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The beginning of a year is always a good time to take stock and share
visions for the year that is taking shape. This is a good time to restate
my personal vision for children in Santa Barbara County.
We don’t know what 2002 will hold for our children. But we probably
can agree on a powerful vision that embraces all of the county’s
young people.
In this vision, we see children growing up in good health, with a zest
for learning and living. We see them with a spark inside that makes
them want to share their talents with those less fortunate, and work
for the good of the order, just because it's the right thing to do.
We see children who are free of fear, free of abuse, free of drugs,
free of prejudice.
We see children who are free to reach beyond their circumstances, whatever
those might be, and to join a society that welcomes their contributions
on the job, in the community, and in the voting booth.
And we see a community willing to work together to bring all our children
closer to that dream.
It’s not really that much of a stretch. If we all work together,
and stop pointing the fingers of blame, we could form a circle of responsibility
around all our children.
We could make sure that our efforts are focused on improving the conditions
of children in our communities, and working together with that goal
always in mind. That effort alone could make a real difference.
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