The ruminant

Irecently learned that digestion is a very deliberate process for ruminant animals. Whenever such an animal, like a cow, eats grass, the food gets to the first compartment (the rumen) of its 4-tier stomach. After the water from what they eat gets extracted at this stage, it is raised back up to the mouth as a cud so the cow can chew it more. this regurgitation process allows the cud to be brought down to the 2nd compartment of the stomach for easier digestion with the aid of essential microorganisms that live in the stomach, before the cud goes to the other remaining compartments. rumination allows for regurgitation and cud chewing, helping in food digestion for those animals who appear to eat quickly. Without such process, indigestion happens.

Indigestion, figuratively speaking, can also happen to people who absorb as much information as fast as they can. Dissecting the recent presidential interviews, I noticed that some of my initial perceptions about the presidential aspirants were simply reinforced. Senator Ping had come out extremely competent, knowledgeable yet unexciting in his delivery. Senator Manny was seen as very authentic through and through using motherhood responses to questions that asked for specifics. Mayor Isko confidently displayed practical and “street experience” in his answers, both in content and language used. VP Leni demonstrated precision in her responsive answers indicating a competent research team behind her. Senator Marcos Jr. wisely evaded issues—maybe upon the suggestion of his advisers—that are best left unanswered or vaguely discussed, showing signs of indecision. One significant observation that struck me most about these interviews was how the aspirants attempted to bring their efforts from the “micro” level to the “macro”. For me, Senator Ping stood out with flying colors when it came to specific action plans. Though his delivery was relatively dry, his tried and tested approach showed that experience matters a lot when it comes to leadership. His approach to entice people to choose him over others is largely anchored on his track record plus his untainted public service. In contrast, Mayor Isko used his natural charm and wit, after all he was in show business before politics, to share what he has done in the City of Manila. These interviews can give us a snapshot of character. But they do not give us an accurate picture of who they really are, off camera. Some candidates unwittingly revealed their true selves during the portion when they were asked why voters should not choose their rivals. Senator Manny’s answers were very candid (“I don’t know to some”) while VP Leni’s response can be deemed destructive.

As voters, we need to look beyond these interviews. Voters should be like the cow chewing on its cud, ruminating, when absorbing information. After all, some answers can be rehearsed. During the official campaign period, which starts next month, our duty, aside from knowing candidates’ platforms or agenda, is to discover their true character. While the grim reality tells me that media interviews will not be as impactful since most of the voting population already made up their minds, we should not lose hope. Looking farther to the horizon will harp largely on how we would exercise our right to suffrage today. Regardless of our biases, notwithstanding outside influences, we need to carefully consider the character of these applicants to the highest office! Platforms can change due to compromise; positions in issues can be dictated by circumstances. But character sticks.

While we cannot see their true colors beyond what they show in public, we can do our own research. We have the responsibility to know more about each candidate, setting aside any pre-conceived notions we may have at first. In general, by merely spending time with a person allows us to know his or her true self. But since we cannot actually spend time with these candidates, we can judge their character by reflecting on how they have responded to adversities in the past. We should “ruminate” on each of their statements and understand whether their supposed platforms align with their track record. Is there consistency? We can look at their non-verbal gestures during media appearances to find sincerity or a lack thereof. This rumination process should include a careful selection of what we read and share on social media and that “regurgitation or chewing” information to truly unearth the character of a person. Personally, I find a flaw in a person’s character when he refuses to show up or expose himself in challenging interviews or regulatory hearings.

For the ruminant in us to be more efficient, we can conduct debates in our “minds”, mental calisthenics so to speak, or dialogues with family and friends. Views from others can help. In school, most students who want to go deeper about any subject resort to extra research or study groups. Most students I know seem to learn more efficiently with a group! In the same vein, I understand the word better whenever I’m with another person. When I study the

Bible with a pastor or with my loved ones, I noticed a remarkable increase in my own understanding. As believers, we should be ruminant animals (cow, or sheep or goat) that chew food methodically but with a process that prevents indigestion! We take in the Word of God and ruminate on it day and night, as written in Joshua 1:8, which says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” By embracing God’s Word and studying it with a ruminant approach (with much mediation and reflection), we gain prosperity through His abundant grace. After all, the Bible also calls a ruminant a Blessed Man, thus in

Psalm 1:1-2, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Blessings, in the form of better understanding, come to those who read and, more importantly, reflect on what they read.

I urge all voters to focus on the character of every candidate, not on platforms to be promised during the campaign period. Let’s not be simply swayed or wooed by their charm, name or fame! For me, I will wisely choose the candidate who can best serve, not just the nation, but also our Heavenly Creator. After all, a leader should first be a servant, just like Jesus, aiming to please not the multitude he serves but the One who is Eternal. Our meditation day and night will allow that ruminant within us to discern who can be true servant leaders in public service, exemplifying what the Greatest Servant Leader has done while here on earth.

A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission.

For questions and comments, please e-mail me sbmison@gmail.com.