By Jay Valleser
THE psyche of a Filipino includes his penchant for a strong leader who exhibits not only physical power and strength but also the will to do and go where others fear to tread.
In the field of governance, “dynasty” is the most visible and prevalent reality that we both hate and love. Many express their hate for it but when the opportunity comes for them to change the system, they would still vote for what may be a way for the system to continue.
Pages of our history reveal how one family or clan dominates the leadership hierarchy of our society. The Spaniards came and they amplified the dynastic way of life into all facets of our life. Illustrations: only the illustrados get to hold political power, go to college and participate in any form of governance.
The Americans were no better. To do what they needed to do, they used the same influential personalities who were willing to do their bidding. While they may have introduced us to a democratic way of life, they never did anything to democratize access to power and privilege. Illustration: the same clans and family names dominated the landscape of Philippine society.
We had an interlude with the Japanese.But seats of power and prestige remained with the same privilege few. In their haste to promote their own agenda, they appointed people to fill up the leadership vacuum the same personalities we have known for decades.
We thought we learned our lessons. Yet despite the many so-called historical great events, nothing really significant has changed. Scan the pages of our history and you will see that the events may vary but the dominant names remain the same.
We really do not want the system that we know then to be changed now. While there are those who despise the continuance of a rotten system that brought us to the quagmire of horrific realities, yet, we find them doing the same despicable acts if only to get into power themselves.
In the dance floor, one can see the same dancers swinging to different tunes.
And the vicious cycle begins again!
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