Election racket

By Alex P. Vidal

“Life is a racket. Writing is a racket. Sincerity is a racket. Everything’s a racket.”—Nick Tosches

MANY personalities who filed their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) for various local and national positions in the May 9, 2022 Philippine election aren’t really serious about their candidacies.

They are those who don’t have the capacity to launch a widespread and scientific campaign either because they don’t belong in major political parties, or their names don’t ring a bell in as far as public awareness and recognition are concerned.

From the very beginning, they are aware they don’t have a chance to win, but they nonetheless continued to push through with their candidacies to show all and sundry they are “determined” to win.

These are characters who only want to raise money from political donors but don’t really intend to spend the largesse during the campaign period.

Win or lose, they will end up awash with cash, which is actually the primary purpose why they joined the race.

In other words, they filed their COCs for fund-raising or to enrich themselves; winning or exerting major efforts to win isn’t on their radar and vocabulary.

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This racket is also being practiced by some incumbent officials running for higher national positions, but who can still regain their seats prior to the election even if they lose.

Legislators who intend to change certain provisions in the constitution on electoral reforms should zero in on this matter aside from the law on last-minute substitution, which recently became a major contention in the national debate after being abused by cunning and sleazy politicians.

Generous election campaign donors are normally businessmen and political patrons who consider their donations as “investment” for certain winnable candidates.

There are instances when campaign donors don’t give a damn if the candidates are winnable; they give paltry contributions to mediocre and unpopular bets and “wish them luck.”

The candidates actually don’t get something out of nothing. There’s always a quid pro quo and both the givers and the receivers understand this tacit agreement.

This election racket must be nipped in the bud through legislation immediately after the 2022 election.

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NEW York Governor Kathy Hochul sent me another e-mail, which she also sent to other New Yorkers:

Alex, I’m very pleased to share that we hit a new vaccine milestone—75% of ALL New Yorkers have rolled up their sleeves to get at least one vaccine dose.

With children aged 5-11 now eligible, I know we can hit 80% soon. I had a chance to meet some of the young kids who have rolled up their sleeves—and I let them know that they are our superheroes in the fight against COVID.

The holidays are coming and a great gift to your family, friends, and neighbors is your COVID-19 vaccine. If you haven’t gotten your first dose yet, set up an appointment today. Let’s dive in.

VACCINATE, EDUCATE, GRADUATE. Young kids might not be thinking about college yet, but we know parents are! 5-11 year-olds who get their vaccine can enter for a chance to win a full-ride scholarship to any SUNY or CUNY school. Parents & guardians can go online or call 1-833-697-4829 to enter.

VAX FOR KIDS RESOURCES. Our Vax for Kids website gives parents all the information they need to make the decision to get their children vaccinated, and we’re making it even better. New posters, graphics, certificates, and stickers are available for download now and will be in doctors’ offices across the state soon.

We’re launching a contest for parents and guardians to submit their child’s vaccine sticker designs. Submit an image of your design to me (@GovKathyHochul) via social media, say where you’re from and use the hashtag #NYVaxForKids. Lucky winners from across the state will be selected to be featured on our “I’m Vaccinated” stickers!

As of November 8, 2021, there are 1,878 New Yorkers hospitalized with COVID-19. Our 7-day percentage positivity average was 2.65%, which is up from 2.24% last week.

Per the CDC as of November 9, 2021, 88.5% of adult New Yorkers have at least one vaccine dose. So far, 27,863,643 total vaccine doses have been administered, and 62,550 doses were administered over the past 24 hours.

Every week, we’re answering some commonly asked questions about COVID-19 and vaccinations.  You can submit a question for a chance to get your question answered in next week’s newsletter. Submit your question here.

QUESTION: Are booster shots available, if so, where? (Evone, Queens County)

ANSWER: There are now booster recommendations for all three COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States. The CDC and New York State Department of Health recommend that certain individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine get their “booster dose” at least six months after their initial series. These individuals include those who are 65 years and older and individuals who are 18 and older who live in long-term care settings, have underlying medical conditions, or who work or live in high-risk settings. Additionally, booster doses are recommended for all individuals 18 and older who received the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago.

My friends, as we draw near the holiday season, let’s keep looking out for one another and keep each other safe. We’re making progress in our vaccination efforts and I hope that upward trend continues. Protect yourself and your loved ones and get vaccinated. Enjoy the rest of your week. Ever Upward, Governor Kathy Hochul

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)