Deeply rooted negative attitudes throughout our society could be affecting progress in trying to move to the higher ground of closer cooperation to provide the next generation with a better Bermuda than we have at the moment.Somehow, despite significant social progress in recent decades, our beautiful land remains under the shadow of attitudes that threaten to derail much of the work by many, some no longer with us, who were from all segments of the community.It is certainly not easy trying to pinpoint the precise causes for what could be described as a crumbling value system, evidenced by increased crime, lack of respect for life, along with a sense of declining civility. We know many attitudes are formed early in life, through good or bad experiences. However, this is no excuse for anti-social behaviour or for not complying with laws of the land.Bermuda is experiencing troubling attitudes that even spill over onto our roads with aggressive motorists and too many who do not take drinking and driving seriously, with sometimes tragic results. Our attitude problem runs even deeper.Sometimes a negative attitude is shrugged off as someone just being different until it explodes with terrible consequences. Such was the case recently in the United States with the shooting of a member of the US Congress as she spoke with constituents at a shopping facility.While there is no foolproof protection in any free society from acts of madness by someone who, for some reason, slips over the edge of reason, there is a lesson that nothing should be taken for granted. That means we should not dismiss bad attitudes and irresponsible behaviour as a part of today’s world.The incoming generation will be forming attitudes based on their observations of how adults conduct themselves. In other words, poor examples could stifle efforts to promote respect, decency and a willingness to do the right things in life.Our political and community leaders should never shift their focus from trying to preserve a climate of goodwill and respect for one another. With oceans of negative distractions seeping into Bermuda it will be an uphill battle that will require dedication and sacrifice from every corner of our society.This also means our political leaders need to re-examine just what they are committed to, and every citizen should do the same. This may be wishful thinking, but without closing ranks on critical issues our attitudes could be a major obstacle.Changing a negative attitude never happens overnight, and there are still people who are not yet prepared to dispose of bitterness and anger over injustices of the past. No one can embrace tomorrow if their arms are still locked firmly around yesterday.With our small population, Bermuda needs to pool our best resources to show the world that collectively as a people in the middle of the Atlantic we choose the high ground of working together to solve problems of the day.The illegal drug menace, crime and violent gang activity continues to keep many Bermudians feeling like a hostage in their own country. Many of our young people, despite challenges never seen before, are striving to make something of themselves, while sadly others are slipping through the cracks. Not a pretty picture, but one that cannot be ignored.Bermuda should be a super tourist resort, with international business clamouring to operate here. Unfortunately much has changed in this area. We also need attitude changes in the political arena, as well as in how we conduct our business.We have too many squabbles over decisions made that seem to lack full consideration of whether it is in the best interest of the people. We can do better than that, and we must. This country should not be allowed to drift down the road of lost values and political self interest.Our democracy must be kept alive with free expression of views expressed with respect and dignity. However, we are in desperate need for our politicians to see themselves as Bermudians first, ahead of Party, in tackling our many problems. A fresh attitude here could help usher in a brighter tomorrow. That is what most Bermudians want.