Posted on 01/08/2005 3:59:24 PM PST by eccentric
Ya gotta wonder: What are parents for? Do teenagers even need parents? According to the way the laws are following the culture, appently not. Well, except to support the child in the lifestyle he/she wants and to take the blame for every mistake he makes and every problem he has.
Not only has the Supreme Court of the United States declared that young girls have the right to get an abortion, if the state has the audacity to require the parents know of what their daughter has planned, the state must also provide for a judge to declare the parents 'unworthy' of being involved. Why? Because the daughter is afraid to tell them? Oh, come now. Then I suppose we shouldn't be so hard on children who flunk out of school, have a car accident, or assault others.
But wait, did I speak too soon? Some school districts include child abuse warnings with the report cards sent home with students. No one is to blame for bad grades --- solve that, they are doing away with grades. And NO! do NOT get involved with your child's school. College educated and unionized teachers know more about what is good for your child than you do.
California forbids telling parents if their child leaves school for ANY drug or sex related medical treatment. Will this extend to other medical issues? How about legal issues? "My liscense was suspended for the hit and run. My attorney is sending a car for me, because I don't want my parents to know about this...."
Not too far fetched. Are parents notified about their child traffic offences? Not usually. Even if the child is taken to the police station, the police will allow the child to be released into the custody of any other adult if the child doesn't want to call his parents. At least most retail managers will call the parents if they catch a child shop-lifting, don't they? Yes, I remember going to get my "joy and happiness" in the managers office. ( They look so saaad you have to control your laughter. Today he is a preacher. )
And beware! Though you are expected to support the child in the lifestyle he/she desires, do NOT think this gives you the right to invade his privacy. Do NOT eavesdrop on his phone conversations, even though YOU pay the phone bill. DON'T snoop around the bedroom you provide for him. His right to privacy includes using your property to promote any criminal activity.
Of course, if your kid makes a bomb that blows up the neighborhood --- well, it's your fault. You should have known about it. hmmm You couldn't do anything about it, but you should have known --- somehow. After all, if your child was afraid to tell you, it is obviously because you are evil, wicked, mean, abusive, cruel, and uncaring.
There's one of those on HEARTLAND right now!
J in C...if you are still plugged in...find us (or post) some lively Sat nite fare.
I understand that desire. I prayed for 5 years before getting my last miracle, now 17-years-old. I also have a grand-daughter somewhere, my older daughter placed her for adoption with a childless couple.
Now, with nearly an empty nest, my 'kids' are my cats. Same mess, less stress. They even fight like kids.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.