Stacking the Deck Against Kids

by: teacherken

Sat Nov 28, 2009 at 08:15:08 AM EST

The American economy is broken, ruined by the greed and irresponsibility of fabulously wealthy corporate chieftains and their shabby acolytes and enablers in government. While Wall Street is handing out billions in bonuses, American families are struggling with joblessness, home foreclosures and rampant debt. The economic woes are exacting a fierce toll on family life, and children are taking a big hit - emotionally, psychologically and otherwise.

The quote and the title are from this column by Bob Herbert.   Read it.  

Then we can talk.

Holding On to Our Humanity

by: teacherken

Sat May 30, 2009 at 06:41:37 AM EDT

A simple title, is it not?  Yet the implications are immense.  The demand not to turn away, or shut our eyes and ears to the suffering of others.

That is the topic of Bob Herbert's column this morning, entitled as is this diary, Holding On to Our Humanity.  You need not read any further in this diary, because I have provided the link to Herbert, and I now tell you to go read.  Not convinced?  Then try his first paragraph:

Overload is a real problem. There is a danger that even the most decent of people can grow numb to the unending reports of atrocities occurring all around the globe. Mass rape. Mass murder. Torture. The institutionalized oppression of women.

I will quote more, but not enough.  And I will offer a few words of my own.  But again, if you have read all of Herbert, you can stop.  I am satisfied.