In recent days  events seem to indicate that rather than progressing we are regressing to a state  bordering on barbarism as we allow such crimes against humanity to continue. Someone somewhere has to have the courage to find  a way to  lead and to implement  plans and  solutions which any thinking , caring human being knows to be absolutely essential if  the carnage is to cease. Hard choices have to be made and political expediency  has to be cast aside  by all parties  ! Because this poem is absolutely one hundred percent accurate. Hatred breeds hatred. The cycle must be broken !

There are little eyes upon you and they're watching night and day
There are little ears that quickly take in every word you say
There are little hands so eager to do anything you do
And a little one who's dreaming of the day they'll be just like you.

You're those little children's idol ... the wisest of the wise
No questions ever arise in those trusting little eyes
It is so important that you  take care in all you say and do
They will act and behave your way when they've grown up like you.

There are wide-eyed little children who believe you're always right
And their ears are always open and they're watching day and night
You are setting an example  each and every day in all you do
For the little ones who are waiting  to grow up and be just like you

I know it is easy to have opinions when you are removed by distance from the equation and are only an observer but we must realize the days when distance insulated us from the pain and suffering endured by so many of our fellow human beings are long since past. And, in any case, any suffering child  anywhere deserves our consideration and our attention. It has been too easy for too long to mouth platitudes and then close our eyes and our ears to what is taking place.

 What concerns me so much about recent events is the willingness  to assume that because some particular group or system of government is  most like our own that automatically makes it  right and always truthful. From the point of view of whom ? The arrogance displayed in assuming that our way is the only right way  frightens me. What may be right for us  may not necessarily be right for some other nation. The willingness to accept that each and every nation has the right to exist  under its own criteria should be fundamental to those of us living in a so called democratic country. In recent days I see too many evidences that  this is not so with certain leaders. I wonder at times if our leaders really believe we are as blind as they appear to assume. And what worries me most of all  is the apparent willingness on the part of so many  to accept without question their actions as just and credible and in keeping with the principles  we profess to hold dear. 

 Yes, there are madmen in the world whose actions do not consider children or their welfare and who place no value on human life itself. But the fact they exist does not mean we should act, or sanction the actions of others, (even our friends) who would descend to the level of madness displayed by these monsters. In recent days I am not at all  certain  we are not heading that way.  We owe our children so much more than that ! We owe ourselves more than that !

Until we make the welfare of the children  paramount, realizing that our actions will affect how they perceive things and  have a bearing on the manner in which they approach  life's decisions throughout their lives there will be no resolution and no real harmony in our world,  and, more importantly,  in the world which we hold in trust for future generations. Children's minds are like sponges only awaiting the knowledge and /or prejudices to provide the impetus for their future actions. We must act responsibly in order to assure their futures are more peaceful than ours have been. If we fail to learn from the past  our children will surely pay the price.  It truly is all up to us. We CAN make a difference. But we must want to do so and search our hearts for what we know is right and just for all. And we must act accordingly before it is too late for everyone.