...I don't know what to say.
By jeanneyvonne
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
Philippines
October 15, 2012 8:19am CST
I guess I am still in shock.
I just found out a moment ago that a cousin of mine has decided to run in this election. To be specified, he wants to be councilor. But for me,that hardly makes a difference. This is the first time that I have heard any of my relatives running for public office. Apparently, he filed to be a candidate and he's asking the family for help and support in the matter. What help and support that I can offer remains to be seen.
I don't know how to react really. Politics is not my cup of tea or any other beverage. I would like to talk or discuss about it. But it kinda hits home because a relative of mine is actually running for an office.
People here might read my sentiments about politics. Sometimes, there aren't pretty or praises. As much as I don't want any relative of mine in that system, I cannot force them not to. Now I don't know how to deal with this situation. I love my cousin but I don't like the course he's taking.
I haven't talked to him about this recent development and frankly,I don't know what to say. I think I will be the most awkward topic that I can discuss with him.
What would you do if a family member wants to be elected in a government office?
2 people like this
9 responses
@ardoy0731 (7308)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
Well better talk to him well. Ask things that he wanted to do to make a change so that you can help in any ways. Maybe he is trying to make a change in his own way so better support him on his goals as ling as it is good and for the betterment of the people around this place.
No ine in my family or relatives run in a public office so I dont what to say specifically. Better support him on his endeavors as long as it wint hurt anyone in the end.
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
16 Oct 12
Thanks for the sound advice. Who knows what he is willing to offer? But I still have a nagging feeling that I cannot, simply cannot make go away. Well, perhaps a talk will enlighten me a bit and no more of my own make worries.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
15 Oct 12
caLL HIM up, and go have a cup of coffee with him. Then ask how you can help him. Is he a peoples person? Talker? Maybe hed make a great counselor there.
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
16 Oct 12
I think I will need a stronger drink than coffee .But yes,I need to call him up. But the conversation might be stilted and be confusing at the sometime.It's hard to judge a cousin's action and since I cannot do anything about, I have to accept it. Anyway, I might be the one who has to call. Just hope he's not too busy for me.
@laydee (12798)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
I think it would be different if it were my father or one of my brothers. I think a "relative" is okay since you're not really directly related (so to speak). But hmmm.. I don't really know what to say to a relative. Perhaps a pat on the back and telling him good luck!
But I wouldn't be openly campaigning for him whatsoever, but if he's really a good guy and he's not into it for the financial gain (which is rare) then perhaps I'd lift a toe or a thumb to help him out. Otherwise, let him be.
I have a friend whose family is really into those things. But I guess I'm just lucky because I don't need to vote for them because they're running in a different area. I don't really think they're good for office anyways. Like you, I don't really have good vibes with politics as well. I think they're just a bunch of roadshows that are there for one thing - money.
But yeah, I guess you don't really need to say anything. Just wish him luck. That's it. I don't think you're required to help him out if you don't really feel like it.
Have a great mylot experience ahead!
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
16 Oct 12
I wish it could be just easy.the only thing that makes literally awkward is that he knows that I abhor the political practices. I can't count how many times that I described it as a circus of any sort.
I think that I really cannot campaign or anything.I could help iwth some efforts but I really can't pretend to a populace that I enjoy it.I am even consider not voting anymore. But perhaps,you are right. Perhaps the only thing that I wish him is luck and be a eager ear when things turn nitty and gritty.
@wongchoiyee (7413)
• Malaysia
15 Oct 12
You should support him, everybody has a right, I know how you feel worry, but just let it be the way it want, others in God hands.
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
16 Oct 12
I would love to support him but I have a nagging feeling that if I am giving a false hope or sense that I agree with his actions or future - which I am not. I know that it sounds a little bit farfetched but the world that he's entering is not exactly kind, full of roses or kisses. It's a snake-pit. I don't encourage any relative of mine to go to that kind of environment.
@mrsuniega (786)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
I understand your situation, because politics is not your favorite game that's why you have no comment or advice to your cousin. Am I right? 
well I think the best way you can do is try to accept what may your cousin's decision. Just try to think positive your cousin like to help a lot of people so by doing it he/she thinks that to achieve this politics is one of the greatest solution.
well I think the best way you can do is try to accept what may your cousin's decision. Just try to think positive your cousin like to help a lot of people so by doing it he/she thinks that to achieve this politics is one of the greatest solution.@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
16 Oct 12
I will need time to change my perspective and put my cousin and politics in the same sentence. I just hope he will give that opportunity of time and space to do that. I cannot change his decision but it doesn't mean that I will hate him because of his decision.
@Angelpink (4031)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
Hope he will run to really serve his country and not to for his personal interest.
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
16 Oct 12
I hope so too. I think I can only hope and pray at this point.
@julyteen (13252)
• Davao, Philippines
15 Oct 12
Let him run for that position. You cannot stop anybody's decision specially if he wants to serve people by means of running a government position. Just give him a support as you can but if it is really against your will, he cannot force you also to support him.
I don't like to be part of any political positions, I was approached my our Brgy Captain before to run for an SK President but I refuse. I don't like to have headaches and I don't want to mingle people just for my goal to win.
I don't like to be part of any political positions, I was approached my our Brgy Captain before to run for an SK President but I refuse. I don't like to have headaches and I don't want to mingle people just for my goal to win.@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
16 Oct 12
Good points. I think that the air a should be clear then for his sake and mine I don't want him to think that despite his running,I won't wish him the best of luck (and many more if he does win). Just can't believe that he intends to run cause he never said about running. Besides, I never thought he's the type of person who would like to be placed within politics.
@LetranKnight25 (33117)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
Hello Jeanneyvonne, You need to ask your cousin a lot of question as to why and how they are planning to do this. Ask what made him run the country and then how did he come up with the idea of joining. politics is something that should they avoid. he should know what the problem with his district in the first place.
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
16 Oct 12
I think that it is inevitable that I will ask some questions. I need time to sink in the fact that he's running. He's usually the one who I have a decent conversation in politics and it makes me feel really awkward when I heard the news. I know he is a good person and a lot of people knew that too. But I don't what effect will the campaign or his victory will make him to be.
@namiya (1721)
• Philippines
15 Oct 12
hi jean. just like you i don't like to have any member of the family to be in politics too. in the case of your cousin he may have his reasons for joining. i think you should talk to him and from his explanations make your own assessment and decision. Who knows he may have noble intention for joining the bandwagon.
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
16 Oct 12
I know that I do need to talk to him. It's just I'm bewildered at his decision. Really kinda in shock. I'm not saying that he shouldn't run but I think he's not that person - your traditional politician. Perhaps he may have noble intention but I am afraid of what he will become after being elected (if he wins)
