The recently concluded PCC-NSW annual general meeting proceeded without incident.  While there might be room for improvement on proceedings, others translated it to mean a hearty interaction.  At least this time, there were no ghostly apparitions, which have long been vanquished, and no 88-98 result.  Also evident was the absence of political party-lines and a healthy show of hands .

Interestingly, both incoming (Marivic Manalo) and outgoing (Elsa Collado) PCC presidents shared the same trend of thought and stated “Together, we can make a difference.”  Inspiring words which allows us to drift into a peaceful and harmonious state of existence, if only for a moment.   If only it could be!  

However, it got me thinking. Who are included in “Together,” and “what  is the difference?”  

Does ‘together’ include normal people like you and I, or would it include the dysfunctional who float around scheming with a bloated sense of self importance?  Does ‘together’ echo the cries for unity – ‘U’ & ‘I’ together eternally or does it simply mean “let’s unite, as long as I am President?” An appealing proposition, though the cry for unity is like flogging a dead horse.  

I personally think that the mathematical equation for unity does not compute.  If unity means to become one, then someone has to become less than one .  And that is when problems creep up, as most people do not like being less than one, but would rather be THE one!

Difference may be defined as the characteristic which clearly identifies a person place or thing from  another.  It’s the X-factor, the indelible mark, the extra mile – a distinguishing feature that propels one above the rest.   Then again, it may also be the deficit, the shortage or what’s missing. It may be an additive or an oddity.   Since not all creatures are created equal and if we are to achieve the desired results, then we then need to consider the differential factors, i.e. ability, attitude, timing, frequency etc.

I perhaps would much rather define together as the synergistic energy resulting from collective and collaborative efforts, where no one is greater or lesser than anyone else.  This way, we can respect and value each one’s strengths; complement each one’s weaknesses, and achieve something greater than the sum of us. 

However, the real difference surfaces when attitudes and temperaments are fiercely placed on public display by the so called “differentials.” And there lies the BIG difference…. and colloquially translated in Filipino – “may diperensiya!” ( something’s wrong).  

Most of us are totally unaware of what hit us when those “differentials” unleash their emotional torment on us mere mortals.  Their inexplicable roar, spitting I, me, mine pronouns, taunting us and expecting us to quiver which may even lead us to think “Are we deaf?”   Uncontrollable urges and anger outbursts are red alerts!  They’re spoiled brats acting out; narcissists, borderlines and/or passive-aggressive individuals faking normal human functions.  Trust me, they’re  a far cry from normal and should neither be tolerated or condoned.

Perhaps those proven beyond a reasonable doubt differentials,  who over value themselves and believe their lies, should be locked up together in one ‘Differential Club’ (may mga dipresensia) but I wonder who’ll be the president with a difference. 

Besides,  I don’t think that you can mix the functional and dysfunctional; the good with the bad. The result is a jumble – a free for all.  You can’t put your dirty clothes in the pile of newly washed clothes.  You can’t put the rotten eggs in the same basket.  You can’t put bad food back in the fridge.  It will stink.  The result is either contamination – at worst, it is infestation.  You need to clear and remove the spoilt out of the equation and only then will the coming together have better results.   And let it be known that the differential s‘ tactics of “poor me effect”, play victim, and martyrdom no longer wash. 

Some people just need to get off their high horse and come down to the land of the living or face being placed out to pasture when they’ve past their used by dates.

After all, remember, there is a difference…may diperensiya talaga!