SOLUTIONS TO TODAY'S CRISES NO FURTHER THAN FRONT DOOR.

Byline: Brad B. Wright

THERE was a time, I felt being 7 feet tall would make me invincible. This wasn't the case although I was fortunate enough to receive a basketball scholarship to UCLA and thereafter play in the NBA and many years in Europe.

These unique experiences allowed me to travel around the world, learn new languages (not including ebonics) and I was able to grow and achieve more than I ever believed I could as a young child.

When I returned to the United States after eight years in Europe, the changes or lack thereof in our society, culture and most importantly, our youth, were eye-opening to say the least.

There was a time, when I was young I read J.D. Salinger's book ``The Catcher in the Rye.'' I laughed at Holden Caulfield and now I feel like him. He sought to save and protect children from the harshness of reality (The Ryefield) and these feelings now flow through my veins.

There was a time, when we drank O.J. only in the morning - now we eat and sleep O.J. all day and night.

There was a time, when America represented baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolets - now it's $50 million contracts, pit bull dogs, apple-pie-in-the-face of authority and carjacking the Chevrolets.

There was a time, our children would chant ``sticks and stones may break my bones'' - now the line is completed by ``but names will get me beat up, shot or killed.''

There was a time, when parents could punish their child and now that parent can go to jail for implementing that same reasonable punishment. ``Oh discipline, where is thy sting?''

There was a time, when we fought for the separation between church and state - now we must fight for the separation between education and athletics. Kids today believe that being a great athlete is more important than being just a good student.

There was a time, when the popular slogan was ``Just do it,'' now we must tell our children, ``Don't do it.''

There was a time, when a real hero was a war veteran, policeman, fireman or teacher - now, athletes who throw towels and dress as women are the objects of adoration.

There was a time, we would take our kids to school . . . Now it's time to take back our schools.

The problems in our cities are both numerous and complex. They should not be blamed on the CIA or other governmental agencies. The influx of drugs in lower-income neighborhoods and communities are the responsibilities of the parents who need to take more time to educate their children. The children would have a better chance if the rest of us would stop searching for excuses and start concentrating on the solution. (Hint, the answer is no further than your front door.)

Red, white and blue were the symbols of life, liberty and justice for all - now the red is for the Bloods, the white is for racial extremists, the blue is for the Crips and there is little or no justice for the innocent victims because of our system.

We walked and fought for our rights - now we are running and ducking from rights, lefts and upper cuts.

There was a time, the PTSA meant ``Parent - Teacher - Student - Association'' - now it's the PTSD ``Parent - Teacher - Student - Disassociation''. When a well-intended teacher disciplines a student of a different race, cries of racism are heard long before the legitimacy and intent of the teacher's actions are viewed.

When a child did wrong, we would correct and direct them, but now we protect them.

Not so very long ago, I lived in a time where I believed that peace, harmony and respect for thy neighbor were the goal and way of life. It is not too late to return to this time and to this mind-set.

We must stop for a minute, take a deep breath and think of those martyrs and everyday people who lead us by example and not words.

We should not emulate the sports star, actor or high-profile personality just because of their notoriety, but rather, we should pay homage to those everyday people who work at their place of employment in their community and most importantly, in their home, to help ensure that our future is better than our past or present.