[maryz]

These kids are able to get their parents to take them to school, the mall, friend's houses, sports events, concerts, etc.

And you know this how? (In the case of school, though, I would suspect state compulsory education laws play a part, plus free transportation where necessary.)

[SoothingDave]

And you know this how?

Your contention is that all of these children on Staten Island are without the means to travel to "the mall, friend's houses, sports events, concerts, etc." as well as to Mass, and that they are only transported to school cause it is state-mandated?

Now, I haven't been to Staten Island personally, but I bet if I went I'd see children at all off these places.

SD