what specifically is this thing or things that we have to give back to the masses? – Tonio

I was referring to their right to vote for their leaders without being cheated. The tacit support of the middle class is what allows Gloria Arroyo’s administration to continue to exist. As a member of that class, i think such behavior is irresponsible and short sighted. We should definitely fear the consequences of our inaction because, despite our supposedly more informed view we have signalled that it is expedience and not principle that matters. So far, we have not used our voice beyond expressing parochial concerns.

what specifically is this thing or things that we have to give back to the masses?

and why must you make the middle class pay for it? is it because we’re the easiest targets? is it because we lack the wherewithal (capacity for violence, political clout, etc.) to defend what we have rightfully worked hard for to earn?

and while i do not mean to offend, the masses’ sense of entitlement to government freebies is nothing more than a sign of dependent behaviour. taking the fish, and not bothering to learn how to catch your own, as it were.

as for the middle class, are we not allowed our own voice? should we side with the “masa” now because they numerically outnumber us? should we now fear their vengeance because we didn’t go with the anarchy they espoused?

it is precisely because the middle class has the benefit of a more informed view that they acted (or not acted) as they did. we know how recordings can be tampered with. we know how extra-national forces virtually hold us hostage with their bond ratings and travel advisories. yet we also know the sting of betrayal. we witnessed the perpetuation of patronage politics and our government turn a blind eye to corruption. but we took all of this into account. and acted the way we did. this is why a great many of the middle class were also disillusioned by the politics of this country.

again, i am not denying that this government has a lot to pay for. but do we exact this price, again, with blood in the streets? or do we find another way?

this recent vote, a process enshrined our basic law, is what the “silent” middle class used to declare its choice. while i may only speak of my own experience, when i voted in caloocan a few weeks ago, i was surrounded by the middle class, hard-working blue collar folk, college students, entrepreneurs who took their delivery jeeps (and their relatives and neighbours) with them to the polling precinct.

it is these same people that volunteered to watch the vote, and watch they do. because they know, WE know, that a society is not governed on the street. it is governed by the rule of law, and such rule applies to everyone. so we sit here, with baited breath, hoping that at least once in recent history, the clear and honest voice of the people is heard and respected. never mind what anyone thinks of the peoples’ electoral choices. such choices should be respected. it is our right in a democracy to express such choice.

i agree cvj, the masses are disenfranchised. they deserve a decent standard of living, and all the opportunities to work towards a better future. but getting them out of poverty is not something you assign to any one group. i believe responsibility should follow capacity, we all need to help, and those who can help more should (dare i say be made to) help more.

our stock of social capital has been depleted by the collective disrespect that the middle class has shown towards the vote of the masa. when the latter are finally able to reassert themselves as a majority (either democratically or through force), do you think they would be predisposed to respect our rights as a minority after the historical example that we’ve shown?