A NEWSPAPER columnist once likened Ang Kapatiran’s uphill olitical struggle to that of King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans. Yes, the attle of Thermopylae highlighted in a grand manner a people’s stand for alor and dignity. More[over], it emphasized the importance of severe planning and intelligent pride in waging a campaign.

In the end, King Leonidas would have benefited much from this wisdom. His enlightenment came severely late. It takes more than good intentions to join an electoral contest; you must be in it to win –to paraphrase an American presidential contender. You must fire up the passions of your listeners and followers, and bring them to some fruition of your expressed ideals.

The young voters of this day are not as idealistic as those of our time. They have a need to envisage a clear path to results. A true sign of this determination is an effectively waged campaign. I am indeed disappointed to hear Ang Kapatiran candidates proclaim they intentionally avoid resorting to traditional ways of campaigning. Traditions of politics have paved the way for even the most non-traditional political ideas. What is most important is to get the message and inspiration across.

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A SIMPLE response to a mammoth challenge this fellow-balikbayan doctor [Martin Bautista] has taken upon himself: sir, more power to Davids like you, who, rightly, have sprung the conventional box, and dare the “windmills.”

Like you, I was thought to be a nitwit when I returned to the Philippines from 38 years in Europe. I chose to stay in Mindanao for the very same reasons you’re trying to wake up this turpid nation of otherwise, warm, good people.

Sir, I’m already campaigning for your party. May more wake up and do something about it, this time. Thank you– from a small but significant spark of a sector of our nation.

– Dra. Georgie Obusan-Roos, Lagao, General Santos City (via e-mail)