It is Wrong to Treat Some Children as "Born Guilty"

Childhood is under assault everywhere in our society, but no where more than in our poorest communities where children are over tested, under-exercised, deprived of arts and play, stopped and frisked and treated as if they were potential criminals from an early age. This is just wrong. It is unfair to stifle children's natural inquisitiveness and playfulness because we have narrowed opportunities so much that everyone around them feels that they cannot afford to make mistakes or their lives will be ruined. How about broadening the opportunities available to them rather than giving them zero tolerance schooling, policing, and God help us, parenting. I can't stand what I see being done to innocent children, who are treated as if they were born guilty.