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The liberals got some things right: the weekend, child labor laws, women being able to ask men out for coffee.

I don't know if I'm ready to give credit for these things to liberals. The weekend -- don't know the history, but the Sabbath rest was God's idea.

Women asking men out for coffee -- history shows that women have been pretty adept at this sort of thing. In some eras, women could be pretty open about it. In others, they might have to make the man think it was his idea. Either way, we usually accomplish our purpose -- whether through bold conversation, wit, beauty, guile or good cooking!

As for child labor, I think we've perhaps overdone it with the laws. I'm not saying I support labor for very young children, sweat shops, or parents using children to support them in their laziness. But my father worked various jobs from the age of 12, and he did help to support his widowed mother and large family. I believe it built tremendous strength, character and common sense in him.

By contrast, my 17-year old son and many of his contemporaries believe everything should be given to them. We had to force our son to get a job. (Weeks before his 17th birthday, he accused us of forcing him to grow up too quickly! He's 6'7", making his statement even more comical.) He is prevented by law from working during traditional school hours, even though his particular educational schedule leaves him open during some of these hours. (We're looking into applying for permission.) But in the few weeks he has been working, I've seen tremendous improvement in his attitude.

[As for child labor, I think we've perhaps overdone it with the laws.]

Oh yes, you're right! I forgot about that. The liberals did take this issue too far (as they do with everything).

Here in Germany my best friend's kids were a fantastic Brady Bunch type band called "Fresh Paint." They flashed on the scene 8 years ago with a major hit. They could have been the German Partridge Family.

But Child Labor Laws in Germany put them out of business right quick. The proceeds from their one hit will trickle in as pocket change for the rest of their lives now. But the proceeds they could have earned from getting 9 or 10 hits during their teenage years...could have given them all more than just pocket money to enjoy their adult lives with (and to raise their own children with).

The liberals always go too far. And, yes, even with their concepts of sex, as seen in "Sex in the City."

I took my first job the summer after I turned 15 (Late 90's, 15 yr old could still get a driver license in my state) as a floorsweep in an un-airconditioned warehouse. Worked every summer since then and some during the school year. I think it did me a world of good, and my kids are going to get a job as soon as they are able (hopefully the driving age won't be raised to 18 by then! ;). Some of my college acquaintances have never worked a day in their life, and I really think its going to bite them in their behinds when they try to get a 'real' job.