By Al SeymourIt will be fifty years ago this November, when an assassins bullet shook the world with the death of the then-President of the United States, John F Kennedy, while on a visit to Texas. Not only America, but much of the world was in deep shock including our island home Bermuda. Those of us who remember that dark moment in world history, might also remember some of the first words uttered by the Vice President Lyndon Johnson, following the tragedy. He spoke slowly, but his words were clear, ”This is a sad time for all people”. He also knew words alone, would not heal a nation that was hurting deeply on the inside of its social infrastructure. The Vice President also knew that problems of race in America, needed to be addressed in a more positive way, if America wanted to become a nation of justice for all people. It was President Kennedy, who once questioned how white Americans would feel, if they awoke one day, to find their skin was a different colour.Since that dark period, there has been much progress throughout that nation, after the signing of a civil-rights bill outlawing all forms of racial discrimination. However everyone knew that the law was one thing, but hanging the hearts of people was another matter. It was also fifty years ago that the great civil rights leader Rev Dr Martin Luther King, headed up that historic march in Washington, which concluded with his now world famous, “I have a dream”, speech. He too fell victim to the assassins bullet, but the dream continues.On the 50th anniversary of that march this past weekend, people from across the nation black and white, gathered to commemorate this major event that helped to awaken the conscience of America, and pave the way for that nation’s first black president, Barack Obama. Much of the world has changed over the years, with giant leaps in communication technology and science. In fact some may have forgotten that men have walked on the moon.On one hand, while there has been great progress in the area of racial justice there is still work to be done. America is still confronted with a serious gun problem which seems unsolvable, as most Americans believe the second amendment of their constitution gives them the right to arms with unlimited access to any type of weapon. Despite many tragic gun incidents too many Americans cling to that belief. This is a troubling time for all people, because as long as there is a place in the world where men, women, and innocent children, are being slaughtered in regime battles, the rest of the world cannot sleep with a peaceful mind. The fate of Syria remains a huge question mark, as the international community ponders what action to take to bring a stop to daily loss of life. Most of the world can only watch and hope a solution is found soon.Another gun tragedy hit America last week with the cold blooded murder of an Australian young man by three teenagers, who claimed they committed the crime because they were bored. However just as people were wondering how bad can things get, a young man armed with an AK47 assault rifle, entered the grounds of a school in Atlanta Georgia, with 500 rounds of ammunition. After firing a few shots, a brave staff member Antionette Tuff, a book keeper, made contact with the young man, and elected to put her life on the line, by engaging him in what amounted to a conversation that not only prevented bloodshed, but resulted in the man surrendering to Police with no one hurt.She kept his attention for over ten minutes after convincing him that everyone has problems, and he could be helped. He put his faith in her, and the matter ended peacefully. Her ability to reach this troubled young man and avert what could have been a tragic event, made news around the world.Violent crime is a problem in many countries, and usually it stems from someone with dangerous traits that go undetected until it is too late to act. With a stabbing murder and a shooting in Bermuda over the past weekend, there are troubling signs that much needs to be done in every section of community life, to deal with potential problems before it is too late. Bermudians who really care about our quality of life, want a better Bermuda.Much will depend on how willing all Bermudians are, in helping to reduce crime and assist police in a small society where everyone seems know everyone. Without that cooperation, this will be a sad time for our people as well.