Governing in the 21st century

What's happening in our world is a question we hear almost daily by people who are overly concerned about the social and political turmoils that many countries are facing today. Countries are marred by social unrest, violence, unemployment, etnic tensions, among others. One supposes that the government is there to govern for the good and well being of the people - by putting in place policies and programs that would alleviate existing problems, relieve social and political tensions, and elevate the life of its people. A government must demonstrate to its people that it's accomplishing this. There is a time factor involved also - when people must begin to see some evidence of positive results. The people set this time factor, not the government. People would say, for example, that the government has been in power now for so long, and we haven't begun to see any changes or new programs that address our concerns. They, somehow, give the government time to realize this. But if after such time, they cannot see anything of what they would have been expecting, the tendency is to revolt. But this is a process. A revolt does not start overnight. This process usually begins by people seeking audience with the powers that be, to address their concerns and look for a peaceful and amicable solution. But if a government does not want to listen to its people and take their concerns seriously, and if a government wants to impose its own policies and programs on its people without sensible consultation, it would be paving the road for more serious problems later on. Gone are the days when people would remain dormant, and not raise their voices at issues that really mean a lot to them. We now live in a new world: a world that is more outspoken on just about any issue that concerns them, a world that is more united than ever in many aspects, a world that is more daring to challenge authorities in the face of unlikeable situations. And the government that doesn't understand this, and that isn't open to dialogue and responsible change is doomed to fail. Remember, at the end of the day, power is in the hands of the people. We cannot rule this 21st century world with 20th century governments. This new order requires new rules. As the world continues to change, goverments must also evolutionize with the times. They ought to always seek the harmony, peace, and growth of their peoples.

A New Strain of Cancer

Cancer is a disease that many of its victims are unaware they have until it has gone into an advanced stage. Even if it is discovered in an early stage, there's no guarantee that it can be overcome. But one thing we all know is that cancer causes suffering and finally death. And who likes that? In the world today, there's a new type of cancer. Most of us are victims of it. This new type of cancer is 'the credit card'. Many are the people who have gotten entangled in the fibers of this ever-growing cancer, that before long they realize that there's really no way out. So many have lost their houses, cars, and even their lives - all because of credit cards that have got out of control. So, is it possible to deal with this gran monstrous disease? Of course it's possible if it's detected at an early enough stage. First you have to understand the nature of this disease called Credit Card. Then you have to really and honestly want out. Then, you must speak with your credit card assesors and ask for a manageable restructuring of your credit. You would need to do this at least one card at a time, or two or three if you can handle them. Make your payments faithfully. And when you are finished, start with other cards. Someday, you will be out of the woods. You will eventually conquer this disease. Try it. It really works, but it'll require some sacrifice on your part. Never mind the sacrifice. It's worth it.

Students performance - English 3 - Group 03

Life's the greatest teacher

Yesterday I took a bus to go somewhere and the passenger who was sitting next to me was chatting with me, though not to my liking. But he asked me a question, "Do you always travel alone?" to which I responded, "Yes." The passenger asked me why and I told the person that it gives me time to reflect on the things of life. Ever so often we are so busy thinking about what we are doing, what we have done, or what we are going to do. But, do we ever take time off for ourselves? Do we ever take the time to reflect on the things that happen around us to see what we can learn from them? You know, just a few hours ago while I was taking a shower, the soap slipped out of my hands and fell. Every time I tried to grab it, it would go further away. So I thought, "wow, look at that!" For just a few seconds I couldn't get a hold of the slippery soap. And I thought, "What can I learn from that?" What came to mind immediately was "words". We speak sometimes amiss. Like the soap, words may slip out of our mouths, but when we reflect on what we've said we realize that it was a slip of the tongue. The problem is that words can be dangerous. Slippery words can be very dangerous. They may get us into trouble if we're not careful. So, if we mistakenly say something we should quickly correct it before the little flame that it may light burns a whole city. You know, when the soap fell, I had to bend over towards the floor to pick it up. So when we perceive that our slippery words may affect someone or change the status quo negatively, we should humbly do whatever we can to deal with it. As I've said, life's the greatest teacher! Isn't it?

Be Helpful

One of the most important values of life that many may not give much importance to is being helpful. Earlier today, I needed to make some photocopies of a few pages from a book, but the copy machine in my office wasn't working very well. So I went to a different department and asked the secretary there to do me the favor. She was a bit busy and asked me to wait a while.  So I did. While she was making the copies, she had to take various pauses to answer the telephone, send faxes, etc. Then she commented to me that she was really busy with so many things to do, but for her it wasn't a problem making the copies for me because she believes in helping. She said she loves to help whenever she has the oportunity to do so. But she also commented that not everyone is like that. And this is so true. We come across people like that ever so often who are not disposed to helping any one. How much would it cost you to reach out to someone who needs your service or needs a little of your time? Even if we have a lot  to do, a few seconds of our time can make a difference for someone and eventually for us. We should remember that being helpful would go a long way for us and for the person. Being helful makes the world go round. We need it. Everyone needs it at some time. Let's be helpful when we can.

A Day of Faith

It's interesting how limited man's knowledge is. We can predict things like the weather with a certain degree of error, but we can never be 100% sure of its exact outcome. Like for example, the weather people predicted that there may be rain, but not much; that the temperature would rise to 36°, etc. My family who trusts these people went out on a day of picnic in celebration of somebody's birthday. Even though I told them that it would rain a lot due to the passing tropical storm Don. Right now, it's raining a lot. They have already gone. What kind of picnic can they have in this kind of weather? As I write this, I am hearing the peeling of thunder. And now, new developments. My sister-in-law just called to say that due to the weather conditions, they're not going on the picnic. Nor would her parents be going. I guess most people wouldn't go. So I'm expecting my family back home any time now. The sad part about it is that my two kids were very anxious to go because today would have been there first experience fishing. They went prepared to do a little fishing. But, I guess they'd have to wait for another time. Well, I love you my family. I trust that God would bring  you back safely.

No Better Way To Celebrate

I was so impressed by the number of persons who have reached out to congratulate me on my birthday which is today. Even though I'm far from family and friends, and even though I have to work today and can't be with my people, I felt like I was in a party just eating and talking with family and friends, some of whom I'haven't seen for along time. All of this took place on Facebook today. As I open Facebook, it was all "Happy birthday Melvin; Happy birthday cuz." These simple words meant a whole lot to me. They show me that my family and friends do love me. Its good to be part of a family that really loves you, cares for you, and cheers you. This feeling is even more pronounced in my own family - when my wife and kids woke me up to start me off with Happy Birthday. There's a bond that exists among us that cannot be broken by distance nor time nor anyone else. Let's keep it that way. Let's remember to love, care for, and cheer those that are part of us.