We Must Pay Allegiance to Our Country Not a Person

By Dr Masimba Mavaza

We have only one country in the whole world which we can call ours. This country is called Zimbabwe. There is no other country which we can call ours except Zimbabwe. On that basis we have to pay allegiance to the country and not any individual. Paying allegiance to your country first is a fundamental and patriotic principle of patriotism and national loyalty which is above any form of sacrifice. It means putting the interests, values, and well-being of your country and its people above all else. Your country is more important than any individual. The political leaders are merely our servants we do respect them but not put them above our country.Paying allegiance to your country helps shape your national identity and sense of belonging.

We must always remember that most politicians enter politics for selfish, greedy reasons. This is a concerning issue that undermines the integrity of democratic systems. It is because of this reason that we must always value our country more than our leaders. We must show the love for the country first. With human beings *Narcissism and Greed* can be significant motivators for some politicians, driving them to pursue power and wealth at the expense of the public’s interests. They use money to gain positions and because of this they value money more than the people.

It is so sad that politicians’ desire for wealth and influence leads them to exploit their positions for personal gain. This has dragged many leaders into Corruption and Unethical Behavior*, such as embezzlement, insider trading, and cronyism. Ganandanism and looting. These actions not only damage the public’s trust in government but also perpetuate inequality and social injustice. Many thieves in regalia are stealing in the name of His Excellency.
If people put their country first they promote social cohesion and unity among citizens, fostering a sense of shared purpose and responsibility.

Allegiance to country ensures that citizens work together to protect and secure their nation from external threats and not boot lick. This will lead to Economic Prosperity. It is true that a strong sense of national allegiance can drive economic growth, innovation, and development. It makes people to be proud of themselves and leads to Cultural Preservation. It helps preserve cultural heritage, traditions, and values that define a nation’s character.

If people love their leaders more than their country they will be blinded by money. The influence of Money in Politics is another significant factor contributing to selfish and greedy motivations among politicians.
When you love your country you will defend it without fear. Defending National Interests will be seen when you Speak out against threats to national interests, security, and sovereignty.

Those who love their country will Promote National Values by upholding and promoting national values, such as democracy, equality, and justice.
By paying allegiance to your country first, you demonstrate your commitment to its well-being, prosperity, and future.

Worshiping leaders is a cancer which needs to be healed. Individual worshiping is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with negative consequences.

Worshiping leaders leads to uncritical devotion, causing individuals to ignore or downplay their hero’s flaws or mistakes. They fail to object where objectionable issues arise.

Excessive admiration and hero worshiping cloud one’s judgment, making it difficult to evaluate the hero’s actions objectively. This is a horrible disaster which can create unrealistic expectations about what the hero can achieve or deliver, leading to disappointment and disillusionment or praising nothing even his shadow.

Individual worshipping leads to cult-like behavior, where individuals prioritize their hero’s interests above their own well-being or the greater good of the nation.

Putting your leader ahead of the country can stifle critical thinking and nuanced analysis, as individuals may feel reluctant to question or criticize their hero.

Because of this blind worshiping a power imbalance will be created where the hero holds significant influence over their admirers, potentially leading to exploitation or manipulation.

The worshiping of a leader above the country leads to a narrow focus on
the leaders views and opinions, neglecting diverse perspectives and potentially perpetuating echo chambers. Worshiping leaders can lead individuals to rely excessively on their hero for solutions or guidance, rather than developing their own agency and problem-solving skills.

Forgetting your country and worshiping a leader can involve in an unhealthy emotional investment, leading to emotional turmoil or distress when the hero is criticized or faces challenges.

It’s essential to maintain a balanced perspective when admiring public figures, recognizing both their achievements and limitations. We must never worship a leader ahead of the beloved country.