Bill O’Reilly commented this week on a recent murder-suicide. His comments brought to mind what a Navy officer did to me and others years ago.

O’Reilly referred to the crime committed by an NFL player. People everywhere blamed the NFL’s culture of violence. They blamed drugs, guns in our communities, head trauma from the game, etc. O’Reilly called that a lot of bull. Blame the guy who did it, he told us. Hold him responsible. Stop blaming others.

He went on to talk about how too many people take no responsibility for their actions. They blame others. They expect others to solve their problems. He has a point.

Think how many millions of us bring kids into the world without a father around. Knowing that kids in single parent families are far more likely to live in poverty. Knowing they are far more likely to get into drugs and crime. Is this responsible behavior?

Who is responsible for feeding your children? Who is responsible for feeding you? Who is responsible for your housing, your heat? Think how many millions of Americans answer that question with “Not me. Government is responsible.”

Who is responsible for making sure your kids learn the basics of reading, writing and ‘rithmetic? Who is responsible for pushing them to focus on their studies? How many millions of parents answer that question with “Not me. That’s the schools’ responsibility.”