>>>did some snipping of my own>
>>
>>>>>If that isn't what you meant then I apologise, but the fact is that I believe that if parents refuse to protect their children, then yes, the state should definitely step in and do it.
>>>>
>>>>I agree that someone should step in, I'm just not convinced that the state is the best choice.
>>>
>>>I don't see how else it could work. Who could possibly have the authority to step in if not the state (or an agency given power by the state - which would end up being the same thing). Not just anyone can come along and take away someone's children.
>>
>>That's the rub. It will have to be some law enforcement agency and involve the courts, however, the current system is broken beyond repair do to the size of the bureaucracy. Smaller local agencies would be much better suited to the task. Technology today is able to provide access to information that years ago required large organizations to maintain. Shrink the system and open the lines of communication.
>>
>>>>If Jim were still with us he'd get on me for the following anecdotal example but I think it's an important part of the discussion.
>>>
>>>>I have a friend who works for CPS and one of her biggest gripes with her job is the dysfunctional burecratic system in which she must perform her duties. She has described cases of intolerable conditions where children are living where no action was taken due to regulations. Yet, she has also mentioned that nearly any report of spanking must be followed up repeatedly. The system itself is inherently broken, yet it's the only one we have.
>>>
>>>I have a close friend who works for the tax department here as tax investigator. She's seriously thinking of quitting because she can't handle the lack of work ethic she sees in the department all around her.
>>>
>>>The problem though, is still, afaics, that the state is the only entity with the authority to do anything about this stuff - especially in the field of child neglect.
>>
>>Agreed and again, that's the rub. The system is broken, but it's the only one we have.
>>
>>>more snipping>
>>
>>>>>>Frankly I think the very idea of compassion has been bastardized into handouts and it's a leading cause for the state of the western populace at large. I do stand by my opinion that American's specifically and western people in general are by and large lazy, spoiled, arrogant and self-absorbed. You were dead on there. ;)
>>>>>
>>>>>I find that particular point very difficult to disagree with.
>>>>
>>>>Ahhh. Common ground at last. ;)
>>>
>>>Yes, common ground. Sad where it turned up though, isn't it.
>>
>>It's doesn't make me sad or glad. You have to accept the good and the bad with a free, prosperous society.
>
>It does me. Think what North American society could be if everyone were a little more industrious, a little more humble and a little more outward focused (except for me, of course). ;)

ROFL