I wholeheartedly agree with you on the healthcare issue. Additionally, I think the profoundly tragic and destructive increases in out-of-wedlock births and broken marriages account for a lot of society's ills. And as I said in my earlier post, it inevitably filters down to the most vulnerable ones, the children. Forty years ago, Daniel Patrick Moynihan was prescient when he warned of the emergence of a permanent underclass. He was so goddamned right!

I think President Obama is uniquely qualified to hold court and opine frequently on this matter. I would demand an enormous increase in public service announcements (and truth be told, I wouldn't be targeting the folks who watch 60 Minutes or FRONTLINE). I wish for a sustained national dialogue regarding what constitutes good parenting. And I would stress the enormous benefits of delayed gratification (study and work hard, save your money, engage in long courtships, and think long term). Turn off the damn electronic devices and READ, READ, READ. Sadly, little guidance is available to so many young people, and in what is often a culture of violence, drugs, and vulgarity, it's hard to be an optimist. At least half of my students have cable TV in their rooms; 90% have the latest video game station, and more than a few have seen R-rated movies. Still, I have 25 11-12 year olds who will be looking to me at 8:30 tomorrow morning and I'll keep on offering them my two cents.

Peter T.