Googling Dead Children

LIKE SO MANY PEOPLE, I can't make human sense of WTF is going on.  Autocrats are in or seeking power in America, Turkey, Russia, the Philippines, and beyond.  Countries are hijacked by extremists who cloak themselves in religious garb and brainwash poor people to blow themselves and others up. 

In the "free world",  nearly everyone blames politicians for the dangerous times. Including the pols elected by you and me who do little more than fan flames.  They stir up fears, hatred and the terrorist spectre at every turn.  We can do better. 

I googled dead children in the Middle East today and found millions of them either buried or suffering under the siege of wars.  A staggering 65.3 million men, women and children are on the move worldwide because of war, conflict and persecution.

Having worked for a global institution dedicated to peace and security, the wonder is why the bad keeps overshadowing the good.  Why the most powerful countries are the world's leading suppliers of guns and ammo feeding conflicts.  Why families live in abject poverty and oppression from one generation to the next.  Why women are degraded and trafficked for gain. Why children suffer in full view of anyone with a cell phone.

Sadly the only answer that makes sense is because we let them.

It's a stance we can change by starting on the homefront.  Help children in your community to learn more about themselves and others unlike themselves, to play more, to dream more, to smile more.  Support good teachers with your voice and your wallet.

Perhaps most importantly, back public schools and work to improve them -- especially the ones most in need.   Dozens of local, regional and national organizations are fighting that fight everyday.

We're fortunate to have men and women in our family that are already on the case.  My sisters, daughter-in-law, nieces and nephews.  Heidi and her girl scouts.  Marita and her foster children.  Kassia and her math stars.  Gerda and her readers. Cesar & fellow Big Brothers.   J&J and their diamond ballers.

There's always room for more.