Despite repeated calls from all sections of the community for us to work together as one people to tackle the serious problems of the day, we still have negative political and racially divisive attitudes injected into almost every situation. These hinder rather than pave the way to progress.Too much emphasis is placed on who is right or wrong, rather than what is right or wrong. This approach reduces a potentially intelligent discussion into a mudslinging argument. A healthy and vigorous exchange of views is critical for democracy and good decision making, but too often the focal point of debate is lost and the debate becomes personal.Many mature and beautiful seniors who toiled to build this country have seen Bermuda undergo many changes, not all for the good, in recent decades.I have spoken to many of these seniors, black and white, who are not unmindful of our dark past of social injustice. However, most agree that throughout the struggle to eradicate social wrongs, there was a greater quality of family values that crossed racial lines.The amazing part of this is that despite the obstacles they faced, families back then, were stronger as a unit than they are today. Over the years, despite giant strides in social progress and opportunities, the family today is almost an endangered species. Of course there are wonderful parents who are fighting to keep values alive in their offspring, and that is a light of hope. But we still have too many of our children leaving school unable to speak properly, or read well. Apart from that, there are children without discipline or proper parental guidance who back talk to their parents and resent any type of authority. They continue to be a distraction and a problem not only to our educational system, but to Bermuda as a whole. Even worse, they are most vulnerable to the dark side of anti-social behaviour, and that includes gang activity. The profusion of cell phones means many parents are unaware of what their children are saying or texting, and to whom. Scary.“What is happening to this country?” are words that are uttered almost daily, especially among seniors who feel strongly that family values that once included discipline and respect, have been allowed to fly out of the window.Many of our teachers are confronted with a type of rebellious behaviour never seen before, and this creates a significant challenge in trying to teach.Nothing can replace old fashioned discipline, and we should avoid finding excuses for rude children who disrupt classrooms and make it difficult for others to apply themselves to their highest level. There is great concern in this area, because if we fail to get a handle on discipline while children are in the school setting, they will have a difficult time adjusting to any type of authority later.Let’s be frank, Bermudians are not only worried about the direction the country is moving, but some have expressed fear that violent crime and illegal drug activity have taken Bermuda to a point of no return.That is not the type of talk any Bermudian wants to hear. However our political and community leaders need to know that is what most people are thinking and talking about. On the other hand, we must focus on how best to move forward in a manner that will restore faith in Bermuda and prove that we can collectively step over that divisive fence that prevents us from seeing each other as citizens who care about each other and our future.There are many problems to sort out, including better healthcare for seniors, job losses, crime, education, housing, tourism and the overall economy.If we are not careful, our Island ship will sink while we arguing over who should be at the wheel to steer our ship to calmer waters. Time may be running out.