Spiritual values vs get rich mentality

THE EDITOR: The former President of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr ANR Robinson, said “Trinidadians and Tobago-nians need to return to spirituality.” He made this statement before leaving office. I could not agree more. With crime spiralling out of control, one wonders what values are being taught in homes and in schools.

The capitalist American values seem to point the way to the future. Are these values the best? Materialism appears to have taken the place of spiritual values. A consciousness of God is critical towards building a strong society. The get rich mentality forces people to sell their souls for the mighty dollar. A few days ago a 14-year-old boy was shot for a few dollars in Morvant. Criminals with guns are seeking to get rich by stealing and killing others. The death of a society begins when the law of the jungle supercedes the rule of law and order. The present murder rate in TT is great cause for concern

Mahatma Ghandi said, “There is enough food for the world’s need but not for the world’s greed.” Ghandi got rid of his made-in-Britain suit and in India spun his own “dhoti.” He taught the philosophy of self-sufficiency. For those who are in the lower strata of society, this philosophy is worth adopting. Ghandi did not have a lot of food or clothing. He worked and provided enough for himself and his family. The grab for money and a higher lifestyle is forcing young people into a life of crime. It is good to seek a better standard of living but not at the cost of casting aside spiritual and moral values. Advertising seems to be the chief culprit, designed to create needs in the lives of people when there really isn’t any need. The cowboy smoking a cigarette paints a picture of strength and independence. The image of a man dying from cancer is never seen. Advertisers present these images to create an unnecessary need for material things. Children should be aware of these things. Expensive designers’ clothing and other items are just that, expensive.

The education system needs to focus on developing citizens, not just giving information. Homes need to become a wellspring of love. The present Russian President Putin was being interviewed by a reporter from CNN. She inquired about the material things that Putin did not have during his childhood days, then she asked him “how did you survive on so little?” The expression on her face seem to indicate to the Russian president that this woman felt that he grew up in a very destitute environment. President Putin looked at her and smiled, he said, “I remember growing up with very little, but in our home what I remember most was the love I felt from my parents, they loved me unconditionally.” Do children feel the love of their parents? Sometimes in homes the future criminals are bred. Again, I encourage Trinis to return to spiritual values, before it’s too late.

KHEM HARRINARINE
Port-of-Spain