Universal Children's Day (Why don't more people speak up?)

Let me just say this... Our country is one of only two in the world that have not ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. What does this say about us as a nation?

Some of the facts that stand out to me... 

• The U.S. has the highest child poverty rate among the world’s 24 wealthiest countries. 
• An estimated 510,000 children were living in foster care and other alternative care placements during 2006. 
• 12.6 million children live in households with limited or uncertain access to adequate and nutritious food. 
• 1,530 children died from causes of abuse or neglect in 2006. 
• During the 2004-2005 school year, 540,382 9th-12th graders dropped out of high school. 
• In 2004, more than 3 million children eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start were not enrolled in these programs due to a lack of government funding. 
• The U.S. is the only industrialized country without guaranteed prenatal care for all pregnant women. 
• Among the world’s 25 most industrialized countries, the U.S. ranks 24th on infant mortality, with top rankings indicating lower levels of infant death. 
• In 2005, 1,408 children committed suicide, and 2,430 were murdered.

Check this site for the The Campaign for U.S. Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and more information. Here is there Vision Statement. Do you agree?

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We envision a nation and world:

• where all children, regardless of race, class, age, nationality, religion, or ability can be guaranteed life, health, safety, education, development and freedom from discrimination;
• that recognizes children and youth as its most precious resource in an increasingly interconnected global community and that acknowledges their healthy development as one if its priorities;
  
• where the rights of children and their families are ensured and protected- where governments and communities around the globe fulfill their leadership responsibilities by partnering with parents to provide them with policies, resources, and tools that will help them fulfill their crucial child-rearing responsibilities; and
  
• where children are prepared to meaningfully participate in a democratic society and where they are free to offer their talents in the service of humanity.
  

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You do?  Then do something.  Anything.  Every little thing counts.