Shared Responsibility

Many are responsible for the situation in Baltimore and other locations and as much as each of us would like to point to this cause or that cause, or to declare that if this had or had not happened then the events in Baltimore would not have occurred.

If parents had responsible for their children, they would not be out on the street getting into trouble with drugs and alcohol.  Likewise, if parents were stressing the need for education and job training, young people would not be out on the street joining gangs and disrespecting the rights and property of others.

As friends and neighbors, if we did a better job of watching out for bad behavior at every age, both reprimanding and reporting to parents that unacceptable behavior, young people would be much less likely to get into trouble.
If we as church members did a better job of encouraging more families to feel welcome in our places of worship, young people would have a better understanding of how to treat their fellow man.

As policy makers, if we stopped letting bean counters set arbitrary quotes for this category and that, and if we stopped hiring practices that reward friendship and connections but rather hired and promoted only the best qualified, young people would understand the need to work to achieve success rather than believe that success is something that is given.

Many of the problems that now exist have roots in the policies of the 60’s and the Great Society legislation that gives incentives to couples not to marry.  This has created many households that have a single mother with little or no participation from a male role model.  Not only does this do damage to the development of the children, it also often leaves them in a life time of poverty.
Policies of this administration have created a mindset that has sent the wrong message.  Such things as talking of nationalized police forces and equipping local departments with combat type weapons sends the wrong message.
The police unions have some responsibility for pushing for early retirement packages rather than pushing back on more immediate needs of officers on the streets.  Likewise, leadership in the police departments have not focused on getting officers out of their cars and onto the streets and stores meeting and talking to citizens and becoming a trusted part of their community.

Again, there is enough responsibility to go around.  The problem has many facets.  There are no and will not be any silver bullets.  It began over fifty years ago if not before; with roots in unequal treatment and poor decisions in public policy.  The problem will not be solved overnight nor can we reverse the damage that has occurred.  We can only focus on taking positive steps to correct the damage done.  Policy makers must rethink their efforts of social engineering.  Parents must strive to create two parent families.
And finally, law enforcement must be allowed to do their job.  They in turn must operate with professionalism.  They risk their lives to serve us.  We owe them our respect.  Few communities can say they have not lost an officer as that officer faithfully served his community.

We love to hear from you!  You can contact us at Sen.Ruff@verizon.net, 434-374-5129, or Post Office Box 332, Clarksville, VA  23927.