The greener grass

I cannot help but make comparisons to other countries with regards to a myriad of things. From the obvious cleanliness of the surroundings to the efficient modes of transportation, to the attitudes of the people. I have had the good fortune of traveling all over the world, and I have to admit that there have been times I wished I was coming home to a similar place.

Disappointments aside, I am still hopeful that we as a people, could elevate ourselves and become a lot better than what we are now. But there is one thing we can compare without having to travel to different lands. All we have to do is watch the news.

Another US politician has gone public and admitted to having an affair with a “dear friend”, after disappearing for days. South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford admitted on national television that he went to Argentina to be with a woman he had an affair with. He goes on to apologize to everyone for what he has done, and stops short of resigning from his post.

But his political future is not what I would like to point out, rather his coming forward to admit his sins. In the Philippines, when has something like that happened? Garci? An apology was made, but not an admission of irregularity, so it does not count.

Let’s not be naïve and act like we are shocked. If we were Americans, that may have been the case. Infidelity is something that makes news in the land of milk and honey. But over here, it seems like a badge of honor!

We all know the multitudes of children of Ramon Revilla Sr. and the women of former President Joseph Estrada, to name but a few. Yet they were elected into public office. No apologies for the women they’ve loved and the children they have fathered.

Everyone seems to know which politician is seeing and sleeping with, yet there are no calls for their admissions or apologies, let alone their resignations!

 South Korea is also known for its apologizing politicians, especially past presidents, but this time for graft and corruption. Again, when has something like that happened here?

Witnesses and all, no one has actually come forward and admitted to graft and corruption. “Never admit” is the battle cry of the scoundrel. We are still evolutions away from the attitudes of these two countries’ politicians. Unless we really go for true change.

In the meantime, I can’t wait for another opportunity to travel, if only to see and experience what we could be as a people and as a country, and hopefully do something about it.