By Dwight Swanson

The Road Trip to the US is over. The first week back to work is past—trying to do this week’s work while catching up on what has collected on the desk while away, and trying not to fall asleep on the job at 2 p.m. each day. I have a list of topics to explore from this latest sojourn in the Far Country, which I will approach in ‘Occasional’ mode. This means a more personal and reflective, rather than simply analytical, product.

The news back in England is dominated by shootings in London and Manchester: four fatal gang-related shootings in London in the last three weeks; three injured in two shootings in Manchester last night. The last is close to home—two young people sitting in a car at traffic lights on Stockport Road in the centre of Longsight were injured by gunshot. This is our neighbourhood. We will follow this story in coming days, for the Editor is chair of a trust that has been heavily involved in helping to develop a network of initiatives and programmes in the communities of inner Manchester to offer alternatives to gangs for young people. Two of them, Carisma and Street Pastors), are among community groups the police have invited to meet together to find a community response.

The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition have pointed to the breakdown of the family as a cause for this sort of thing—gangs, guns, drugs, violence. Local people point to the absence of any alternative activity for young people.

This topic has gone on alongside the publication of a UNICEF report on childhood which places the UK last out of 21 ‘advanced’ countries for quality of childhood (the full report). The Netherlands is rated at the top; news stories have shown interviews of young people from both countries to highlight the contrast. (more)

By Dwight Swanson

Colorado Snow

By Dwight Swanson

As I was saying in the first instalment, I am rather chuffed that our family made it through the adolescent years and we are all friends. This is a most Western triumph, because it reflects the strains of our individualistic society of generational isolation. The reports linked to the previous Occasional, showing how much more difficult this is in Britain, enhances the sense of elation at having come through the ‘other side’ in positive mode.

The point in discussion here is the renewed interest of politicians in the importance of the family for society, and their linking of gang violence to a breakdown in the family. It remains to be seen whether this is typical headline chasing (trying to keep up with the headlines), or evidence of a serious discussion. I have my doubts; and, their political solutions remain to be seen.

But, I agree that a strong, supportive, and caring family life is an essential ingredient for children to reach their fullest potential as human beings. Human young require a great deal of care and attention for at least the first twenty years of their lives. They cannot be left to figure things out for themselves. Adults simply must be there to help them, guide them, and encourage them. (more)

By Dwight Swanson

The American Dream