FILEX: Political Dynasty
Since ELECTION TIME is fast approaching, CON ASS Debate is on going, I believe that another political issue is timely to discuss and talk about - POLITAL DYNASTY.
"Friedrich Naumann says... | Date replied: Jun 20,2007
On a very fundamental level, it is difficult to justify depriving someone from his inherent democratic right to seek elective office just because of his family. It also restricts the people?s democratic choice. If we believe that we have to prevent people from voting for dynasties, we are in effect saying that we do not trust the people to make the right choices ? but such a belief undermines democracy as a whole.
Looking at it pragmatically, one clear benefit is that the political experience and wisdom of a good politician is easily passed down to his children. Growing up in a political household is a great training exercise. Political legacies and traditions can live on. Moreover, politics is about networking, and inheriting one is a big advantage. This effect can be seen in many democracies around the globe. The Roosevelt family gave the US two of its outstanding presidents; the Kennedy?s have produced several important leaders; the current speaker of the House in the US, Nancy Pelosi, learned politics from her father. In Germany, the education minister, Ursula von der Leyen, is the daughter of a well-known provincial leader.
Of course, the opposite is also possible. The corrupt practices of the father can be continued and can become even more established by his children.
However, the real problem lies not in sons, wives or daughters running for elected positions. The problem is a political system that is weak, where patronage politics are still endemic. The rule of law is also weak, thus perpetuating local power structures that are not open to peaceful competition and to real accountability. Its symptoms at election time are vote-buying, intimidation and cheating; thereby, not allowing for a true opposition to emerge and for the will of the people to be truly heard. So when people worry about dynasties, the issue is really the nature of the power structure in the political system. Dynasties are a symptom, not the root cause. If we want to change things, we should focus on how to strengthen the rule of law and how to increase competition in the system. Otherwise we are in danger of treating a brain tumor with aspirin."
Political dynasty should be strictly prohibited in our country. There are many politicians of today monopolize the politics on their respective provinces, like the:
1.) Josons of Nueva Ecija
2.) Magsaysay and Gordon of Zambales
3.) Roman and Garcia of Bataan
4.) Singson of Ilocos Sur
5.) Garcia and Osmena of Cebu
6.) Zubiri of Bukidnon
7.) Cojuangcos
8.) Aquinos
9.) Marcoses, etc.
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THIS POLITICAL DYNASTY SHOULD BE DEFINED CLEARLY IN OUR CONSTITUTION.
