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Originally I intended to write a little opinion piece about how the president doesn't seem to be paying much attention to education. And then I got to thinking it wouldn't make much difference whether American children were taught about the Enlightenment, or had perfect teeth and bones for their old age, or became good citizens. What would count is a world wide web of those born after the year 2000 who would soon be out campaigning--or something.This is a question about what will be happening to the world's children, of a generic sort, who will inherit what is now a rather sad mixture of obfuscation, outright greed and a hint of meanness. Adults interact across national boundaries now. How much different will be the leaders in a global society 40, 50 years from now? Although being able to go to school is important at this time, what the children learn will have a propaganda tinge. The Obama administration is into the yeast effect--something about rising to the top. And down in Texas a sitting governor says " no dough" from the federal government. If we adults have time we should look into what is happening there.
At the moment--being aware of catastrophes such as that in Haiti--there is need to concentrate on the welfare and wellness of young human beings still in the growing stages. Again a caution. The demographic is just one. It's global.
When will we have the Year of the Child? There is need for globalized adults to think about such a demographic. Where is hunger? Where is disease? Where is civil unrest? Where are families broken apart? A child orphaned through turmoil, be it from war or economic distress, has extra strains as he/she matures.
I don't mean to go political, but where is Hillary Rodham Clinton on the issue? Her claim to fame during Watergate was the work she undertook with Marian Wright Edelman. Is it too much to ask of our Secretary of State to ponder her life path? Is it possible she can become even more connected to world society if she initiates a "Remember the Child" program?
