IF we keep doing what we are doing, where are we headed as a nation?
Whatever the differences in color, affiliation, and opinion, we must at least be binded by a common goal. As the saying goes, “United we stand, divided we fall”. Jay Weatherill says, “You don’t get unity by ignoring the questions that have to be faced”. What explains the endless bickerings and obvious lack of common goals?
Instead of looking at our countrymen as our fellowmen, we give them different labels. We also band in small groups with different names instead of banding as “Pinoys” or Filipinos. This inevitably leads to competition and division.
We focus not on the issue, but on the personality. If the person speaking is labeled as someone not acceptable to us, we don’t listen anymore. We reject him and his idea right away. Is this even wise and fair?
We don’t use the Filipino language as much as we can. This, in effect, prevents the masses from participating in important public discourse. It also hinders the free flow of information and helps lead to the great divide.
We don’t support the persons who tell the truth and fight for the common good as much as we should, but we expect instant solutions to our country’s problems. We are afraid to rock the boat.
We compete with our neighbors and we are not happy when they succeed. We even call them names.
We don’t help people, even those who deserve it – if we will not gain anything from it, so the men who have lofty dreams for the nation are alone in their struggle. We allow ourselves to be influenced by the desire for immediate gains. We don’t think so much about the nation’s future.
If we keep doing all of the above, divided we fall. If we will do the opposite, we will stand amidst the challenges. Our choice.
“When people have compassion, friendship, and unity, they speak and think in a constructive way to ensure national independence and prosperity.” – Bhumibol Adulyadej
