Right to vote
The other day I read something in the line of “At what point will having something to eat become more important than the right to vote?” Please don’t think that I regard the right to vote as not important. One of the greatest freedoms and privileges offered in a democracy is to have a choice in whom you want to govern your country.
Yet, if I look at the present situation where people are looting and destroying businesses and vehicles transporting goods necessary for our livelihood, I am afraid, that such a point might be closing in on us.
Right of choice
One of the rights of a consumer that I like most, is the right of choice. When buying fruit and veggies, I like to pick which tomatoes, onions, bananas or whatever I want to put in the bag. I’m not very fond of buying the pre-packed bags, I like to make the choice myself.
The same is true for everything we purchase, whether a motor vehicle, a house, cell phone or whatever. The biggest limiting factor usually is one’s budget. Although everybody would love to, not everybody can afford the top of the range of every product or service they want.
Of some products we are actually so spoiled for choice that it becomes confusing. Take cell phones for example, faster processor and internet, better camera, longer lasting battery, etc. So many models and such a variety, may be overwhelming for many people, especially older people.
Less to choose from
Yet over the last year and a half our choices have decreased considerably. Just think how many magazines closed down since Covid-19 came on board, not to speak of airlines, tourism destinations, restaurants and recreational facilities that closed down.
There is a story about an air hostess asking a passenger whether he would like to have the meal of the day on which he asked what choices he had? Her answer: Yes or no. Yes or no is a far cry from a menu with many options. I’m afraid that no economy can afford the kind of looting and destruction of the last couple of weeks without sacrificing many of the options and choices we previously had.
# Choose life
We are continually reminded about the struggle for the freedom of our country. This freedom needs to be protected. Without political freedom we will no longer have the privileges and choices we had until now.
There is nothing new to such a call to precaution, even Moses cautioned his people: “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore, choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” (Deut 30:19)
Passing it on
What’s happening in our country at present will not only affect us, but even more so our children. If everything is destroyed, there will only remain ruins for the next generation to build on. To build a wealthy economy does not happen in one generation. We continually need the long-term perspective that at the end of your life you pass the baton to the next generation.
What will we pass on? Let us go for life, i.e., among others, freedom of choice, peace and a vibrant economy.
Choosing a career is another privilege we have. Yet being in a career that does not match who you are, is bad, even at its best. If that’s you, contact me for a Career Direct Assessment (available online) which will help you know and understand yourself? It will not only show who you are, but will also point you in the right direction.
