Posted by bmac on April 30, 2007 at 13:20:40 (EST):
In Reply to: Re: It's all about the Kids posted by charlotte on April 30, 2007 at 12:53:04 (EST):
: Mike,
: You know we can push for changes in our schools, our teachers, their corriculum, etc. But what is "THE" biggest change with our kids over the last 40 years, the change that has affected all of us in one way or another, a change that has hurt us as parents and grand parents seeing what is happening to the children. That change is the availability of drugs. Until the early to mid 60's, there were no drugs available, believe me, if they were I would have used them.. This availability has changed our society for ever. It will take the efforts on another generation possibly two generations to even come close to controlling the drug explosion. As long as the "Stevies" of our society are sitting high on a hill protected from prosecution while our children and grand children are in rehab. or prison, dropping out of school and ruining their futures, nothing will change. If corrupt law inforcement in this country is allowed to remain, the future of our children is doomed.
: Charlotte, one sad baby boomer.
I think most people can agree that there has been a decline in morality, conservative views, family centered living etc... I'm not completely sure that I agree that drugs are the root of the problem. Which is the cause, and which is the effect? Could it be that drugs have become a problem because the citizens of this country have abdicated their parental responsibilities to the government? I work in the counseling field and see examples every day of "parents" who put little to no effort into raising their kids and feel that they can rely on our government to pick up the responsibility. Being a parent is a 24 hour a day job and probably the most difficult job that exists if done correctly. It is sad to say, but I see a lot of people who seem to think that throwing the kids some food now and then and buying them some expensive toys is their idea of parenting. Everything else is the responsibility of the school system or some other government entity. That said, I would love to see a boom of private or charter schools that focus on reading, righting, math and science. I'm not sure what all goes into the startup and/or approval for a charter school. Anybody out there who may have some expertise in this area? Anyone else interested in seeing it become a reality?