The United States of America, according to history books and confirmed by U.S. TV programs, was founded by freethinkers, agnostics, deists, Masonic grandmasters, probably even complete unbelievers, atheists.Yet, they were able to plant a new nation that from a mere sapling with 13 branches has now grown to a mighty tree that seemingly towers over all other nations on Earth.
My great-grandfather had a big mango tree near his small bamboo-and-cogon hut at the foot of a hill in Bucayab, a tiny barrio where we fled to hide from the Japanese during World War II. The tree bore plenty of fruit, and we had baskets full of mangoes to share when in season. Unfortunately, the tree grew on that part of the hill that continued to incline further down to a canyon or a crevasse. Although I did not witness the event itself, I was later informed that the mango tree was toppled or uprooted to the ground by one of the several typhoons that passed through the area during the rainy season.
While the United States looks like a very sturdy tree that has weathered many a storm, how deep and how firm indeed is its foundation? A redwood tree standing in isolation and rooted on shaky, shallow ground may be unable to withstand a hurricane's blasts, whereas a grove of bamboo trees that did bend with the blustery wind remains standing, unscathed. We ought not to lose our grip on the deep and firm foundation on which this nation was founded. While it is untrue that we are obsessed with transitory pleasures, trivialities. or other mad performances or pursuits, this seems to be the impression we have given to those who seek our country's downfall. But a truly united United States, like the bamboo grove, can sway and bend low so to let the bad weather dissipate or pass away. While our government needs to be flexible to successfully confront unexpected challenges or crises, it ought not to fall into the trap of using borrowed money to expand itself and/or to pursue manifestly unsustainable mirages One of our Founding Fathers counseled: "Never a borrower nor a lender be." Although he may have directed his remark to individuals, the reason behind his sage advice applies to any nation or entity that desires to be truly free. If you pay your creditor $40 out of every $100 that you earn, you are not free.
The citizenry without a doubt is concerned, maybe even very worried that Uncle Sam owes trillions and trillions of dollars. Many proposed solutions are being discussed and/or debated by our government leaders, which is commendable.The conservative position to the effect that government should govern within its means and avoid being a welfare state deserves serious consideration. But ultimately, in my view, the problem cannot be solved solely by legislation or federal government intervention. Individual action and initiative to choose restraint and moderation must be exercised. We, senior citizens, know it is safer to walk on level, firm, sure and stable ground rather than take that precarious downhill shortcut to...bankruptcy. Maintenance of good health and well-being should be an individual's day-to-day responsibility--like brushing one's teeth, a habit. And perhaps those highly paid government officials, especially those who are already personally wealthy or well-to-do, could voluntarily offer to reduce the deficit with part of their pay or donate more of their bounty to their favorite charities (other than themselves.) The amount may be insignificant. It is the gesture, the overt demonstration of concern, that counts. A final reminder: - Too many cooks spoil the broth. Too many advisers--same result.
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