It's been too long since the last time I wrote anything challenging my mind. To be honest, this time is a little bit different than any of my previous writings. As I am so used to write anything that bothers my mind or conscience, this time I force myself to find any topic to write...just any topic...
I realized I have become dull simply because I never challenge myself.
Two weeks ago, we, me and my girlfriend had a trip to San Jose, meeting her parents and family over there. Alright, before any misunderstanding or gossip spreading, let me clarify, it was not anything about engagement or even marriage.
Just as I expected, me and her dad had a long talk about "my dream." I won't explain what "my dream" is in details, since it will be too long and probably a good idea for my next writing.
Again, just as I expected, her dad gave me the classic and firm speech of "Politics is dirty and cruel, stay away from it."
I kept thinking about it...am i just a crazy person or actually people miss something about how to see politics?
If politics is all dirty by nature, why did it get invented in the first place? If it is all bad, why it is still around for centuries?
If politics is all bad, why there are people remembered as good politicians, despite of their mistakes? Arguably, nobody says Abraham Lincoln, Abraham Kuiper, Jiang Zemin, Patih Gajah Mada are bad people.
Politics is more like any other discipline that can be used either bad or good depending on the "players" behind it. Music can be a bless when it shouts love message or peace. But, it could be also bad when it encourages free sex or abusive behavior.
USA with its economic power enjoy global domination for decades, but we also awe with John Perkin's "Confession of Economic Hitman" on how economic can make millions of people live in chaos (highly recommended book to read, btw).
So, how about politics? Is there any good evidence that it could be a source of blessing?
I would say there is. Without politics, there will be no law, including patent to encourage technological advancement. Without politics, there will be no good and inspiring politicians who keep dreams and hopes alive.
Now, if you ask me which one is greater, the cost or benefit of having politics? I say it does not matter.
If it spills more cost than the benefits, then it is our job to turn it around and not let bad people to dominate the politics.
If it has more benefit, why it is a bad idea to get involved in it then? Thus, both arguments are not a good reason to say politics should be avoided.
Well, I can understand why parents, including my parents, forbid me to involve in such thing. The stake is high and the expected benefit is low. What I mean by expected benefit is probability of success times the benefit. If the probability of success is very low, the expected benefit is getting lower too.
There is also another argument in economics why such activity will be done too little relative to its benefit, but I don't want to get into it...it will be way too long.
Bottom line, as a Christian, I believe I cannot run away from my calling, and if it is true that becoming a politician is my calling, it is impossible my God will just leave me doing all the impossible things alone.
God bless you all...God bless Indonesia...
Originally posted on June 6,2008
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