Denzel Washington writes of child “crisis.”

Oscar-winner and Boys and Girls Clubs spokesman Denzel Washington wants America to pay attention to youth when considering the issues raised in this election year. “There is an underlying problem that we, as a nation, have not addressed a situation that should concern any American with an eye on the future, regardless of party affiliation,” Washington writes in a CNN.com essay. “It is the crisis affecting our children.” Among stats that the American Gangster star cites are: 30 percent of the present high school freshman class will likely drop out before graduating; youths are responsible for 20 percent of violent crime in America; and childhood obesity has risen 300 percent since 1980.