Nonetheless, here is my short list, the Senatorial candidates that I will vote tomorrow.
1. Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. Clear and explicit in calling for reducing the size of the bureaucracy, in simplifying business procedures and regulations, in liking minimal government.
2. Koko Pimentel. Favors the privatization of PAGCOR, rather independent minded.
3. Dick Gordon. Strong presence in civil society via the Philippine National Red Cross. The Red Cross is one clear example that civil society participation in public health promotion is very potent, that it's not all government in healthcare.
4. Greco Belgica. Advocates flat income tax of 10% for both individuals and corporations. His chance of winning of course is zero, but will vote for him nonetheless.
5. Eddie Villanueva. Never sought any appointed political position after he lost in the last two Presidential elections that he joined. He stayed with his church-based and civil society organizations.
Ouch, only five. Will think of the other seven tonight.
A friend commented that my criteria above is like “voting for those who won’t do anything.” I replied that it is not the case. Rather, it is voting for those who will attempt to leave us to do what we think is good for ourselves, our family and our community, and not regulate and nanny us how you should conduct our own lives, while getting more money from us so the government can regulate our lives more.
"The
election this Monday will determine our future as a nation and as
individuals." -- from a radio commentator. If many people will believe
this statement, then we are a bunch of hopeless idiots. We cannot determine our
own life and future and that of our households and communities. Everything will
depend on the politicians that we will elect and the army of bureaucrats who
will implement the politicians' will. If the elected politicians are angels,
then our future is good. If they are devils, then our future is hellish. That is a
lousy life.
Meanwhile, I have heard Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes in two or three election-related fora in the past, usually at Traders Hotel. He looked cool and frank to me. But recently, he's got the habit of typical government "prohibit and ban" thinking. Like the recent moves to ban alcohol for 5 days instead of 2, ban bank withrawals beyond P100k, ban "excessive" pol ads, etc.
 |
| LENTE forum, November 2011. Chairman Brillanes 3rd from left. |
It is good that the current Supreme Court majority realize that
prohibitionist/banning thinking is so central planning and dictatorial
leaning.
In a free society, ALL actions are allowed except for a few,
expressly prohibited acts like killing, stealing, rape, abduction, etc.
In an unfree society, ALL actions are not allowed except with
permit from government.
We are not there yet, of a totally unfree society, but as more and
more permits are required in our ordinary lives, we are moving towards a less
free society. Magtayo ka lang ng barber shop or bread shop, kaliwa-kanang
permits, taxes and fees kailangan mo. May penalties pa for "late
registration" daw.
As government expands, stupidity expands. So it is really
important to limit the power of coercion of government. Including its power to
forcibly collectivize endless subsidies and their endless financing.
More nice quotes:
A government that's BIG and populist enough to give everything you want is also BIG and dictatorial enough to take everything you've got.
Free people are not equal, and equal people are not free.
"If it moves, tax it. If it moves further, regulate it. If it stops moving, subsidize it." -- R.Reagan--------
See also:
Election Watch 3: Defining Celebrities, Politicians and the State, August 30, 2012
Election Watch 4: Senatoriables on Healthcare, March 08, 2013
Election Watch 5: Sin Tax Law, Hospital Over-regulation and Senatoriables, May 07, 2013
Election Watch 6: On Political Dynasty, May 11, 2013
No comments:
Post a Comment