Thread: When it comes to "the children"

As a society we seem to have a fetish when it comes to the welfare of "the children". For example, take a look at some of the laws in the U.S. Theres now a data base set up for sexual crimes so that everyone knows who they are. Our next door neighbor could have murdered someone and we likely would never know, but if this person comitted a sex crime against a minor he is marked on this public list. We go to unbelievable heights to make sure our tv progamming is censored so that "the children" won't see Janet Jacksons boobs. If a man is late on child support we make this civil offense into a crime and put him in jail.....

So then why is it that we as a society don't give a rats ass about the future of our children in terms of global warming and clean abundant energy? And in the case of the U.S., we seem to care not a rip as to whether we borrow money from our children.

What do you guys think?

MrsB, that is a very hard question, yet a question we, as stewards over this Earth, must honestly answer. I will try to answer your very well-put and important question.
Let me begin with the conventional thought processes as I see are applicable. I have had several people, in debates, tell me the Rapture is coming and they won't be here, nor will their kids, so they are not worried. They drive the gas pigs and don't worry about the creeks and the air. After all, they and theirs won't be here, only those who are going to hell, so since those are going to hell anyway and they will be saved, no need to worry.
Then you have those who truly believe we won't run out of oil and conservation and alternative fuel sources are ridiculous. Natural resources? Forests and trees and rivers and the air? Not that bad, it'll be okay. So a few streams get polluted, we can always clean it up if we have to. Air? There's plenty of that, not a problem.
Please bear in mind I have heard these very words from peoples' lips, ok?
Then there's this one:
"I'm entitled to have whatever I want. No one can limit or restrict my rights to a good life. My kids will have to do what I did and make their own lives. I've worked for a living so I deserve whatever I want."
(That from one of our county commissioners, a Republican)
I give you those examples for the children. Some folks simply will not look past their immediate needs, no matter what.
Few want to ratchet down the thermostat to 50 and wear a sweater and sweatpants and socks in winter.
Few want to shut down the A/C unless it hits 90.
Few want to use the bus whenever possible.
Few want to cut out unnecessary car trips.
Few want to get a bicycle when they live only nine blocks from a huge grocery store and can bike there.
Few want to do away with gas-consuming vacations, either by land or air.
We do all that, but it's not enough. Too many people don't do those things.
Know why?
It's INCONVENIENT.
By the way, that last part is what we do. Granted, it's not much but it's a start.
We are, by helping ourselves to all our national resources without any restraint or limits, effectively dooming our little ones from the wonderful life we have. We are hurting them.
If just more people understood this and supported alternative fuel technologies and stronger measures to protect the environment, our children and grandbabies may have a better chance.
MrsB, your question is far-reaching and contains many ramifications and issues that are very difficult, but I hope this helped maybe. I will think of this some more, for this is quite thought-provoking and it does raise issues within one's heart and mind.
Purrs,
Pookie

It's all about what we can see now - sensationalism. Obviously paedophilia is a disgusting and horrific crime and should be dealt with with extreme force, but at the end of the day, it's a sensational act. Not glorifying it, but it's true. Global warming is potent and dangerous but it takes a long time to happen.

Human beings as a race have a natural instinct to be concerned about what's right infront of them, like most other creatures. Most of us, except for us educated folk here that read the news and give half a crap about what happens to other people around the world, live in a little self-contained box and that's it. Therefore, global warming? Won't happen for ages, and if it does, it won't really affect me. Old Charlie across the road groped a 17 year old 20 years ago? Lynch him! Give him the chair!

This isn't just America, it's everywhere.