Letter of the day - Wiser resolutions
published: Saturday | January 11, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
REFLECTING ON my recent visit to Jamaica, I have realised that there have been a lot of changes over the years, some of which I have endorsed and others I do not.
One of the changes that flummoxes me the most is the get rich quick mentality that Lotto, Drop Pan, Pick 3, and Lucky 5', and all the other gambling games represent. Virtually, all these gambling games have one purpose: to separate people from their money by convincing them that something is quick, easy, cheap and oh, just incidentally better. How wise is the parent who teaches his child/children by example that happiness and security can be attained only by a big win from these games?
At this time of New Year's resolutions, it would be wise for all those gamblers to abandon the eternal search for quick and easy wealth, and happiness.
Most people who possess good things earned them; very few have won them. Blessings and good fortune have played parts in my life, to be sure, but seeking and reaching, studying, working hard, discipline, dedication to doing the right things, and not least of all, persistence, have gone a long way to provide love, friendship, knowledge, a fine home, and a rewarding career.
I am not smug; I am humbled to have followed the hard road less travelled. Growing up in Jamaica, my siblings and I watched our parents rise early everyday before daybreak to prepare us for school and take care of things around the house before heading off to work. What poor lesson it would be for us to have watched them stand in line for half-an-hour or more to buy a lottery ticket?
For this new year, I wish all Jamaicans wiser resolutions.
