Children Do As They See

Bullying is an issue that continues to blight our society. Learning disabilities, health issues, and suicide are just some of the consequences of bullying. Our school system is not protecting our children from bullies and at the same time they punish the victims as harshly as the perpetrator if the victim dares to take a stand. Social media gives bullies 24/7 access to their victims, creating a relentless atmosphere of persecution. What is it about our so called ‘civilized’ society that allows this supposedly unacceptable behaviour continue to flourish?

Watching the USA’s Tea Party in action should open anyone’s eyes as to how it has become acceptable to use fear and intimidation to get what you want. In fact it seams that over the past ten years or so, fear and intimidation are the standard modus operandi for politicians in North America. Was there ever a time that Stephen Harper was not known as a bully?

As long as we continue to accept bullying and intimidation tactics from our leaders, is it reasonable for us to expect anything less from our children? As with most issues change comes from having your voice heard. Bad behaviour is only unacceptable if someone takes a stand and does not condone it. Silence and a blind eye has never changed a thing.

“Why of course the people don't want war. Why should some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece? Naturally the common people don't want war neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.” - Hermann Goering (1893 - 1946)