The Politics of our Lives

IT is always tempting to say something about presidential elections (both here in the US and in the Philippines, the country of my birth). I'd be excited to say one or two “contrapuntos” in regards matters back home but I'm not as exposed to current events there than before—and I don't like to say something sans documented facts (apart from historical info). I've been reading Facebook posts and comments related to elections—and I must say, I am astounded by the degree of cluelessness that some people spew, especially those that pertain to America's global relationships.

          Some glimpses...

          One, the oil producing universe is controlled by essentially Muslim nations. What if they bonded and insist on solely dictating crude oil prices irrelevant of the West's pressures? Are we going to invade another country for oil? I bet the Koch brothers will accede to that. Not counting that those anti-Muslim darts are endangering Americans scattered all over the globe. Two, China controls factories (eg Foxconn) that supply our electronic lives, not counting almost 90 percent of retail shelves in the heartland. Computer companies' R and D budget totals beyond $5 billion each fiscal year. Also, take note South China Sea—which is currently an object of maneuverings between Beijing and US-allied countries in the region. This sealane is an important trade route east to west, teeming with natural oil, and America's security bulwark (that is why US bases in the Philippines that were evicted in early 1990s are back). Three, Mexico isn't an “illegal immigration” rostrum bait. Mexico is a next-door neighbor of the US, and historically—an important trade buddy. The country has the fifteenth largest nominal GDP and the eleventh largest GDP by purchasing power parity. The Mexican economy is strongly linked to those of its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners, especially the US. By 2050, Mexico could become the world's fifth or seventh largest economy.

          Voters should look beyond partyline partisanship and study political platforms and campaign promises vis a vis what's going on. President Obama isn't ridiculing so-called spike in auto industry's growth. He is telling us a stark truth. Spare parts that are assembled (at least partly) in Detroit are procured by China, Brazil, Russia and India—countries that boast of humongous workforce. Enough of one-line potshots and see within. And then vote sensibly, sensitively—but with utmost practical sense. People should not just believe and share political memes on social media. We must keep on reading, educating ourselves—beyond the internet.