Published: October 1, 1990

An Oasis

We now are teachers of children who step over crack vials and pass homeless people in their doorways before they ever get to class. They know about polluted air and water. They know something of endangered animals and the disappearing ozone layer. Their streets are dirty, their subways are dangerous, and their parks are unusable. They must walk in groups to be safe, and they fear being alone at home. Their heroes have betrayed them with drugs, deceit, and dishonor, and there is no one left to look up to. Is it any wonder that they have become the discouraged children of a discouraging society? We are their teachers, and we...