Dear Editor,
As a military veteran, the word “patriot” is an intrinsic part of my daily life. On a military base, we start our days with reveille and end them with a retreat. In between are the matching red, white, and blue outfits, military exercises and ceremonies, overseas deployments, and deserts decorated with American flags. Patriotism, to us, is the daily sacrifice of our own ideas for our nation’s ideals.
In Guyana, I see few of the citizenry sacrificing their own ideas for our nation’s ideals.
The greatest and most important thing I learned in the US military is to be selfless. I learned the core values of the military – “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do” – unite all warriors in the common pursuit of victory.
I learned the importance of Duty, Honor, and Country. I learned service before self. These values are instilled in every soldier from the time they join until the time they leave the military. And it stays with you forever.
Unfortunately, I don’t see this selflessness taught or valued in Guyana. On the contrary, selfishness seems to be promoted and encouraged. Despite my efforts, I have yet to find an unselfish person or politician here.
One of the core values of the military is selflessness. As a nation and culture, selflessness is not a part of our ethos. We are a people who only think about ourselves. If you don’t believe me, just look at our drivers, our policymakers, or our government.
How can a selfish nation succeed and prosper? I don’t think it can. Take a look at our law enforcement, our young people, and our future leaders. Many of them exhibit selfishness, willing to gain the world but lose their soul in the process. No one is willing to sacrifice for others.
In Guyana, money and power are more important than patriotism. Money has become the ultimate priority. It is revered as master, as king. Citizens are willing to do anything to obtain it, even if it means killing others. They are willing to sacrifice their soul and moral values to get it. This rampant selfishness is a dangerous trend that threatens the future of our nation.
Sincerely,
Anthony Pantlitz
