We all must take it upon ourselves to address these problems and to guarantee that children of all families will be given new hope for a better life. The plight of our neighborhoods and communities must be rectified and replaced with a positive environment in which to grow and live in safety. Today's children are frightened and worried. We must close the opportunity gap and the responsibility gap because all of the children of America deserve an equal chance. Parents must make an all-out effort to provide an accepting, caring, and loving atmosphere for their children.
Grandparents also have an important role to play, as do other members of the extended family.
This is an issue that all Americans can and should support and promote. By becoming directly involved and assuming personal responsibility, we can strengthen our schools, churches, and communities in ways that will reinforce and enhance the importance of values that the family structure can provide. This is all the more critical as the world becomes an increasingly complex and interrelated place. We must interact in the future with any number of new and emerging nations. In order to do this successfully, we will need the talent, dedication, and best efforts of all of our youth.