Rights in a Civilized Society

 

A thought-provoking situation in Nebraska. Legislators may be called into special session to amend a measure that leaves parents blameless if they choose to give up custody and drop a child at a hospital. The existing law doesn’t define "child" so ostensibly that can mean up to 19 years old. Since the law was passed in July 16 children, some in their teens, have been abandoned.

Last week a man dropped off nine of his ten children, claiming that he couldn’t manage. His wife died shortly after the youngest was born last year. He’s been out of work. He kept the 18 year old girl. He never contacted relatives for help.

First of all, people shouldn’t have that many children. I don’t care what god tells ‘em, that’s too many to support and properly infuse with substantial parenting. Indeed, the federal government should limit exemptions and deductions to no more than two children, the way it is done in some other countries.

Second, the legislators, who weren’t smart enough to deal with this problem in the original, well-motivated legislation – after all, it was to protect infants from being deserted – should think twice before changing the law.

Consider this man who clearly couldn’t cope. At least he knew he could take his children to somewhere where they would be looked after. What about other parents with children – yes, even in their teens – who become more than the parents can handle.

Goodness knows we see the results of failed parenting in juvenile courts and lock-ups, in declining academic scores, in the obesity epidemic and the myriad unwanted teen pregnancies.

What’s to be done? There should always be a sanctuary for everyone, especially for children. Every Americans should have food, clothing, shelter, health care, and the opportunity to seek a healthy and productive future.

It’s the minimum a civilized society should provide.

 

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