Children are our nation’s greatest treasure. I know it is an often repeated and over used phrase, but it is true. A string of recent events in the news has led me to wonder why the country doesn’t take a stricter stand against child abuse and crimes against children.

In my opinion, abuse against a child is one of the most revolting and heinous of all crimes. Any type of violence or assault is wrong and should not be tolerated, but the idea of focusing that violence on an innocent child is, perhaps, the worst crime a person can commit.

A few weeks ago, The Evening Sun reported on Jason Sherman, a Cincinatus man who was arrested and charges with Manslaughter, for allegedly causing the death of a 16 month old baby boy. An investigation into the death of the baby, showed a history of abuse, and according to the District Attorney the child suffered a violent death.

Days later, CNN reported on the story of a child who was taken away from its mother twice, because of abuse, which included broken arms. When the child was returned to her care the second time, the child suffered blunt head trauma, and was killed.