Chess as Metaphor for Politics - Redux

I've written before about chess being used as a metaphor in life, sports and, particularly, in politics. Here is a story that demonstrates the aptness of the analogy of chess and politics: From the Phillipines Sun Star Online Monday, February 25, 2008 Pangan: Gambit By Benjie R. Pangan At Close Range GOOD chess players employ gambits (e.g. Marshall, Dutch, Center Counter) in order to: extricate themselves from an otherwise losing or weak position, seize and sustain tempo and eventually win the game and, if luck favors the gambit or if the opponent takes it, win back the sacrificed piece and equalize. As in chess and poker, politics employs bluffs and counter bluffs, traps and subterfuges in order to unmask motives and dark designs. In the case of the beleaguered President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is keeping a brave front despite flak from left, right, back and dead center, she may be in more difficult positions to extricate herself from. These past weeks, protests have been mounted by different groups. Today, even student councils like that of the University of the Philippines, will be staging more anti-GMA activities and on February 29, a much bigger (and heavier) protest action will be staged by not one but several religious denominations dubbed Interfaith rally. Surely, massive demonstrations will be used by machinating opposition politicians to demand the resignation of PGMA. Going by her character, the President will not be easily cowed into surrender because she believes she had done nothing fatal to her governance; instead, she argues that she has done and achieved the optimum best for the country. In two weeks time, we will know whether the calculated "defiance" of GMA will capitulate to the growing signs of dissent and disenchantment. These two weeks will be crucial to the beleaguered President and, by extension, to her family and allies. Since the protests are aimed and staged only (yet) in the seat of National Government in Manila, the local leaders in the province should not become complacent, instead, they should show to their constituents that they work hard and long for them. This is one way to keep peace in the countryside and will neutralize the heat emanating from Manila. Let us do our thing here in the provinces. Huwag na tayong makisalo sa ingay sa Manila para hindi na tayo makadagdag pa sa mga problema.