The Manila Times

‘I, me, mine’

“THE Beatles: Get Back,” a 2021 three-part documentary series chronicling the making of the Beatles’ 1970 album “Let It Be,” was fully released on Nov. 27, 2021. Thus, I binge-watched it over that same weekend. As usual, I learned something new in the whole process.

The lyrics of their song “I Me Mine” reverberates, especially during this election season. It goes —

All I can hear/I me mine, I me mine, I me mine

xxx

Everyone’s saying it/Flowing more freely than wine

All through your life/I me mine, I me mine, I me mine

This song is about selfishness, which, in fact, is a major problem in our society, much more in our body politic. Traditional politicians, to the point of extreme greediness, would want to control our society, our economy, and even our way of life, all for financial gain.

Remember how a politician promises impossible things during a campaign? “I will do this, I will do that, I will give this to you.” “I am the answer to society’s problems, etc.” This is the epitome of greed and ego.

‘Diretsong Pananaw’

The Manila Times TV launched on Oct. 29, 2021, a one-hour public affairs show focusing on political issues and the forthcoming 2022 national and local elections. The prerecorded program is aired every Friday at 7 p.m. Among the notable guests that have appeared on the show are former congressman Neri Colmenares, law dean Chel Diokno and deputy House speaker Lito Atienza.

Neri Colmenares is a human rights lawyer and activist. He served as Bayan Muna’s representative from 2009 to 2016, and he is a senatorial candidate under the political coalition of Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (MKBYN).

Neri is one of the few legislators who has never been linked to any corruption issues. I trusted him when he said, “Wala akong takot kasi hindi ako nagnanakaw diyan.” His favorite quote is directed at Filipinos who do not want to take a stand regarding national issues. It is widely believed that this quote is from author Dante Alighieri, but Congressman Neri put it in this manner: “One of the hottest places in hell is reserved for those who remained neutral in the greatest issues in life.”

Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno is a human rights advocate and the chairman of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). He is the founding dean of the De La Salle University College of Law, and he is now running for senator under the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP) political party.

Atty. Chel said, “Nakikita ko na malaki ang pagkukulang natin pagdating sa hustisya. Kulang, wala tayong kagat ang hustisya at many times ay walang ngipin ang batas. x x x If we really want to stop organized crime, kailangan sigurado tayo na kapag sila gumawa ng mga ganyan mahuhuli sila at makukulong. It’s the certainty of punishment that stops crime. At iyon ang kulang na kulang sa atin.” I say, indeed, our judicial system must be reformed.

I am delighted by the terminology used by Atty. Chel in countering the troll farms of other candidates — “CHELdren”. “Kung sila ay may troll farms, ako naman ay may ‘CHELdren’. Ito ang aming mga volunteers na nasa 14,000+ at bihasa sa social media,” he said.

Jose “Lito” Atienza Jr. has served as the representative for the Buhay party-list since 2013 and has been House deputy speaker since November 2020. He is a known “pro-life” campaigner, and he is running for vice president under the Abag Promdi ticket with Sen. Manny Pacquiao as their presidential candidate.

Congressman Lito is the only one who has promoted a prolife stance in his more than five decades of political experience. Accordingly, he had convinced Senator Pacquiao to oppose the reimposition of the death penalty.

After hearing their platforms of government and their visions for the country, I believe that they do not have the “I Me Mine” mentality. If elections were held today, I would surely vote for these three candidates.

Equality for all

John Lennon and Billy Preston (the Beatles’ keyboard player during the ‘Let It Be’ sessions) sang these lyrics during a jam to the melody of the song “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” —

I had a dream/ I had a good dream/You’re black or you’re white/Do you wanna go right

I had a dream/A very good dream last night/I said I got a dream/I said wrong or right, black or white/We all deserve our equal rights

I had a dream/A very good dream. Yes I did./I had a dream/A very good dream. Y’all

I had a dream/A very good dream/Every man born/ deserves a dream

If you’re black or white/We want equal rights.

This duet (which was not officially released by the Beatles) is not just about racial discrimination — it’s about inequality. Everyone of us deserves equal treatment, equal opportunities, equal justice, equality in everything.

Let not things remain as dreams. Let each and every Filipino’s dream become a reality. Vote only for those candidates who can help you realize your dreams for a better life.

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Opinion

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2021-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://manilatimes.pressreader.com/article/281681143162299

The Manila Times