Peace Officer Calls for Teen Exposure to Positivity

To the Editor:

From my experience as a retired New York City/State peace officer of 32 years I started to write many motivational quotations as a public service in the hope of reaching and inspiring young people to help overcome a lack of self confidence, low self-esteem and inferiority issues. There are numerous examples of great thought and inspirational quotes/ideas turning a troubled life around, preferably at the pre-teen period before their pent-up self-rage, anger and emotions get out of control. 

Young people who bully are also harming themselves as much as their victims and may be former victims who may lack self-esteem and confidence themselves.

They may verbally and physically attack anyone, or anyone that they know or strangers that they perceive as smarter, more talented or gifted and successful in life or in the classroom.

The bullies and their victims may later manifest rage and commit violent acts against society.

I have asked corporate America and fast food chains and malls to place positive quotes on soft drink cups and mall posters in places where young people "meet and eat" as a start. Schools must start exposing pre-teens to uplifting material. There are many inspirational quotes out there authored by the great minds past and present that can be presented in the public service. Violent, sick acts against society are just not exclusively a gun control problem. Let's remember: "the mind controls the trigger finger."

Society must be more preemptive to help stem this epidemic of violence. Let's not wait until your child is affected in a negative manner.

—Joseph Martino
Millburn