Dear Source:
Low expectation is our albatross in this society. The fact that so many of us accept mediocrity as a standard indicates the psychological pathos that afflicts this community.
What is wrong in aspiring to be the best in whatever we do, not just talk about what we would like to accomplish but strive diligently achieve our goals? Why do we accept mediocre services? Whether it is the people we choose to represent us in government, both the elected and the appointed ones, we do not seek out the best amongst us. Then we complain about the poor representations and poor services. Why can we not expect better for ourselves, from ourselves and others around us? Why do we have to suffer these complexes of inferiority, that we choose to deny or fail to acknowledge?
We see the results of low expectation in the home, in the school in our community as a whole. In the home the parent or parents do not transmit to their offspring that degree of expectation that would motivate them to strive for high standards in whatever field of endeavor they choose to enter. Some parents are cheerleaders to their children instead of motivators. Many parents may not be able to be real role models but they certainly can inspire them, encourage them to be better that they are, to avoid their mistakes. Parents should be honest with their children and point out their mistakes in life and encourage their children to do better and achieve more. Parents can encourage their children to be assets in society rather than liabilities. Parents should not condone the wrong their offspring do, but rather correct them, discourage them from their wayward path.
I understand the challenges that many parents have in raising their offspring in a community where public officials engages in all sorts of illegal acts, many with impunity.
Too many of our public officials do not have the moral fortitude to address the growing public immorality that is afflicting our society. We live in a community where integrity is a virtue of the past, neither honesty nor humility are promoted in the home, in the schools or the community at large. Is it any wonder that we are experiencing a moral decadence in this nation? Aside from what the prophets have said about our times; can we not see and attempt to understand what is happening to us as a society?
It is written in the holy scriptures that it will be only a remnant of mankind that will be saved at the time of universal judgment. Are you interested in being in the remnant that will survive, that will be saved from destruction? I believe we all know what is expected of us, if we would only discipline ourselves to do what we know is right, everything will be alright. It is up to us as individuals, because not even our love ones we will be able to save, they all have to account for themselves. I pray for our salvation, for our redemption. May Allah-God have mercy on us as we seek to do His will. Be steadfast in your faith, only the strong in faith shall survive.
J. J. Estemac
St. Thomas, VI
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