Did the United States achieve greatness by protecting children from the experience of hard work? Immediately that question brings up the mental image of grimy faced 12 year olds emerging from the coal mines of West Virginia. As a nation we have the responsibility to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The problem, however, becomes more complex as the U.S. Congress attempts to legislate.

In essence, as a country that prides itself in valuing education, we are depriving our children of learning experiences that teach the young new concepts in how money is valued, and early opportunities to learn the skills needed to hold a job.

With all our puffed up pride in how well we’re protecting our children, we end up with couch potatoes playing electronic games based upon performing violent acts and who are obese and diabetic by the time they reach their teens. Any insistence on neatness of attire or dealing with a disheveled bedroom is avoided for fear of damaging a delicate psyche.

Not willing to look bad in comparison to other countries, we stress reading and math in public schools to show statistically that America is still among the educational leaders. Never mind that the entire curriculum is now oriented to passing tests rather than developing the love of learning in those who wish to make the effort.

Our nation cannot long maintain a leadership position without a work ethic, learned young, and trim, athletic and alert youth who are capable of self-discipline.

Richard Todd

Snoqualmie