My country the Philippines has had its share of female presidents. In just two decades of our new found democracy, weve had two already. The first was Corazon Cojuangco Aquino and the present, Gloria Macapagal Arroy. Both maybe women but worlds apart. Aquino was a plain housewife and Arroyo a seasoned politician.
Aquino came to power to our first People Power Revolt. In 1983, her exiled husband and former senator, Benigno Aquino was brutally gunned down on the tarmac of our international airport. Then dictator, Ferdinand Marcos announced a snap election. Knowing very well that he has total control and with the opposition leaderless with the senator’s death, Marcos was confident he will be “elected” as president. With Benigno’s death, the splintered opposition nominated Benigno’s widow, Corazon. It was clear from the onset that there will be massive cheating to get Marcos elected. When tabulators walked out of the central counting center to show their disgust over the cheating, the start of the end for Marcos’s reign began.
Corazon though coming from a family of politicians never entered politics. She had no creditials to show. All she had was to realize the dreams her martyred husband dreamt of. She was well loved by the people but military adventurists with the aid of displaced politicians tried to unseat her several times. Through all this, she was able to keep herself as a model of public service. Remember, she was a palin houswife. She remains to be loved and revered by the Filipinos.
In stark contrast, Gloria Arroyo rose from the ranks. A daughter of a former president, Diosdado Macapagal, she became a senator and a vice president finally grabbing power through a bogus revolution. But she was not yet through, the ambitious Arroyo ran for president in 2004 and won in a highly suspicious manner. To this day, she reign with an iron hand, whisking her opponents and holding power through political bribery. Her term is to end in 2010 but being greedy, she is now spearheading a constitutional shift that could give her perpetual power.
With the U.S. elections just over the horizon, the Republicans has exposed their ace in the person of Sarah Palin. Within a heartbeat away from the presidency, I just wonder how she will run the country should she ascend to the presidency. As I’ve mentioned above, with or without experience, anybody is qualified to be president. The only that matters is what principles they have and the attitude they possess. At the end of the day, it is the voter who will decide. The Filipinos put their trust in Corazon Aquino and in more ways than one, she did not disappoint us. The same cannot be said of Gloria Arroyo, she has driven the country in the quagmire of despair.
Gender should never be an issue, it’s what’s in the heart of the candidate presented to you. Begging you to elect them into office. Experience is also not an issue, what matters is will they represent the people. I just hope that come November, Americans will vote wisely without prejudice to race, religion, gender or experience. Just keep in mind that vultures prey on the weak and exploit the wounded.
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September 16th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Your argument in this post is quite interesting and the similarities striking. You raise many valid points and in comparing the two women you deliver a powerful message. I clearly understand your point of view.
Although I agree with much of what you write, I respectfully disagree with your argument that “anybody is qualified to be president” and “The only thing that matters is what principles they have and the attitude they possess.” True… principles and attitude, honor, dignity and respect for the people you serve should be high on the list; however, experience even if little allows for an easier transition and informed decision making.
I don’t want my government to “take care of me” but I do expect my government to protect me in times of war and major catastrophic disasters. My President must be decisive, courageous and wise. I expect him or her to defend the USA and its citizens above all else. I expect a “commander and chief” and not a selfish dictator or person with a socialist agenda.
Of course, I support John McCain for he is the only candidate that meets my criteria and therefore is more than qualified to be President.
As for Palin, I realize she has yet to prove herself worthy of “our” trust. But, if what I have read,heard from her lips and seen of her life experiences and actions are any indication of this woman’s courage, strength and determination, then I cannot help but truly believe she is more than capable and qualified to lead as “commander and chief” and deserving of my trust and respect.
Great post.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:03 am
Well said, finally a good report on this stuff