We're not all like that. Some of us were raised in poor families, and really had to work for what we got. Some of us lived on a very tight budget, where every cent counted. We grew up in the country, my dad in college all day, my mom working all night. They were poor college kids doing the best they knew how. They were both very diligent in what they did, and it exhausted them. As a result, my brother and I grew up as hard working kids- we knew that if it was going to be done, we had to do it ourselves. If something needed to be done, it was done without question, often without being asked. We never thought, "Woe is us" or "Our life is so hard"; we never knew better, and thus had nothing to envy.
Thanks to that foundation which they laid for us, we aren't of the same caliber as many of today's youth. We do every single item of home repair work in our home. Last autumn, I brought my master bathroom, which was falling through the floor (after not being disclosed by the previous owners), down to the studs. It was a vintage 1960's bathroom meant to last for time and all eternity. It took a good 24 hours worth of intense physical labor, but I did it. My brother has done similar projects. I expect no reward; I do it because it needs to be done. I agree full well that many of the city kids whose parents waited until they had accumulated substantial wealth before deciding to have kids are far from mature. I see it every day, and I wonder why? Why would you do that to your kid? Why would you stamp a handicap on him that he may well live with for the rest of his life?
Now, my point in all of this is that some of us DO have the maturity, the work ethic, the 'wisdom' to make such decisions. I am young, I'll be 17 in 7 months, but I am far from the protected innocent children you describe. I have never tasted alcohol and never will, but that is not because the legislative branch decided it for me. That is my choice. The same applies with drugs. I just won't do it. There is too much to live for to waste your life away like that. I don't think that we should be exposed to immorality on prime time television either. The Superbowl is a father/son event in many homes across the nation, and it should be appropriate for kids. Now, I realize that things do happen that can't be censored, but we can try. Even better, we can just turn off the television, and go play a game of catch outside. Everybody could use a bit more exercise these days.
My point being, we're not all coddled idealists who aren't mature enough as 17 year olds to decide which direction we'll take our lives in. Believe it or not, there is still a breed, albeit a dying one, of kids with the maturity to make intelligent decisions. There are some of us strong enough to take a stand for what we believe in, and fight it out without the aid of our parents. I have had that privilege several times, ranging on issues from politics to homosexuality. I'll have you know that there are military universities that allow you to obtain a college degree AND serve your country. Mommy's not always going to be there to hold your hand, and the sooner you realize it the better. I would hope that you don't raise the type of children you describe. Keep the breed of the few good kids alive- you have that power.
RedBeacon, I'm mighty proud of your post, well said, and no one your age could say it better. In the first place, your calibre is NOT a dying breed, our Armed Forces are FULL of your calibre of person, that includes both enlisted and OFFICERS.
Reading carefully what you've written, there is no doubt in my mind that your choices in life will be made with discernment and uncompromised logic. Best to you, you make us proud--and thankful.
What a beautiful, enlightening post you've written. Yours represents my hopes for all youths -- that they know self-reliance, and faith-with-actions in all they do. That they never lose courage.