BY: DONALD SEVILLA
WAG THE DOG
A diversionary tactic aimed at shifting attention away from a pressing subject or main issue. It is a strategy to divert focus, away from a situation that demands immediate attention, burying it in another matter of urgent concern.
The impeachment trial of the Vice President could be seen as a classic example of this political strategy to make us forget the flood control scandal.
All eyes are on the ball and plunging our country in a state of political turmoil to cover up the greater mess we have gotten ourselves into is sad.
Yet for all the legalese and posturing, the impeachment court is a spectacle where political personalities are grandstanding to promote themselves and their careers at the public’s expense.
This applies to both prosecution and defense who regale us with their performances seen on national TV.
Yet the cost of conducting the impeachment trial could be better spent towards projects and legislation that directly redown to the benefit of our people. Furthermore such actions which promote partisanship and divisiveness at a time when our country needs unity more, is despicable.
But the rift between the top players of our government hierarchy has stunted our economic growth and greatly affected governance.
While the anti-corruption sentiments espoused by our leaders seem noble, they appear hypocritical and selective. Justice for our people has not been met as flood control culprits have yet to be held accountable. No big fish has been handed out punishment for their alleged roles.
Despite the lofty rhetoric being touted about, perceived masterminds and suspected parties guilty of corruption still remain scot- free.
While the impeachment trial is a litmus test for our democracy, it highlights the maturity of our society to react to situations when we are called upon to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Can we go beyond political partisanship and loyalties when made to choose for the greater good?
Our country is beset by problems greater than the impeachment of any one particular official. While accountability and transparency should remain gold standards in public service, it should not be made basis for partisan prosecution of our political adversaries.
If our motives are pure and sincere, we can consider our actions lofty and noble.But if they are tainted with bias and prejudice, we are only deluding ourselves.
But do we really need to go through these political exercises when we have more pressing matters to attend to?
With the next elections just around the corner, who needs an impeachment trial now? Wouldn’ t we rather see the flood control mess resolved and the untold billions lost to corruption be recovered and guilty parties punished?
We couldn’t afford to waste anymore, time and resources on a futile exercise where the numbers rule!