Character building is essential foundation of a thriving nation

There are clearly major problems facing our country today: sluggish economic growth and stagnant income for lower- and middle-class families, inadequate educational achievement, an increasing level of violent crime and heightened racial tension.

Additional problems include an unprecedented mistrust of politicians, an unsustainable and ever increasing national debt, a significant increase in dependency on public support, a breakdown of the traditional family unit and, finally, a general lack of personal responsibility. Suggested solutions for these problems are many and varied.

My recommended solution is simple — individual character development. A person with good character knows right from wrong, makes the world a better place and practices trustworthiness, honesty, responsibility, caring, respect for others and fairness.

Character is what defines us as individuals and collectively as a country. We must become a society in which the vast majority of us place high importance on character. This is vital to the development of our nation.

Many of the problems previously mentioned, at the root, are character issues. As an example, many might consider the problem of stagnant wages and inadequate high-paying jobs an employment issue. Yet others would point out that the job issue is a result of a declining educational system. Still others would say that many young children are totally unprepared for school, nearly dooming them to failure.

Many of these children come from broken homes with insufficient learning, stimulation and parenting necessary for success in school, which is a parenting issue. However, the underlying cause of these interrelated issues is really a character issue.

Character requires unselfishly putting children first and giving the child the love, nurturing and parental attention necessary to succeed in school. This attention, along with imparting a strong set of character traits and values, are what will allow a child to succeed.

I have made it a personal mission to talk to students about the importance of character and values. I discuss character and values, caring for and helping others, faith and family, making a difference in the world, health and happiness, and techniques practiced by successful individuals.

The solution to a better society is high ethical and moral behavior, the essence of good character. How can we bring about better character in this country?

First, our leaders need to set the tone for the country by their words and actions, setting personal examples of high moral and ethical behavior. Secondly, character and values mentoring and education at all grade levels is essential. Hollywood can help by not glamorizing bad character. Finally, parents must do their job to transfer good character traits to their children.

Integrity, hard work, faith and religion, family and marriage, and other core values that have made this country great do not have to become less relevant. These core values and the importance of individual character must be taught, emphasized, encouraged and celebrated. Individual character, developed one person at a time, is what will revitalize our country.

This story was originally published November 1, 2016 at 6:00 PM with the headline "Character building is essential foundation of a thriving nation."