Being Caring

"Do we care about children we don't know?"

--Dylan Ratigan

Being Parents

The "balloon boy" might have exposed the family's hoax. When asked by his father why he didn't come out when he heard his name being called on live TV he did what kids do, they tell the truth when asked by he dad why he didn't come out of hiding when he heard his name being called: "You guys said we did this for a show." There has been much speculation that the parents planned this scheme which included local and federal agencies. The parents seem to appreciate science and expose their children to the wonders of it. This is good. More parents I think should do this. But something else seems amiss here. While watching the clip of the interview on CNN yesterday, I was not paying much attention to what the parents were saying; I was looking at the reaction on the kids' faces. The older boys' faces seems to tell the story. They look quite scared of the family secret being revealed as they look up at their parents. What kind of parents would expose their children to such a hoax?

Being a Child

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God."

--Jesus Christ

This child's question and response to President Obama is the reason, if none other, that we should be more restrained in our rhetoric. Children are listening.

He asks: "Why do people hate you?"

He then adds: "They're supposed to love you."


Watch CBS News Videos Online

When adults behave badly we snuff out the goodness and innocence of children. Children are sponges. We really must be more careful; children are watching and listening.

Being a Pedophile II

Last week I wrote of the Polanski story, Being a Pedophile. On ABC's "This Week" with George Stephanopoulos Cokie Roberts said, "He raped and drugged and raped and sodomized a child. And then was a fugitive from justice. As far as I'm concerned, just take him out and shoot him."

I have been incensed with the Hollywood directors, Woody Allen, David Lynch and Martin Scorsese, who added their names to a petition which calls for the immediate release of Polanski. Which name is not surprising? Whoopi Goldberg jumped into the fray with this ridiculous statement that Polanski wasn't guilty of "rape rape." Well, what was it, Whoopi?

Being a Pedophile

Michael Jackson was called a pedophile although vehemently denying it and having never been found guilty of such. Roman Polanski admitted to a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl when he was 46 years old and I have yet to hear someone call him a pedophile. Is there a double standard here?

Being a Child III

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."

--Jesus Christ

Being a Child II

"Assuredly, I say unto you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, will by no means enter it."

--Jesus Christ

Children are pure in love and forgiveness. This is their beauty and Christ-like qualities. Children are great examples.

Being a "Slumdog" Kid III

These beautiful talented kids, Rubina Ali and Mohammed Azharuddin Ismail, of "Slumdog Millionaire" walked the catwalk during Delhi's Fashion Week.



While they are most adorable and talented, I find it incredibly sad that these kids will go back to their slums as they did after the movie premier. Are these kids being exploited?

Being a "Slumdog" Kid II

In my post, Being a "Slumdog" Kid, some very astute comments were made about the lives of the kids who starred in the movie, "Slumdog Millionaire." They spoke to the harsh realities of such kids and their being taken advantage of my their very own parents.

Today, I read a post on the Huffington Post which bears this out. According to the article, the father of Azharuddin Ismail is also saying he wants more money for his son's film role. In addition to school, the kids were paid for their work and have trust funds set up for when they turn 18."

The father also said, "my son has taken on the world and won. I am so proud of him but I want more money.

'They promised me a new house but it hasn't happened. I'm still in the slum.

'I want the money now, it is of no use later. Mr. Boyle should take care of my son.'"

There is a lot of "I" in those words, eh?

Last Friday, Ismail, was seen being beat by his father. It is also reported that he has fallen ill "vomiting and with a temperature of 103 degrees." How do we help such kids? I guess the media's presence is one way of bringing attention to their plight. But they need so much more than the glare of the camera. So many kids around the world need real assistance for survival. I hope these kids, at least, make it.

Being a "Slumdog" Kid

CNN reports that the young stars of "Slumdog Millionaire" will soon return to the slums of India. I am utterly annoyed that these incredibly talented and beautiful kids will return to such abject poverty. Did they not have agents? What kind of contracts were signed? Were they completely taken advantage of?

Why weren't these beautiful talented kids payed well enough to elevate themselves and their immediate families after portraying such fantastic roles in this mega hit? Why dress these kids up in Hollywood's finest to walk on the Red Carpet only to return to such degradation? Yes, such experiences will be memorable. But a life elevated above such abject poverty is far better.

While I loved "Slumddog Millionaire," my love will soon turn to palpable hate if these kids were taken advantage of. I'm more than annoyed. I'm utterly outraged at the thought!