I want to be honest here, I have no idea how to begin with this article.
But let me say this so everyone can understand where I am going with this: I am a natural born citizen of the Philippines! I'm going to leave it that way!
Which means I'm not a yet a naturalized citizen of the United States and therefore have to be neutral in my political opinions of this country. On the other hand, since the United States of America is an ally to my homeland, I feel that I should consider both political opinions I have for both countries. My opinion should be for the sake of the diplomatic relationship of both countries.
Allow me to say this on my part, I have voted according to what I know will be good for my homeland and on the diplomatic relationship of my homeland with this country and other countries as well.
Over these past few weeks there have been numerous conversations among the Filipino community here in the Shreveport-Bossier area on the national election back home. Only a few of us have registered for absentee voting. Opinions on hopeful candidates varied from who came from their region to who they think will eliminate crime. I have heard enough comments all around influencing my decisions on who to vote for. A few of these opinions came from those who are not even registered to vote. I am not infringing their right to tell their opinion but sometimes there is a need to thoroughly examine the character and track record of each candidate.
In order for me to truly know who should I vote for I follow these 10 Commandments for Responsible Voting
1. Vote according to the dictates of your conscience.
In order to make an informed decision, I used varied ways before I proceeded to fill out my ballot. I prayed that I had made a clear and right decision on who I wanted to lead my country politically.
Prayer is a very good rule of thumb for everyone to do.
2. Respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates.
NO ONE ELSE TELLS ME WHO TO VOTE FOR! Well, except for me and how the candidate was perceived.
No one can influence you who to vote for. You can't tell anyone who they should vote for unless asked.
3. Seek to know the moral integrity, capabilities and other personal qualities of the candidates you will vote for.
Another important rule I follow, I want leaders that think before speaking. Those who say and do good for others. I do not want leaders who promote things contrary to my religious and cultural belief.
Does your candidate have skeletons they hide in their closet or are they an open book about their life? Do they act according to your religious and cultural beliefs?
4. Strive to understand the issues, platform, and programs of candidates and parties campaigning for your vote.
I have watched all of the debates they held and all the news items about them before and during the campaign. I read various news articles regarding their actions in the campaign. I have closely observed on how each of the candidates address different issues that are being raised to them. I look for people who are doers and not just those who say things. Their platforms should follow all the issues that matter to me.
Does your candidate stand according to your own set of issues and beliefs? Do you think they will support all of what you stand for? Do they, according to your observations, address all the issues that were raised to their attention.
5. Do not sell your vote.
Believe it or not there are some people who think that everyone's vote is for sale. They do not necessarily have to hand you cold cash or checks, it can be anything that be any form of relief goods or similar items. Do not worry, it does not include items like pens, candies, shirts and stickers.
6. Do not vote for candidates using guns, goons, gold and glitter.
Do not let anyone intimidate you! Yes, every single one of them will promise to fix your roads, not raise taxes, or vote for things that you don't agree with, but how many of them will even consider doing those things when they are elected?
7. Do not vote for candidates tainted with graft and corruption.
This includes those related to the people with bad reputation or even a member of the so called "political dynasty."
8. Do not vote for candidates simply because of debt of gratitude, popularity, good looks, or for the sake of going along the flow.
This applies more to the local level. Believe in one, do not be tempted to vote for a candidate simply because they have helped you or someone close to you in the past. It is also possible that you may vote for them simply because their names and face are plastered on every corner of the street. And all the more, you may want to vote on a candidate simply because you are affiliated with a certain political party. Though gratitude is important, we must look at the issue and the intent of that person. Do not vote for the candidate of your own political affiliation simply because they are the candidate of your party. Vote according to the issues that matter to you.
9. Do not vote for candidates living an immoral life.
No one is a saint! But these candidates become a role model to the youth afterwards. So it is important to look on how each candidate handle accusations of how they live their lives. We do not want a person who had illicit affairs or had made corrupt deals as our leaders. If they had done wrongly, we must look on how they took responsibility for their action and not simply defended themselves.
10. Always put the welfare of the country as top priority in choosing the candidate you will vote for.
The statements says it all. In an individualistic society, we must think not only for ourselves but also for the sake of our fellow citizens. If a candidate is good for you, that does not mean they will be good for everyone.
And a final word of advice, vote wisely!
