analyzing pinoy politics

I am not fond of politics. In fact i avoid it every chance i get - in the news, in the office, even in group interactions. However, i have come to realize that this is pointless in its ubiquitous nature.
It takes a certain degree of tolerance and a whole lot of patriotism to delve in nationwide politics, particularly if you're not a politician. What I've come to notice though are the following:

1. To every and any case in the Philippine political system, there are 2 extremes, and they are called administration and opposition. One will always have something to gain from the other. Sad as that may seem, they actually work on that premise quite vehemently that at some points the true issues at hand are not dealt with. Although this is a natural structure for group dynamics, it is quite disappointing that statesmen or even the remnants of such are now as difficult to find as the extinct neanderthals.

2. Although I am thankful for freedom of expression and freedom of speech, the concept of activism has now taken a contorted perception. It is now an extreme movement that is done with loud clatter and chatter, much ado and much commotion about this or some other. Activists are all leftists. And all they are, are groups of trouble-makers.

Someone who, through word or deed, works to change government policy or statute law, the activities of private business, contemporary social belief, hierarchical power of religious bodies, etc. Some view them as the upholders of the principles of democracy (government by the people, for the people). Police in New Zealand and elsewhere (possibly North America) classify them as criminals on a par with paedophiles (see letter Police Definition of Activist Groups). -www.embassy.org.nz/encycl/a1encyc.htm

When in fact, "activism" when broken down to its simplest root word would leave us with just "act." Something practically everybody did during the original People Power Revolution, and something everybody does everyday when someone steps on our rights and on those we care about.

But I am of the opinion that the limits of life (particularly in the Philippines) have restricted who we are. I, for one, have contained myself to my work, my family, my home - and all these are just within a 2 block radius. This is my world. And I sometimes think there are many other worlds out there just as small as mine.

3. And as i attempt to complete this entry, i find myself like so many others, at a loss of time as follow ups, and calls, and work, and the issues of an immediate environment just fog up the view of what could otherwise be a nationalistic outlook. Add to that the pessimism, the marginal concept of a singular opinion, and the economic instability of a stubborn nation of a stubborn people. The minority who will fight for change at whatever cost, the other minority who will keep the status quo at whatever cost, and everyone in between who stand in the side lines waiting for a glimpse of a future.

Now, only if we can take the "act" out of activism and into the common people.