Thank you, Tom. Before I had children I felt that I could probably use laboratory rat-like punishment and reward to build a more perfect child.
Boy I had a lot to learn.
I learned fast that support and encouragement got me 85% of the way with my kids. Yes, little material rewards and little punishments are sometimes needed, but rarely.
I don't think bigger and bigger jails (Hey let's go for 1 out of every 50 citizens in jail!!) will make a better world. In fact I bet it's the opposite.
Chris,
Thanks for the reminder. Maybe I need to focus more on implementing the instruction tact more in my own home rather then resorting to the lab rat techniques on my own kids. Old habits die hard as my daughters can confirm.
Tom
I apologize on behalf of more informed Christians that your encounter with your daughter sent that kind of message! That is NOT the message from those who know the message of love the New Testament gives us all...Secondly...is it really the job of politicians and clergy to instruct? Should we not take mutual responsibility for our neighbors, friends and family to lead by example, thereby instructing? The Bible can be quite instructive as a way to live...no matter your religous conviction... "Love your neighbor..."...a lot of GOOD stuff could happen if we just lived this...have a great day!
Wayne,
If it is not the job of our politicians and clergy to instruct, then what is their job?
Your right that we do need to take responsibility and lead by example.
And I like your summary of Christianity - "Love your neighbor", but don't forget the "as yourself".
Thanks for the thoughts.
Tom
If I take a little liberty and "assume" instructors are leaders...of some sort...you can only lead those that choose to follow...and with low voter participation and church membership...even if they do instruct doesn't seem like too many are choosing to listen 
Thanks for sharing ideas and knowledge.
The matter is same all over the world. In east situation is worst. Politician and religious leaders are against each other and no one agreed toward dialogue or solution.
Wayne,
I wonder if low voter turnout and church attendance has anything to do with the lessons that are being taught or the instruction that is or is not be instructed?
Morrocco,
Thanks for your thoughts.
Tom
Chicken and egg...isn't it? No matter the answer...what will turn it around? People still have to choose to follow...inspiration first?
Thanks for your time and effort for the blog...Tom...I really appreciate it...and I know others do as well...Wayne
What will turn it around? I think your correct, that we need to turn it around. I really appreciate yours and the other readers comments. It helps to encourage me to keep blogging away. Thanks Wayne.
Very nice thoughts Tom. I agree completely, but one of the problem is that the people doing the restriction have to trust others in order to believe that instruction is the answer. Not sure that enough people are committed to trusting that others will use their free will for good.
Without talking about these types of things and encouraging more responsibility the problem won't ever change until there are so many restriction that our freedoms are totally stamped out. Then the revolt comes!
Keep up the discussion!
I definitely enjoy your blog. It is one of the few blogs that I won't clear out without reading when my Google Reader gets overfilled.
Rock,
Thanks for your thoughts and glad you enjoy the blog.
So how many people do we need to be committed? My daughter informed me the other night it only takes one person to change the world. I was skeptical, but she may be right.
Tom
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