"Representing the marginalized sectors of society...." in a BMW...

I got the opportunity to have lunch with a former colleague today. We were casually talking about some matters of the state when we got to touch on the simultaneous rallies that were held today in different areas along EDSA in protest of the present administration. One of those rallies were led by a, let me get this right, "marginalized sector of society championing the interests of the common good and the rights of the common man." This group was also represented in congress through their own party list. I couldn't help sharing to my friend what I saw a few weeks ago concerning this "representative" who champions the masses and puts the country first. The same thing I am also sharing in this journal entry...

About three weeks ago I decided to check out the cars that were on display at a european car dealership in Libis. As I stood near the panoramic front window I noticed a late model Mercedes S-Class approach the parking area with a distinguishing feature that I know oh so well. It was a protocol plate bearing the single digit "8" which stands for a Congressman.

The nosey person that I was, I waited to see who'd come out of the heavily tinted vehicle.. ALAS! It was the person who represented the, let me get this right again, "marginalized sector of society championing the interests of the common good and the rights of the common man." Ironic isn't it? Someone who represented the masses riding a luxury vehicle. So I kept a low profile and watched what the "representative" will do at the showroom. Well what do you know, the "representative" was getting a new 3-series for the daughter. And not just any 3-series but the top-of-the-line model.

I know this isn't new when it comes to people in government actually living way above their determined means, but I just couldn't help the fact that it was this person who represented the, for the sake of clarity I'll repeat it again, "marginalized sector of society championing the interests of the common good and the rights of the common man," buying the daughter a new luxury vehicle on top of the nice Merc this person was riding in. What's wrong with getting something cheaper? What's wrong with a cheaper Jap car? Especially when you represent those who are not well-off in life. People who put their fate in your hands hoping that you'll make their lives a little bit better. But I guess I know whose life is getting MUCH better.

It's a travesty really. An insult to the people who make up this cause oriented group. While they commute and stand in the blistering heat of the sun, their leader and representative enjoys the comforts of intelligent climate control, full-grain leather, traction control, and standard airbags with curtain side bags.

Two questions come to mind when I remember this thing I saw at BMW. Why go against the very principles you uphold? And how are you paying for it? Or should I say, where did the money come from?

So when this certain "representative/congressman" joined their group today at one of the rally points shouting "GMA resign!" for the sake of the country and for doing nothing to reduce poverty, where does the Merc and BMW come in? May I also add the expensive Cartier eyeglass and the nice looking white Chanel watch that this distinguished person wore that day at the dealership. Now tell me who's playing the guy casting the first stone?

I can understand switching sides in politics, but betrayal? I respected this person before.. but not anymore..

In a related issue, I remember seeing another representative of a party list a couple of months ago (one of those activist groups representing the needy) having coffee at starbucks, sporting a 15-inch Mac Powerbook. Hmmm so what's wrong with a Thinkpad? What's wrong with Nescafe 3-in-1? Does helping the less fortunate mean you can splurge on your fortunate self? I don't want to gravel anymore because I really won't stop..

Sorry, the thought just hit me today and I wanted to write about after seeing the rallies and hearing their statements on TV. I think their party lists should be renamed to more apt terms like.... nah, it'll be too obvious which ones I'll be referring to

PLEASE!!! :) do what you say.. practice what you preach... moreso, give your pork barrel to those who need it more than yourselves. To those who support these so-called groups, make sure you know your leaders well because you might end up with a false prophet :)

I should have taken pics.. sayang! :)

Life in the private sector is bliss.... REALLY!