handshake

I could hear her famous jingle from a few blocks away from my house. I could guess what I would expect in the next few minutes of what was about to happen if I stay where I was. I could feel the unwanted, non-rewarding pressure that's about to take place if I kept my position. They're coming.

I had to sweep off dried leaves from my "carless" garage that unsurprisingly becoming a daily habit due to high temperature at noon, and strong, steaming winds come afternoon. As they passed by in front of my house, a campaign officer (read:hatak) told me to stop what I was doing to shake hands with re-electionist The Mayor. Now I've seen her from thousands of posters even before this upcoming elections and I think i've had enough of her smile. Meeting her would be shoving it too much. I told him "Sige lang ser, kelangan ko tapusing 'to". Obviously not pleased with my way of rejection, he raised his voice, contrasted with a grinning smile, told me "Sige na brod, tigilan mo yan!" I fired back with a "May ginagawa nga ako't madumi kamay ko! ano ka ba?!" then suddenly,out of nowhere (actually from a flock of police officers),The Mayor appeared and responded "okay lang yan,for Mayor, kuya ha?" reached out her hand and shook my hands firmly. Blinded by the element of surprise, i smiled back. After her parade passed through our house, I went inside and washed my hands-thoroughly.

I had three or four more "shake hands" incident that took place in one afternoon. As her fellow Vice Mayor, councilor(s), followed the same path. I was at my favorite time of the day-sweeping dried leaves, gardening, while listening to Best of Elton John. They had to ruin it by playing these popular tunes, surgically butchered with lyrics that would identify them and which position they're running for. I've readied myself from those situations.

That's why I'm not voting.

I've been thinking, "What difference would it make?" "exercising my right?" "expressing my opinion?" "vote wisely?" my common denominator would be NO.

If I wanted to exercise my right, it would be my right to refuse to vote. My right not to take part of this creeping national disaster. a scam in subtle nature. I don't hate elections. I just thought that this "automated failure" should've taken place where no national position is involved (like barangay elections-that would be a good practice) We're talking about a 6 year term here, people. Well, when all else fails, there's always EDSA tres,kwatro, singko , etc.

I've seen this pol-ad (i'm pretty sure it was a pol-ad, i could be wrong) That I've no right to complain at certain situations such as unfinished roads (as clearly depicted in the ad), traffic, power rate hikes, etc. if I don't vote

You know what, Fuck you.

I pay taxes. I pay all taxes you ask me to. The least that you nimrods could do is make it worth it for taxpayers like me. I've no right to complain? again, Fuck you.

Sorry. That was not for you. It's these thoughtless pol-ads making my blood boil to a lava-like state and making me talk like Eminem.

Four weeks. That's four sundays. Two paydays. That means more handshaking followed by thorough handwashing, followed by aspirin - not taken into moderation.