Social systems are only as strong as their weakest link - & that will always be the human element. At a time when politics has invaded just about every area of our lives, we are reminded that we can't put too much faith in political institutions.

Politicians, bureacrats and social engineers are as human as the rest of us. We need to place our deepest faith in values which are based on something more substantial than realpolitik or whimsical public opinion.

Our values will always be built around one of two things: either social expediency or moral, ethical and spiritual rectitude. There is no middle ground: we must choose either convenience and political correctness, or altruism and a humane prophetic correctness.

Secondly, we might reflect the need to mix compassion with authority in building multi-ethnic communities.

If we are to live and grow together in healthy national 'families', we should encourage and expect family members to express their individuality. We should welcome the diversity; but without allowing any member to bring disorder or disrepute to the home as a whole.

If a 'family' member should step out of line we should deal with the problem compassionately, but with due respect for preserving what is good for the family as a whole.

Thirdly, we are reminded that finding answers to social problems may mean looking into our own hearts. Self-examination is never as easy a game to play as criticizing politicians, yet it is healthy for each of us to re-visit our treatment of immigrants and others who may feel excluded from society's benefits.

Perhaps there is more that we, as individuals, could do to reach out to the neighbour we hardly know. Perhaps, to borrow from Christ's story of the Good Samaritan, we could stop more often to do something for the needy stranger by the roadside.

Finally, we should reflect on the need for humility - on a personal and a national level - when it comes to dealing with the pain and discomfort of others.

We should face up to and discuss the many problems associated with multi-culturalism. If there is poverty, better to be honest about it and act now, rather than wait for it to boil over in the next generation. And better not to wait for politicians and bureacrats to solve the problems on their own.