Family values a thing of the past

I'm speaking of the recent tragic event in Newtown, as well as all the other stupid violent acts happening every day in this country. I'm sure no parent teaches these things, at least not on purpose. The problem with America today is that we've allowed family values, respect for others and self-respect to become part of our history. Folks, those can't be just part of our history. They are three of the main tools used by our forefathers to build this country and they must remain a vital part of our society to maintain the freedoms our forefathers and we older folks so cherish. So many of our young people either take these for granted or don't understand their value and importance. Ask any young person coming home from the Middle East. They'll tell you of its importance. Most of them will also tell you they didn't really understand that importance until they experienced the alternatives.

How do we fix things? As the old saying goes, “It all begins at home.”

Rick Allison, Midwest City