Which of the following is a suggestion of the author to the public in general?
Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions by selecting the most appropriate options.
Recently, there has been a public outcry against bribery and corruption, embezzlement of public funds, the desire to get rich quickly and other vices. Indeed, all these vices are the bane of our society and should be eradicated from our system. There are many reasons why these vices are rampant.
Our social value is one of the causes. In this country, people value men and women who are wealthy irrespective of how they come about their wealth. It is not uncommon to see a man whom everybody knows, is into drug peddling but given respect by his kinsmen; all because he has money. The people do not care how he got his wealth; all they are after is his money. This encourages others to go to any length to possess wealth even if it means killing others. They know the society would recognise them for their (ill-gotten) wealth.
Also, our leaders contribute to these problems. The wealth of this nation is not evenly distributed. For instance, a graduate whose parents spent a lot on his education looks for a job for years without having any, while at the same time, some highly influential men and women in authority are busy spending public funds recklessly. When finally the long jobless man gets a job, what can we expect him to do? When he suddenly gets to that post, he indulges in these corrupt practices also. In other words, our leaders do not set good example for others to follow.
Another factor responsible is greed and love for materialism. Many people want to have more than required , the desire to get many houses instead of one, many cars and in any case more than their neighbour has. This is greed, as you cannot use all these things at the same time.
Having mentioned all these causes, there is need for a change in our thinking so as to wipe away or eradicate these social ills.
Our value system must change - our society should place priority on honesty, dedication and hard work as the basis for promotion and recognition. Men and women of questionable character should be investigated and, if found guilty, should be punished. Also, there is need for contentment. People should be satisfied with whatever they have. Once the basic things and amenities are possessed or provided for - such as a car, house and a happy family, these people should be contented.
Lastly, the wealth of this nation should be spent and distributed wisely, without fear or favour. Once this is done, the present cry of marginalisation would be a thing of the past. Likewise, the leaders should lead by setting good examples for others to follow.