Conclave and 2013 elections
By Hernor De Asis
The Filipino youth always give a cold shoulder about what’s happening to their nation but there are few who are wise enough to ask questions, give their views or even share their sentiments. Leaving all the things to our old folks, might lead us in dancing to a rhythm we can’t even grasp.
This year of the snake seems to slither along winding paths and alleys of events that history shan’t forget. It is also a year of triumph after ‘surviving’ doomsday December 21, which most youngsters found more a farce than anything life-threatening. I can’t help but laugh about the viral text messages firing my mobile.
This year embarks significant event since we will experience the transfer of great obligations and power to whomever will be the chosen individuals after the mid-term election to select new set of officials and the conclave for selecting the pope. The two existing laws are apparently believed to govern peace and justice using the Law of the Land and God’s Commandments.
We can’t deny the fact that these existing powers are sometimes in contrast with each other.
Teenagers are fond of making jokes out of what is happening, but what would you think is the stand of the young about the forthcoming conclave and 2013 election?
Millions of Catholics and even Christians in other denominations were stunned following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the first pope who resigned after 600 years since Gregory XII in 1415 and the first to have done so voluntarily since Celestine V in 1294. He will be leaving his position as head of the Holy See (Episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome) on February 28.
His health condition is his primary reason and in March we will be witnessing the arrival of a new pope. There are 117 cardinals (115 might participate since two cardinals will be turning 80) all over the world will gather and elect a new pontiff through the Conclave.
2013 election is another challenge for the youth who reach their legal voting age. It is indeed a hard task to choose the right candidate for the government office, since some candidates are hiding behind their masks and intents filled with honey colored speeches.
We are also blinded by their false promises stipulated in their platforms which will remain a dialogue to remember than an action to witness.
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I’ve interviewed some young people on their views with regarding these two events and how they think such decisive moments will affect them.
Sadly, the common, unwitting response is, “No comment! Go ask my parents, they might help you.”
Some don’t even know the meaning of papal conclave or of their rights to suffrage.
A few even joked if the election of pope has “fundings” then they might be paying attention. “Fundings,” a term you usually hear during elections. It is an amount given to the voters from some electoral candidates to gain more votes, in short, vote-buying.
Many teenagers on the electoral roll are blinded on these diminutive amount even our old folks. We should bear in mind that using wealth to persuade people is a sign of being desperate. Thus, after they win, they will all have to get their investment plus interest!
A point to ponder, a twenty-peso bill can be a bullet of dreadful motives; a single vote is priceless as it puts every life at stake. So let us all shout…
“I’M NOT BUYING IT!”
This year of the snake seems to slither along winding paths and alleys of events that history shan’t forget. It is also a year of triumph after ‘surviving’ doomsday December 21, which most youngsters found more a farce than anything life-threatening. I can’t help but laugh about the viral text messages firing my mobile.
This year embarks significant event since we will experience the transfer of great obligations and power to whomever will be the chosen individuals after the mid-term election to select new set of officials and the conclave for selecting the pope. The two existing laws are apparently believed to govern peace and justice using the Law of the Land and God’s Commandments.
We can’t deny the fact that these existing powers are sometimes in contrast with each other.
Teenagers are fond of making jokes out of what is happening, but what would you think is the stand of the young about the forthcoming conclave and 2013 election?
Millions of Catholics and even Christians in other denominations were stunned following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the first pope who resigned after 600 years since Gregory XII in 1415 and the first to have done so voluntarily since Celestine V in 1294. He will be leaving his position as head of the Holy See (Episcopal jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome) on February 28.
His health condition is his primary reason and in March we will be witnessing the arrival of a new pope. There are 117 cardinals (115 might participate since two cardinals will be turning 80) all over the world will gather and elect a new pontiff through the Conclave.
2013 election is another challenge for the youth who reach their legal voting age. It is indeed a hard task to choose the right candidate for the government office, since some candidates are hiding behind their masks and intents filled with honey colored speeches.
We are also blinded by their false promises stipulated in their platforms which will remain a dialogue to remember than an action to witness.
********
I’ve interviewed some young people on their views with regarding these two events and how they think such decisive moments will affect them.
Sadly, the common, unwitting response is, “No comment! Go ask my parents, they might help you.”
Some don’t even know the meaning of papal conclave or of their rights to suffrage.
A few even joked if the election of pope has “fundings” then they might be paying attention. “Fundings,” a term you usually hear during elections. It is an amount given to the voters from some electoral candidates to gain more votes, in short, vote-buying.
Many teenagers on the electoral roll are blinded on these diminutive amount even our old folks. We should bear in mind that using wealth to persuade people is a sign of being desperate. Thus, after they win, they will all have to get their investment plus interest!
A point to ponder, a twenty-peso bill can be a bullet of dreadful motives; a single vote is priceless as it puts every life at stake. So let us all shout…
“I’M NOT BUYING IT!”
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