky, no care, selfish me)... But my heart just cannot let go.
Changing the systems tells me to go in the system... For yelling from the outside will never do anything...
Thank you very much... your response has been + marked
