Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law today a measure that effective on January 1st, will ban American families from adopting Russian children. It is upsetting that the Russian government wishes to make a political statement with the welfare of children. This ban may be a childish response on Russia's part to the Magnitsky Act President Barack Obama singed on December 14th, yet it maybe something to think about for Americans as well.
Children, no matter what country they are from should not be forced to suffer because of adults petty battles and personal pride, yet immediately turning to foreign countries to adopt children is just as petty as any governmental ban. Thanks to popular Hollywood stars and mass media it has become fashionable to adopt children from other races and countries. What about the children here in our own back yard? Last year the three most popular countries for United State citizens to adopt from were China, Ethiopia and Russia. What about America? Its hard to listen to perspective adoptive parents bemoan the lost option when the number of children in the American foster system is perpetually growing.
If it is a matter of giving a child in need a family. If its a matter of showing a child love, compassion and care. If its a matter of finding a baby or child to complete ones family. What's wrong with the children here in America? Many of the children currently in the foster system are eligible for adoption. What about them? One doesn't need to go to China to find a child of Chinese descent in need of a family. One doesn't need to travel to Barbary Coast or East Africa to find a child of African descent in need of a stable home. One doesn't need to venture to a Slavic Country to find a child of Eastern European or Russian descent in need of steady and unconditional love. America is a melting pot, its children reflect the blending of cultures, and its children need homes too.
So take Putin's petty retaliation as a reminder that state dependent children in need don't only exist on the other side the Ocean. They're going to schools in your district. They're speaking your language, riding bikes on your street. Children in need of homes and families are here in America too.
Sources include:
CNN News
Adopt US Kids.org
Change.org
GovTrack.US
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