Leaving aside the whiff of gender politics that can be detected in the opening credits, this is a fascinating topic.

Where did it all start?

Because there is no doubt that between my father's generation, who fought WWII without a backward glance, then built themselves a life without looking to others for a handout or favours, and my kids' generation, who have become accustomed to failure always being someone else's fault, there is - all generalizations acknowledged - indeed a yawning gap.

This is just a first impression, there's an entire book waiting to be written on this...

Was it perhaps the laws of supply and demand, as applied to the lawyer profession in the United States?

Relatively unscathed by WWII, and powered by a generation of careerist families pushing their progeny through law school, the US of the sixties saw a massive rise in the number of practising lawyers.

What were they all to do? There simply was not enough criminal activity to exercise them all, so they went ambulance-chasing, en masse.

This trend was magnified and validated by the emergence of lawyer-based TV shows and hospital-based TV shows, all pandering to the "don't worry, we'll get you some money for that grazed knee" approach to life. Gradually this spread to other countries through their importation of such shows... and off we go.

A paradise for leeches.

Or maybe it was simpler than that.

Again in the aftermath of WWII, there was a Europe-led lemming-leap into the all-pervasive Welfare State.

It is not such a big leap from the idea "it's ok, I can draw benefits while unemployed", to "why bother getting a job, I'm well looked after". Once a level of support is reached, there is a natural tendency to agitate to move to the next level. Which incorporates, as "right", a plasma TV in the family room...

Or maybe...

Pericles, I tend to blame it on well meaning parents of our
generation. Many said that they wanted to make it easier for kids
then they had it, but in effect have brought up brats unable to
help themselves.

Where I live, in the sticks in WA, people are far more resilient
and used to helping themselves in life, compared to your average
city slicker, who wants the Govt to give them life on a plate and
to solve everything.

We saw that here when there was a major drama. Those who had learnt
to cope with adversity as kids, solved problems and got on with
life. Those who never learnt those skills, frankly could not cope.

It shows on OLO. Some want the Govt to solve everything for them,
others paddle their own canoes and are masters of their own
destiny.

"I'm a bit disappointed all I've generated is boring nodding 'yes it was better in the good 'ol days, I'm a good parent etc. Maybe it's boring because I agree with most of the posting. Even Peter the Believer, well, not really, I couldn't decipher most of that." (Quote: Houelles)

What more is there to say? Can't have you bored Houelles!

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Peter,

'I have got the feeling that sometimes my posts go right over some peoples heads. '
I'm sure they do, have you ever wondered whether people happily let them pass?

'your feelings may be better for you than your reasoning'.
You'd get on well with Fractelle.

'Christianity is all about feeling'...[ ]
There's so many easy one liners there I just couldn't decide.

'Marihuana is Satan’s way of getting nothing done'
What do you reckon about coke? Is that gods way of getting stuff done?

Hey I'm coming round to your god. Is god vengeful? BTW you'll have to spell out the scripture because your general poster's not going to be looking at a bible. I think we'd all like you to write down more bible quotes.

kartija jim>'We blame others ,we blame ourselves - for the inevitable .'

Actually Peter , that's more attractive. Sorry I've changed my mind. Maybe you can bake me some pikelets.

Pericles,

'this is a fascinating topic.'
I'll take that. In your face CJ! In your face!

Foxy Woxy,

I'm sorry. I really didn't know it upset you so much. I know you're not the judge. You're the Police!

Yabbs,

'Some want the Govt to solve everything for them,
others paddle their own canoes and are masters of their own
destiny'
I thought that was just left vs right wing?

I'm in a mood. Hmmm. I wonder if anyone else has ever been so bored of their own topic.

Actually I'd love that Phanto guy to make a post, he normally has an interesting take on things. If Col turned up I'd wet myself!

Dear Houellebecq,

Perhaps this will relieve your boredom,
it may possibly even make you think for
a second or two on your chosen theme
for this thread:

"I can say what I please
Is a cry you'll often hear
From certain folk with habits
That are positively queer

The harm that's done to others
Is none of their concern
To them it's all a game
When will they ever learn?

And, when they read that somone died
A young life, lost in vain
They simply shrug, "A mixed up kid,"
While others wear the pain!"

I've just learned of the suicide of a close
friend's son, as a result of bullying.
So, you'll have to forgive me.
However, it gives a different slant to "I feel,
so you must change," don't you think?

While United States lawyers have multiplied, enormously, they work within the system which is essentially practical Christianity. It derives from Matthew 18 verses 15-20, and we have it here just as they do in the United States but the lawyers in Australia who are still in the system, are mostly atheists or fellow travelers, and do not know how it feels to deliver justice. It would feel good.

Matthew 18:15 says: If your brother shall trespass against thee go and tell him his fault, between thee and he alone and if he shall hear thee, thou has gained thy brother. In Aussie: if someone bugs you, go and have a yarn to him in private.
16 says: But if he will not hear thee take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses the truth may be established.
17 says: and if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church. And if he neglect to hear the church let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.
18 says Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever shall be loosed on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19. Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done of them of my Father which is in heaven:
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in their midst.

In that passage is the essence of Christian Law. Your agreement does not have to be in writing unless it is money lending or land transfers. However if you do a deal, you have to agree to go before the ecclesia, translated in the King James Version as church, but in reality the court, of Our Lord. Almighty God is the Judge, but Jesus Christ was commissioned to deliver justice for him, and He sits on the right hand of the Father in a jury, a Living God. John 5: 22-23