I used the word “statistics”, twice.
You are making the logical error of assuming righteousness without evidence. I am saying that the *probability* that she is a person who has made bad personal choices, and is likely a bad parent, is *considerably* higher than the *probability* that she is as you described, a ‘good parent’ who is unlucky.
This is *supported* in that her deceased offspring is a repeat offender, known to the local police and having been convicted previously.
So what would a good parent do? (Select from list)
1) Give child a strong moral upbringing.
2) Discourage child from associating with peers of low moral character.
3) Limit student from travel and activities at night.
4) Seek support from any of the numerous organizations that provide constructive activities for children.
5) If you live in a bad neighborhood, or one that is a bad influence on your child, prepare to move, then move. If the urban influence is bad, move to a more suburban or even rural area.
6) If your child has been arrested, place them under strict discipline which does not end until they are an adult no longer in your care.
While you might *assume* that she did one or more of these things, again *statistically*, the odds are *strongly* that she did not.
I can back up my assertions with numbers, but you can only do so with faith and hope that maybe she is in the statistical minority.
72% of black children are born out of wedlock.
http://www.bvblackspin.com/2010/11/08/72-percent-of-african-american-children-born-to-unwed-mothers/
Various studies have shown that children raised by a single mother comprise about 70% of juvenile murderers, delinquents, teenaged mothers, drug abusers, dropouts, suicides and runaways.
If you wish to be snarky, as is evidenced by your first sentence, “I used the word “statistics, twice”, then be forewarned, I give as good as I get. So you can be civil, or the gloves come off. I am a fellow Conservative, and deserve only civilty.
Your error is believing that statistics prove every scenario. There is no evidence that she did not do everything to dissuade this kid from this path. The presence of a male does not mean there was not one. She might be a widow.
My views are based on personal experience. My parents (father: career Navy, mother: professional hair stylist) raised my sister and me in the same way. I am the oldest and stayed on the straight and narrow. My sister strayed. Thankfully, she got her moral compass back on true, and is a fine mother, teacher, sister, and friend. A role model.