James Clavell's The Children's Story...

    

I was given this book to read months ago.  I have kept it somewhere safe but it was never time.  Tonight, with no hesitation or question I knew it was time to read it.  Sometimes I just know these things.  Coincidences are rare I find.
The book is simple and concise and yet speaks loudly and bravely about so many things.  We can analyze it from the perspective of a teacher, a citizen, a parent, a human being, a political activist and a child.  I treat all of those roles with respect but tend to shy away from allowing the heavy burdens of this society to weigh upon me too heavily.  I also try to avoid the media and its weapons and tools.  This past week it is almost impossible to dodge the "information" we are being thrown.  There are scandalous coaches, gun toting lunatics and evil politicians out there.  My heart goes out to all of the victims and my sympathies to the families that have been damaged.  But what frightens me is where we are putting our attention.  What terrifies me is who has the power.  What chills me is how we do more damage instead of trying to heal the past wrongs.  In this book...it only took a few minutes to change the view of a child.  Just think of what we are doing to them now...
In the story it only took 23 minutes to change the world...just imagine what is happening with all of the candy we are being fed for hours each day.

We need to find some new solutions and stop taking the sugar coated crap we are being handed.

We need to open our eyes to those who need our help. 

We need to come together as a people instead of being separated by titles, political viewpoints, religious affiliations, sexual preferences, classes, incomes and  professions. 

We need to look at ourselves instead of finding a few scapegoats to take the punishment for all of the crimes committed on a daily basis by so many. 

We need to speak up for those who can't. 

We need to take more steps and less stands. 

We need to be brave.

"If you fear too much, you'll be dead even though you're alive."