There’s a common theme connecting many problems facing American culture: climate change, violence in its many forms, growing economic disparity, addiction concerns, college admissions cheating, dysfunctional families, improper use of government funds, eroding trust in police, greed-driven business decisions (health care and education being run as businesses), and a dysfunctional criminal-justice system.

From my perspective, this connection appears as a lack of moral character, or utilizing values that enable good decision-making, maintaining good relationships and being a good citizen.

For example, the critical aspect missing in STEM education is moral development. More responsibility is falling on education because of family dysfunction and the lack of leadership within religion.

Government should play a role but there are two major obstacles: the influence of powerful lobbyists who (mostly) operate from opposing value systems, and the reality that you cannot legislate morality.

The solution probably lies within justice-minded, compassion-driven community groups.

John Heidel

Kailua

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