are we all blind?

I listened to President Obama's speech tonight from Arizona. And I cried when he spoke of Christina. Because I can remember myself at that age, and I have a nine year-old son. And I understand how kids view our world. They have no idea that people can be so hurtful to each other on purpose. They have no idea how controlling money and power are over most people. They have no idea that most people don't really care about one another because they're too busy looking out for number 1. After all, that might be the easiest way to live, and it's also the most rewarding way to live in our society. Even most Christians I know live like that. Now, I'm sure that makes me sound like I'm such a holier-than-thou saint; I'm really not and I have no delusions about that. But at least I'm aware of it all, and I really think that most people aren't. No, most nine year-olds are so hopeful and trusting, and really it's a breath of fresh air. I feel safe around my children because I know they aren't judging me like everyone else is. I know they are new and unspoiled. And god, I wish they could stay like that forever. Christina won't. But for those of us who still have our family members, how do we live? Do we keep on fighting the same fights that have been fought for centuries? Is it possible to inspire leaders who will take a part of our national conversation and scream, "ENOUGH! For God's sake, ENOUGH!" The generations who have come before us gave up more than we could ever hope to understand because they believed in the future. Just like a nine year-old would believe in it. And in the past two years, I have lost so much hope. We have let so many opportunities slip through our fingers because we're worried about paying taxes or illegal immigrants taking our jobs or the government trying to steal our freedoms. But those are just illusions. They are illusions put up by those who, ironically, gain even more power as they convince people to vote for them. The President wants to help people get more affordable health care so that we can actually afford treatments and preventative measures. He wants everyone to be able to have the chance to attend college, not just those who can afford it. He wants our food to be safer and healthier. How in the world is any of this evil, reminiscent of Hitler? When I think of our country, I don't see it like a nine year-old anymore. But I have a huge stake in this country; I have two sons. I do not want fear and sadness to be the script of their lives. But since the "good ole days" don't exist, is there a precedent? Is there something good for us to get back to, or are we creating a wholly new future? If so, if that's what it's going to take, we need those who know how to act like a nine year-old in order to get there.