Our democratic government is the business of building nations. The government sends our soldiers to exact revenge. After that revenge is given, our monies go into rebuilding what was destroyed. It takes a nation of Americans to rebuild a regime. It’s funny how that motto hasn’t trickled down.

Nowadays, our children run amok. They are cursing out the school bus drivers and disrespecting their teachers. In public, they are cussing at their parents. Their behavior is amoral and loathesome. And, we as a nation shrug our shoulders.

Our neighborhoods have crime and disorder. They are susceptible to pedophiles and other criminals. Our children have little spiritual or emotional value. They feel worthless. They are vulnerable. Instead of embracing their childhoods, they lash out at their elders.

Sen. Hillary Clinton says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” However, that village has to have order. There must not be a deadbeat dad or an absent mom. There must not be grandparents raising their grandkids. There must not be parents committing crimes to keep a roof over their heads.

What there must be are family members willing to assist struggling parents. A teenage girl has no experience being a mother. Her guardian, parent or parents have to step in and help. They must not condemn or degrade her because of the “situation”. The baby is here. The baby’s well-being is top priority.

A community must be protected. A community has to help raise a troubled child. The child has to have people looking for them outside the home. If not, that child will either victimize others or be victimized outside the home. A 10 year-old boy has no business being out in the street after nine o’clock at night. A 15 year old girl has a curfew despite her classmates not having one. The parent has to be the overriding influence of their child. An involved parent is the repellant to peer pressure.

A community must have heroes. Teachers, firemen, police officers, counselors and involved parents are heroes. They are willing to assist a child in need. They are willing to listen. They are able to intervene on either the parents’ or the children’s behalf. These people serve their community.

A community begins at home. Strong and committed parents or guardians raise strong and committed kids. A child doesn’t need brand-name clothes purchased every week. They also don’t need a car on their 16th birthday. Strong kids aren’t rich, while weak kids are poor. A community isn’t built on monetary wealth. A community is built on the wealth of their values.