Values

People have different values in life. Some preferred money. Others, political positions and the power that goes with it. The rest, connections to men of influence. Many men who were born wealthy lost their money because they don't have the knowledge to make it work and grow. Business inherited from their parents went bankrupt after employees and trusted officers robbed the company that gives them permanent employment; their bread and butter. Those with political positions and were able to make use of their temporary power while in office gained money through legal and illegal means but lost their peace when they tried hard to cling on to power. Body guards were hired to assure them of their security and those of their immediate family. In exchange for peace, they lived in perpetual fear of their safety. They can't go out of their homes without body guards watching and protecting them. Having tasted wealth they haven't enjoyed before they became men of power, they ransacked the public coffers as if it's their very own. They send their children to expensive and exclusive schools, opened business they don't have any knowledge of, tour the world and saw its famous landmarks and wonders, went on abroad for junket and shopping sprees. When not on travel, they could be found in the casino's gambling tables frequented by the rich and famous. Many would envy, hoping if only "they were in their shoes" they can have the best cars, best houses, best wardrobes, best business and even the best whores. Those without money and without political positions and power were happy to be properly connected to men of money, power and influence. To these people, it's as if they have all of them. They have men to turn to, to use in time of need, strings to pull when the situation or occasion warrants. Getting a job, referral for their children, relatives and friends, admission of their children to selected schools for the elite and even asking assistance or preferential treatment in government offices and government owned and controlled corporations. Name it, they have it. And they don't need to fear. They can go wherever they want to go, wherever they please. In essence, they're more secure. They're not in the line of fire. They're people users. They're low profile. More honorable and for all seasons, people who choose education above money, power and influence, and connection. They command my highest respect. Educated people, even if they don't have much money, not holding positions with political power and influence nor properly connected to people who can enhance their careers are honorable men that decent and respectable youth can emulate and look up to. Disgusting and deplorable are people who are supposed to lead, build, model of future leaders of tomorrow but are shamelessly brazen in stealing people and government money for their own selfish ends. These people can't command my respect. Make no mistake about it. Education is learned not only inside the class rooms. They're learned from our parents, from our elders, from our teachers, from our neighbors, from our churches and even from our common sense. Some would argue, education is evidenced by earning a degree from a school recognized by the education governing body of a country such as Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education. Legally and technically, yes. Morally, NO. Probably, it's the reason why thieves, bandits and brigands can be found in high places. These people don't have moral values. They steal, smuggle, rob the people ¦as long as they're not caught and convicted “ they're clean". They're innocent. These are the kind of people that should be lined in the public square and shot point blank. It's frustrating to find decent people shy away from public service, refuse to run for public office while thieves throws their weight around posturing as if they're commissioned by God to lead this country to greatness like Moses and Joshua to the Israelites. Don't look to far, just look around. Not all convicts are those not educated in colleges and universities. Most thieves are attired in coat and tie, holding respectable positions in our government, in the corporate world and even among the rich and famous. The way we live, the way we raise our children, the values we live up to.. determines who we are and what we are. Do you agree?