If you've been in The Watercooler several hours ago, you may have noticed the little image I called The Votercooler '08, which basically updates you on the Obama vs. McCain vs. third-party race to reaching the necessary 270 electoral votes to win the US presidency. And by update, I mean having to edit it using the old-school Paint program everytime Google News gives its latest count.
I started doing this at 9 am Wednesday (Phil. time), shortly after waking up from my sleep. At 1 pm, I witnessed the historic moment: Barack Obama has been elected as the next President of the United States.
I still can't believe it's over. It feels like yesterday when the seeds to my interest and passion for the 2008 US elections were planted. The interest grew after the 2006 midterm elections, and it became a passion in 2007 when a great man named Ron Paul was one of the candidates. I've waited to witness this day for two years. And now, the election is over. And on January 20 '09, the US will now have a President Barack Obama.
I admit that I still feel some sadness that Ron Paul was not even an actual presidential candidate on election day. But in a way, I'm happy for Obama's victory. Not too much because he has made history. I'm happy because I think he will help lead the world to more positive change and help us recover from the mistakes of his predecessor's administration.
But then again, it is a democracy. A government of the people, for the people, by the people. The president is not only the government. Everyone in that nation is the government. Though Obama might lead the United States to positive change, that change will only bear fruit through the hands of the American people.
As for me, an 18-year-old Filipino guy in the Philippines, I hope that tomorrow will be a brighter day for all of us in this world. And I hope to do my part in fulfilling a true positive change in this world and make its future better.
Until next time, everyone. This was the 2008 US-election-passionate Mask, now signing off.
Life: 11/05/08 | Posted By: The Mask | | Personal | Tags: 2008, barack obama, election, president, ron paul, united states
Kenshin Himura is a fictional Japanese swordsman; Ron Paul is a real-life Texas congressman. Kenshin Himura adheres to the ancient sword practice of Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu, while Ron Paul adheres to the Austrian school of economics. Kenshin grew up to become a well-known assassin during the Tokugawa era, while Ron went on to become a physician and flight surgeon during the Vietnam War era. Kenshin later became popular to ladies for his sweet personality, while Ron became popular to ladies for giving birth to 4000 babies. At 28, Kenshin became the polite yet deadly wanderer that anime fans loved; at 72, Ron became the 2008 US Presidential candidate that many Americans supported devotedly all the way.
Two different characters from two different walks of life. How could they possibly be similar with one another? Well, their similarities lie within the words that these two men preach.
Value of Every Human
In Episode 58 of the series, Rurouni Kenshin, Kenshin shows his regard for the value and dignity of every individual by telling Shishio:
"No human in the free society should be considered less valuable than others. The weak are one of those who support the country."
Ron, on the other hand, spoke of a similar message which was more inclined to the issue of racism. On April 16, 2007 in Government and Racism, he said:
"Racism is simply an ugly form of collectivism, the mindset that views humans strictly as members of groups rather than individuals . . . The true antidote to racism is liberty. Liberty means having a limited, constitutional government devoted to the protection of individual rights rather than group claims."
Advocacy of Peace
Throughout the series, Kenshin has openly acknowledged his desire for peace in the world. In Episode 40, while remembering his friend Shatku, he put into words his dream of a peaceful world:
"Someday, people will learn to accept peace. I hope you were still alive to see the realization of my dream."
Meanwhile, Ron has also been an advocate of peace. Although he is in favor of force against the terrorists that threaten peace, he is against any unconstitutional wars initiated by the US which also threaten world peace. For him, peaceful means would be a better way to deal with other nations. In the Republican debate in Des Moines, Iowa last August 5, 2007, he has said:
"We can achieve much more in peace than we can ever achieve in these needless, unconstitutional, undeclared wars."
Opposing the Use of Force
Kenshin has shown his opposition to using violent means to make changes in the world. In Samurai X: The Motion Picture, while Shigure's army were preparing for a rebellion to overthrow the government, Kenshin told Shigure:
"Are you saying that you will build a government by sacrificing the lives of these young men?! I don't agree with you! You don't have to use force to change the existing government. Bloods will be shed and the lives of these young men will be gone for nothing!"
Similarly, Ron is against the use of force by the United States to make changes in other nations and has consistently been against foreign intervention. In the Republican debate at Manchester, New Hampshire last June 5, 2007, he said:
"We have to come to our senses about this issue of war and preemption and go back to traditions and our Constitution and defend our liberties and defend our rights, but not to think that we can change the world by force of arms and to start wars."
Promoting One's Unique Gifts Positively
Kenshin believes that each one us has unique ablities and it is best that these abilities are used not to show one's strength but for the people in his society. In Episode 29, while fighting longtime rival Saito, Kenshin told him:
"I don't need to kill anyone just to prove that I am strong. I use my skills to protect the people I care for. I use my power for positive things, not to destroy."
Ron believes that everyone, particularly Americans, have a lot of wonderful gifts that can help make the world a better place, but also believes that these gifts should be spread to others through non-violent means. In the New Hampshire debate mentioned earlier, he said:
"We have a lot of goodness in this country. And we should promote it, but never through the barrel of a gun. We should do it by setting good standards, motivating people and have them want to emulate us."
Hope For A Better Future
Both believe that despite what happens today, their is still hope for a better future. In the series, Kenshin believed that although Shishio's men chose to follow the wrong path by helping Shishio attempt to overthrow the government, they "have a chance to choose the right path to follow in their lives" as everyone else. Similarly, Ron believes that there is still hope for a better future in the United States, as evident in his slogan "Hope for America".
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Their principles have also been the reason why these qualified men have not held a very important position in the government, at least not yet. For Kenshin, he purposely denied the offer of a key position in the army to repent for his sins and also to adhere with his principles. For Ron, he has denied the offer to be the running mate of aspirants that do not share his beliefs, and continues his quest for the presidency; whatever his fate will be is for the American voters to decide.
But through the principles that they both believe so deeply, both of them were also able to help make the world into a better place to live in. Kenshin Himura did that by defeating Shishio's army; Ron Paul did that by igniting thousands of Americans, particularly the youth, as well as many non-Americans to participate in the issues and work hard to make their nation rise up once again. It is truly amazing how these preachers of the same word have been able to spark a positive change in the world.
REFERENCES
Ron Paul (from Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia)
Kenshin Himura (from Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia)
Ron Paul Quotes (from Ron Paul Fan)
Kenshin Himura Quotes (from The Himura Dojo)
NOTE: A video presentation of this piece is also available by clicking here
Essay: 04/12/08 | Posted By: The Mask | | Rurouni Kenshin | Tags: comparison, election, kenshin, politics, ron paul, united states
