In recent months, the local focus has risen dramatically on what can be done to stop gang violence. It takes moms, dads, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, teachers and friends to raise up each and every child. We need to take that responsibility by the horns and begin now to save our children. We have become too tolerant of dress, music, TV, speech, attitudes and behavior in general. We don't want to spend the energy and time to correct these new freedoms that go against everything that is taught in the Bible, as in Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it."

The thug mentality of the music and dress being allowed - as well as the permissiveness we give to our children by being tired of arguing over their choices of dress, TV, music, speech and behavior - are all contributing to this decline in civilized behavior. Well after we are gone this will continue, unless we choose to stop this tolerance now and save our children.

Choices we make have consequences. The same goes with our children. If we choose to ignore what is going on in our children's lives, or quit fighting for what is right for them, then there will be consequences for them and us. Unwanted pregnancies, addiction to drugs, alcohol and smoking and gang affiliation are choices children make because we have chosen to be tolerant.

The consequences for our children and us can be heartache, strained relationships, loss of self-esteem and self-worth, prison and death.

Demand from each other - family, friends, teachers and government leaders - to raise up our children in the way that is right. Ask your neighbors to help your children make the right choices. This can't always be about the police fixing the problem. Sure, they can help steer the children in what is right, and they can do their job when the children make the wrong choices, but let's begin at home and help the children make good choices with good consequences. Good consequences bring pride and respect for themselves and others. From good choices come good consequences. From bad choices come bad consequences.

Teach our children right from wrong. Save our children! It's your job!

- Jack Feller is a city councilman in Oceanside.