Turncoatism, can it be considered some kind of disease or plain opportunism?
By stanley777
@stanley777 (9402)
Philippines
July 11, 2012 11:05pm CST
I guess most of us knew what is the meaning of this term. This actuation is more common with politicians but are also happening within the office among employees. A person who shifts loyalty to the opposite side/party. I don't think it's a disease but a plain opportunistic desire of a person's self interest and advantage.
Less than a year left before the election here in the Philippines and we already heard some politicians joining the other side. Do you think it can be considered a healthy attitude among them?
I'd love to hear from you guys about this topic.
2 people like this
5 responses
@stanley777 (9402)
• Philippines
23 Mar 21
Yes, that is what i prefer too.
some people are so shameless
@PoppaDave (438)
• United States
12 Jul 12
Maybe the person turncoating has opened their eyes and see an advantage to change parties. I can see from election to election that things shift and change so drastically that this will become more common as time passes by. It is what it is.
1 person likes this
@stanley777 (9402)
• Philippines
13 Jul 12
I don't know if this attitude(manner) is also being practiced in other countries. It is more common in our country, candidates who are not sure of their winning capability change side if they thought that it will work in their favor.Most politicians who did this are the ones in position. They don't want to vacate their post, so before election time they switch party affiliation.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (37968)
• Philippines
12 Jul 12
Well it has become part of the tradition in Philippines politics that when election comes they have to repackage themselves to suit the current political situation that is prevailing at the time.
I feel a bit disappointed with this practice but I guess there is no law that prevents them from doing this. So for a politician to transfer from one party to another is still very rampant in here. I think this shows that each political party is not as principled as it should be but more of a marketing group that tends to get the best people around the political market. The more you have popular names on your party the better the chances you get a bigger share in the power that the government enjoys. I think what prevails is the practicality of things and not the principle they believe in the performance of their duty as public official.
@stanley777 (9402)
• Philippines
14 Jul 12
Yes, I guess this practices can only be prevented if our lawmakers approved the bill which penalizes the said habits of some politicians. I think it's still under debate so I'm afraid we ca not see it's promulgation sooner.
I guess to some people, they considered politics some kind of business venture. If they invest something they must earned from it.We all knew that anyone who wants to run for any position in the government must have enough funds, rich endorsers and a strong party affiliation to have the chance of winning.
And this is one way to attain that dream.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (37968)
• Philippines
14 Jul 12
Yes I guess this has been the practice. Practicality over the idealism that the party have. If a party is the one in the administration then most probably many on the other side of the neighbor would try their best to join those in power. This is the easiest and safest gamble they have to take to remain in power.
@stanley777 (9402)
• Philippines
14 Jul 12
Absolutely, these people don't care about their constituents or to serve them in return for their votes. What they think of after being elected in office, is how much they can gain having that position. First is financially and the second is power. Most of them if not all have the same goal in joining politics, to be recognized, gain power and wealth.
@knoodleknight18 (917)
• United States
14 Jul 12
I'm not sure it's really either. I think it's more of a reflection of the disenfranchisement of people with what their representatives do in government, and it seems to be a world wide problem. If you noticed in American elections Republicans won in 04 then in 08 the votes swung hugely in favor of the Democrats, by 2016 we'll likely see a massive shift to the Republican party if they don't win this year.
It's pretty normal throughout history for parties to shift around as well as supporters.
@stanley777 (9402)
• Philippines
14 Jul 12
So this happens too, even in other countries. The common practice is to switch affiliation if a member is not satisfied the way their party is being governed or the way it treated their members.
What happened in the US could mean the politicians go with the trend or which party is more popular and favored by the voters.
Anyway I think there's no problem in that respect as long as the politicians, if ever gets elected do his/her job to serve the people.Contrary to what some politicians in our country do.
@reaching4dstar (22)
• Cebu, Philippines
17 Oct 12
It is not a disease but it can be considered as a typical POLITICIAN'S INSTINCT. If it is among the employees then I call it a DOG EAT DOG ATTITUDE or SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.
Excuse my language but the TRADITIONAL POLITICIANS (or the TRAPO) are most likely than not are the ones without dignity, principle but on the other hand I would say it would also be practical for them to shift to the other party if his party does not anymore include him in the line up but then again if said politician is with dignity and principle he would run INDEPENDENT.
@stanley777 (9402)
• Philippines
19 Oct 12
Yes, it's not. For most politicians, this is their way or the instinctive nature of some if they feel they are being threatened by their party. I guess, this is already in their system before entering politics. Their goal is to win, so if possible they want to join the winning party.
With regards to employees, some disregards office regulations about employees promotion if they can.
