As defined in the dictionary, do-gooders are well meaning persons but naïve and ineffectual.
Naïve means “unsophisticated,” “inexperienced.” A tyro or someone who is amateurish.
Ineffectual means “not being able to produce” the desired effect. In short, ineffective.
I think by our definition you would already know who the do-gooders are – whether past or present – in the Upper and Lower Chambers of the Philippine Congress and in your own political area or districts.
This description borders on mediocrity, if not mediocrity itself, depending on how high you set your own standards.
An English proverb says: “You can’t teach an old dog a new trick.” Perhaps this aptly applies to do-gooders.
As the 2016 mid-term election nears, it is always a good time to point out how electing do-gooders has shaped our daily life, including our social mindsets and outlook.
Filipinos are enamored by politicians and candidates who tickle their funny bones and make them laugh hilariously. They begin to accept them as one from their ranks because a candidate who talks their language somehow warms their hearts.
Do-gooders are oftentimes candidates with popular name recall but rarely have platforms and advocacies to live by. They short-change the voting public who do not know that they are being taken for a ride.
We have hundreds – no, make this, thousands – of laws that are proposed every year in both houses of Congress. In fact, we have many laws that are not even implemented to the letter.
That is why when a situation suddenly erupts and a violator is caught, he squirms: “Sorry po, hindi ko alam yan.”
The jaywalking law is one, the anti-littering law is another and the no smoking ban. These are just three basic statutes that are not consistently enforced.
Ambition and the hunger for power, authority and influence drive do-gooders who have the wherewithal to aspire for elective posts such as the senate and district representatives.
Do-gooders today know what power, authority and influence can do for them to protect their business interests, thus they gain more access to highly profitable business deals that will earn more profits for their family business.
Elvis Presley is attributed to have said this quote: “Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.”
Unless our people raise and elevate their political consciousness, do-gooders in our midst will continue to ram their thick rhino-skinned persona in our faces.
Let’s be frank about it.
We are a people that have allowed itself to be toyed around by stiff-necked politicians who promise “salvation” like they were preaching the Holy Gospel just to secure a win in the polls.
We are a people who, like sheep, meekly follow the bandwagon mentality because we hear the bells ringing up ahead. Without the bells ringing, the sheep go into a chaotic cadence, dispersing into various directions.
Sad to say, we are a people in a dire, sorry state.
We are unable to separate the do-gooders from the real ones.
Our appreciation is too skin-deep, often-times based on the appearance, shape and form.
More physical than cerebral.
Shall we allow ourselves – as a people – to wallow in this despicable state for another decade and then blame the government for the unmitigated hardships we go through?
Elections are the democratic ways for a nation and its people to choose the men and women to lead them to peace, prosperity and progress. If those who were once voted upon have misled us, do they deserve a second chance?
This is the question that Filipino voters must respond to intelligently.
We know that there are several, if not many, “dreamers” aspiring to become senators of the Republic.
Are they do-gooders or real work horses and public servants?
In closing, I quote Elbert Hubbard, a famous American writer and publisher who said: “One machine can do the work of fifty ordinary men. No machine can do the work of one extraordinary man.”### (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) Prov. 17:16: “Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
