| West Covina Councilmember Tony Wu's Campaign Theme Song? |
 |
 |
 |
| Sections - Politics | |||
| Written by Bobby M. Reyes | |||
| Thursday, 01 November 2018 17:56 | |||
|
West Covina's Version of the 1960s Song, "Shame and Scandal in the Family"? By Bobby M. Reyes INTRO NOTE: The writer is based in the City of West Covina, which is located in the County of Los Angeles, California. He is the only Overseas-Filipino worker (OFW) -- and one of the few Filipinos in West Covina at that -- who had addressed for many years now the City Council during its sessions when members of the public are asked to address the councilmembers on topics in its agenda. I belong to a group of present and former public officials and community leaders of West Covina (about 60 of us) who exchange notes and ideas via the e-mail. Yesterday, I sent this e-mail message to the Internet group about the re-election bid of Councilmember Tony Wu: According to one of my Latino-American friends, there is rumor going around that a West-Covina voter (who originally hailed from Trinidad) rewrote this alleged theme song for Councilman Tony Wu's reelection bid in the wrong electoral District. Obviously the song was inspired by this classic hit in the 1960s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAkkLQr2Kjc Here's the alleged lyrics for Mr. Wu's campaign song:: In West Cov'na there's a candidate Wu, is me, shame and scandal in City Hall, Months went by and election came 'round Wu, is me, shame and scandal in City Hall, Here's a feedback from one of the recipients of a West-Covina e-mail chain: -----Original Message----- From: Margaret Mahony <mimwc@com> To: mediabcla@aol.com (Snipped) + 55 recipients Sent: Wed, Oct 31, 2018 7:18 pm Subject: RE: A Campaign Song for District 5? I find that passing this along is in bad taste. If you don’t support Tony Wu just state your reasons no need to be pass along something as distasteful as this. Margaret Mahony Here's my reply: Dear Ms. Margaret: Thank you for your comment. As a seasoned journalist, IMHO I believe that the "song writer" (sic), who composed the alleged Campaign Song of Councilmember Tony Wu, should be praised for using a lot of wit and humor in coming up with a parody of a tune. He (or she) came up with a funny satire yet relevant to the issues facing the voters of West Covina, as they prepare to cast their ballots on Nov. 6, 2018. On my part, as a website editor, it is within my rights (AKA Freedoms of the Press and of Speech) to publish it online and on Facebook. Well, as to taste, it depends on the use of salt and other condiments. Obviously the song writer (sic) wanted to cast the proverbial salt on the City Council's and Mr. Wu's apparent-and-alleged use of the gerrymandering trick to include his residence in District 5, which is closer to the Freeway 60. Mr. Wu's house is located closer to Freeway 10. But thanks to the magic of Mr. John Gerrymaker, presto, the Wu residence is now part and parcel of District 5. The parody could be likened to the act of "rubbing it in," to use an oft-quoted adage -- in pursuit of the exercise of wit, humor AND the truth. Perhaps, the alleged "song writer" wants to become also a late-night TV comedian. In the second place, Councilmember Wu is a public figure and unless, he can show malice on the part of the alleged "song writer," then no libel case can be entertained by a court of law. Besides, jurisprudence has taken note of what P. T. Barnum, the circus proprietor, told the members of the press that they "could write anything about him and his circus, provided they spell his name right." Well, the song writer spelled correctly the surname of Councilmember Wu. Besides there was truth in the new lyrics of the song-parody, like the "shame and scandal in the City Hall." So, what gives? In the final analysis, when citizens become politicians, they are presumed to have thick skin and they have to just laugh off parodies and satires, especially when they have at least the semblance of the TRUTH. Politicians mentioned in the satire or song-parody can come up with their reply, which can fittingly be also in the form of a song. Looking forward to publishing more satires, as I am an avid disciple of the late and legendary writer, Ms. Jessica Mitford, who wrote: "You may not be able to change the world, but at least you can embarrass the guilty." Very sincerely yours, Bobby M. Reyes Editor, www.mabuhayradio.com An author of three published books and some 4,000 articles about the Philippines, the United States, the PH-U.S. Relations and history, wit, humor and satire # # #
Newer news items:
Older news items:
|
Add your comment
User Menu
Who's Online
We have 32 guests onlineDonate
Please consider supporting the "ReVOTElution of Hope" for Sorsogon as the Pilot Province. Please see "ReVOTElution" Banner on this page for details.
Quote of the Day
"Today I met with a subliminal advertising executive for just a second."--Steven Wright
