The storm of Midterm Election `99
Although the dust of this century’s last midterm election would eventually settle down, there’s one thing that stood out very clearly in the expression of voters, the poor and deteriorating economic conditions in these isles.
Everybody’s talking about it not necessarily as a result of loss of political patronage, but with a sense of hopelessness in what lies ahead. The scaffolding of our wonderful sense of complacency by constantly blaming the Asian Crisis has just about exhausted every golfer’s excuse. I am sure many would agree with me when I say that the greater crisis lies in the obvious lack of focus (on the part of leadership) to address and resolve qualitative issues we’ve neglected for years.
When I say “qualitative issues”, I’m simply referring to the quality of life in paradise turned into a hellish hole for the indigenous people as a result of our inability to see the larger picture or obvious sense of complacency. Hope this isn’t a microcosm of what the future holds for the people of these isles. It is, however, a realistic gauge of where the GOP may have faltered in grand style. And it doesn’t bode well for the GOP in the upcoming gubernatorial race. Is it a case of an hierarchical political burn out?
There’s an obvious need to regroup and rechart the future of these isles with stronger resolve to buckle down and bite the bullet of difficult decisions in hopes of bringing about brighter tomorrows for posterity. Lest this is done, the ship of hope may be headed for disaster of titanic proportions when ours is but a canoe.
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As I was cruising around the island yesterday, there was a group of supporters who were taking down billboards of their defeated candidates. They quietly went about their business. I wasn’t about to brave one unsolicited “hafa adai” and not when they’re pondering what’s next when the holiday season is history. Man, all that effort down the tube!
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I expected some losers among the GOP but not the slam job that democrats rendered incumbents in Precinct I. Someday soon it’ll be “One pay de Odda” time not between republicans and democrats, but among the GOP themselves. It will eventually turn into a feud of self-destruction as it attempts to regroup for the year 2001. I think it’s the effect of an hierarchical burn out.
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The approval of Leg. Initiative 11-1 had the author smiling. But I’m tolerant of this personal defeat for I expect to have the last laugh. It could happen as early as two months from now when the US Supreme Court decides on the Rice vs. Cayetano case. If the court rules in favor or Rice, we can kiss Article XII adios for good.
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Well, the midterm election is a community gauge to draw messages from the grassroots on their true sentiments. And there’s nothing we could once they have spoken. For the GOP, it’s back to dominance once more. For the Reform, it’s the sweet taste of victory and the democrats, it’s also the sweet taste of victory however gradual it may be. The scattered puzzle isn’t difficult to piece together. It’s as simple as one plus one equals two. If you can’t figure this one out, you have a lot of soul-searching to work on between now and then. It’s been a rough midterm election. Si Yuus Maase`!