"True" National Leaders

THE "TRUE" NATIONAL LEADERS

 

"Let me write the songs of a nation: I don't care who writes the laws." Andrew Fletcher, Scottish Politician

 

When he first took office I used to hear news about Governor Powes Parkop's vision to clean the city and the people's mindsets by the year 2012. That year is coming to an end now. How have we fared? Have we changed? He posed the question to a workshop of certain middle level bureaucrats: "How do we get people to change their mindsets and attitude?" Indeed: "HOW?"

 

Mindsets and attitude cannot be legislated or regulated into form. They exist freely of the external things we set up ourselves to control society. The conscience is the freest component of a human person. Inserted and guaranteed by God Himself. I could even say that the freedom of conscience is a freedom more precious than liberty itself. Throughout history and even today people have sacrificed their physical freedom and even the lives to keep their consciences. And the most powerful of people have been those who have been able to permeate people's conscience.

 

Leadership, I heard from Myles Munroe, is the ability to influence human behaviour. Human behaviour is a product of the human conscience. Leadership is therefore the ability to influence the human conscience to such an extent as it affects human behaviour.

All these considered, I have concluded who the REAL leaders of this nation are. They are not the Prime Ministers, the Members of Parliament, or the nation's top bureaucrats. They are not the ones who possess power or control over vast amounts of money or land, or people. They are not those who have many wives and massive wealth; or who drive successful businesses and expensive vehicles.

 

For me the true leaders are smaller people. They probably live with relatives because they can't afford rentals. Maybe they make their homes in settlements. They possibly have small blue-collar jobs that they struggle through every day. But they are famous people. Known and loved by many who share the same everyday experiences as they do. They are the local songwriters, singers, poets, writers and the storytellers. But I'll focus on the songwriters and singers because that segment of the arts has more dominion in PNG than the story-telling, books and poetry.

 

The majority of this nation listens to music and song every day. And songs have the ability to stick and continually play in the minds of people. The words, aided by music, can seep easily into our sub-conscience, shaping the mindset without us even knowing it. When we constantly listen to the same thing we usually end up believing it—without even making a conscious decision to start believing. Sooner or later we start living out the kind of beliefs transmitted by the songs. Our behaviour is affected.

 

Human behaviour is shaped by what we constantly hear, see and read—by what is constantly communicated to us. Politicians can deliver speeches once in a while but their words do not dwell in our minds and hearts as much as songs and music. Hence politicians, despite having the authority to make laws and the macro-decisions for the country, do not have much influence on the people's behaviour. That privilege (or responsibility) lies with our song-writers and singers.

The problem however, is that much of our popular local songs are full of negative themes such as self-pity and regret, low self-esteem, loss of hope ("I give up") etc. They are un-inspiring and narrow-minded. They stimulate fleeting desires that can never be satisfied.

 

Such songs that carry words such as "mi pipia blong pipia blong pipia", "maski mi rabis man mi simel tinpis". Or "save-kad nogat save", "skul-pepa blong yu skul-pepa nating", or "wai na mama karim mi?" or "mi bai stap na raun wabo", limit our ability to dream and aspire for great things or greatness. They remove our ability to look beyond our current limitations—beyond the immediate.

 

One song that has been very influential (to my utter disgust) is Skwatas hit Take Me to Parardise. This song opens with the phrase "Wik i kam pinis em wikend nau taim bilong kisim wara wantaim ol poroman". Those words, and the phrase "I'm living for the weekend", reinforce within young people that life has no ultimate meaning or everlasting joy, but if we compound our pleasures every weekend—by taking alcohol, dancing away and picking up a one-night stand—we may salvage some happiness. This is a dangerous message. Yet this song is (was) a hit with very young children who had yet to cement a proper outlook of life.

 

Then there's Tania's song Trupla Man. I once watched a TV program showcasing Tania promoting her album and that song to hundreds of kids mostly below the age of 13. Some kids (possibly aged between 7 and 10) were called to the stage and sang the chorus brilliantly: "Trupla man, wokobaut long bikpla nait. Painim mi. Em orait. Mi save long ting ting blong yu!..." (translation: "A real man. Walks in the dead of the night looking for me. That's fine. I know what you're thinking") One phrase goes "Mi tu mi man na mi gat bulut na mi nidim presens blong yu..." ("I'm human too. I got feelings (hormones) and I need you").  I thought to myself "what the heck!" These kids are singing along without a clue as to what Tania's intent was (I doubt Tania herself knew). Very early a mentality is being imbedded into their sub-conscience. That is, if your body desires something, get out there and do what it takes to satisfy your body. And if you do so you are a "trupla man" (real man)!

 

Songs such as these are dangerous to our society. They summon up energies and curiosities within children and young people before they built strong foundations from which they can properly direct such energy. They lack a message of hope, peace, unity and other positive themes that could energise Papua New Guineans to do the right thing. Yes we do have some of those songs ringing through the air but they're significantly outnumbered by the negatives. Songs with such words are not just harmless music and entertainment. They shape human thought. They shape the conscience. They shape culture.

 

If there are songwriters out there reading this, you have more power than you know. Use it well. And for politicians, if you'd like to regain some of your lost power from the singers and songwriters, I'd recommend that you ban the so many negatively-charged songs that infiltrate almost every young heart every single day in Papua New Guinea.

If we are to have a positive society with a positive culture we have to change the things that shape the minds that shape the behaviour of the people that shape our society.

Heavenise Week!

 

Ganjiki

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

By Sanga Ge Abolo

 

Lae city is home city. But it is a deteriorating city, although the Morobe Provincial Government and the Lae city authority will never say this outright. Being based in Port Moresby, it is disheartening to return to see parts of the city fall to ruins or another remains of a recently-burnt building, testament to the downward spiral facing the country's "industrial city".

 

So it was an absolute treat when, yesterday, I was introduced to a small second-hand clothing shop and bistro in the heart of the city. Sha-Mata Clothing & Bistro is like no other - at least not like the type I am so used to seeing in PNG. Located in a spacious premises within Lae's post office building, Sha-Mata is a breath of fresh air to Lae's staleness.

 

Walking into Sha-Mata is almost like walking into a boutique. The shop is air-conditioned, aesthetically arranged - and startlingly clean. One end of the outfit has been partitioned and serves as a bistro while the main area sells "quality" second-hand clothes ordered directly from the United States.

 

After the doorman opens the door, shop attendants briskly walk up and serve customers with promptness and such sincerity, I found myself smiling and revelling in this gem of a find. "Who owns this place?" I immediately ask my cousin, Desley - my guide and a 20-plus-year resident of Lae. "One Central woman—the owner of that cleaning company, Lae Everclean. This is an arm of her business," Desley replies. Oh!, that must be Sarah Haoda-Todd!", I say in surprise, remembering Sarah on Facebook's Sharp Talk and the fact that she had been the winner of some business award the year gone by.

 

No wonder Sha-Mata was spotlessly clean and its service unique by the general PNG standard. The woman was an astute business woman. We order our coffee, two lamingtons and long creamed donuts. Altogether, everything totals K15.10 - the coffee at K2 a cup. "Is that all?!" Again, I am in disbelief. I am so used to the ballooning prices of Port Moresby. As we find our seats at one of the neatly-done-up tables, my cousin explains the reasoning behind the shop's operations.

 

"I think they try to fill the market that is quite badly needed today - treating ordinary Papua New Guineans with respect, without making them pay an arm and a leg for the service."

 

Promptly, our coffee arrives. "We hope you enjoy your coffee," the waitress says as she departs. The coffee is great - steaming hot, sweet and creamy as directed. "I think what the owner is trying to say is: 'we can prove we are able to deliver the same service offered at high-class eateries at affordable prices," Desley continues. "And prove too that Papua New Guineans can do a much better job at running every-day eateries than what most of these Asian s.... offer!", I pipe in, remembering and getting agitated at the dirty Asian-owned kai-bars mushrooming all over Port Moresby and the National Capital District Commission's struggle to keep them compliant with the public health and safety standards. I look around. All the tables are occupied. At one, a child has spilled a drink. Immediately, a waitress shows up and wipes away the spill. I am amazed!

 

For a simple place of eating where a cup of coffee costs K2 and a plate of food K15, this is quite unusual. We chat and enjoy our coffee. Upon our departure, the waitress thanks us for our patronage as she whisks away the empties. At the door, the doorman opens the door smartly as he bids us farewell.

 

"Wow!", I grin into my sister's face as we step out and into Lae's heat and humidity. "A plus for old Lae, aye?", she grins back.

 

"And a breath of fresh air!" I add.

 

~SGA©~"

 

GDW's note: A breath of fresh air indeed. My complaint in almost EVERY eatery I attend in PNG, is the lack of respect, attentiveness and courtesy that the employees exhibit; even to ordinary Papua New Guineans. Even in hotels you'll get disappointed by the service (or rather "disservice"). We could do well to learn from Sha-Mata and its valiant and adventurous proprietor Sarah Haoda-Todd. I can't wait to visit that joint.

 

Tribute to Dad, Rev. Martin Luther Wayne

Tribute to Dad, Rev. Martin Luther Wayne

(On the occasion of my wedding, I gave this tribute to my dad. I post it as perhaps a lesson to fellow preachers' kids, any kid, who wishes to or should honor our fathers whilst they live...whilst we all live.)

I love funerals, but I also hate them. I love funerals because you get to see the life of the departed through the eyes of people who knew them differently. And you can learn a lot of life's lessons from the words shared. But I hate funerals for the same thing: those words. Because the one person who needed to hear those words when he was alive can no longer hear. Those words are of no benefit to him. He may have died thinking no one appreciated him. I intend not to let my father leave this earth without knowing how much he is appreciated, by me at least. And so with these words, I pay him tribute whilst he lives. It will not compare to the grand applause he will receive when he enters his eternal home. And my highest opinion, as his son, cannot compare to the opinion of his Maker and heavenly Father. But that same heavenly Father demands that we the earthly children of our earthly parents honor them sincerely. And so with these few words I attempt to honor my dad.

My dad, Rev Martin Wayne, is a simple man. He is as simple as simple can get. Dad isn't earthly rich. He has hardly owned a brand new car. He's got no permanent house. Nor some small business to sustain him and his family. His wardrobe is rather small. He's got no financial security. His bank account hardly exceeds 4 figures on any given month. Yet I can't recall any day being with dad that he would not utter the words "Thank you Lord." He knew he had more than enough. He was content.

How did he sustain his family all this years? Pure faith and God's amazing Grace. Dad didn't live in this world. So he didn't have a care for the things of this world, except his family. And the souls of every men women and children. Dad lived in a place where souls mattered most. Ever since he received God's call to serve Him, dad has never taken a step back. Whether he did it officially as a serving missionary and minister of the Word or as an unemployed house-husband, he would diligently seek ways to serve his master.

Dad has taught countless young people in Religious Education. He loves doing it. We can never know what impact he has had on this nation through his ministry. We don't know how many hours he has spent talking to young people, sowing seeds of hope and faith in their souls. Countless hours he spends counseling people who are humble enough to seek his help. Countless hours spent preparing and delivering sermons. Now he serves that Master in a time that people who've not heard God's call as clearly as he has, think they can serve better than pastors like him. We don't know exactly how much fruit has been harvested from the seeds he's sown. But I know that at least the One Person whose opinion does matter knows exactly what impact dad has made in this world. And it's more than all our earthly awards can measure.

In our pursuit of the valuable things in this world we may not have noticed that the truly wealthy men of our times are those who walk on their feet, carrying a back pack, have little in their bank accounts. Who fight for the Lord armed with nothing but a helmet of salvation, a belt of truth, a breastplate of righteousness, and the sword of the Spirit. Men like my dad. They wake at 4:30am every day to talk with the one friend they have that's always faithful. They probably tell Him that they're lonely. That they're discouraged because the world doesn't seem to appreciate them, and they can't see themselves being productive for the kingdom. That they're tempted to leave the service so they can earn some money finally, and give their kids a life. Men like my dad. Who attend one-man prayer-meetings. Men who preach God's Word every week. Feeding a flock that forgets to say grace. He serves tea and coffee like it was the highest call of man. And he walks the streets praying for the lost souls that pass by. And it seems God decided to remove dad's capacity to hate, and anger and to hold a grudge against any person.

I watched my dad work beside mum. I watched him do the dishes, cook the meals, do the laundry, sweep the floor, iron the clothes and fold them, even attempting to dig a garden despite his bad back. Once when we needed a home he walked the city of Lae on foot looking for accommodation that his meager savings could afford. He even scaled a fence because his legs were too tired to walk around the university campus. I watched him faithfully and patiently serve his wife, my mum, with so much love. He would brave the highlands highway every week to be with mum when their respective jobs separated them. Then he resigned because he'd rather be with mum than earn extra money for the family. Dad didn't have all the money to give his kids everything. But he had all the time to give his kids all the attention they needed. Mum and dad worked as a great tag-team wrestling team. Because they had a great Coach in the Christ they believed in.

Dad taught me to love my woman, the way he loves his. He taught me to love my family, the way he loves his. He's exemplified humility and meekness such that I can't help but marvel at his inability to think of himself highly. I know not of any man other than dad, who entitled to say what the apostle Paul said: "Imitate me, as I imitate Christ." But dad would never say it because his humility would not allow it. But also because he doesn't think that he imitates Christ well.

Dad may never get extra letters after his name. No earthly award may be given him. No paper would run an article on men such as him. He is unsung. They won't give him a second glance on the street, because he has no fame. If he passes away they'll be no state funeral, no 21 gun salute, no full-page condolence message in the papers.

But.

If Heaven had a newspaper it would be front-page! The headline would most likely read: "A general is coming home!" They'd throw a massive party and sing for joy. The angels would lead him to his mansion. And it would be a million times bigger than the castles and palaces of the kings of this earth. Dad would be finally be served his favorite coffee, in a golden mug with the words "Good and Faithful Servant" inscribed on it. His Lord will most likely visit him every day and they'd look back on his life here. And His Lord will tell him "Well done, well done!"

I hope I had enough words to pay him the tribute he deserves. But I am a fallible man. One day Dad will hear God's perfect opinion...and it will suffice.

I hope I can be at least half the husband to my wife, that dad has been to mum. And to be half the father to my children (God willing), that dad has been to my siblings and I. And I hope I can find the strength to serve the Lord, as faithfully as Dad has served Him.

If I can be half the man my dad is, I would have done well.

Thanks dad, for representing God well.

I love you,

Ganjiki

17th September 2012

An Essay on Racism

Origin and Racism

Ganjiki D Wayne

               

Many years ago the Western world—the Caucasian man—determined that the black man was not man at all. They believed that the darker race was not a race. The black man was a stage of evolution somewhere between the Apes and the Caucasian man. Therefore the black man, not being fully evolved, was not fully human. And therefore not entitled to the rights understood to be due to human beings. The black man was a different species.

 

And so they treated them as slaves. The black man was an animal, a living tool. They patronized them; not believing them capable of anything they themselves were capable of. Even of independent thought. And they could justify that perception with arguments both from science and religion. But whichever angle they spun it, they were wrong.

 

It is ironic that people who thought themselves the benchmark of the human race, allowed such fantasies in their minds. And they couldn't shake it off no matter how much reading and thinking they did, or how educated they got.

 

Ironic still, is the fact that even to this day some of them think that way. For people who believe in everything being explained by science, they failed to note that their theory of a non-human-savage was/is unsupported by science. Every indication—biologically, psychologically, emotionally, socially, existentially, and through history—shows that the "savage" is as every bit as human as the Caucasian man.

 

Racism is a natural outworking of belief in evolution. It is not only plausible, but justifiable if evolution is held as the process by which mankind is formed. Evolution espouses a stage-by-stage production process. And as in any production process, the final product is far more advanced than its preceding stages. As such it's logical to argue that a darker-skinned man has not yet reached the stage of production that the white man has, and is therefore less advanced than the white man. Therefore still, he is not entitled to "human rights" the way the white human is.  It's a bit difficult for those who believe in evolution to reject racism: yet they must import some idea (from the air) that all man are equal in order to be socially acceptable. Hitler developed his "perfect Aryan race" illusion based on Darwin's concept of "natural selection", and sought to eliminate a race that he thought was a threat to human civilisation. Racism is tenable with the theory of evolution.

 

But evolutionary theory isn't the only perspective responsible for racism. Religion and abusive interpretations of the Bible also promulgated beliefs that some humans were inferior to others. With a foolish and obnoxious interpretation of God's Word, racism was justified. The white Afrikaans of South Africa believed their superiority was an act of God. Dr. DF Malan, a former South African PM, even remarked that "Afrikanerdom [white South African political philosophy] is not the work of man, but the creation of God". In America, though believing all man were created by God, some believed that in the Creator's "series or progression from a lump of dirt to a perfect man" (Edward Long, 1774), the "negro" was inferior to human beings. These are but some of the perverted views of "enlightened" man. Even now some participants in the white supremacy movement believe that white is God's chosen race. Other racial supremacy groups (e.g. Black Supremacy) believe the opposite for the same reason. There is not a shred of biblical truth in these claims. So what is the truth?

 

"[A]ll man are created equal", screams the American Declaration of Independence (1776). "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights" says the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizens (1789). In recognition of the "inherent dignity" of the human race, "all human beings are born equal", affirms the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). And long before these documents, King John's Magna Carter (1215) afforded certain rights to his subjects within the context that all man are equal under God and no man is above the law. But is 1215 as far back as we can go in attributing equality of man?

 

Under God. This is a crucial point. No equality of worth can be legitimately claimed if man was formed any other way but by a Supreme Creator who creates and simultaneously stamps a value onto the creature. These above key world-impacting documents presuppose that man is created by God and is not the result of a timeless evolutionary process. Words such as "all man are created...endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights" (US), "under the auspices of the Supreme Being the following rights of man and citizen" (French), and "inherent dignity...of the human family" (UN) speak of the origin of the human being: a being created by a creator and not evolved over millions of years from primordial organic soup. I can't image anyone defending the American Constitution if it read "all man are evolved equal".

 

To say all man have equal value is to determine that all man are worth something. To say we're worth anything we would have to determine that such value came from somewhere. Such value would have to come from that which creates or forms us. Just like the money we print, being affixed a certain value that we its creators decide (all variables considered). We cannot be more valuable than that which gives us life—from which we have our existence. If that source is less valuable than our perceived worth, we would have to admit that we are less valuable than we currently think. And our real value will have to be pragmatic; that is, we would have to import value (e.g. usefulness to society) to give ourselves a sense of worth. But that will immediately separate our individual values and makes us not equal, thus justifying racism. On the other hand, if that which makes us has value far above us, then we indeed have equal value under a common standard. And we need not import some arbitrary rule for that purpose. The WORTH of man is directly attributed to the ORIGIN of man.  

 

So what is our origin? We would have to go to the beginning. Did we start of as primordial organic soup and evolve over millions of years to get here? Or did an infinitely powerful and creative God make us in His image and likeness? We would have to admit (at least I would) that it is only because "in the beginning God created" man in His image and likeness, that we even have a starting point of reference for the dignity of ALL human beings.

 

Racism is a belief in the superiority of the culture and community from which the racist hails. The Western man believed his style of living, his values, his way of life, was far more superior to others. And therefore by virtue of being born into or living up to those standards, he considered himself superior to others. Western society has indeed become the yardstick by which the world is measured. "Developed" and "Developing" are stages of nations' progress—based on how "Western" a nation is. Western values of monetary and economic wealth, modern education, materialism, selfish indulgence in pleasure and eroticism, fame and fortune, have become the key values of the world. And if a nation is not giving the opportunity to its people to pursue these values, then it is a failing nation.

 

But cultures are diverse. They're diverse not because we evolved differently. They're diverse because God created man to be diverse. He made us to be different to magnify His own power of creativity and infinite ability to make countless kinds (variations) of the same thing. He never intended that one kind would consider itself better than the other. But all are of equal worth. And He does hope that all man would ultimately recognize and live up to His own ultimate "culture" within the context of theirs.

 

Indeed we are all different. And not all equal in ability. We are all gifted and equipped differently. From the Olympics we notice that the white man cannot run as fast as the black man. Some can sing, some run, some play basketball, some play guitars, some write, some paint, some speak, some listen. We are not all equal in our abilities. But we are all of equal worth: regardless of colour or race.

 

Our individual cultures have shaped us differently. In some countries they have thousands of high-rise buildings and thousands of homeless people on the streets. In others they have bush huts and everyone has a roof over his head. The urban man cannot handle the bush like the bush-man can. He can't utilize nature using the "primitive" technology of the bush man. And the bushman cannot drive a car, operate a train or fly a plane. But both can learn. And this is a vital point. Both can learn each other's ways and do as well as the other within their physical capacities. That is one of God's greatest gifts to mankind: the gift of learning.

 

With intelligence that can only come from an intelligent Creator, man has been able to improve his lot in life. He could teach himself. He could learn. God intended that man could learn so that he could learn more about Him. Man could adapt to his surroundings. He could be sociable. Sadly some have not used that learning ability to recognise equality in our diversity.

 

Racism was concocted in the mind of man, just like countless other evils that can be concocted in our minds. Minds that God in His divine grace allowed to think freely, knowing that that freedom could lead us to deny His existence and cook up evil notions. We see a common thread in history: man, particularly the Western man, has denied God's existence and attributed ours to a random process. That process could justify racism, and it cannot justify a moral scale by which we can tell if anything is right or wrong.

 

Now that same western man is trying to impose his amorality on the world. Racism (slavery its linchpin) has proven to be wrong, yet it thrives today in subtle ways such as unjustified visa restrictions and asylum arrangements, or coffee-making policies in mega-malls. Other ideas emerge from within that same Western man's mind. Such as the amorality of things before believed to be immoral: e.g. homosexuality. But if Western man was once wrong about the value of human beings, what makes him trust-worthy in his perspective of human sexuality and morality now? He may be proven in a few years to be wrong...again.

 

The world has adopted almost all Western values and perspectives as the yardstick for progress. As if the West created the world and bears witness to ultimate reality. Some of its beliefs are good because they correspond with reality, but many do not. The promulgation of the revelation of God may be one of the few great gifts that the West has brought to the rest of humanity. Ironically its promulgation of non-belief in that same God may be its worst "theft" to the world.

 

We need a standard of guidance beyond ourselves. Beyond the black man. Beyond the white man. Beyond ALL man. It would seem that God still is the best option for guidance of moral perceptions.

 

Because God is real, racism is wrong, homosexuality is wrong, and everything wrong is wrong. Indeed it is because He exists that we have a concept of "wrong" at all. Nothing else can explain such a deep recognition of a moral dilemma in mankind's hearts.

 

Heavenise day!

 

Ganjiki

--

Ganjiki

"INSPIRING PASSION"

 

http://ppngtokauttokstret.blogspot.com/ 

NATIONAL REPENTANCE DAY: HOW THEN SHALL WE LIVE?

(Last year I wrote this piece in anticipation of National Repentance Day. I think we need reminding of the implications of such a day.)

 

As we near the first National Repentance Day, let's take some time to reflect on its significance. During the reign of the last government our then Acting Prime Minister and the National Executive Council became convinced that such a commemoration was pivotal to national change (and I could not agree more). And so, Friday August 26 will be National Repentance Day for Papua New Guinea.

 

My humble question: Do Papua New Guineans understand the meaning of Repentance? And therefore do we understand the significance of this day?

 

What is REPENTANCE? It is quite a religious word these days. Perhaps its earliest usage in the English language was when it appeared in the King James Bible exactly 400 years ago. It is an expression especially familiar with the Christian faith. "Repent! For the Kingdom of God is at hand!" Christians proclaim to this lost world, echoing the Lord Jesus and his announcer John the Baptist. I'm not sure if we really know what we are saying. Non-Christians or the irreligious would probably balk at this concept; concluding confidently that it does not apply to them. Christians would embrace it ecstatically; believing its high time the rest of the nation REPENTS or at least appreciates its eternal importance.

 

In chasing the definition of REPENTANCE the most obvious meaning jumps out: CHANGE OF MIND. The English word REPENTANCE, as used in the Bible, comes from the Greek word matenoeo (metanoia—meta "after, with", noeo "after one's mind"), a compound word which simply means "a change of mind", it can also refer to "change of conduct" and "change of consciousness" (but strictly speaking it refers to change of mind). Change of mind means changing beliefs and perceptions on a certain subject matter. If not believing something in the past, repentance means now believing it. Hence in the Christian context repentance means believing in the Lord Jesus, having previously NOT believed.  If I did not think a certain way before, I now think that way. And the change in the thinking is supposed to naturally show in the conduct.

 

In the Christian context repentance is associated with sin. True repentance is supposed to mean no longer allowing sin to reign in us. In the ordinary context repentance generally relates to the way we think. And on both notes I think PNG is well overdue for repentance. Never before has changing of the mind been so vital to national progress than it is today. We cannot continue in our way of thinking if we are to see real long-lasting change in our Nation. This is something that Patriots PNG has been campaigning for (changing of mindset) since its inception and which the Church has been pushing for since coming to PNG (repentance from sin and faith in God).

 

I do not know exactly what stifles our progress as a nation. But I have a clue that it has a lot to do with our mindsets: individually and collectively. WE NEED TO CHANGE OUR MIND. Then and only then will we see changes in our lives and in our country. Repentance usually means change "for the better". If we do not show signs of becoming better people, better citizens, better Christians, better leaders etc. after 26/08; then we would have missed the mark in commemorating a day for REPENTANCE.

 

One thing for sure in the religious and irreligious context: Repentance has to be preceded by an understanding of that which you must change your mind about. If I used to think that spitting beetle-nut all over the streets was ok (or if I DID NOT THINK IT IS WRONG), before changing my mind about it I would have to first be convinced in my mind that it is indeed wrong. Otherwise there would be no basis on which I would then "change my mind" and stop such a habit. So if there has to be any real repenting, there will have to be some real hard-hitting revelation (I tried to find a less-religious word but this is most appropriate) of the nature of our current way of thinking and conduct.

 

That part of the process (revealing our defective ways of thinking) has to be intensified in PNG. The people need to appreciate what needs to be repented of. We need to appreciate what's wrong with our current mindset, our current beliefs, our conduct, etc.

 

Every person who understands the wrongness of a belief or conduct must make it his duty to inform others so as to help them change their thinking and conduct. And the Church must not slack of in speaking out against sin and what is morally wrong. And every individual has a duty to reflect on his current beliefs and perceptions, attitudes and conduct. As a facebook user posted so profoundly "no person or country can change until they face the hard ugly truth about themselves".

 

For only then will you be compelled to repent.

 

REFLECTION PRECEDES REPENTANCE

 

God Bless PNG.

 

Heavenise Day!

Wisening Up

Our "less-educated" founding fathers had far more superior wisdom and commitment to the nation than our current flock of leaders.

 

The Constitution is testament of that. Especially the Preamble, the Basic Social Obligations, and the National Goals and Directive Principles. I don't think our modern well-educated leaders could have come up with ideals as profound as those we find in our Constitution. Even if they had a hundred years to think it through. Yet we think all our problems will be solved by educating more.

 

Let's not forget the worst atrocity of the 20th Century, the Holocaust, was committed by the most educated nation of that time.

 

We can change if we return to the solid fundamentals that were laid for us, instead of building a thousand houses on a thousand different shaky foundations.

 

Read the Preamble of the Constitution, and the CPC Report if you really want to know how far astray we've gone as a nation...and how we can get back on track. We've travelled a thousand miles in a thousand different directions and have ended up no where.

 

We don't have to educate up, we need to wisen up!

 

God Bless PNG.

 

Heavenise day!

 

 

On the 22 Reserved Seats

On the 22 Reserved Seats

Dr Sepoe says: "Is 3 enough? She says (PM says) the number of women elected in the 2012 election is still not good enough. The global target is a critical mass of at least 30% of the total no. of MPs for women to influence decision-making and public policy. PNG has improved from 0.9 to 2.7% with the 3 women MPs, however, we still need many more women in Parliament. Reserved seats is still an option..."

I say stuff the global target! We work at our pace, and we get there when we get there. The UN can take its targets elsewhere. I want my country-ladies to beat my country-men fair and square.
Only then can they claim true equal voice. Just having a fair voice is nothing if that voice is not attained squarely. Our women can get there just give us time and let us do it our way: the PNG Way. We have to crawl before we can walk. We got 3 in this year. That's two better than last term. Next time we may do even better.

Stuff the 22seats. My mum and sisters don't like it. My well-educated female colleagues don't like it. And Delilah Gore doesn't like it. And These women are all PNGeans.

UN can shove its "global targets"...

Power to the women. True Power, not that imposed by UN-inspired policies for "equality".

The PNG Way is one of our Five Goals. I say we work it out and stick by it.

God Bless PNG! And the PNG Way