POSITIVE VIEW OF POLITICS

A lot of people perceive that politics as dirty and a means to achieve one's craving for power and a tool for personal aggrandizement. Gone were the principles laid down by ancient and medieval political theorists that politics is a means or a venue by which man can achieve his true potential, not only for his or her own personal gain but moreover for the good of many.

It does not help any that politics as practiced in the Philippines is nowhere near the ideals that has helped alleviate the current murk of socio- political and economic quagmire we stuck ourselves into. I need not enumerate the numerous examples to prove this point. One has just to look at the window to see reality. Will there be any hope for change amid the growing quiet discontent, indifference, apathy and hopelessness prevailing now?

In an article I clipped from the Philippine Daily Inquirer column of Tita Datu Puangco,"Advice for the Anxious Person at Work," last Sept. 7, 2003, she quotes Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement in Switzerland. It is about the challenge of authentic politics.

Lubich words,Puangco said, gave her hope. Lubich proposed a "Politicians for Unity Movement," and a unique and positive view of politics. She said that a " response to a political vocation is an act of brotherhood, because one acts upon public matters and deals with questions that are of concern to theirs, wanting their good as if it were their own."

Ideal politics is the "gathering into unity of a common design the resources of persons and groups that provide the means for each one to freely pursue his or her own vocation. It also fosters collaboration among all, bringing together the need with the resources, the questions with the answers, instilling trust among all."

The key ideas of the movement of unity in politics are: One is the concept that the vocation of a politician is an act of love, a personal calling that provide an answer to a social need or problem, to the sufferings of people and the needs of the time.

Two,politicians understand that others, even political opponents, might have made their choices out of love and therefore worthy of respect. They are interested in supporting good proposals of their political adversaries. They can build the common good together.

Third, politicians must listen to everyone, including those who are "different." They make themselves one with everyone, so that they become capable of understanding and offering proposals. This is what is called,"authentic political realism."

Fourth, politicians cannot remain passive in the face of conflicts that can create deep divisions between politicians and citizens. They must make the first step to rebuild a breakdown in communication.

Fifth, brotherhood has to become mutual, necessary for a correctly understood democracy.

Finally, politicians are capable of loving the other parties as they love their own.

The trend of the Movement for Unity in Politics has gained ground in Europe and South America. In the light of the coming elections, which will again deepen the already wide gap between the different sectors of our society, this call should be heeded by our politicians especially by those who are aspiring for the high public offices.

Only then, shall we as a people and a nation gain our lost dignity.