In the last few weeks, we have seen a great deal of debate about the $700 billion bailout. There is a lot of controversy as to whether it benefits Wall Street or Main Street. It is my opinion that the most important thing is that we look to the future. And our future is our kids. Here are three examples of people who have made a dramatic difference for our children.

Paul Newman

Paul Newman was an outstanding actor, but he was an even more wonderful person. He started his Newman's Own food empire and used the profits for all sorts of charitable projects. He started the Hole in the Wall camps for kids across America. He loved going to his camps and seeing how the kids were enjoying outdoor life and growing intellectually.

Mr. Newman marched and supported the civil rights movement. Interviewed when he turned 70, he discussed aging. Paul said, “What's difficult about getting old is remembering the way things used to be. There were such things as loyalty.” He was the poster man for being loyal to kids and the community. During his lifetime, he donated millions of dollars to communities in the United States. Paul Newman is a great hero for kids today to emulate.

Dear Abby

Dear Abby (her daughter now writes the column) is another classic role model for kids. I recently asked her to write a column about the importance of reading. Her mother had written to me and my class 23 years ago and so much has changed technologically since then so I thought it would be good for her daughter to give advice to students about reading again now in the 21st century.

She did write last week and gave kids across the nation some inspirational words. Her words were wonderful, “Books are magic. Open a book, and you will be instantly propelled into the future or if you choose escape into a world of fantasy. The options are endless. Reading is also a vital skill.” The bottom line is that Abby talks the talk and walks the walk. She loves to read and encourages young people to do so.

Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow came through last week by announcing that he and his sponsors donated $500,000 worth of musical instruments and supplies to valley schools. Here is our own local entertainer who did a personal bail out for local area schools. With our schools hit hard with the state budget ax and the economy in a meltdown, Manilow stepped in to help the strapped schools. I would bet that his approval rating is great with kids, parents and teachers here in the Coachella Valley.

Paul Newman, Dear Abby, and Barry Manilow knew and know that our most important resource is our children. Their acts of kindness and generosity have made a positive difference on countless lives. Congress needs to look at these three individuals and get with their own program to help America's youth.

Most people know about the dismal high school dropout rate, the poor conditions of schools, and the lack of extra programs for students who need help. Let's begin to think about bailing out our worn-out schools and promoting students. Congress should be thinking of a golden parachute program for the nation's schools and kids — they are the ones who really need them.

Ray M. Smythe lives in Palm Springs. He teaches history at the Marywood Palm Valley School in Rancho Mirage. Reach him at Rayme49@aol.com.