Editorial

KIDS NEED TO BE GUIDED FROM AN EARLY AGE

Many of the violent crimes and gang activity that occur locally must either stem from somewhere or come from within. This theory alludes to the old question, what drives the human mind? Well, one could make the case for nature. We live in a remarkable age of technology and information, but despite all of the advances of the human race, we have not figured out how to live together in peace, as war and murder still runs rampant here on earth.

Nurture on the other hand seems to be a more logical path for our brains to comprehend. We can perhaps understand on some level why a person commits a crime if they were abused as a child.

Many gang members understand that when they join a horrendous and vicious group, chances are that they will either end up dead or in jail. This does not stop them however. What drives this breed to lose all hope and compassion, and live a murderous lifestyle? Often times those with this awful mentality come from a broken, troubled past.

It is our belief that parents, teachers and the community at large must work together to recognize youth that need help, and show them the compassion and understanding that will perhaps change their destructive course.

For most complex questions there is usually a complex answer, but when the answer is found the question almost seems trivial in hindsight. Although there may not currently be a simple answer on how to better shape the minds of tomorrow, we believe detecting troubled youth at an early age is a good place to start, and following up with the child is also necessary to make sure they grow up to become a productive member of society. We believe in the theory that was brought forth in a book by former first lady Hilary Clinton, “It takes a community to raise a child.”