If there is any kind of increase (and I’m not sure there is, people have been screwing up since Adam), I really feel it is related to two things: Society doesn’t push responsibility anymore, and sheer boredom. I don’t keep up enough to know details, but I am sure I’ve lost a few. I know some that are on the edge.
One guy was a pretty good friend, but after years of trying to help him, getting him jobs, etc., I had to give up. I have a family & responsibilities and can’t be dragged down. He can’t keep a job and it sounds like he blew an inheritance on all sorts of bad drugs (especially between jobs). Of course, he has always blamed others or bad luck. Of course, most of his bad luck was self created. He refused to take any responsibility for his actions. He had a real nice 87 TA that now is just rotting behind a business. I tried to help him part it out last year, but then tried to push me for up front money. That is when I gave up.
I think boredom is an issue too. I read where a lot less kids have jobs then they used to, and don’t get involved in productive outside interests as much (scouting, church, sports, Camaro Clubs, etc.). My initial reaction is kids are bored. What is the old saying, idle hands are the devil’s tools? I got in a lot less trouble in HS & college because I had a job and liked the cash. Hell, even now, playing in the garage all the time keeps me from doing other stupid stuff, like hitting the bars and chasing skirts with my single pals. That is a big reason my wife lets me alone out here – at least she knows what I am doing (but not spending
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I am always shocked when I hear about kids getting high off cold medicine or spray paint cans or crazy stuff like that. I don’t get it. They must really be bored to sniff spray paint for kicks. Idiots.
You know what? Things happen. All you can do is be careful and not let them happen to you.
