Let's make this world a better place

All over the news anymore, all I hear about is how we need to make new laws, new laws about gun control, immigration reform, you name it, it's in the news.

I completely disagree with this line of thought.  While, perhaps, some new laws, or changed laws, would benefit our society, in the long run, what would benefit our society even more, is more compassion, and enforcement of our current laws.  There is a town not too far from here, where the police will pull you over for doing 5 miles an hour over the speed limit, and everyone knows it.  Well, guess what?  Everyone does the speed limit there. 

Much like impudent children, Americans push their limits, every day, and much like impudent children, once you give them an inch, they will take a mile.

Part of the reason our society is out of control, is we are losing our sense of community and decency. 

When I was growing up, everyone in the neighborhood knew everyone, and even if you were not right at your house, you knew....that neighbor was watching and WOULD tell your mom on you if you got out of line.  Your parents taught you right from wrong, and you were expected to behave, and mind your manners.  Your overtired, overextended mom was there, teaching you how to act in all situations, and you loved her for it....eventually. 

So much of this has evaporated from society, I see people throwing things out of their cars, driving like idiots, being rude to each other, being impatient with older people, ignoring their kids, or just placating them with random electronic devices, and not teaching them to appreciate the little things in life.  It boggles my mind sometimes, when I'm driving with my windows down in the springtime, to hear those teenagers hollering obscenities at others while they are driving, I wonder who taught them their manners?  When I was that age, I still respected other people.  It can be sad to see. 

I say, enforce the laws we have.  Much like with our children, if you stick to your guns about the little stuff, the big stuff will not be an issue. 

I love living in a community, I love going to my kid's games, meeting all of the awesome families that take time out of their busy lives to enrich their children, the moms and dads that get up early to take their kids to those freezing early morning games, and bring the perfect snack to share with the kids at the end of the game.  And yes, they all know what the score was at the end, and they are okay with the outcome, so long as there is that great snack at the end, and you tell them how good they did. 

I love asking him about his day, and taking the time and patience to wait through his not so perfected story telling skills to hear about the exploits of his day, and love, when after he mis-steps or struggles through a part he can't figure out the right words, he smiles big and gets his story out.  And many times, just at the end of the story, he starts laughing so hard he almost can't finish, and I wouldn't trade that for anything!

Love your kids, and that will foster a loving society.  Teach them well, and listen to them.  They have great stories!