Sinners and Saints

Kansas Reformed?

Smoking, once viewed as a vice, later came to be considered simply a bad habit. Most still consider it a bad habit but with serious health consequences. Recreational drugs, increasingly widespread today, are illegal in the United States. Is it possible that one day they too will be considered just a bad habit or fad?

Modern citizens have a variety of government organizations to help them deal with issues related to drinking, smoking, gambling, and prostitution. However, reforms led by churches, neighborhood organizations, and schools continue to play a role as they take on more responsibility to improve their communities.

Private organizations like the Kansas SmokeLess Kids Initiative attempt to reduce abuses among the population. In 2000, teens in this group rallied at the Capitol to confirm their pledge not to smoke (see photo courtesy of Topeka Capital-Journal).

Do you feel strongly enough about vice to lobby for change?
Please take a few moments to think about these questions:

• What kinds of reform would make your neighborhood or city a better place?
• Who should lead such reforms?