The decline in religious participation, like many of the changes in political and community involvement, is attributable largely to generational diff… - Robert D. Putnam

TV-based politics is to political action as watching ER is to saving someone in distress.

Light-touch government works more efficiently in the presence of social capital. Police close more cases when citizens monitor neighborhood comings and goings. Child welfare departments do a better job of “family preservation” when neighbors and relatives provide social support to troubled parents. Public schools teach better when parents volunteer in classrooms and ensure that kids do their homework. When community involvement is lacking, the burdens on government employees — bureaucrats, social workers, teachers, and so forth — are that much greater and success that much more elusive.

The answer is that the destiny of poor kids in America has broad implications for our economy, our democracy, and our values.