Every school should have well-rehearsed emergency response protocols covering a variety of possible scenarios, from fire to armed intruders. Schools should have good lines of communications with local emergency response officials and practice those relationships in drills and special exercises.

Police officers and firemen are so visible in their daily work, there's no mistaking they're there - and that presence makes people feel secure.

Having insurance doesn't guarantee good health outcomes, but it is a critical factor.

When children are hungry, sleepy from a night spent fighting untreated asthma, or hobbled by symptoms of undiagnosed illnesses, they are less likely to do well in school.

There's detailed information on how to assemble a nuclear weapon from parts. There's books about how to build a nuclear bomb.

Poverty leads to hardship and failure.

Fallout shelters are like bell-bottoms. They've gone in and out of favor.