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TURNING POINT: Changing Change

NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental (MindaNews/15 January) – If we want to achieve meaningful and lasting change, we must change the way we change.

If we want to stop corruption, we must stop the practice of patronage politics, the institutionalizing of political dynasty and the recycling of corrupt officials in the government.

If we want to stop the use of illegal drugs from destroying the health and lives of people and from undermining the peace and stability of society, and if killing we really must, we don’t stop at killing drug addicts but must run after and kill the producers of the prohibited drugs.

If we want to stop plastic trash from clogging our waterways, from destroying our aquatic and marine habitats, we must stop the production, sale and use of single-use plastic.

If we want to stop firecrackers from maiming people and causing deadly fires, we must stop their production and sale with unblinking determination.

If we want to stop bullying among kids, we must stop from bullying anyone at whim.

If we want to be understood, we must not double-talk.

If we want to be followed, we must walk our talk.

If we want others to change, we must change ourselves first before attempting to change them. Said a sage:

If you want to change the state, you must first change the province.

If you want to change the province, you must first change the town.

If you want to change the town, you must first change the village.

If you want to change the village, you first must change your family.

If you want to change the family, you first must change yourself.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. William R. Adan, Ph.D., is retired professor and former chancellor of Mindanao State University at Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines)

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