Out of the Mouths of Babes
Vol 7 Issue 7
There is a tendency we all seem to have and that is to use and overuse various quotes, clichés, quips, slogans and lyrics from songs. Many times attributing a sense of honor or greatness to its voice of origin. Do you remember these; “ Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country?” “Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em.” “Let’s take it one game at a time.” Or this one, “By any means necessary.” Don’t they sound familiar, and don’t we always attach the quote to someone’s face. I know I do. That’s why when I read the following words, I was easily able to attach them to a face filled with anger and pain, see if you can, too.
“We do not need to be saved, but we do need help. I think that President Bush is spending money in Iraq that could be used to help rebuild our schools.” Or how about this one.
“Yes, Mayor Williams came to Devin’s funeral. So what! That Mayor is not going to help our youth! He’ll sit in our conference room and say, ‘our children are the future. Thank you.’ And then he leaves. How in the world can our children be the future, if they have no future, especially if they have no guidance?”
Now those are some words worth remembering. But what’s even better than the words is from whom they came. No, not some right or left wing politician, nor some community social activist leader, those powerful and thought provoking words came from two 14 year old students, from a local high school, in the Southeast section of Washington DC. The same school where their friend was mistakenly gunned down right outside the entrance. It’s amazing what’s on the minds of today’s youths, homicides, drive-bys, violence and misused money. What ever happened to being concerned about homework, shopping, school dances and that inevitable first crush. I don’t know, but the next time you want to really know, ‘what’s goin’ on,’ ask yourself, did you take time out to listen to the voices, coming out of the mouths of babes.
*please read “A Time When Silence Is Golden”
Commentary by michaellorenzo
Copyright 2003
All rights reserved.
There is a tendency we all seem to have and that is to use and overuse various quotes, clichés, quips, slogans and lyrics from songs. Many times attributing a sense of honor or greatness to its voice of origin. Do you remember these; “ Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country?” “Know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em.” “Let’s take it one game at a time.” Or this one, “By any means necessary.” Don’t they sound familiar, and don’t we always attach the quote to someone’s face. I know I do. That’s why when I read the following words, I was easily able to attach them to a face filled with anger and pain, see if you can, too.
“We do not need to be saved, but we do need help. I think that President Bush is spending money in Iraq that could be used to help rebuild our schools.” Or how about this one.
“Yes, Mayor Williams came to Devin’s funeral. So what! That Mayor is not going to help our youth! He’ll sit in our conference room and say, ‘our children are the future. Thank you.’ And then he leaves. How in the world can our children be the future, if they have no future, especially if they have no guidance?”
Now those are some words worth remembering. But what’s even better than the words is from whom they came. No, not some right or left wing politician, nor some community social activist leader, those powerful and thought provoking words came from two 14 year old students, from a local high school, in the Southeast section of Washington DC. The same school where their friend was mistakenly gunned down right outside the entrance. It’s amazing what’s on the minds of today’s youths, homicides, drive-bys, violence and misused money. What ever happened to being concerned about homework, shopping, school dances and that inevitable first crush. I don’t know, but the next time you want to really know, ‘what’s goin’ on,’ ask yourself, did you take time out to listen to the voices, coming out of the mouths of babes.
*please read “A Time When Silence Is Golden”
Commentary by michaellorenzo
Copyright 2003
All rights reserved.