Raise Them Right

The foundational pillars of any nation are not built with bricks and mortar, but with values, principles, and character. It is, therefore, imperative for a nation’s success and progression to focus on the most promising and malleable of its citizens – its children. To ensure America's continued prosperity and moral fortitude, it is paramount to raise good children who embody virtues of empathy, integrity, and responsibility. As we trace through the annals of history and wisdom, we find a consensus on the centrality of this belief.

The Bible, a cornerstone of moral teachings, affirms the importance of instilling values in the young. Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This speaks to the enduring impact of early life lessons. If we want a society rooted in love, justice, and wisdom, we must invest in teaching our children these values from a tender age.

Our Founding Fathers, the architects of modern America, understood this principle profoundly. John Adams, our second president, once said, "The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families." This underscores the belief that the family, the primary unit where children learn their values, plays an indispensable role in the larger moral framework of the nation.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a beacon of hope and justice, reiterated this when he declared, "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education." It isn’t enough for our children to be academically proficient; they must also be carriers of good character.

However, raising good children isn't merely a moral imperative; it's also pragmatic. Children with strong moral compasses grow up to be adults who contribute positively to society. They become innovative thinkers, compassionate leaders, and responsible citizens. In contrast, the cost of neglecting this duty is evident in societal unrest, lack of trust in institutions, and diminished social cohesion.

The destiny of America lies not just in its policies, infrastructure, or economy, but in its youngest citizens. By emphasizing the importance of raising good children, we don’t just shape individual destinies, but the fate of our nation. The words of Frederick Douglass resonate here: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." Let America heed this wisdom and invest in the holistic development of its children, for in their hands lies the promise of a better tomorrow.