To the Editor,
As I laid there at home last night, I was pondering about what the future holds for not only myself but my family as well. I think about my grandchildren and what the world will be like when they get older. My grandsons are already 15 & 12 years old along with an almost three year old granddaughter with another one due in May. My children 36, 30 & 28. It scares me to think what this cruel place we call the world in which we live in, has in store for them. You look at the idiotic protesters today who will basically protest over the slightest of issues. Yes, I call them idiotic because most of them have no clue as to why they are blocking the streets, highways and bi-ways. They think because their friends are going to go do it, well heck, I will play along. Then you see these idiots blocking traffic on the Interstates and when someone pushes through, these protesters begin banging, jumping on the hoods, breaking windows, etc...on the drivers vehicle causing property damage. Where did these parents go wrong? I will tell you when. When they stopped whooping their hind ends, washing their mouths out with soap, grounding them, taking away their privileges and so on. I remember getting pulled out in the hallways by my teacher to receive my punishment for talking or doing something I should have not been doing. Got three licks every time I went into the hall. And you were dog gone sure you did not mention it at home because then you got it again. Today, they have to get the parents permission and in some places the parent either has to be there for administering the punishment or even further, the parent has to do the deed. Do not read me wrong...I in no way support beating a child or a woman as those that do, need some serious medical help. But, to correct your children by spanking them is not a bad thing. Making them taste a bar soap for cussing did not cure me for a long time but it did make me think about it. Taking away my freedom when I was grounded was even worse than getting a spanking. Guess what? I am still here, never been in jail, spent 7½ years proudly serving my country in the U.S. Navy living the good life. It may not be the perfect life but it is a good one. I may not have financial security to the point I am not worried each year when taxes roll around, but we have a good life. Those that know me know I do not go hungry, do not get wet in a rainstorm because we have a roof over our heads. Can get to where we need to go because we have two vehicles to get around in. But we are happy. In the New Living Translation (NLT), it says
"For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:10
I want our children to grow up happy, learning what it means to earn their keep rather than having everything handed to them on a platter. As parents, we will always be there for them but unless you allow your children to experience the real world and its imperfections the world as we know it will cease to exist. Teach your children what the word and works of God mean. You may think they are not listening but you will be happily surprised at how much they really are. It will then be up to them to be leaders for the next generation and I pray God will be there to guide them as I know he will.
God Bless you all...
Roger Burton
Poplar Bluff, Missouri