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Twenty five years ago, as a young
mother raising my children, some friends and I were discussing the
state of the economy, politics, and corruption in government. I
recall that we concluded, with a sense of resignation, “the change
in our country will not happen in our generation but in our
children’s generation.”
“My children
are now grown aup, married and are now raising their own families. I
had a sense of déjà vu when in one of our family gatherings I
heard my son say almost exactly the same thing. But this time with
not much hope-“the change in our country will neither happen in
our lifetime nor in our children’s lifetime.” That’s why even
with gainful jobs, they, like many others are thinking of leaving
the country “for the sake of our children.” And I’m sure this
is not for lack of patriotism, but more out of a sense of
frustration in not being able to help the situation.
It seems our
society is on a downward spiral! We live in a time described by Dr.
Murray Bowen as “societal regression.” This is characterized by
chaos, irresponsibility, and breakdown of institutions and an utter
lack of the guiding principles and values that guided the older
generation. The regressive and chaotic forces create anxiety and
stress in individuals and families, resulting in poorer
decision-making and more irresponsible behavior, leading to more
problems in society, in an escalating scale.
The
evidence is all around us. In marriage relationships, the increasing
separation statistics. In our schools and the workplace, the high
incidence of truancy, pre-marital sex, teen pregnancy, drug and
alcohol abuse. In the streets, muggings, robbery, assault and
kidnappings. Not to mention corruption and scandals in high places
in both the government and private sector. Our country is, in every
sense of the word “sick” and we need to be nursed back to
wellness!
There had been
well-intentioned prescriptions from the experts and they are not
without merit. The academicians contend that we should make the
pursuit of knowledge our main goal. The environmentalists profess
that we should concentrate on the environment. The politicians
believe that we should change the system and the people running the
government. The economists aver that it is a matter of free trade
and market economics. The social scientists posit that if we do good
to others, the world will become a better place. Finally, religion
tells us that it is a matter of faith. Honest, sincere efforts have
been done in all these areas and indeed we have made some progress.
Yet it seems we still miss the mark.
We continue
our discussion on certain directions to take to address the
foregoing concerns next week.
The author
teaches Family and Work-Life Harmony at the De La Salle Professional
Schools Ambassador Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. Graduate School of
Business. She is a family counselor at the Center for Family
Ministries (CEFAM). She also anchors a radio program “God Will
Make a Way” at Radio Veritas. She is currently senior vice
president of Planters Development Bank. She welcomes comments at
aaobien@plantersbank.com.ph.
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