In response to a columnist

In response to an editor's column in the Commercial Appeal.

Although I heartily feel for the mother who is now between a rock and a hard place, I believe that the fundamental question we must answer is - who should raise our children: the government or the parents? Should we allow a public instutituion, full of corruption and politics, to replace the loving guidance of family? How much power shall we give our government that they have control over the intimate aspects of our lives? Because we feel helpless, we turn to our govenment to rescue us; yet, in giving them our power, we weaken ourselves that much more. Rather than abdicating our responsiblities, we must learn to rise up and meet our problems. By turning to the govenment to punish the older boyfriend in this situation, what would be accomplished? The government can only "solve" this problem by momentarily removing him. This, however, solves nothing. The daughter and her boyfriend will be separated for a time, nothing more. When they are again within reach, it is likely that she will continue in her current behaviors. Governments cannot raise children; juvenile detention centers are proof of that. They punish without explaining why, and it is this "why" that is the keystone to solution. It is our family who must provide us with the wisdom and courage to become responsible, mature members of society.

And with all of this said, we must all learn from our mistakes. I can think of no one, including myself, who has not ignored the sound advice of family only to harken back to those words when we are at the end of our mislaid path. As mothers and fathers, we must early on instill our values in our children and continually nurture them against the influences of modern culture. And even still, when they stumble and fall, we must ever be at their side coaching, guiding, loving even when we think they are not listening, for one day they will come to honor our words.