Our country remains at a choke hold as political and socioeconomic problems continue to undermine our ability to flourish.
Abuse of power, greed, poverty, inequality, and criminality — all of these sap the sustenance that could fuel our engine of growth and liberate Juan dela Cruz from the impoverished social stratum he has been trapped in for a long time.
What should we (Juan dela Cruz) do?
First, we need to ask ourselves: Am I a good citizen or am I a burden to others and to our nation?
If someone is used to lying, cheating, or taking advantage of others, now is the time to change and shun these delinquent ways.
As Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you want to see in this world.”
Second, we must be strong, determined and brave, and not be emasculated by the self-effacing and meek nature of our task. We must not feel powerless for the ultimate ability to change our country rests on us.
Finally, year in and year out, we notice that the same political and socioeconomic problems persist. We are angry, frustrated, and dismayed that our government couldn’t resolve these problems.
But we should not rely on our government more than we rely on ourselves.
If we desire to improve or aspire to be a great nation, let us not wait for others to do the work. Let us do it ourselves and now is the moment to start.
Are we willing to take the bull by the horns and start the change by purging ourselves of our erring ways? Or shall we continue to blame each other and remain embroiled with our delinquent ways?
The choice is an easy decision.
JULIUS TURGANO, turgano.julius@gmail.com