Here and now

Whenever we discuss the many political, economic, social, cultural and moral issues of the here and now, there are often two competing viewpoints that derail discussions.

- TONYO CRUZ

On one hand, one camp says "wait for your turn in the next elections," while the other preaches "vote wisely in the next elections."

Both could claim to be right yet could only be convincing if we fall for their flawed logic about elections as "winner take all" contests, or that voting is either the supreme or only acceptable democratic act worth performing.

The thing is, elections are only one-day affairs every three or six years. It turns out that democratic action is more important in improving our country, and holding election winners accountable.

There are simply many issues that are not decided in elections: Elections that are solely focused on choosing who would be leaders at various levels of government. In between elections, it is when policies are adopted and programs implemented that greater and fiercer democratic participation is needed.