We Are All the Same but Different: A Youth-Group Dialogue for Teens

by Deborah Smarth, Raymond Kalainikas, Eli Blyden (Illustrator)

Overview

This book highlights conversations among young students and friends who want to make a change in the world. Their families come from different parts of the world. They share their ideas about treating others with respect, compassion, and love.
The book makes the point – as its title reads – 'We are all the same but different.' They discuss that while individuals may have different religions, ethnic backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, personal traits, characteristics, etc., all people are the same and equal as they belong to the human family with the same needs and desires.
They decide they want to work on diverse causes to improve life at the local, state, national and global level. They want to communicate positions to elected officials and newspapers (the media) and help stop wars and violence to save lives. They realize the importance of protecting free speech and the equality of each person. They understand that rights (like liberty and freedom) are endowed by the 'Creator' and not by a government. They talk about how less government spending and taxation will help individuals and families.
One of the final chapters in the book talks about how COVID-19 changed the lives of people all over the world and children want to go back to the way it used to be.
This group of classmates and friends earnestly wants to contribute in whatever way they can to make the world a better place. They talk about "The Golden Rule" – "Treat every human being as you would want to be treated." They want others to band together to spread this message so we can all live in a peaceful and harmonious world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780996654135
Publisher:	Deborah Smarth
Publication date:	06/16/2023
Pages:	60
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.16(d)

About the Author

Deborah has written two other books: America’s Lost Opportunity: Stolen Victories 2012 (first edition, 2013 & second edition, 2015); and 9/11: How America Changed, 2018). She has written many commentaries on various public policy issues (published in newspapers and other publications). She holds a master’s degree in national politics and policy from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Peter’s University. She served as an executive of a non¬profit network that assists entrepreneurs and small business; taught political science courses at the college level; directed policy and planning at the New Jersey General Assembly and worked in the private sector for a trade association and small
solar engineering company. She collaborated with her husband (“Ray”) on community-based and humanitarian issues.

Ray was a Maryknoll college seminarian many years ago, but, left the seminary to pursue other missions - expanding his knowledge and studies relating to theology and religion. As a small business owner, he engaged with many customers and shared his ideas on diverse matters. As an intellectual activist and prolific writer, he authored many letters-to-the editor and op-ed pieces concerning local, state, national, and international issues. He worked diligently at promoting his own initiative concerning “The Golden Rule.” He was truly committed to peace and non-violence. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University.