where have all the values gone?

I've noticed that i'm getting hooked to blogging. Too bad, i already forgot that i have a personal diary where i could write on my experiences and feelings. Now, this blog has seemed to become the mirror of what is me. Well, I guess this is the good part of having a blog—to have something where you can pour how you feel (thanks to liv).
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It seemed people now are so occupied with lots of things that are happening around: politics (I don’t have to elaborate; everybody knows what is happening in the political arena—impeachment of GMA, corruption, poll fraud, and many many others)… soaring oil prices… energy crisis…dengue…terrorism… fashion… money/riches… beauty (I mean physical beauty)…fame…entertainment… and a lot lot more…People value worldly things rather than nurturing good things, Godly things.

In a forum I once attended, a speaker said "everything boils down to values." He said people steal, corrupt, take advantage of their fellowmen and do bad things because they lack proper values and they do not fear God. Were they not taught proper values?

Values, values, values... Even how smart you are, how beautiful you are, how talented you are, how rich you are, if you lack proper values, you are nothing… As God said (I may sound preaching; I meant to) blessed are the pure in heart for they shall inherit the kingdom of God. Blessed are the meek for they shall see heaven…As the Ten Commandments points out: Love God and love your neighbor (summarized). If you do this, everything just follows.

Former senator and "the best president the country never had" Raul Roco once said: "If your foot is hurt, don’t blame it on your shoes." (may be I could write about this next time)

I still have a lot of things to say but let me just share the following "tenet" (dunno how this is called) by Max Ehrmann. I highlighted some points I want to emphasize. But all of these things are really of high importance.

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence (if you have nothing good to say, shut up because you would only be hurting other person). As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly (and watch out what you say because words pierce deeper, just like pen is mightier than the sword); and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit (must do).

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.