Wearymum “Congratulations on being evolved..”

not many would agree with you . . . but thanks : - )

It is in common with other things I have written, about personal accountability and responsibility.

I take responsibility for those I fathered.

Pelican “I am no expert just thinking aloud.”

I don’t think any of us are ‘experts’ pelican and I think too many place their faith in the hands of supposed experts who know all the answers but none of the questions. Parents know their children best and should be supported in their efforts to instill a sense of responsibility into them, instead of experts who tell us no smacking.

The old old adage “spare the rod and spoil the child” comes to mind, although I never used a rod, only my hand (so I felt the sting as much as they did).

Pelican, I do not think it is a function of “material possessions or consumerism” things do not define how we act.

The issue of a sense of powerlessness, well people have more personal discretion than ever before. They are less constrained by social convention and the authority of the church and other institutions, so I do not see a lack of ‘power’ as a cause.

My gut feel is its to do with people with an unreasonable presumption of self entitlement and lack of consideration for the equal rights of others.

This goes back to a lack of parentally imposed discipline.

Maybe divorced parents has some influence on the numbers but I feel any failure of parents is more a matter of expediency rather than divorce and selection of the wrong priorities.

A lot of excuses are made from suggesting work pressures and the need for two incomes, etc.

My view, that is a parental management issue and parents placing their priorities in the wrong order.

OF course, going back to wearymums comment, one thing I got from my parents and which I endeavoured to give to my children was

"Unconditional Love"

Children and adults who have that sense of acceptance by someone else (parents) are less likely to act out because they have less need to assert their rights over others, basically, they are more secure within themselves and less inclined to extreme emotional outbursts and "Rage".

An other contributory matter is the proliferation of drugs which result, from their use, in paranoia and violent outbursts. This includes Methamphetamine and marijuana.

You make some good points Col. I agree with much of what you say. Unconditional love is the most important aspect of raising children and being their to support them if they fall or make a temporary wrong turn.

Lack of parental responsibility might explain some of it as you say but much of the road rage, for example, is coming from people in my age group too (40 somethings) and in general we were a generation raised with 'good manners' and taught to respect others.

I wonder if the Insight program will provide any further insight. :)