Hmmm..short thoughts after the events of the past week. 
 I don't know that we are going to change the world by putting in place laws that focus on the 'after the fact' problems.  Oh, we do need the laws - I recognize that -  but it always seemed strange to me that we have plenty of money to build prisons but can't seem to find money to support the care of young children.  

It seems to me that people who become involved in horrific acts that destroy life and property have a serious and very real pain within themselves.  A pain they don't know how to resolve...or are unable to resolve by themselves.
 
What if...what if we could somehow reach out to each other at our moments of need at the earliest possible time.  Think of all the education one receives throughout life for a variety of tasks.  Then think of how quickly someone can become a parent without a bit of 'training and education'.  And is there any more important task on this planet!!  Loving and guiding a child!
 
  It breaks my heart when I see small children who are in harms way.  I remember a kindergarten teacher who said she could recognize, at that very early age, children who would be in trouble by the time they finished school...if indeed, they did finish.  It sometimes seems we have more concern for puppies and kittens who live in dangerous situations that we do for small children.  

What if there was just no question as to the help these little people in society need/deserve; no question about the services provided for families who have no where to turn; no question about the love each child deserves from the first breath he/she takes...No question.  

Would the world be a different place if...
Leaders...what if you promised me during your campaigning that you would first and foremost, care for the most fragile of our citizens.  What if you promised that our children - here and abroad - would never experience hunger.  What if you promised that the safety and security of our children would be first on your list of 'important things to do'!

No, friends - I am not naive.  I am just saddened by the thought of  the emptiness within that causes young people to act with no thought as to the pain it will cause themselves and those they hurt.  I am just saddened by the false hope and direction and guidance young people can be led into...knowing/hoping/believing that their actions are going to solve the situation.  

Leaders...if you would promise me, during your campaigning, that we would all work together to make this world a safer place, a more peaceful place...a place where our children would take their first breath knowing they would be loved...that would sound pretty good to me. 

And you are going to ask me...How on earth do you think we are going to do this?  I don't know.  Maybe by hugging and loving just one child at a time...unconditionally.  Everyday...one more child with a full stomach; everyday one more child knowing they are safe; everyday one more child receiving enough love to fill that empty space.  
I think we can do it............