Why We All Should Be Scared Straight
March 3, 2011
You might recall that awhile back, there was a popular program called, “Scared Straight.” Kids who were at high risk for the juvenile justice system got a first-hand look at life in the slammer.
Eventually the program faded from view. I recall that there was a groundswell of complaints that the program was too mean. People were concerned that it would hurt young and impressionable minds.
If I were asked my opinion back then, I’m sure I would have opposed Scared Straight. I wouldn’t have wanted our sweet and innocent ones to be subjected to the obscene rants of prisoners. But what a difference a few years makes. Now I’m open to most programs that teach logical consequences.
Unfortunately, our culture has gone 180 degrees in the other direction. Liberals coddle not just our kids, but everyone who acts out. In California, for instance, state law mandates substance abuse treatment for some offenders — even if the perp has been in the same type of program over and over again.
Out here the citizens make endless excuses for bad behavior. But bad behavior, if not curtailed, leads to more of the same. By defending atrocious behavior, one becomes an enabler, a codependent; one becomes part of the problem.
In many left-leaning homes, children grow up with parents so permissive that the kids do not learn how to control themselves. By parents trading the role of disciplinarian for that of friend, kids think they can get away with anything they want.
Recently, for instance, I was at my local Office Depot, when a little tyke of about 7 started bellowing. Using the softest of voices, the mother said, “I don’t like how you are behaving.”
Guess what happened? The child started screaming even louder. Before they left the store, he was hollering and flailing his arms. He was acting like a spoiled brat — which he had obviously become.
Now some parents out here do an admirable job of imparting morals and self-discipline. Unfortunately, the child then enters the public schools, and becomes immersed in the Internet/texting/sexting culture. At the Berkeley schools, kids learn to “Question Authority” — the teachers’, the parents’, everyone aside from themselves — thereby creating a monster to rival that of Frankenstein.
Personally, I would be a fan of Scared Straight-like programs for children that teach ethics and proper behavior. Kids need to understand that there are consequences for bad behavior. But let’s not just stop there; there may be a Scared Straight program for practically everyone.
For instance, how about a Scared Straight program around Radical Islam? Muslim apologists would sit through some real-life videos of stoning, genital mutilation, and beheadings. If watching some footage of Tiq Zanu (a horrifying ritual involving children) doesn’t scare people straight about Islam, then those people are beyond repair.
Let’s also require training for liberals about progressivism. Most liberals don’t realize that the Democratic Party has been hijacked by revolutionaries. Watching footage of Van Jones, Frances Fox Piven, Code Pink’s Jody Evans, and Rev. Wright might do the trick. Also, civilized progressives may benefit from sitting through videos of their brethren acting violently in Wisconsin.
In the old Scared Straight program, Billy, a juvenile delinquent wannabe, would get up close and personal with Inmate #45900. Through the ranting and raving of the hardened convict, Billy may realize that he doesn’t want #45900 as his new roommate.
Perhaps if adults were also exposed to reality, they’d gain some vital information as well. For instance, they’d learn that Radical Islam is not the “Religion of Peace;” and also that Obama et al. are not really about Hope and Change.
Because people should be very scared about what’s happened to this country. And I’m for anything that would make them wake up from their stupor and become Scared Straight.
Love how you lump people together. Not all liberals are as you describe. Keep an open mind and perhaps rather than label people, just say "some people."
ReplyDeleteDamI desparately need the program for my grandson or else he will become a convict guaranteed like his sperm donor. This kid is hell and terrorising his entire houselhold and he is only 10. I know a scared straight would work.
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