June 30, 2023

The Editor, AMANDALA

Dear Sir:

The subject matter of my writing is deep and of great concern, so if at times I ramble and seem to be all over the place, forgive the grammar and concentrate on the content.  

I keep asking the question, don’t you ever get the feeling that our country is hell bent on being an extremely materialistic society, giving priority to land developments and profits from foreign direct investments instead of concentrating on a people/person-oriented society? 

Let’s cut to the chase. Of great concern is the increased number of beggars on the streets, beggars at our gates in the early mornings, the waifs and street persons rummaging through the garbage seeking something to eat, the single mothers accompanied by tiny babies begging for money (one mother even asked if I wanted to take a child who was one of six she had to care for). Then there is the constant: the young boys mainly, not going to school and on the streets, begging at late hours. Needless to say, it is horrific enough what they are going through, but then they are subjected to cruel verbal abuse as well. These are people; come on! Animals get treated better than this. Go to the grocery store and look at the prices for cat and dog food! And we can’t be kind enough to buy a plate of food for a child or a mother without being judgmental! 

Somehow, I feel that we are experiencing our own “war” in our country. A malevolent war with the players being what I call the five ‘Ps’ – Politics, Power, Poverty, Profits, Paybacks.  I say malevolent, because I sense an intentional reluctance for any social changes for improvement and betterment for the poor. Frankly, if I am right and this is not addressed, neglect can only foster a society of violence, anger, bitterness, envy and intolerance. Somehow, we must find a way to balance development and social concerns. It cannot be one or the other or one without the other.   

Now, as I understand it, voting is the only power a people have to elect who they feel are capable, trustworthy and reliable to lead with a fair mind and to have the people’s interest at heart. It is the only medium where the people can have their say and stand in solidarity for justice and equality in an unequal playing field. But unless there is a meaningful attempt to listen to the people’s cries and see their broken homes, unless our leaders walk the talk and are specific and genuine with their plan, and put their promises into action, we will get nowhere.  

We live in a society that comprises the weak, the voiceless, the downtrodden. The fight for one’s very survival is menacing, like dark clouds hovering over heads that seem never to disappear, as inability to meet expenses and feed a hungry belly keep one rooted in one spot. High cost of living will always be a detrimental factor devouring the little monies the poor can muster. It cares not for a family struggling to make ends meet. Food basics like bread, milk and eggs, once considered a poor man’s diet, have now joined the ranks of luxury food items that the poor can ill afford. On top of this, in today’s world, computers are rapidly taking the place of persons, and influencing who can be laid off their jobs. Then, guess what, on top of everything else, we will begin to see a sharp decline in the middle class and an increase in the lower class.
 
Can leaders honestly say they have the will of the people first? I am curious: does anyone know how a country’s leaders assess its people? I wish I knew. I also wish I knew how our leaders can be blind to the fact that the price of almost everything in our country has increased. It is even more baffling that items locally produced are more expensive than imported items. Do you know how frustrating it is to go to work from Monday to Friday, put in 8 to nine hours work, and when you receive your paycheck most of it goes to paying bills or living expenses? The rule of thumb is that you should save 1/3 of your salary. From where and with what?

I encourage others to do their own study, as it is in our interest to be informed. For me, all I am trying to determine is what is a realistic measuring stick I can use to assist me when placing my vote.   

Teresita Rudon