EDITORIAL - What is happening to our country?

The latest violent incident involving the self-proclaimed fraternities Alpha Kappa Rho and Tau Gamma Phi should be an eye-opener to all. It should, in fact, force us to take a long hard look at ourselves and ask, "what is happening to our country?"

Consider this. Two cousins, each belonging to the rival gangs, were having an argument over something when one lost his cool and punched the other. Yes, punch, just a punch. But the other ran to seek help from his fraternity brods who readily obliged with guns blazing.

So, what is happening to this country? What has happened to our values? For a punch you kill somebody? True men never shirk from a fight. But where is the honor in that? Where is the pride?

Up to the late 60s and early 70s, when guns were still not in vogue, youngsters fought like honorable men. Gangs agreed to meet and fight at designated places. They even agreed on what to use --- fists, kicks, nothing deadlier than belt buckles. No knives. Definitely no guns.

They called those fights "rumbles" then. They can be ugly, they can be tough. And they can be painful. But you came away from them alive. More importantly, at least to young men about to enter manhood, you came away with your pride and honor intact. Blackeyes were badges.

The men who did emerge from those times mostly grew up to be responsible parents, managers, workers, officers, whatever. They became responsible and productive members of society who valued respect, honor and pride. They gave as much as they demanded them.

Today, you get shot for throwing a punch? For God's sake, where is the honor and pride in that? In fact, that is the most cowardly act if ever there was one. Yet these gangs think they are brave by engaging in those senseless wars? What is happening to this country?

Well, allow us to tell you what is happening to this country. What is happening is that Filipinos, young and old, no longer have the leadership to look up to. All that the so-called leaders are capable of doing is to engage in too much politicking for their own personal gain.

In the 60s and 70s, there were a lot of wayward youngsters. But they still had leaders worth their salt to look up to. There was still pride in the country, honor in the family and respect for the community. There is none of that now. What is happening to our country?