Let’s begin to grow

The life of our country is lying bare before the world. It is embarrassing to see how our lawmakers are squabbling over who has done what and who is to blame. Our country’s affairs has become like one big teleserye that people watch not just in our country but the world over.

There are actually many good things to talk about that happen in our land. But we have been plugged into the anathema. Flooding our minds with fear as we gaze into a looming crisis within our waters as well.

I do not want to add to our dread. I can only wish that we refocus some of our energies into building on the strengths that we have and possibly help engage the future generation into more productive pursuits that capitalize on our strengths as a nation.

I may sound old but I would like to bring back the value of family. Of having one and keeping one. The trend of our reproductive youth now is that they either get pregnant when they are very young and very young these days start at 10 years old, just about entering puberty while others who within 15-19 years of age, are saddled with children even before their minds become fully mature to take on serious responsibility. The more capable set however, the young professionals and those engaged in productive and high earning living prefer to have one or two to no children at all, abhorring the responsibility of raising another individual who may hamper the parent’s career growth or other pursuits. To think, a productive population is a strength.

In tandem with this is our need to fortify the education system. Not just among those presently enrolled in schools, but also those who have dropped from formal education. Perhaps a corporate social response may be to venture into adult education. Gathering mothers for mothers’ classes, not just on how to take care of children but to provide more interaction on personal growth.  How to be more discerning, strategic and positive in outlook. Inculcating the value of pride for good quality work and for wanting to be independent from government subsidies when and while they are able. This way, the country’s resources can be focused on those who are really helpless.

I recall a friend of mine who was so proud he was paying his taxes already in New Zealand. He told me at least now he can contribute to the welfare fund of the country. I wish we all had that attitude as well in our country. That pride of being part of building the nation instead of feeling entitled to a benefit one did not even chip in to, when in better form.

Blaming government is the default most of us have. We feel entitled to receive a benefit we did not even take part in supporting or growing. On reflection, we are the government. We empowered the elected officials. They are a result of our choice. And we must take a helpful stance instead of finger pointing all the time.

Now, I am not saying, let the corrupt go unscathed. What I am simply saying is let those in authority deal with what is uncovered now. And let us look into how we can create more positive growth in business, in our communities and in our homes. Let the politicians deal with themselves. And let us deal with our families and ourselves. How are we in helping our nation grow?